I recently removed my A2 front sight post in order to put an mlok handguard on my 16" AR so I could run an LPVO--I like having the LPVO, but in some ways I wish I had just built another rifle and left this one as it was. I also considered going the cut-off route, but ultimately decided I wasn't ready to start cutting things and potentially run perfectly good parts. I will say that getting the cross pin out took some serious effort (as it should), but every time I let the hammer fall I was nervous I was going to break something. If you're comfortable using an angle grinder it might save you some time to just cut the front sight off, but otherwise I'd go with full removal.
Another option might be to get a skeletonized tall riser for your red dot so you can use the red dot in a heads up position (good for NVGs and just more comfortable in general), and have the irons with the A2 front sight underneath the red dot for backup.
As far as rails go, I've been a big fan of the Midwest Industries mlok rails I've put on a couple of my rifles. Very sturdy and excellent for the money. I also like the Aero rail I have, but it's a little girthy. Midwest has a lot of options now, different inner diameters, different material thicknesses. Highly recommend checking them out.
Highly agree with the basics listed above: first priorities should be a good set of sights/optic, a sling (a simple, decent 2 point adjustable sling like the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling is probably a great place to start--great YouTube videos or there discussing the why's and how's of slings), and a good light.
After that I think one of the best, easiest, and cheapest ergonomic upgrades is to get a lower angle pistol grip... The standard A2 grip had a tendency to cant your wrist really uncomfortably, especially if you're using a carbine buffer and adjustable stock or brace with a shorter length of pull. BCM makes great pistol grips, as do Magpul, B5, and others. I won't say they're all the same, but the most important factor is going to be that low angle, 15 degrees. After that go with whichever suits your preference for grip texture, internal storage, and price.
Another option might be to get a skeletonized tall riser for your red dot so you can use the red dot in a heads up position (good for NVGs and just more comfortable in general), and have the irons with the A2 front sight underneath the red dot for backup.
As far as rails go, I've been a big fan of the Midwest Industries mlok rails I've put on a couple of my rifles. Very sturdy and excellent for the money. I also like the Aero rail I have, but it's a little girthy. Midwest has a lot of options now, different inner diameters, different material thicknesses. Highly recommend checking them out.
Highly agree with the basics listed above: first priorities should be a good set of sights/optic, a sling (a simple, decent 2 point adjustable sling like the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling is probably a great place to start--great YouTube videos or there discussing the why's and how's of slings), and a good light.
After that I think one of the best, easiest, and cheapest ergonomic upgrades is to get a lower angle pistol grip... The standard A2 grip had a tendency to cant your wrist really uncomfortably, especially if you're using a carbine buffer and adjustable stock or brace with a shorter length of pull. BCM makes great pistol grips, as do Magpul, B5, and others. I won't say they're all the same, but the most important factor is going to be that low angle, 15 degrees. After that go with whichever suits your preference for grip texture, internal storage, and price.
