A1 Carry Handle vs A2 Carry Handle vs Detachable Carry Handle

With 3 different types of carry handle, There are variations that make certain ones better for certain applications. In this video, I discuss the 3 different variations of the AR-15 carry handle.
Email: [e-mail]
Venmo: @Official_8MM ($3 and your address for an 8mm Mauser Man sticker)
Outro Music: PT109 by Jimmy Dean

[@toddk1377]

One thing to keep in mind with detachable carry handles, they are not all created equal. The cheap ones have weak detents so when you flip the aperture from large to small or vice versa, it's common that the windage knob also moves. I've noticed this on the cheap carry handles as well as the cheaper A2 fixed sights you can buy. So when someone sees a carry handle for $29.99 and another for $79.99, one of them will have a forge mark and the other will not and the one with the forge mark is higher quality all the way around.

[@8mmmauserman]

Good point. There are other videos comparing cheap carry handles to milspec ones. With Carry Handles, spend the extra money, unless it's for an airsoft gun.

[@davidschaadt3460]

I have the $29. Dollar SARCO handles on my guns. They seem good. But I know what you mean 🪖

[@11ops11]

I was recently issued an A1 (hard to believe, I know) and couldn't figure out why both rear aperture holes were the same size. I originally trained on A4's in the Marines so I kept flipping back and forth wondering if I was just too blind to see the difference in size. Now I know it wasn't just me! Thank you for this video!

[@8mmmauserman]

Glad to help😃 2 questions: 1. Were you issued that in the National Guard? 2. Did it still have the original triangle handguards, or had they been replaced by A2’s?

[@11ops11]

@@8mmmauserman I’m actually in the Israeli Army reserves right now. The rifle I’m carrying looks just like a Colt 653 (is marked Colt M16A1 on the lower) but it has a 1/7 barrel. I replaced the handguards with a set that has mlok, the grip is a Magpul and I replaced the aluminum stock with a polymer one (the aluminum was abused and it wouldn’t adjust easily anymore). Most of the guys in my unit carry them with goosenecks and red dots that co-witness. Also, my front sight post is an A2 style post with the squared off top. Depending on how you look at it, it’s either a really cool retro build or a destroyed piece of history lol. We still have lots of original A1’s in service here as well, with triangle handguards and all. These are pretty much only used for training purposes though and only if you have a desk job.

[@8mmmauserman]

@@11ops11 Interesting. Glad I can help and praying for your part of the world. I'd be interested in seeing that rifle if you wouldn't get in trouble for sending pics to my email, [e-mail]

[@guyfranks4354]

Yes, both aperatures are the same size. However, one is marked L. It puts M193 Ball ammo point of aim at 25m and again at 375m. If the other aperature is used it puts those same M193 bullets point of aim at 42m and 250m BSZ (Battle Sight Zero).

[@Dan-di9jd]

It is kind of cool that the AR has been in long enough that there are entire generation of people behind each of the type of sighting systems. A lot of folks don't realize but there are situations where an AR15 could be registered an a curious & relic firearm. There are very few samples remaining but they are out there.

[@Forbidden_Word]

Dude, I love the series. These episodes are actually answering my questions. Nicely doneA

[@8mmmauserman]

Awesome! Glad I could help!

[@SHOT_GUNNER]

Most of my AR's are fixed carry handles. I served in the USMC 02'-06' and it is what tickles my fancy. I prefer the A1 but also use the A2.

[@8mmmauserman]

They are really cool, and I think they really do have some advantages

[@jmcrae825]

It’s like they’ve come full circle. People have modified them so much that an original style is cooler than the fancy modded rifles!😊

[@Bearlaker]

Thank you for serving.

[@kb6069]

Thank you for your service!! Also can an A2 be bought and added to any AR? I recently got a new one and it’s high time to have a handle on one, the A2 seems to be the look I want to achieve.

[@danieledwards2296]

Did basic training with the a1 m16 best rifle ever in my opinion 👍🏿

[@8mmmauserman]

I think peak for me is A1 barrel and stock, A2 sights

[@slavmuttgunslinger3012]

Was near to getting a Detch. CH and a gooseneck and thsi vid saved me from finding out the hard way. Going to just stick to my cowitness with a red dot and fixed rear iron

[@8mmmauserman]

Glad to help

[@frednaumann992]

Great video! I learned a lot.

[@8mmmauserman]

Thanks! Glad I could help!

[@joemorganeatmyshortschannel]

love the vintage guns

[@8mmmauserman]

Thanks man. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this carbine as much as I do.

