Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Rifles and Shotguns > Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles Dedicated to the Smith & Wesson M&P-15 Rifles


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 01-07-2011, 02:10 PM
christcorp's Avatar
christcorp christcorp is offline
US Veteran
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts
Default Front Sight for M&P15OR

Always get confused. Need clarification. I just bought an M&P15OR. I want to put some iron sights on them. I know the picatinny on the gas block, and the one on the main part of the weapon are at the "SAME" height. So, if I buying iron sights for the front, am I wanting a "Low Profile" or a "Standard Height"? Both mention mounting to a "Gas Block". I've heard stories of people putting irons on their 15OR, and shooting uncorrectably too low, because the front sight is too tall. Thanks for the info.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-07-2011, 02:43 PM
BritDan BritDan is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

IIRC....the gas block on the OR is indeed the same height as the receiver rail....which is actually unusual as most picatinny type gas blocks are a bit lower and thus require a taller front sight.

If it indeed is the same height as your receiver rail - then you need to get a rail mounted front BUIS. You normally see them advertised in terms of "rail mount" or "gasblock mount".

Here is a pic of a normal gas block rail:

ASA M4A3 16" 5.56MM Flat Top Rifle w/ Picatinny Gas Block

Compare with your OR pic:

http://mooreoutdoors.biz/weapons/wp-...on-mp15or1.jpg

Yep - you can see the OR's front sight base is taller.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-07-2011, 02:49 PM
christcorp's Avatar
christcorp christcorp is offline
US Veteran
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Cool. So when BOTH advertised say they mount on the "Gas Block", but one says STANDARD height and the other says LOW PROFILE, I want to get the Low Profile. Thanks. Mike....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-07-2011, 03:58 PM
BritDan BritDan is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by christcorp View Post
Cool. So when BOTH advertised say they mount on the "Gas Block", but one says STANDARD height and the other says LOW PROFILE, I want to get the Low Profile. Thanks. Mike....
I'm not 100% sure...maybe if you throw a link up, we can help some more? I know for instance that Magpul has two variations of a folder, but when folded, the new one is lower profile than the other and sometimes referred to in that manner -which has got nothing to do with the height in the up position. Not sure which sights you are looking at....hopefully not a Magpul one, as I hear the polymer does not play well with gasblocks!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-07-2011, 05:27 PM
MPDC's Avatar
MPDC MPDC is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: sw Florida
Posts: 664
Likes: 77
Liked 178 Times in 116 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by christcorp View Post
Cool. So when BOTH advertised say they mount on the "Gas Block", but one says STANDARD height and the other says LOW PROFILE, I want to get the Low Profile. Thanks. Mike....
WRONG! You want the std. height front sight NOT the gasblock specific one. THAT is for low profile gas blocks NOT same plane gas blocks as on the OR M&P15.

I have the M&P15 OR and the std. height Troy sights, F&R are same plane perfect.

Hope that is clear enough. Here is what you want

http://www.primaryarms.com/product.s...categoryId=288



NOT THIS........



Note the taller base. It will put your front sight higher than the rear.

Last edited by MPDC; 01-07-2011 at 05:35 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-07-2011, 10:50 PM
christcorp's Avatar
christcorp christcorp is offline
US Veteran
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Thanks for the replies. MPDC; BOTH sights said they were for mounting on the Gas Block. One said standard height, the other said low profile. My assumption was that the M&P15OR is "NOT STANDARD". That a standard flat top with a gas block, has the gas block sitting LOWER than the main rail on the receiver. Whereas the M&P15OR has BOTH rails at the same height. Which is NOT STANDARD. Unfortunately, I marked the link on my work computer, so I don't have it here. I'll try and search. But I'll hold off until I get it figured out. Obviously, different companies, manufacturers, importers, etc... use different descriptions with different meaning. Obviously, the link you provided, specifically says that this front sight is at the SAME HEIGHT as the rear. Unfortunately, not all retailers are that accurate with their description. Also; it's unfortunate that I have no plans at all in spending $200 for a set of iron sights. I take my guns seriously, but I have a different philosophy. Can't see buying $200 sights. Then again, I wouldn't pay $600 for EOTech sights either. Thanks again for the info. I'll have to be careful what I order, to make sure it's the same height front and back. Thanks. Mike....

