The carry handle rear sight, a defining feature of many classic AR-15 rifles, evokes a sense of nostalgia and practicality for firearm enthusiasts. This guide delves into the history, functionality, advantages, disadvantages, and modern alternatives of this iconic sighting system. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the world of AR-platform rifles, understanding the carry handle rear sight is crucial for making informed decisions about your firearm setup.
The History and Design of the Carry Handle Rear Sight
The carry handle rear sight was integral to the early designs of the M16 rifle, providing a built-in carrying handle and a rear sight all in one. This design element streamlined the weapon, offering a convenient carrying method while ensuring the rear sight was always readily available. The sight itself typically features an adjustable aperture (or peep sight), allowing for windage and elevation adjustments to compensate for various shooting conditions and distances. The aperture size is often adjustable, enabling shooters to tailor the sight picture to their preference and the lighting conditions. Many variations exist, depending on the manufacturer and specific model of rifle.
Advantages of Using a Carry Handle Rear Sight
While largely replaced by more modern sighting systems, the carry handle rear sight still offers some compelling advantages:
- Integrated Carrying Handle: This is perhaps its most significant advantage. The built-in handle provides a convenient and secure way to carry the rifle, especially beneficial in situations where a separate carrying handle isn't readily available.
- Robust Construction: Carry handle rear sights are typically built to withstand significant recoil and abuse, making them durable and reliable sighting systems.
- Familiar and Reliable: For many shooters, the carry handle sight is a familiar and comfortable design, providing a consistent and dependable sight picture.
- Cost-Effective (Often): Used carry handle upper receivers are often available at a lower cost compared to modern optics-ready upper receivers.
Disadvantages of Using a Carry Handle Rear Sight
Despite its advantages, the carry handle rear sight presents some notable disadvantages compared to modern sighting options:
- Limited Field of View: The carry handle itself can obstruct the shooter's field of view, especially when using iron sights at close range or in dynamic shooting situations.
- Weight: Compared to more modern sighting solutions, the carry handle adds extra weight to the rifle. This weight can affect maneuverability and overall handling, particularly during extended periods of use.
- Co-Witnessing Limitations: Achieving proper co-witnessing with other sighting systems like red dot sights can be challenging, often requiring specialized mounts or modifications.
- Incompatibility with Optics: Using the carry handle necessitates the use of iron sights. You can't directly mount scopes or red dot sights on top of the carry handle.
Modern Alternatives and Upgrades
Modern shooters have a wide array of alternatives to the carry handle rear sight, including:
- Flat-Top Upper Receivers: These provide a Picatinny rail on top of the receiver, allowing for the mounting of optics such as red dot sights, holographic sights, or magnified scopes.
- Low-Profile Gas Blocks: For those who want to retain the classic look of a carry handle but with increased versatility, lower profile gas blocks are available, allowing for easier co-witnessing with lower 1/3rd co-witness height red dot sights.
- Adjustable Rear Sights: Standalone, adjustable rear sights offer the functionality of the carry handle rear sight without the bulk and weight.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Sighting System
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use a carry handle rear sight comes down to individual preferences, shooting style, and intended use. While modern alternatives offer increased versatility and functionality, the carry handle rear sight retains its appeal for its simplicity, robustness, and nostalgic value. Carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages discussed above to determine which sighting system best suits your needs. Whether you're a collector, competitor, or recreational shooter, understanding the characteristics of the carry handle rear sight will empower you to make a more informed choice.