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

They should have combined the a1 and a2 sight . 0-200. Flip to L for 300. Drum 400 plus

[@8mmmauserman]

That’s be neat. It is nice how quick the A1 changes.

[@fireemblemistrash75]

If they kept making fixed, we’d all get them. But flat tops work sufficiently enough

[@8mmmauserman]

For sure. Fixed Carry Handles are really cool

[@BaconSlayer69]

Love ur channel btw keep it up

[@8mmmauserman]

Thanks!!

[@marco529]

Nice acquisition!

[@8mmmauserman]

Thanks!

[@user-fj4qp5eo5j]

I run detachable rear sight assemblies (carry handles) on all five of my ARs; two A3 Style rifles and three differently set up carbines. You should never go cheap on rear sights; save yourself the grief and exasperation. Mine were all purchased from a well-known high grade manufacturer. They were expensive...as in a little over $100 expensive. But you do, in fact, get what you pay for.

[@8mmmauserman]

For sure. Limited experience with a $30 detachable handle and it was bad

[@NoahBranch503]

Iron sights little and big opening are for day and night

[@guyfranks4354]

I guess you have never seen a double ended A1 sight adjusting tool. The large end fits the rear sight windage drum, the small end fits the front sight post. This tool only fits the A1 rifles only. Also a double ended one was made for both A1 and A2 front sight posts. The 5 prong end fits A1 posts, the 4 prong end fits A2 posts.

[@8mmmauserman]

I've seen them, but not in stores. I don't have one because I'd have to order it online, and it's not worth the price to me.

[@koolaidblack7697]

Neat LEO AR Mauser Man. (It's also neat that every word in that sentence coincidentally had to be capitalized.

[@8mmmauserman]

🫨

[@Weptek911]

I like the A1 carry handle uppers but I always put the larger A2 apertures in them.

[@8mmmauserman]

I’ve thought about getting one and doing that too

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

One thing thatbyou missed and it may not be a big deal to you, but having humped one (m16a1) for extended periods of time, i like the fixed handle because my thumb will fit through it to carry the rifle at the balance point. You showed your fingers getting in there but i apparently have fat thumbs and they dont go through the detachable handles at all. Thats my only gripe.

[@8mmmauserman]

I thought I mentioned the size difference, but I have the same problem. I can't comfortably carry the detachable ones from the handle.

[@tambo_]

Very nice guns! What's the piece on the charging handle with the A2 upper on it?

[@8mmmauserman]

It’s just the extended charging handle latch that came on the gun

[@kb6069]

Great video man! As much as I want to go trade my flat top on for an A2 it just makes since that I get a good attachable handle to start with! Another question how would an attachable handle work with a fold up front site? I have one of each, but I am curious as to how or if that would work. Thanks for sharing!

[@8mmmauserman]

Hmm… I’m not sure. I’ve never tested.

[@Hastambre]

Hey do you happen to remember what brand that goosestep mount is?

[@8mmmauserman]

Not sure. It’s milsurp off eBay

[@Luvbands]

Do they still sale the 1st .. old-school blk a2 a1 handle rifles

[@8mmmauserman]

No idea. I sometimes see them on gunbroker that appear new, but that could just be old stock that wasn't sold. It is a good place to look for carry handle guns though. I also know PSA just started making A1s, but I've been trying to get an A1 lower and they're sold out.

[@BaconSlayer69]

It’s simple the A1 is the better combat sight while the A2 is the better target sight

[@8mmmauserman]

I get this sentiment, but I think I'd prefer the A2 regardless. I really like the larger aperture for close range.

[@BaconSlayer69]

@@8mmmauserman depends how close u shooting the A2 sights are kinda pointless when u really look into it I mean the AR15 is a 300 meter rifle max effective range is 500 yards with a really good shooter oh and 500 yards is the limit for 5.56 on effectiveness on target

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

@@BaconSlayer69 agreed, a2 drum doesn’t turn your rifle into a 308 !

[@BaconSlayer69]

@@TheREALLibertyOrDeath exactly only thing I see it good for is to make the adjustments easier to hit 500 yard targets on the fly

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

@@BaconSlayer69 id like an a1 sight with an a2 drum. I think a combination of the two would have eliminated all the confusion, and held a better hit probably 0-300

[@somedude1742]

👍

[@scratchguns]

Whats nice is that you can put an A2 aperture on an A1. If you wanted the bigger aperture you can still zero

[@8mmmauserman]

True. I’ve thought about doing that, but I also like the classics

[@East_Coast_Toasty_Boy]

12:26 illegal to have that requirment because it's unconstitutional, so *ignore*

[@8mmmauserman]

It's not illegal regardless. I said that because my outro is "I __________, but I lived on..." and that's the one I chose for this video.