Last edited by christcorp; 01-07-2011 at 10:55 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-08-2011, 12:32 AM
Tbat's Avatar
Tbat Tbat is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 205
Likes: 132
Liked 36 Times in 34 Posts
Default

I am with BritDan, I thought that lower profile just meant the sights didn't stick up as much when folded. The Troy sights are good to go. Yankee Hill sights are good as well, but they dont sit as low when folded as the Troys do.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-08-2011, 09:41 AM
MPDC's Avatar
MPDC MPDC is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: sw Florida
Posts: 664
Likes: 77
Liked 178 Times in 116 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tbat View Post
I am with BritDan, I thought that lower profile just meant the sights didn't stick up as much when folded. The Troy sights are good to go. Yankee Hill sights are good as well, but they dont sit as low when folded as the Troys do.
I actually bought a YH site that was the taller one, made for the "low profile gas block" which is NOT what the M&P15OR is equipped with. The base of the sights for low profile gas blocks is taller, regardless of the manufacturer. The YH sight was too tall on the "same plane" gas block of the M&P.

I went with Troy after finding what I felt was a good deal on a set. Think of it as the M&P15OR having the same height as if it had a full battle rail like the Tactical model. They take the same sight. Mine is perfectly aligned with the rear sight and the "compact gas block" YH was too tall. I think "low profile" is confusing when talking about the sight itself (meaning it is unobtrusive when folder) and the gas block which means it sits lower than the M4 type flattop's rail.

It is true that most gas blocks with a rail are lower but that is NOT the case with the S&W. You need the std. height version, regardless of manufacturer of the sight.

Last edited by MPDC; 01-08-2011 at 09:44 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-08-2011, 11:14 AM
Tbat's Avatar
Tbat Tbat is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 205
Likes: 132
Liked 36 Times in 34 Posts
Default

I currently have the Yankee Hill flip up sights on my MP15OR. The YHM-9627 same plane flip front sight and the YHM-9680 flip rear sight (YHM, Yankee Hill Machine Co., Inc. – Makers of High Quality Firearms, Accessories & Sound Suppressors | Sights). These are the only flip sights that I could find local to me before I started purchasing my AR15 accessories on line. I had seen the taller front sights for the other type of gas blocks and that had caused me some initial confusion as well when I was looking for a set of flip up sights for that rifle. I have a Troy folding sight on my MP15A, and I actually prefer them to the Yankee Hill just because they do sit lower when folded. In any event though, the Yankee Hill sights have performed well.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-08-2011, 01:15 PM
christcorp's Avatar
christcorp christcorp is offline
US Veteran
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Definitely understand much better. I appreciate all the explanations and time you all put into this for me. I'll just have to keep my eye out for a set of sights now. Not in any rush. Just wanted a backup set in case my optics were to go out on me. And while I can definitely appreciate the quality of Yankee and troy sights, I'm not going to pay $200 for a set of sights. Can I afford $200 sights. Definitely yes. Money is actually not an issue with me. Lets just say that philosophically, it would go against my beliefs that put me where I am financially. Not to say there is anything wrong with buying Troy or Yankee sights. Just not for my purposes. Maybe if I was going back to the sand box and was allowed to dress my M-16 any way I wanted to; but for HD, Range, and Plinking use; not going there.

But I do know now the major difference on what the vendors and manufacturers are marketing, and how they describe it. A set of sights will come along that will work, and I'll be confident that I'm getting the right platform. Thanks again for the explanations and time. I appreciate it. Mike....
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 01-09-2011, 12:10 AM
fastsw fastsw is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

What about putting on the front site from the SW MP15-22, its a metal sight, should be good on the gas block, and even though it does not fold will not get in the way of a scope or red-dot. For the rear, go with a magpul mbus, the polymer will be fine on the rear rail. Total cost should be about $75. I agree with you that $200 is alot to spend on backup sights, at least for me where its a range rifle 99% of the time.

Last edited by fastsw; 01-09-2011 at 12:12 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 01-09-2011, 01:17 AM
christcorp's Avatar
christcorp christcorp is offline
US Veteran
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Actually, there's a number of manufacturers of iron sights, even folding, that are metal, will work on both front and rear, and the set can be had for about $60. They're fixed sights. They can't really drift. I never could understand spending almost $100 per sight. I can understand that when it comes to scopes and other glass/electronic optics, that there can be a difference in quality. But iron sights??? As long as they aren't cheap and going to fall apart from the recoil, I don't see the problem. The only reason I'd go with flip-up sights, is because of the flexibility to change my mind. If they're fixed, they are fixed. Whether I like it or not. If it's a flip-up sight, and I don't mind it being up, I can always leave it up. But if it's fixed, I have no choice. And I like having choices. Same with the rear.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 01-09-2011, 07:46 AM
Tbat's Avatar
Tbat Tbat is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Oklahoma, USA
Posts: 205
Likes: 132
Liked 36 Times in 34 Posts
Default

