Cantilevered and off-set weapon sights

Abstract

The weapon sights can be used simultaneously in conjunction with another optical sight and can be mounted on the same weapon accessory rail as the other optical sight. The weapon sights include a front sight and a rear sight that detachably mount to the weapon's accessory rail, but are cantilevered and off-set so that they do not interfere with the optical sight mounted to the same accessory rail. The cantilevered configuration and off-set orientation of the rear sight assembly and the front sight post also allow the shooter to transition quickly between the weapon sight of this invention and an optical sight by simply canting the weapon 45 degrees to bring the desired sight on target and into the vertical of the weapon.

Description

[0001]This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29 / 349,453 filed on Apr. 2, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. D,647,158.[0002]This invention relates to sights for firearms and in particular off-set weapon sights mounted to weapon accessory rails.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]Combatants may be required to use rifles to engage threats at varying ranges. Often, combatants prefer separate rifle sighting systems for threats at varying ranges. For AR-15 / M16 style weapons and other types of assault rifles, optical sights generally provide superior performance at longer ranges (beyond 200 meters), but traditional iron sights can be more effective for close-range engagements (inside 200 meters). However, attaching a telescopic optical sight can prevent the use of iron sights. If an optical sight fails at a critical moment, the sight may need to be physically removed from the weapon in order to use the back up sight. Even if the optical sight and the backup iron sights a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new type of weapon sight that can be used on both a telescopic optical sight and traditional iron sights. This sight helps to eliminate the cluttered field of vision caused by optical sights and also allows for quick transition between different sighting systems without having to remove the current system. The weapon sights are mounted on the same accessory rail as the optical sight and are cantilevered and off-set so they do not interfere with the main optical sight. This design allows for more efficient and effective use of different sighting systems, making it easier for combatants to engage threats at both long and close ranges.

Problems solved by technology

However, attaching a telescopic optical sight can prevent the use of iron sights.

Even if the optical sight and the backup iron sights are mounted to the weapon in a co-witnessed alignment, the setup often causes a front sight “shadow” on the optical image.

The addition of an optical sight also may present problematic transitions from telescopic optical sights to traditional iron sights.

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