From Origins to Icons: A Look Back at the Carry Handle
The story of the AR-15 is intertwined with its military origins. The original design, the Armalite AR-15, later adopted and refined by Colt, was initially designed for military use. When the AR-15 entered service, specifically the M16, the carry handle wasn’t just a decorative element; it served a crucial purpose. It allowed soldiers to easily carry the rifle, hence the name. But beyond its primary function, the carry handle served as the foundation for mounting the rear sight. This integrated design eliminated the need for separate mounting rails, simplifying the manufacturing process and providing a stable platform for aiming.
Early AR-15 models utilized iron sights, integrating them directly into the carry handle structure. These original sights, while functional, have evolved considerably over time. The A2 iron sight system, introduced later, offered significant improvements, including adjustable windage and elevation, enhancing accuracy and allowing for better zeroing at various distances. This upgrade further cemented the utility and longevity of the carry handle sight.
Over time, the rifle landscape shifted. The introduction of Picatinny rails, which enabled the mounting of a wide array of optics and accessories, began to gradually overshadow the carry handle. However, the carry handle, and consequently the AR carry handle sight, remains a popular choice for various reasons, and is still a prominent visual identifier for the platform.
Decoding the Carry Handle Sight: Anatomy and Operation
Understanding the specific components of the AR carry handle sight is essential for its effective use. The sight system typically consists of a few key elements:
Front Sight Post
Located at the end of the barrel, the front sight post is a vertical post used for aligning the sight. It’s adjustable for elevation, allowing you to raise or lower the point of impact.
Rear Sight Aperture
Housed within the carry handle, the rear sight aperture is the hole you look through to align with the front sight. Most carry handle sights offer two aperture sizes: a small aperture for greater precision and a large aperture for faster target acquisition in close-quarters scenarios.
Windage Adjustment Knob
This knob, usually located on the side of the carry handle sight, controls the horizontal movement of the rear sight. It’s used to adjust the point of impact left or right.
Elevation Adjustment Knob
Found on the top of the carry handle sight, this knob controls the vertical movement of the rear sight. It’s used to adjust the point of impact up or down.
The core principle of using an AR carry handle sight is simple: align the top of the front sight post with the center of the rear sight aperture (either small or large). This alignment, known as the sight picture, allows you to accurately aim at your target. Adjustments to the windage and elevation knobs are made to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift, ultimately ensuring the rounds hit the intended point of impact. To the practiced shooter, this becomes second nature.
The large aperture is designed for quicker target acquisition at shorter ranges. The larger opening allows the shooter to quickly get a sight picture, sacrificing some precision for speed. Conversely, the small aperture enhances precision, particularly for longer-range shooting. While slower to align, the smaller hole provides a clearer, more defined sight picture.
Advantages of the Carry Handle: Why It Remains Relevant
The AR carry handle sight, despite the prevalence of modern optics, offers a number of compelling advantages:
Reliability and Simplicity
Iron sights are renowned for their robustness. They don’t rely on batteries or complex electronics, making them less prone to failure. This inherent reliability makes them ideal for situations where dependability is paramount. They are, quite simply, less to fail.
User-Friendliness
For many shooters, the sight system is easily understood and used. The sight picture is relatively intuitive, requiring less training compared to some advanced optics. This contributes to its accessibility for beginners.
Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to red dot sights, scopes, or other optics, the AR carry handle sight is typically more affordable. This makes it an accessible option for shooters on a budget or those looking for a simple, reliable sight system without a large investment.
Classic Aesthetics
The carry handle is a distinctive visual cue associated with early AR-15s and military rifles. It adds a sense of nostalgia for many shooters and provides a classic appearance that is appealing to those who appreciate the history of the platform.
Backup Sighting
Even if you choose to mount an optic, the AR carry handle sight can serve as a valuable backup in case your primary optic fails. Simply remove the optic (if easily removable) and use the iron sights. This dual setup significantly increases the rifle’s reliability.
