Understanding the Classic: What is an AR15 Carry Handle Sight?
The AR15. It’s more than just a rifle; it’s a symbol of American innovation, a versatile platform adopted and adapted across various disciplines, and a canvas for customization. At the heart of this modularity lies the sighting system, the crucial link between the shooter and the target. While modern optics have gained immense popularity, a classic remains – the carry handle sight. This article delves deep into the world of the AR15 carry handle sight, exploring its nuances, benefits, drawbacks, and practical applications to help you make informed decisions about your AR15 setup.
The term “carry handle sight” refers specifically to the integral iron sight system built into the characteristic carrying handle that sits atop many AR15 rifles. This iconic design feature provides a robust and reliable way to aim the rifle, consisting of a rear aperture sight housed within the handle itself and a front sight post located at the gas block or on a separate front sight base. This design provides a basic yet effective means of target acquisition, relying on the alignment of the front sight post within the rear aperture. The beauty of this system lies in its simplicity: no batteries, no electronics, just a direct link between your eye, the sights, and the target.
A Glimpse into History: Tracing the Origins of the Design
To truly understand the AR15 carry handle sight, we must briefly explore its origins. The carry handle, and its integrated sight, wasn’t simply a design choice; it was a response to the evolution of the AR15 platform itself, originally the M16, a firearm which saw widespread use during the Vietnam war. The handle served a practical purpose: facilitating carrying the rifle, and it was designed with the rear sight mechanism built-in. This arrangement, though now seen by many as a relic, was revolutionary in its time. It created a sight system easily adjustable, durable, and always ready for use. This integral system has remained a hallmark of the AR15’s design, and the modern iteration we see today.
Dissecting the Build: Examining the Components
The carry handle sight is comprised of several key components, each contributing to its functionality. The rear sight, located within the handle, features an adjustable aperture, the size of which will influence your ability to see the target, along with windage and sometimes elevation adjustment mechanisms. These allow the shooter to correct for bullet drop and crosswinds, and this adjustment is typically done using a dial that raises or lowers the rear sight post. The front sight, usually found near the muzzle, is a simple post. It is the alignment of the front sight post within the rear aperture that creates the sight picture, allowing the user to accurately aim. The handle itself provides a stable platform for the rear sight, keeping it protected and ensuring consistent alignment.
The Advantages Explained: Why Consider the Carry Handle?
Despite the rise of more technologically advanced sighting systems, the carry handle sight offers several compelling advantages.
Instant Recognition
The AR15 carry handle sight has a strong connection with the history of the AR15 and remains a visual symbol for many. This classic look is still favored by shooters who appreciate the original aesthetic and the history of the platform.
Built for Toughness
These sights are generally built to last, often constructed from high-quality materials. They are designed to withstand rough handling, impacts, and harsh environmental conditions, making them a reliable choice for those who demand durability.
Keeping it Simple
The carry handle sight’s simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. It requires no batteries or electronics, making it a fail-safe option. There’s no worry about power outages, component failures, or complicated settings. This keeps the focus on the fundamentals of marksmanship.
A Backup Plan
Even if you choose to mount an optic, a carry handle sight can serve as an excellent backup. In case of a battery failure, lens damage, or any other malfunction with your primary optic, you can instantly transition to the iron sights, ensuring you always have a way to engage targets.
Budget-Friendly Choice
Compared to the cost of some advanced optics, a carry handle sight can be a relatively economical option. This makes it an accessible choice for new shooters or those looking for a reliable sighting system without breaking the bank.
Taking a Closer Look at the Downsides: Considering the Drawbacks
While the carry handle sight offers notable benefits, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations to make an informed decision.
Limited Reach
The effective range of an AR15 with a carry handle sight is often shorter compared to rifles equipped with optics. This is due to the size of the aperture and the relative difficulty in making precise adjustments.
Sight Picture Challenges
The shorter sight radius can make precise aiming more challenging, especially at longer distances. A smaller sight radius means that any aiming errors are magnified at the target, potentially affecting accuracy.
