Iron sights out of windage

jmccracken1214

jmccracken1214

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Went shooting my cheap AR today, threw a set of DD fixed irons on it and at 40-50 yards, had to turn the rear sight all the way to the left... Got to messing around, figured front sight was out of wack, due to being mounted on a free float handguard, a cheap one at that. so I loosened the handguard and turned it ever so slightly to the right, and that got me a lot closer, but im still shooting 2-3" to the right, when the rear sight maxed out.

Do better quality handguards fix this? Or should I just get cheap optics to throw on this gun and call the iron sights a bust?
 
Is your rail system mil-spec? I had read that some sights will cant if the rail system isn't mil-spec. I'm not a lot of help here as I'm slightly new to the AR platform. I have a Troy M7A1 that I shot with iron sights before putting on a Trijicon red dot. It took a while to get sighted in, but it's dead on at 25 yards (indoor range limits). If I'm way off base her, I apologize. I read a lot to learn from these posts....
 
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I would probably try to find a buddy that can lend you a mil-spec handguard/rail to check it out before you invest in one...or "rent" one, being careful not to mar the finish.
 
This issue becomes more and more of a issue with cheap handguards. But you knew that when you bought it that it is a budget build. I would be smart and not place the front sight to the end and move it closer to your rear sight if able. But I be you $100 they did not cut slots across the spine. These things cost $$

IF so I would say the hell with it and dump the irons and go get a RDS and be done with it. For the price of serviceable irons you can get a RDS for $50 more.
 
Combat Diver said:
I would relook at your free floated rail to ensure that its mounted correctly. Use something ie detachable carrying handle that will bridge both upper and handguard. Then retighten your rail so they are aligned correctly. Then rezero your rifle

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CD
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Tried that, same issue. I had to twist the HG slightly where the rail's didnt like up with the receiver, and it got me closer, but no cigar. Im not surprised. $120 sights on a $300 rifle lol. Looks like a small optic/red dot will go on here instead. Just really wanted to run irons on it.
 
Combat Diver said:
I would relook at your free floated rail to ensure that its mounted correctly. Use something ie detachable carrying handle that will bridge both upper and handguard. Then retighten your rail so they are aligned correctly. Then rezero your rifle

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CD
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Was about to suggest this. I always align my rails this way before tightening them down (when possible)
 
jmccracken1214 said:
Tried that, same issue. I had to twist the HG slightly where the rail's didnt like up with the receiver, and it got me closer, but no cigar. Im not surprised. $120 sights on a $300 rifle lol. Looks like a small optic/red dot will go on here instead. Just really wanted to run irons on it.
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Sometimes it goes against what we want. Could always break down the upper and rebuild. Or good time to try one of those SIG Romeo sights.

CD
 
Combat Diver said:
I would relook at your free floated rail to ensure that its mounted correctly. Use something ie detachable carrying handle that will bridge both upper and handguard. Then retighten your rail so they are aligned correctly. Then rezero your rifle




CD
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I generally do this ^ any time I change a handguard.
 
Just change out handguard if it’s that jacked.
 
jmccracken1214 said:
Tried that, same issue. I had to twist the HG slightly where the rail's didnt like up with the receiver, and it got me closer, but no cigar. Im not surprised. $120 sights on a $300 rifle lol. Looks like a small optic/red dot will go on here instead. Just really wanted to run irons on it.
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if it will work, go to a front sight tower mounted on the barrel.
 
From what I'm reading I'm guessing there are three types of AR aficionados. The builders (I have s great respect for IF they can keep them running ), the tinkerers (I would rather be spending my time actually shooting), and the shooters (me). I bought the best rifle I could that fit me and had all the bells and whistles, a Troy M7A1, had only minimal modifications (Geissele charging handle, black nitride mil-spec BCG, and Trijicon red dot sights) and is my go to in an AR. I mounted my red dot, changed out my charging handle and the BCG. Any other mods I will leave to my qualified armorer while I go throw some lead.;)
 
Graywolf said:
From what I'm reading I'm guessing there are three types of AR aficionados. The builders (I have s great respect for IF they can keep them running ), the tinkerers (I would rather be spending my time actually shooting), and the shooters (me). I bought the best rifle I could that fit me and had all the bells and whistles, a Troy M7A1, had only minimal modifications (Geissele charging handle, black nitride mil-spec BCG, and Trijicon red dot sights) and is my go to in an AR. I mounted my red dot, changed out my charging handle and the BCG. Any other mods I will leave to my qualified armorer while I go throw some lead.;)
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Very true.