Pro Mag flip sights can be had for less than half the cost of the Troy or Yankee Hill, and they seem decent enough for the job. There are probably other brands as well but those are the ones that I have personal experience with.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 01-09-2011, 11:01 AM
MPDC's Avatar
MPDC MPDC is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: sw Florida
Posts: 664
Likes: 77
Liked 178 Times in 116 Posts
Default

LOL, price is not always the consideration or you would have a cheaper AR15 (or more expensive, alternatively) than the M&P 15.

I bought Troy because after having seen another brand, the precision and higher quality machining was obvious to me. I also consider them my primary sights and they are what comes on a BUIS equipped S&W rifle. I like to stay with OEM stuff unless something else will improve the rifle more. In the case of folding sights, I believe Troys were the best available to me and cost is relative when dealing with a valued possession that is also a precision machine. YMMV but there is no wrong choice IF you are happy with what you buy, can afford to buy it and it suits your needs.

Too many times people buy based on price alone and end up buying better quality later when they could have simply ponied up to begin with. Not always the case and there are exceptions but sights are an important part of making a rifle perform to it's potential and folding sights , moreso than many things need to be as strong and precisly made as possible.

Having said that, I bought a cheap red dot sight to see if I really wanted to spend substantial money for a military grade version. I am more accustomed to iron sights , having done my military service in the late sixties and cutting my teeth on M14 s and 16s of that vintage. Took me awhile to warm up to the internet too, so bear with me, LOL.

Last edited by MPDC; 01-09-2011 at 11:07 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 01-09-2011, 01:33 PM
christcorp's Avatar
christcorp christcorp is offline
US Veteran
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts
Default

I definitely understand the need for quality. I also understand that quality normally costs more than inferior products. But in my opinion, when we're talking about mechanical sights, I think the quality vs cost issue is much narrower than glass optics and electro optics. For iron sights, my only quality concerns are that they don't break, loosen up, or fall off. There's not a lot of performance differences between a $30 sight and a $100 sight. Of course, personal preference might like the type of view of one iron sight over another. But that's just personal preference. Troy sights are definitely most likely the best. Just like aimpoint and EOTech are the best in the red dot / holo reflex world. But for iron sights, as long as they're metal; they firmly fit, and they don't loosen up or fall off, I am quite content with getting $20-$30 a piece sights. I think saying the willingness to get less expensive iron sights is akin to getting a cheaper AR15. But you do bring up a good point. There is no way in the world that I would buy a $1500+/- AR platform rifle. For my purposes and use, they would not do anything significantly better than my $650 M&P15 will do. It would simply be a waste of a lot of money for me. I'm not into shooting competitions where I need to shoot .5moa at 100 yards.

And I think that's where the big difference comes in. What are you wanting to do with the rifle? If it's competition, carbine classes, into programs like appleseed, etc... then you might really get into spending more money on your weapon. Nothing wrong with that. And what you do with the weapon is indeed important. I do a lot of long range hunting. "I live in wyoming". I have a leupold scope on one rifle, and Nikon on another, and a Zeiss. And i have paid in the $500 price range for all three. I easily shoot deer at 200 yards, but also go after moose, elk, antelope, and sheep at 300-400 yards. But in the same breath, my Sig P220 that I use for home defense or carry gun, doesn't need $250 Crimson Trace laser grips on them either. Some will say "it's my life I'm protecting". That's cool; but I don't need laser sights on a handgun to protect my life. Some might, I don't. So while I can see spending $500+ for sights on my hunting rifle, I can't see spending that on a sight for my AR. Especially considering what the chances are that it will be used to protect me or my family. "I'm not into the "Red-Dawn" or "Die Hard" theories. Home defense is most likely a pistol or shotgun. So most of my shooting of the AR will be plinking, targets, prairie dogs, etc... Basically the 100 yard world. Also as a backup for self/home defense. I really don't think I need to pay $200 for a set of iron sights. I don't believe I need to pay $100 for a set of iron sights. I believe that a set of metal sights for $50-$60 are quite adequate. But again; I'm not out shooting competition. Plus, I don't believe iron sights are as critical in the quality vs cost scenario. It's two pieces of metal. As long as they aren't bent, fit properly, don't loosen up or fall off; I'm fine with that level of quality.