Ergonomic Considerations
For some shooters, the carry handle design can result in a less-than-ideal cheek weld on the stock. This can impact sight alignment and make it more difficult to maintain a consistent shooting posture.
Interference and Obstruction
The carry handle can limit the available space on the upper receiver for mounting other accessories, such as certain optics, and can also block the use of low-profile mounting options.
Eye Relief Constraints
Correct eye relief, the distance between your eye and the rear sight, is essential for obtaining a clear sight picture. Improper eye relief can result in a blurry view, straining the eyes, and potentially compromising accuracy.
Getting it Right: Mounting and Adjustment
Proper installation and adjustment are crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your carry handle sight.
Securing the Handle
If your upper receiver does not already feature a carry handle, the process of mounting is straightforward. Ensure the handle is firmly attached to the receiver, often using a Picatinny rail system. Tighten the screws securely to prevent any movement during shooting.
Elevating the Aim
The front sight post typically adjusts for elevation. This involves raising or lowering the front sight post to zero the rifle at a particular range. Consult your rifle’s manual, or online resources, for specific instructions for adjusting the sight on your specific rifle.
Tuning the Wind
The rear sight usually allows for windage adjustment, enabling you to correct for wind drift or to align your shot left or right. Use the windage adjustment dial or mechanism, in concert with the front sight adjustments, to zero your rifle.
Zeroing the System
The most important step is to zero your sights. This involves firing a group of shots at a target at a known distance and then adjusting the sights to bring your point of impact (POI) in line with your point of aim (POA). This process will typically involve firing a few shots, adjusting the sights and repeating until the POI and POA align.
Making the Shot: Effective Shooting with the Carry Handle Sight
Mastering the carry handle sight requires practice and a grasp of fundamental shooting principles.
The Perfect View
The correct sight picture is the key. This means aligning the front sight post squarely within the center of the rear aperture. The front sight should be in sharp focus, and your target should be clear as well.
Form Matters
Proper stance, grip, trigger control, and breathing are essential for accuracy. Maintain a stable and consistent shooting platform. Practice dry firing to build muscle memory and refine your technique.
Acquiring the Target
Target acquisition involves quickly finding and focusing on your target and aligning your sights. Practice dry-firing drills to speed up this process and train your eye.
Knowing the Right Time
The carry handle sight excels in situations where rapid target engagement is crucial, at close to moderate distances, and when you require a rugged and reliable system.
Other Options: Exploring Alternatives
While the carry handle sight remains a viable choice, various other sighting systems offer alternative advantages.
The Red Dot Revolution
Red dot sights offer a simple, fast, and effective sighting solution. Their ease of use, minimal weight, and large field of view make them popular. They often have very long battery lives and the ability to see the target clearly.
Low Power and Versatile
LPVOs, or Low Power Variable Optics, offer a wider range of magnification levels. They can be used at close range, like a red dot sight, but provide magnification for engaging targets at greater distances.
Other Iron Sight Varieties
Folding backup sights (BUIS) or offset iron sights allow for a rapid transition from your primary optic in case of malfunction or a change in engagement distance. These are most useful on rifles that are used in a competition or tactical setting.
Choosing What’s Right for You
The best sighting system depends on your specific needs and shooting applications. Consider the expected engagement distances, the environment you will be shooting in, and your personal preferences when making your selection.
Final Thoughts
The AR15 carry handle sight remains a testament to its time, offering a reliable, cost-effective, and historically significant sighting solution. It’s simplicity, durability, and familiarity make it an excellent choice for many shooters. However, understanding its limitations and comparing it to other options is essential. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting, the carry handle sight can provide a solid foundation for accurate and effective shooting. Embrace its strengths, understand its drawbacks, and practice diligently to harness its full potential.
The AR15 platform has evolved, and so has sighting technology. However, the carry handle sight remains a classic, and a functional choice. Evaluate your personal needs, and shoot with what will help you perform best.
