Why AR15/M16 not putting front sight at muzzle for longer sight radius?

HankC1 · July 2, 2005, 01:02 PM

Is it a trade off between fast target acquisition and accuracy? While AR15/M16 may not be very effective beyond 300 yds, they don't need a larger sight radius? Just have to wonder.

Hank

ATW525 · July 2, 2005, 02:24 PM

My guess would be because the choice was made to integrate the front sight, gas block and bayonet lug into one unit. The bayonet lug needed to be set back far enough for... well... a bayonet to be affixed, and the gas system would be less reliable if the gas block was located at the muzzle (shorty Commando style carbines and Dissipators with rifle length gas systems are both known to be somewhat more prone to finicky operation because of this).

Johnny Guest · July 3, 2005, 11:26 AM

I am not well versed in this sort of thing, but I recall reading about the problems of accurate shooting with bayonet fixed vice without same. Hanging any sort of appliance from the end of the barrel completely changes the "barrel whip," especially is there is any more weight on top or bottom, or on either side.

Someone did an interesting article in Precision Shooting magazine concerning the change in barrel harmonics by altering the length of varmint and target rifle barrels. Perhaps this has nothing to do with the other thing - - Merely a guess.

Best
Johnny

July 2, 2005, 01:02 PM	#1
HankC1 Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 531	Why AR15/M16 not putting front sight at muzzle for longer sight radius? Is it a trade off between fast target acquisition and accuracy? While AR15/M16 may not be very effective beyond 300 yds, they don't need a larger sight radius? Just have to wonder. Hank

July 3, 2005, 11:26 AM	#3
Johnny Guest Moderator in Memoriam Join Date: August 28, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,123	How about barrel harmonics? I am not well versed in this sort of thing, but I recall reading about the problems of accurate shooting with bayonet fixed vice without same. Hanging any sort of appliance from the end of the barrel completely changes the "barrel whip," especially is there is any more weight on top or bottom, or on either side. Someone did an interesting article in Precision Shooting magazine concerning the change in barrel harmonics by altering the length of varmint and target rifle barrels. Perhaps this has nothing to do with the other thing - - Merely a guess. Best Johnny

July 2, 2005, 02:24 PM	#2
ATW525 Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2005 Location: Concord, NH Posts: 2,723	My guess would be because the choice was made to integrate the front sight, gas block and bayonet lug into one unit. The bayonet lug needed to be set back far enough for... well... a bayonet to be affixed, and the gas system would be less reliable if the gas block was located at the muzzle (shorty Commando style carbines and Dissipators with rifle length gas systems are both known to be somewhat more prone to finicky operation because of this).