The AR-15 carry handle sight, a nostalgic piece of firearm history, continues to hold relevance for both practical and aesthetic reasons among shooters. This guide delves into the specifics of these sights, exploring their advantages, disadvantages, and overall place in the modern AR-15 landscape.
Understanding the AR-15 Carry Handle Sight
The carry handle, integrated atop the upper receiver, served as the primary sighting system on early AR-15/M16 rifles. It houses both front and rear iron sights, offering a robust and integral sighting solution. These sights are often associated with a particular era of military and civilian firearm use, evoking a sense of classic rifle design.
Components of a Carry Handle Sight
- Rear Sight: The rear sight, typically an aperture (peep) sight, is adjustable for windage (left and right) and elevation (up and down). This allows for precise zeroing at various distances.
- Front Sight: The front sight post, located on the gas block or a dedicated front sight post, provides the aiming point. Often, these are post-style sights, but variations exist.
- Carry Handle Assembly: The entire assembly, including the rear sight and the mounting mechanism, is robustly built to withstand recoil and harsh conditions.
Advantages of Using a Carry Handle Sight
While modern optics often overshadow iron sights, carry handles possess distinct advantages:
- Robustness and Reliability: Known for their durability and ability to withstand considerable abuse, they are less susceptible to damage than more delicate optics.
- Simplicity: They are inherently simple to use and maintain, requiring minimal adjustments.
- Co-Witnessing with Optics: Some shooters appreciate the ability to co-witness a carry handle sight with a lower 1/3 co-witness optic, providing a backup sighting system.
- Nostalgia and Authenticity: For many, the carry handle sight represents a piece of firearms history, adding to the overall appeal of their rifle.
Disadvantages of Using a Carry Handle Sight
It's crucial to acknowledge the limitations of carry handle sights in a modern context:
- Limited Eye Relief: The fixed position of the carry handle sight offers limited eye relief, making it uncomfortable for some shooters. Improper eye positioning can lead to inaccurate shot placement.
- Height Over Bore: The relatively high position of the sight can interfere with the use of certain scopes or accessories.
- Weight: The carry handle adds weight to the upper receiver, slightly impacting the overall balance of the rifle.
- Sight Picture: The sight picture offered by a carry handle may not be preferable to all shooters compared to more modern sighting options.
Modern Applications and Modifications
While not the most popular choice for modern AR-15 builds, the carry handle sight still finds its niche:
- Backup Sighting System: Used as a reliable backup to primary optics.
- Retro AR-15 Builds: Popular in builds aiming for a classic or military-inspired aesthetic.
- Specific Shooting Disciplines: Some competitive shooting disciplines or training scenarios might benefit from the ruggedness and simplicity of carry handle sights.
- Modifications: Some manufacturers offer upgraded carry handle sights with improved features such as enhanced brightness or different aperture sizes.
Conclusion
The AR-15 carry handle sight, a symbol of a bygone era, continues to hold value for certain shooters. While modern optics offer advanced features, the carry handle remains a reliable, rugged, and aesthetically pleasing option with a specific place in the AR-15 world. Whether it's for nostalgic appeal, backup sighting, or practical reasons, the carry handle sight retains its relevance in the broader landscape of AR-15 accessories and builds.
