Also wanted to add something regarding the front sight. While I agree the standard FSB is inherently stronger, I do not have any reservations running a flip up front sight. The 6940 sight sucks though.
I heard the argument, "Front sights hang-up and get caught on everything, so it needs to be strong." Of course the standard FSB does. It sticks out like a sore thumb and obviously would catch on corners and such. A front sight folded down does not have the same potential to catch on things.
One of the manufacturers (YHM or Vltor, can't remember) conducted a "twist test" where they tried to twist a clamp-on style (held by crossbolts, not set screws) gas block/flip-up front sight combo. The barrel index pin sheared and the barrel turned in the upper receiver without the sight moving. That is plenty strong IMHO. I've bashed my PRI unit a few times by accident (while flipped-up) and zero has not been affected. I use Rocksett on the screws to prevent them from loosening.
Fold-down sights are meant as back-up. Running a durable and reliable optic (Aimpoints
) means that the likelihood of using BUIS is minimal. If you need an immediate transition from failed optic to iron sights, this usually means that you are within CQB ranges and you can use the Aimpoint (or other optic) as a large ghost ring and make hits at short ranges. At longer ranges, you would want to take cover and flip your sights up.
I have no doubt that rail-mounted front sights are rugged enough as well.
I heard the argument, "Front sights hang-up and get caught on everything, so it needs to be strong." Of course the standard FSB does. It sticks out like a sore thumb and obviously would catch on corners and such. A front sight folded down does not have the same potential to catch on things.
One of the manufacturers (YHM or Vltor, can't remember) conducted a "twist test" where they tried to twist a clamp-on style (held by crossbolts, not set screws) gas block/flip-up front sight combo. The barrel index pin sheared and the barrel turned in the upper receiver without the sight moving. That is plenty strong IMHO. I've bashed my PRI unit a few times by accident (while flipped-up) and zero has not been affected. I use Rocksett on the screws to prevent them from loosening.
Fold-down sights are meant as back-up. Running a durable and reliable optic (Aimpoints

I have no doubt that rail-mounted front sights are rugged enough as well.
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