Fixed front sight + optic?

[dbaz]

Probably a dumb question, but is it possible to use an optic with a fixed front sight on an AR? Seems like the sight would get in the way but I see pics of rifles configured his way in the AR-15 Gallery thread.

[Merc1138]

Yes it's possible. At 3x it's a barely noticeable blur at the bottom of your sight picture. Above that, not gonna see it.

If you're using a non-magnified optic like a red dot, go look up co-witness.

[dbaz]

Thanks, Merc. I'll read up on co-witness.

Reason I ask is I'm looking at picking up an AR. I just want "iron" sights at first but want the ability to add a red dot later. The shop is trying to talk me into a full quad-rail forend with flip-up front sight, more money and I don't anticipate needing it. Trying to decide if this should be part of my buying decision or not.

[static808]

i run an aimpoint micro on my 14.5 carbine with a FSB. if you use the optic correctly (two eyes open, look at your target & not at the dot), i dont even notice the FSB.

[ratled]

I find pictures and video always easier for me to understand things, try this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zXA-qfJK8Y

ratled

[m16]

i run an aimpoint micro on my 14.5 carbine with a FSB. if you use the optic correctly (two eyes open, look at your target & not at the dot), i dont even notice the FSB.

^^^This

Even on a rifle with fixed irons and a dot at co-witness height, I don't even notice the front sight tower.

I am not a fan of lower 1/3 co-witness, some shooters with fixed sights prefer it because it puts your irons at the bottom of your FOV.

[JackRydden224]

I used a FSB with a red dot before and getting the red dot sighted in was super easy...

[dbaz]

Thanks all for the great info! Glad I asked the question.

I find pictures and video always easier for me to understand things, try this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zXA-qfJK8Y

ratled

They lose me at the point where they fold down the rear sight after zeroing at lower 1/3 co-witness. The field of view then shows the dot well above the front sight...don't understand why it wouldn't still be lined up? I'm guessing it would make sense if I could tweak/shoot it myself

[m16]

With a lower 1/3 co-witness, the dot IS above the front sight.

However, when you drop down to use your irons, the dot should then sit on the tip of your sight post.

This is one of the reasons why I prefer a true co-witness.

I don't have a neck like a giraffe, and if my red dot fails I'm not adjusting my cheek weld at all.

[Garyson1311]

I just have my red dot and a pair of BUIS but when the BUIS are up, they are a full cowitness.

[CK_32]

It disappears with my 4x, 5x and higher scopes when I mount mine on my AR with a FFSB.

[A-J]

3-9x32 scope and I can't see the front sight at all.

[Germz]

yes, a magnified optic especially will create a sight picture with depth of field and the front sight will just be a blur, in some cases to the point where it is not visible at all.

[dbaz]

With a lower 1/3 co-witness, the dot IS above the front sight.

However, when you drop down to use your irons, the dot should then sit on the tip of your sight post.

This is one of the reasons why I prefer a true co-witness.

I don't have a neck like a giraffe, and if my red dot fails I'm not adjusting my cheek weld at all.

I got it now...the dot moves depending on where you're looking through the optic (obviously). Thanks!

Sounds like I'm GTG with a FSB like I originally wanted.

[m16]

Correct.

With a lower 1/3 co-witness, to switch to your irons you have to drop your head down slightly.

With an absolute co-witness, your irons and your red dot are always on the same plane.