The carry handle rear sight, a prominent feature on many AR-15 platforms and other rifles, often evokes strong opinions among shooters. Is it outdated technology? Or a reliable and practical aiming solution? This in-depth guide explores the carry handle rear sight, dissecting its history, advantages, disadvantages, and modern relevance in the world of firearms.
Understanding the Carry Handle Rear Sight
The carry handle rear sight is an integral part of the upper receiver on many rifles, particularly those designed for military applications. It's characterized by its distinctive shape, incorporating a pistol grip and rear sight assembly into a single unit. This design, while seemingly simple, offers a unique set of features and considerations.
History and Evolution
The carry handle's origins trace back to the M16 rifle, where it served as a robust and easily accessible aiming solution. Its integrated design provided a comfortable and secure grip while also housing the rear sight. As technology advanced, standalone rear sights and optics became more prevalent, leading to the decline of the carry handle's popularity among some shooters. However, its legacy remains, and many enthusiasts appreciate its ruggedness and functionality.
Key Features and Components
The carry handle rear sight typically includes:
- Aperture Sight: A circular or rectangular opening through which the shooter aligns the front sight post. Different aperture sizes are available for varying light conditions and shooting distances.
- Adjustment Mechanisms: Windage (left and right) and elevation (up and down) adjustments are crucial for precise aiming. These mechanisms allow the shooter to fine-tune the point of impact.
- Carry Handle: This forms the upper part of the structure, providing a secure grip for the shooter.
Advantages of Carry Handle Rear Sights
While largely replaced by other aiming solutions, carry handle sights retain several advantages:
- Robustness and Durability: These sights are known for their rugged construction, able to withstand considerable recoil and harsh environmental conditions.
- Integrated Design: The integrated design provides a comfortable and secure grip.
- Simplicity and Ease of Use: Once zeroed, they offer a straightforward aiming process.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to more advanced optic systems, carry handle sights are a budget-friendly option.
- Backup Sight: Even if you use a primary optic, a carry handle sight serves as a reliable backup in case of optic failure.
Disadvantages of Carry Handle Rear Sights
Despite their advantages, carry handle rear sights have drawbacks:
- Limited Field of View: The bulk of the carry handle can obstruct peripheral vision, which is especially relevant in close-quarters combat situations.
- Weight: They add weight to the overall rifle system, which can impact maneuverability and fatigue during extended shooting sessions.
- Lower Magnification: They inherently offer lower magnification compared to scopes or magnified optics.
- Incompatibility with Optics: Mounting an optic often requires the removal of the carry handle, negating its integrated design benefit.
Modern Relevance and Applications
Despite the emergence of more advanced aiming systems, the carry handle rear sight continues to find applications:
- Budget-Friendly Option: For those on a budget, a carry handle sight offers a viable and reliable solution for accurate shooting.
- Backup Sight System: Many shooters retain carry handle sights as a backup to their primary optic system.
- Retro-Style Builds: Carry handles contribute to the aesthetic appeal of retro-style AR-15 builds.
- Training and Familiarization: Carry handle sights provide a valuable training tool for those new to rifles, teaching fundamental aiming principles.
Conclusion
The carry handle rear sight, though not as ubiquitous as it once was, remains a functional and relevant component in the world of firearms. Whether it's the ideal aiming solution depends entirely on individual needs and preferences. Understanding its advantages and limitations empowers shooters to make informed choices based on their specific requirements. While modern optics offer advancements in magnification and clarity, the carry handle’s simple robustness should not be underestimated. It serves as a testament to functional design and continues to hold a place in the hearts and rifles of many shooting enthusiasts.