I think that each problem is not unique or special. If one would believe trends they would understand that a majority finding applys to them too.

Low grade items cause issues that never apply to a situation until they are used. Like a 15" low grade handguard for iron sights or lasers. I have seen a rail I designed work great until it was shot off a barrier. We had over 6 MOAMof POI shiftswith the laser. a product is 98% functional until a sighting system is applied.

Its all in the specific grade that the value is found, if used. When handguards that are designed to stay true within spec on all 8 locations cost more to machine and qc and a higher scrap rate. This is what drives higher end user cost.

For me i am not one to own a high end item just to own it. But i am also the guy who does not force low grade to perform at a higher grades ability.
 
rdinatal said:
Only shoot on really windy days when the wind is blowing right to left. :rolleyes:

Yea, I've got nothing...
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And think of it a built in lead for left to right running targets. :D
 
Graywolf said:
From what I'm reading I'm guessing there are three types of AR aficionados. The builders (I have s great respect for IF they can keep them running ), the tinkerers (I would rather be spending my time actually shooting), and the shooters (me). I bought the best rifle I could that fit me and had all the bells and whistles, a Troy M7A1, had only minimal modifications (Geissele charging handle, black nitride mil-spec BCG, and Trijicon red dot sights) and is my go to in an AR. I mounted my red dot, changed out my charging handle and the BCG. Any other mods I will leave to my qualified armorer while I go throw some lead.;)
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Is it possible that some "shooters" (like you) might also be tinkerers and also build their own rifles?
I tinker, I build, and I do it for one reason: to shoot a lot. I also reload my ammunition. All the great shooters I know do this.
(edit: I do not consider myself among these great shooters, for the record!)
 
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I built that rifle out of the cheapest parts available with the intent to make something aesthetically pleasing first.

What's kind of funny, but not "haha" funny is that the problem you're having is the reason I tore the PSA kit apart in the first place. If you're set on those irons you'll probably need a better rail. I paid a whopping $30 for that one.
 
charliesgrave said:
I built that rifle out of the cheapest parts available with the intent to make something aesthetically pleasing first.

What's kind of funny, but not "haha" funny is that the problem you're having is the reason I tore the PSA kit apart in the first place. If you're set on those irons you'll probably need a better rail. I paid a whopping $30 for that one.
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That’s the conclusion I’ve come to, but I’m not going to spend $100+ on the rail. I’ll keep the irons for something else or sell them and put it towards a red dot
 
I'm a little long in the tooth to reload or tinkering and fitting parts. I will humbly leave that to those that can and do. AR pattern rifles are still new to me ( starting in Feb. of this year), I have taken courses at the range for this, but I'm no stranger to the range. Sorry if the thread went off course...just trying to help when I can and learn ALWAYS. Thanks guys!
 
Before changing anything, Mount a scope on the receiver (if you can bum one or whatever) and see if it zeroes.
One potential issue I’ve not seen mentioned is an out of spec receiver. If the receiver face is not square, the barrel will cant, causing your issue. Often times, Smith’s will true the receiver to prevent this, but I e never run into it with quality components. The only time I’ve experienced was with a PSA complete upper which required one foot of windage at 50m from a known good eotech (they replaced the upper). FWIW.


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Could be the receiver/barrel interface, or the rail/receiver.

ALG handguards are fairly affordable, on sale often, decent looking, very ergonomic, relatively light, seem pretty rigid. I have no issues with the irons on mine. But they won't cure a crooked receiver.
 
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