A Journey Through Time: The Genesis of the Carry Handle Rear Sight
The Beginning
Imagine the unmistakable silhouette: the familiar, sturdy profile of an AR-15, its integrated carry handle a defining feature. Beyond its iconic aesthetic, nestled within that handle sits a crucial component – the rear sight. For many, the carry handle rear sight evokes a sense of nostalgia, a connection to a specific era of firearms design and tactical development. But what exactly does this seemingly simple device do, and how has it evolved over time? This comprehensive guide will delve into the history, functionality, and modern alternatives to the carry handle rear sight, providing you with a complete understanding of this significant piece of firearm technology.
Early Years
The story of the carry handle rear sight is deeply intertwined with the evolution of the AR-15 rifle, a weapon that has become a symbol of American military power and civilian ownership. Its origins can be traced to the early days of the AR-15’s development, spearheaded by Eugene Stoner and his team at ArmaLite. The original design incorporated a unique carry handle that served a dual purpose: providing a convenient way to transport the rifle and housing the rear sight mechanism.
Evolution and Adaptation
As the AR-15 transitioned into the M16, adopted by the U.S. military in the early 1960s, the carry handle became an even more recognizable feature. The design choice was directly influenced by the tactical needs of the era. During the Vietnam War, the carry handle provided a robust and relatively simple sighting system, particularly important in the dense jungle environments where rapid target acquisition was crucial. The rear sight, integrated within the carry handle, offered a relatively protected and readily accessible aiming solution. It became a standard feature, influencing the design of subsequent generations of military and civilian rifles alike.
Impact and Legacy
Throughout its history, the carry handle and its integral rear sight underwent modifications, reflecting advancements in materials and manufacturing techniques. These adjustments, though subtle, aimed to improve durability, ease of use, and accuracy. The basic premise, however, remained consistent: a robust, mechanically simple sight system designed to withstand the rigors of combat and provide soldiers with a reliable aiming solution. The widespread adoption of the carry handle rear sight left an indelible mark on the landscape of firearms design, shaping both the aesthetics and functionality of modern rifles.
Understanding the Core: Functionality and Its Essential Parts
The Aiming Process
The carry handle rear sight’s primary role is to assist the shooter in aligning the weapon with the target. Working in conjunction with the front sight, the carry handle rear sight provides the crucial components required for accurate shooting.
Key Components
At its heart lies the rear sight aperture, often referred to as the peep sight. This is a small, circular opening located within the carry handle. When the shooter looks through this aperture, it helps to naturally center the eye, making it easier to align the front sight post (typically a vertical post) with the target. The aperture also contributes to improving depth of field, enabling the shooter to focus on both the front sight and the target more effectively.
Elevation Adjustment
The elevation adjustment mechanism is responsible for setting the sight’s height, compensating for the effects of gravity on the bullet’s trajectory over different distances. This mechanism typically utilizes a knob or dial that can be turned to raise or lower the rear sight, effectively changing the point of impact on the target. The adjustments are often calibrated in increments, such as minutes of angle (MOA), allowing for precise corrections based on the distance to the target and the ballistics of the ammunition being used.
Windage Adjustment
Another crucial component is the windage adjustment mechanism, which allows the shooter to correct for wind drift, or the effect of crosswinds on the bullet’s flight path. This mechanism typically involves a knob or dial that can be adjusted to move the rear sight horizontally, compensating for the lateral movement of the bullet caused by wind. Like elevation adjustments, windage adjustments are usually calibrated in increments, enabling precise corrections to be made.
Advantages
The advantages of the carry handle rear sight are undeniable. Its robust design makes it highly durable and resistant to damage, capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of combat or rugged outdoor use. Its mechanical simplicity enhances its reliability, reducing the likelihood of malfunction or failure. The sight’s peep-sight design can contribute to faster target acquisition, particularly in situations where rapid engagement is required.
Disadvantages
However, the carry handle rear sight also has limitations. The sight radius—the distance between the front and rear sights—is relatively short compared to modern designs, potentially impacting accuracy at longer ranges. The carry handle can also add to the overall weight and bulk of the rifle. Furthermore, the relatively small aperture of the peep sight may not be ideal in low-light conditions, where a wider field of view or illuminated optics may prove more beneficial.
Mastering the Basics: Practical Application and Essential Skills
Sight Setup
Successfully utilizing the carry handle rear sight requires a fundamental understanding of sight setup and zeroing. Zeroing is the process of adjusting the sights so that the point of impact (POI) matches the point of aim (POA) at a specific distance.
Zeroing Instructions
To begin, position the rifle at a stable platform, such as a bench or sandbags. The target should be placed at a known distance, such as 25, 50, or 100 yards, depending on your intended application. With the rifle securely held, align the front sight post with the rear sight aperture, ensuring a clear sight picture. The sight picture should look the same every time you acquire the target. The proper sight picture is crucial for consistently hitting the target.