Drawbacks to Consider: When the Carry Handle Sight Might Fall Short
While possessing many benefits, the AR carry handle sight is not without its limitations:
Range Limitations
Iron sights are typically less accurate at longer distances than modern optics. The sight radius (the distance between the front and rear sights) is relatively short, which can make it harder to achieve precise shots beyond a certain range.
Field of View Obstruction
The carry handle can obstruct the shooter’s field of view, particularly when trying to engage targets at an angle. This can be a significant disadvantage in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Low-Light Challenges
The sight system can be more difficult to use in low-light conditions. The lack of illumination can make it challenging to quickly acquire a sight picture in dim environments.
Ergonomic Considerations
The elevated sight line, caused by the height of the carry handle, might not be ideal for all shooters. This can affect cheek weld and the overall ergonomics of the shooting platform.
Mastering the Fundamentals: Zeroing and Fine-Tuning
Correctly zeroing an AR carry handle sight is crucial for accuracy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Rifle and Target: Ensure your rifle is unloaded and safe. Set up a target at the desired zeroing distance (typically 25 or 50 yards for an AR-15).
- Initial Shots: Fire a small group of shots (usually three to five) at the target. Observe where the shots are hitting.
- Windage Adjustment: If the shots are consistently left or right of the point of aim, adjust the windage knob. Turn the knob in the direction you want the point of impact to move (right to move right, left to move left). Each click on the windage knob usually equates to a small amount of movement at the target distance.
- Elevation Adjustment: If the shots are consistently high or low, adjust the elevation knob. Turn the knob in the direction you want the point of impact to move (up to move up, down to move down). Again, each click typically represents a small adjustment.
- Repeat and Refine: Continue firing groups of shots and making adjustments to windage and elevation until the shots consistently hit the point of aim at the target distance.
To maintain zero, regularly inspect your rifle and sights for any loose screws or components. Additionally, be mindful of environmental factors that can affect bullet trajectory, such as wind and temperature changes.
Choosing Your Sight: Weighing the Alternatives
While the AR carry handle sight is a solid choice, several alternatives are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:
Red Dot Sights
These sights project a red dot onto the target, offering fast target acquisition and generally good visibility. The advantage is speed; the disadvantage is that you need batteries.
Scopes (Magnified Optics)
Scopes provide magnification, allowing you to see the target in more detail and engage targets at longer ranges. The downside is that the higher the magnification, the less you see in the field of view.
Back-Up Iron Sights (BUIS)
These are a backup sighting option that typically folds down, keeping them out of the way when using an optic. They allow you to use iron sights as a backup in case your primary optic fails.
The best choice of sight depends on your needs and the intended use of your AR-15. Consider factors such as the type of shooting you’ll be doing, the typical ranges you’ll be shooting at, and your budget.
Care and Keeping: Maintaining Your Carry Handle Sight
Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and functionality of your AR carry handle sight. Regular cleaning and inspection are key. Wipe down the sight with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Lubricate the moving parts, such as the adjustment knobs, with a light gun oil. Regularly check for loose screws or components and tighten them as needed. Store your rifle and sight in a dry, secure location to protect them from the elements.
In Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Carry Handle
The AR carry handle sight represents a significant piece of firearm history and continues to provide shooters with a reliable and cost-effective sighting solution. Its simplicity, robustness, and historic significance make it an appealing choice for many AR-15 enthusiasts. While modern optics have gained in popularity, the carry handle sight continues to hold its own, especially for those who prioritize reliability, affordability, and a classic aesthetic.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use the carry handle sight or another optic depends on your individual preferences and the specific needs of your shooting activities. Understanding the advantages, disadvantages, and alternatives will help you make an informed decision. Whether you choose the time-tested simplicity of the carry handle sight or opt for a modern optic, the most important thing is to practice, train, and enjoy the shooting experience.
