Griffin Armament has done nothing but impress me lately. Their M4SD II Flash Comp is an excellent muzzle device, I have had great customer service experiences with them, and they have been producing videos that explain the features and benefits of much of their product line which I really like. Their latest video is an overview of their entire suppressor line for this year. I would like to see more companies take the time to do similar videos.
I recently reviewed the Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sights and that review generated a lot of interest and discussion about the offset iron sight concept. It seems like a good idea to go over some of the available offset iron sight options for those of you who may be interested in trying them. My hope is that having pretty much all the currently available options in one place will be helpful to you.
Dueck Defense RTS – I won’t say much about these sights since I just reviewed them. They work and they work well. I think they are the standard in the industry right now.
GG&G 45 Degree Transition Sights – I have also mentioned these sights in the past. They appear to be well executed. I like that they are fixed (non-folding) and simple.
XS Sight Systems XTI – The XTI sights from XS Sight Systems are probably the most unique offset iron sights on the market. XS Sights has basically adapted their pistol sights to the carbine.
Knight’s Armament 45° Offset Sight Kit – Knight’s makes good stuff period. These are likely no exception. I like how compact they are though I prefer a fixed sight in this role. I would just leave them deployed all the time. I should also note that Knight’s Armament always does a great job striking a balance between making their sights easily adjustable but with low profile knobs (and often without the need for any tools).
Diamonhead D-45 Integrated Sighting System – The way that the Diamondhead D-45 sights swing out is very slick. They sit directly on the top rail like traditional folding sights when folded but swing out wide when deployed. These offsets also incorporate Diamondhead’s unique diamond shaped rear aperture.
JP Short-Range Tactical Sight – The JPSRTS might be the grandaddy of all offset iron sights. It has been around forever because it just flat works.
JP JPROS – If you have a set of iron sights that you really like and you would like to use them as offset iron sights then the JPROS is for you. These will place them at 45 degrees on the axis of the bore. You will need two to mount the JPSRTS (above) or other iron sights.
Note: It can be tempting to use any old 45 degree offset rail mounts when trying to make offset sights. Don’t fall into that trap. Typical 45 degree offset rail mounts are made to be 45 degrees off the rail. This means that they are not on the axis of the bore which means that they will introduce significant windage deflection to the path of the bullet. Obtaining a traditional zero will be impossible. Stick with rail mounts, like the JPROS, that are built specifically for this purpose.
This is a post that I have been looking forward to writing ever since I came across this thread on M4C. Battle Arms Development is working on bringing their own forged AR-15 Lower Receivers to market and I have no doubt that they will be excellent. These lowers will be compatible with the truly excellent short throw selectors. They may even be available as 80% receivers at some point. There have also been hints of a billet receiver popping up some time in the future.
Check out Battle Arms Development!
Look at that magwell!
I am a big fan of every INFORCE product that I have laid hands on so far. The APL in particular is a tremendous pistol light, perhaps the best suited pistol light to concealed carry ever made. It also works very well on a carbine. Until recently, the APL was only available in a dark grey color but now, INFORCE has released it in Flat Dark Earth. The FDE APL is available only at 2 Vets Arms.
I know one of you will ask… INFORCE tells me this is a very close match to Magpul’s FDE polymer goods.
Check out 2 Vets Arms and INFORCE.
Current grey version shown for reference.
Start picking up some extra chores around the house. Maybe your neighbor will let you mow their lawn for a few weeks. The old lady down the street always has yard work that needs done. Get to it! You are going to want to have some extra spending money on hand when you see this new video for the Trijicon CCAS or Continuous Computed Aiming Solution.
My first impression was… “Awesome. Someone finally made a real optic with a Hollywood style reticle.”
It may look Hollywood but if it does everything Trijicon says it does (and I have no reason to doubt Trijicon) then it is down right amazing. Certainly, there have been other smart scopes before but I am not sure I have ever seen one as viable as the CCAS. It has a rugged ACOG pedigree, a seemingly very easy to use user interface, and it is comparatively compact.
So what if it is available to military and law enforcement users only. Everything is for sale for the right price! I know a guy!
Check out Trijicon.com.
PS – Trijicon assures me that they have built in safeguards to prevent the CCAS from becoming sentient which is a relief. They shot down my ideas for being able to check my Twitter feed from within the reticle.