Adjusting the Sight
Take a series of carefully aimed shots at the target. After firing the initial shots, observe the point of impact. If the bullets are consistently impacting above the point of aim, adjust the elevation dial on the carry handle rear sight to lower the point of impact. If the bullets are impacting below the point of aim, adjust the elevation dial to raise the point of impact. If the bullets are impacting to the left of the point of aim, adjust the windage dial to move the point of impact to the right. Conversely, if the bullets are impacting to the right of the point of aim, adjust the windage dial to move the point of impact to the left.
Make small adjustments to the elevation and windage dials, firing additional shots after each adjustment. Continue this process until the point of impact consistently matches the point of aim at the desired distance. This establishes a zero for the rifle and sight combination.
Common Problems and Solutions
Be mindful of common issues. A blurry sight picture can be caused by improper eye relief, where the shooter’s eye is not positioned at the correct distance from the rear sight. Ensure you are consistently maintaining a clear sight picture. Inconsistent shot placement can be the result of inconsistent trigger control or improper breathing techniques. Practice maintaining a steady hold and consistent trigger squeeze.
Maintenance and Care
Regular maintenance is essential for prolonging the life and effectiveness of the carry handle rear sight. Clean the sight regularly with a soft cloth to remove any dirt, debris, or residue. Lubricate the moving parts of the adjustment mechanisms with a light oil to ensure smooth operation.
Ammo Considerations
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of your current ammunition. Different ammunition types can cause the point of impact to shift. Keep this in mind when adjusting your sights or selecting ammunition for specific shooting scenarios.
Practice
Effective use of the carry handle rear sight demands consistent practice. Dry-firing drills—practicing the aiming and trigger pull without live ammunition—can help build muscle memory and improve consistency. Practicing at different distances can enhance the shooter’s ability to estimate range and make accurate adjustments.
Looking Ahead: Alternatives in a Changing World
A New Era
While the carry handle rear sight continues to be valued by some, the firearms landscape has evolved, and various alternatives have emerged, offering enhanced functionality and versatility.
Flat-Top Receivers
The modern world of sighting systems has ushered in the flat-top receiver, a design where a Picatinny rail runs along the top of the receiver. This design allows for the easy attachment of a wide range of sighting systems.
Iron Sights
Iron sights, in various configurations, continue to be a reliable backup option. Many modern rifles incorporate backup iron sights (BUIS) that can be deployed quickly if a primary optic fails or is damaged. BUIS often fold down out of the way when not needed and offer a robust, no-battery-required aiming solution.
Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights have become increasingly popular for their ease of use and rapid target acquisition capabilities. They project a red dot onto the target, allowing for quick and intuitive aiming. Red dot sights are particularly well-suited for close- to medium-range engagements.
Scopes
Scopes, with their magnification capabilities, are ideal for long-range shooting. Various scope types, from fixed power to variable power, are available to meet diverse tactical and competitive needs.
Comparing the Options
These alternatives each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Red dot sights provide excellent close-quarters performance, scopes offer enhanced long-range accuracy, and iron sights offer simplicity and reliability. The choice of which sighting system to use often depends on the intended application, the distance to the target, and the shooter’s individual preferences. The advantages and disadvantages, compared to a carry handle rear sight, are generally a wider field of view, and more versatility when it comes to different types of shooting at different ranges.
The Carry Handle Today and Tomorrow
The Legacy of the Carry Handle
In the current firearms market, the carry handle rear sight remains a design with a dedicated following. It can still be found on certain AR-15 builds, particularly those that are designed to evoke a retro aesthetic. The retro style, where AR-15 rifles from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s are recreated, are very popular with collectors, as well as shooters. The carry handle rear sight is a crucial part of this recreation.
Cultural Significance
The cultural impact of the carry handle design is undeniable. It is instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with firearms and military imagery. The carry handle’s familiar design and functionality can still be useful in certain scenarios, particularly in situations where simplicity and robustness are paramount.
The Future
As the firearms industry continues to innovate, the carry handle rear sight’s position may continue to evolve. But even as new technologies emerge, the legacy of the carry handle rear sight, its role in shaping modern firearms, will continue to be recognized.
In Conclusion
The carry handle rear sight is more than just a piece of equipment; it is a piece of history. From its origins on the AR-15 to its adoption by militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide, the carry handle rear sight has played a significant role in the evolution of firearms. By understanding its history, appreciating its functionality, and recognizing the availability of alternatives, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the design. Whether embracing its simplicity or exploring the advancements of modern sighting systems, the carry handle rear sight remains a critical component of the firearms world.