But I do appreciate all the info. You all really have provided me with some good information about the mountings. I know what I need to get, in order to properly fit my rifle. Now it's just a matter of waiting until I see them. I don't need them immediately. The right sights at the right price will fall into my lap. Just like most of my weapons do. Thanks again for all the valuable information. Mike....

P.S. If you're ever looking for some very decent optics; rifle and red-dot; look into A1 Optics. They've been building optics for military, police, and security use since the 60's. In the last 10 years, they started selling in the retail market. They aren't the high-end optics, but you can get $100-$300 optics for $30-$120. Their website is A1optic.com . Although, they ONLY sell retail through thehuntersmall.com . Some people have bought large amounts of their optics, and sold them on ebay, but the company only sells retail through thehuntersmall. Anyway; if you're looking for decent optics, but don't want to spend $200-$500, but want something better than a walmart tasco (Which I have one that served me well), then A1optics might be a good choice. I have a few of their scopes. I bought my first about 6 years ago. They definitely aren't a fly by night company. And they ARE USA company.

Last edited by christcorp; 01-09-2011 at 01:56 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 01-09-2011, 01:44 PM
MPDC's Avatar
MPDC MPDC is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: sw Florida
Posts: 664
Likes: 77
Liked 178 Times in 116 Posts
Default

" But for iron sights, as long as they're metal; they firmly fit, and they don't loosen up or fall off, I am quite content with getting $20-$30 a piece sights."

My choices seemed to be (with the metal , good fit and durable requirements) between Troy, Yankee Hill and Midwest. I avoided magpul after critical reviews and the fact they are not metal. I was unaware they could be had for twenty to thirty dollars apiece. What brand fits that, I missed them in searching.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 01-09-2011, 02:11 PM
christcorp's Avatar
christcorp christcorp is offline
US Veteran
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 5 Posts
Default

I have no problem with leapers/UTG or NCstar. You can get these at cheaperthandirt and many other online retailers. Even midwayUSA. Average price is under $30 each. But they make many different versions. Fixed, folding, tall, short, picatinny/weaver, barrel, etc... Might do some searching. But they are aluminum and will fit my needs. There's also some other no name brands, but I don't have any experience with them. I have a few UTG parts I bought for my AK series of guns. The metal is very good. "I've dremmeled through some of the rails and such to modify". Very good aircraft aluminum. Anyway, there you go.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 01-09-2011, 03:21 PM
MPDC's Avatar
MPDC MPDC is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: sw Florida
Posts: 664
Likes: 77
Liked 178 Times in 116 Posts
Default

OK, hope you get what you need. Let us know how it works out, good or bad. I almost automatically equate NC Star with junk but my experiences are limited and what is bad in one product may not effect another.
I try to avoid the Chinese stuff, if I can. Just a personal preference and sometimes hard to do or not obvious until you read the fine print.

Let me add that it seems weight is one difference between the more expensive and less expensive offerings. A bicycle parts manufacturer (famous guy in Mountainbiking back when) said, "I can make it for you strong, light and cheap. Pick any two."

May or may not effect a decision on a rifle, given all the do dads folks seem to love hanging on them now.

Last edited by MPDC; 01-09-2011 at 03:42 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 03-17-2013, 11:49 AM
Kmano Kmano is offline
Member
Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR Front Sight for M&P15OR  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: CT
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Does anyone know if the Troy Micro Battlesight set will work on the MP15OR?

Here's what they say about them: "Troy has developed a rugged low-profile sight designed for firearms with top rails higher than the standard M4. For shooters who favor a sightline that's as close to the barrel as possible, or for those with raised top rail systems, the Troy Micro BattleSight provides an ideal solution."

Thanks.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
650, aimpoint, carbine, crimson, eotech, m14, military, model 14, model 16, mp15, polymer, scope, tactical, tasco, weaver, zeiss

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
M&P15OR rail/front sight opinions js_paddle07 Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 21 05-18-2014 06:14 PM
Is 460v front sight same as other S&W pinned front sights? RIDE-RED 350r S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 7 01-27-2014 11:37 PM
M&P15or Flip up sight question DCBeretta Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 1 10-26-2013 06:31 AM
Front sight replacement or front and rear??? JBR13 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 1 04-11-2011 07:45 PM
What height front sight for Cylinder & Slide Extreme Duty Rear Sight Rolan_Kraps S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 4 01-23-2011 10:20 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:15 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)