[@East_Coast_Toasty_Boy]

@@8mmmauserman I'm just going by the constitution. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@8mmmauserman]

​@@East_Coast_Toasty_Boy Ok. This was basically a joke anyway.

[@East_Coast_Toasty_Boy]

@@8mmmauserman Ah I see. LOL

[@_bravo_8581]

Is that a s.a.w sling on the 16?

[@8mmmauserman]

It’s an M60 sling. They’re probably pretty similar

[@_bravo_8581]

@@8mmmauserman yeah they look pretty similar to our modern MG slings. Awesome videos btw.

[@graydude4698]

👽 I believe it's called a OPTICAL RISER is it's real name. but it's ok I could b wrong & does it matter ?

[@8mmmauserman]

This may be one of those situations where the technical term is not the common use term.

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Hey Big John

[@8mmmauserman]

🇺🇸🤠👌

[@charlesludwig9173]

All of these sights are now obsolete. The MaTech BUIS replaced the detachable carry handle sight and it can easily be zeroed for a 300 meter battle sight zero and bullet drop compensation function without fuss on either an M4 or A4. This sight can remain attached and zeroed on an M4 or A4 hosting an ACOG or LPVO. One thing though, the fixed carry handle sight match conditioned to 1/4 min value and finer aperture still rules in NRA Long-Range (1000 yard) Service Rifle Competition, since its greater sight adjustment range than others permits a greater range of holds on target without reaching an adjustment limit. BTW, note that the click value of sights on carbine are greater than when sights are on rifle due to divergence of the sight radius. Also the zeroing procedure for A2/A4 requires a one MOA clockwise offset from 8/3 or 6/3 marking at 25 meters since the 20 inch barrel rifle produces a slightly flatter trajectory than the 14.5 inch barrel carbine. Of course this offset is removed from the sight after zeroing by turning elevation wheel counter clockwise back to 6/3 or 8/3.

[@8mmmauserman]

Sometimes we just like older things because they're cool. That's why I like carry handles.

[@westcoastplinkin6559]

Who cares. Magtech BUIS will always look like shit.

[@charlesludwig9173]

@@8mmmausermanfor sure the A2 carry handle is without doubt the route to go still today for the multitudes of shooters out there who have an interest in long range service rifle competition.

[@danielaramburo7648]

Why so complicated? My Ak has way simpler sights.

[@8mmmauserman]

I don't think any of these are complicated, just a touch different from each other.

[@JohnDoe-gj4dv]

The " L " STANDS FOR " LOW LIGHT " SHOOTING........ M16A1 HAS A 250 METER ZERO WITH THE UNMARKED REAR SIGHT.

[@8mmmauserman]

I verified all information in this video alongside content made by those trained in the military, such as Paul Harrell, and military documents. As with many things, there is the way they were intended, and the way they were used, but use also changed over time.

[@j.bernard6944]

on the A1 sights shown "L" stands for "Long-Range". The A1 shown didn't have the Low Light Level Sight System (LLLSS).

[@TheREALLibertyOrDeath]

@@j.bernard6944 correct, so much confusion between a1 and a2 sight out there

[@-1Patroit.]

You had as much or more room with the detachable handle. You need to watch your video

[@8mmmauserman]

No... you don't. I had it right in front of me. There's not as much room for your fingers

[@ch3zburg4r]

You should eat more sonny, you're nothing but skin and bones!

[@8mmmauserman]

It's the genetics sadly.

[@BaconSlayer69]

@@8mmmauserman start lifting weights and that will change

[@hnguye22]

A2 is cool. Upper receiver is hard to get because not too manucturers are making it anymore. Thank you for posting

[@8mmmauserman]

It’s quite sad. I get flat tops are probably cheaper, but these are classic.

[@MrBioniclefan1]

H&R is making A2 uppers

[@hnguye22]

@MrBioniclefan1 Thank you posting. They're out of stock.

[@MrBioniclefan1]

@@hnguye22 yeah I know and it doesn’t help that psa the owner of H&R is constantly sitting on their asses and not keeping things in stock.

[@MrBioniclefan1]

@@8mmmauserman well fixed carry handle uppers have been getting quite popular again because people found out the riser mounts were the exact same height as a carry handle.