Sunday, September 23, 2012

My M4-Based SBR Build: Sighting System

The third assembly or system I have completed on my M4-Based SBR build is the sighting system. Rifles will be largely useless without a sighting system, and I have chosen to use an Optic sight for my main sighting system, and Iron Sights as back up. 

Total price was at Php 12,154 (approximately Usd 289), which I think is just about the same in the US, based on the prices of similar items that I have looked at in the internet being sold there.

‘Parts Breakdown and Details'
Here is a breakdown of the parts of the system, and posted alongside each are the prices and where I bought them (note that all the prices included Shipping Costs wherever they apply. If the parts came with multiple shipments, I just divided the Shipping Costs with the number of items that arrived):
- Burris Fast Fire 2 Reflex Sight, P 6,000 (Online, Philippine Pistol Forum)
- Picatinny Protector for Fast Fire 2 Matte Black, P 4,202 (Online, Ebay.ph -from US location)
- 45 Degree Offset Back Up Iron Sights, P 1,952 (Online, Ebay.ph - from US location)

'Burris Fast Fire 2'
I bought the Burris Fast Fire 2 last year for my Glock, but has since upgraded to the Burris Fast Fire 3. I tried to sell it in the internet, but couldn't get a good price out of it, and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I now can use it on my M4-SBR. It is a nice sight, it has a small 4 Minute of Angle dot reticle that is suitable for medium to long range use. The Protector is also excellent, made of aluminum and providing protection for the sight from bumps and such, and also enhancing its looks.

These Reflex Sights are great, because you would really be able to acquire your target quickly with that illuminated reticle, and at the same time still give you a pretty good field of view of the target. The disadvantage of these Reflex Sights, is that their batteries do run out every now and then, and when that happens, you would be in a bit of trouble if you don't have back up sights.

You can't exactly predict when they will run out of battery, and it is a bit of a trouble to keep track of them over months (even years on some models), so back up sights are IMHO a must as insurance.

Picture of the Burris Fast Fire 2 with Protector


'Offset Sights
For the Back Up Iron Sights (BUIS), I actually had three types to choose from for these:
- Fixed type
- Flip Up type
- Offset type

The "Fixed" type would be used to "Co-Witness" with the Reflex Sight, meaning the sight would be installed in the same plane as the Reflex Sight, and you would be able to actually see the sight and the Reflex Sight at the same time. The advantage of this is that if the battery of your Reflex Sight goes out, you will still be able to see the BUIS quickly. The disadvantage is that the BUIS does interfere a bit with the field of view of the Reflex Sight.

Also, for me, it is a bit silly to have the BUIS visible while still using the Reflex Sight. Why not just use the BUIS, then? Some will say the illuminated reticle is still an advantage, but I just can't shake off that feeling of silliness. Just my opinion, though.

The "Flip-Up" type have the advantage of being folded down when not in use, hence they do not interfere with the field of view of the Reflex Sight until you actually have to use them. The disadvantage, though, is that they are slow to deploy in an emergency since you have to flip up each one up to be able to use them.

The "Offset" type has none of the disadvantages of the "Fixed" or "Flip-Up" type in that they do NOT interfere in any way with the field of view of the Reflex Sight, and at the same time they are quick to deploy. Their disadvantage, though, is that they are awkward to use. You will lose your cheek rest when using them, and also the gun's stock will be at an awkward angle on your shoulder.

Picture of the 45 degree Offset Back Up Iron Sights


All three types have their advantages and disadvantages, so it all boils down to personal preference on which one to use. In my case, I opted for the Offset Sights, I like its advantages, and I think I can live with their disadvantages.

View of all three sights mounted on the Upper Receiver from the rear


View of the Sight System from the Top-Left Side


View of the Sight System from the Top-Right Side



Sources:

- Pinoy Pistol Forum, http://www.pinoy1911.net/forum/index.php

- ebay Philippines website, http://www.ebay.ph/

Related Posts:

--> My Planned M4-Based SBR Build

--> My M4-Based SBR Build: Buttstock Assembly

--> My M4-Based SBR Build: Upper Receiver Assembly

--> My M4-Based SBR Build: On Hold Indefinitely

8 comments:

  1. Nice detailed and patient M4 build bro.

    As ive been thinking of doing my own M4 build as well, this is an inspiring Article bro.

    Good luck on this project. And hope you can share your ideas with me some time. =)

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  2. Thanks. I hit a bit of a snag about my build, though, and it means my build will take awhile longer. I will blog about it one if these days.

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  3. Just started reading your blog. I think you do a great job, Ive just about read every post now. I have very similar taste in weapons as you. I went and got a really good price on a DPMS AP4. Any thoughts on that manufacturer? Only put 90 rounds through it so far. My next purchase will be optics. Im thinking about removing the fixed sights and putting on flip ups and the Fast Fire 2. Anyway, keep up the great work.

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  4. Thanks, man. Unfortunately, I can't give an assessment on DPMS as I haven't used their product on actual live firing situations. And it is likely to stay that way as I have hit a serious snag regarding my M4 Rifle build, which I will blog later. The way things are going, the M4 build is on temporary hold for at least a year, and I guess I will just have to focus on my Glock right now.

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  5. Bro, how are the offset sights doing with regards to maintaining zero? It seems to be a copy of the Dueck Defense ones which are ridiculously expensive at +/-250usd!! So I just bought 2 Daniel Defense offset mounts and try it with my MBUS. I haven't done it yet though, as I'm abroad right now. One more thing, how do you buy stuff outside Ph? Does it go straight to your house or you have to pick it up at customs? Too bad your project got held back, hope it gets better.

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  6. Sorry, I have not gotten the chance to try them out yet. But they do look solid and sturdy, so my guess is that they will do well.

    I bought my stuff from ebay.ph, and initially I was doing quite well, with the stuff being delivered to my house via the Postal Office. However, the last Vertical Grip I bought was held at Customs, they were asking me to bring the original invoice and PNP Clearance before I claim it.

    I haven't claimed it yet, hopefully one of these days. But it seems Customs now are blocking firearms accessories via the Postal Office, even if you buy only one at a time. Maybe they read my blogs, LOL.

    Or maybe they are just getting strict because of the current Election Gun Ban. I hope to try again after the ban, maybe they will be more lenient then.

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  7. They might've read your blogs! Haha. I was thinking of sending my stuff too but my pops advised not to do so, as they're getting tight. Let's say it's just the election, I think they should start focusing on the illegal side off gun culture but not the law-abiding enthusiasts and citizens. We wouldn't resort into buying abroad if only the customs make it affordable for importers or gun stores, I don't mind them doing background checks and what not but it's really still all eyes on the money. We can't just copy first world nations' "gun-less societies", although it may sound good but no way it would be applicable in our case. 1st, we're not a first world nation. 2nd, there is no decent CCTV coverage and monitoring, CCTV's will just get stolen. 3rd, "Poor" Law Enforcement equipments and training. Lastly, criminals will be happy! (Scenario: Criminal1: "That guy just got his arms confiscated". Criminal2:"I've been planning to hit them but I just got busy with business, let's see what Self Defense he has 'coz I know Karate too plus I have a gun.") LOL Sorry, I've gone off topic just can't help it. It's just sad, really. You're doing a good job on your blog, hope you cater to educate more. Keep it up!

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  8. Sayang nga, I actually prefer buying from ebay. I got the best prices and availability there ...

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