Gorilla Machining A2 Detachable Carry Handle – Precision Rear Sight for AR-15
Upgrade your AR-15 rifle with the Gorilla Machining A2 Detachable Carry Handle, engineered for strength and durability using aircraft-grade aluminum and steel. This AR-15 carry handle features a built-in dual aperture rear flip-up sight with adjustable windage and elevation, ensuring enhanced shooting accuracy and an improved sight picture.
Designed for flat-top AR-15 rifles, this mil-spec carry handle measures 5 inches in height and has an overall base length of 7.125 inches. Built to precise tolerances, it fits all Mil-Spec AR-15/M4 variants with no gunsmithing required.
Whether you're looking for a tactical upgrade or a classic A2-style sight, the Gorilla Machining A2 Carry Handle delivers reliability and performance for your AR-15 build.
Features:
- Aircraft-grade aluminum and steel for maximum durability
- A2-style rear sight with dual apertures
- Windage & elevation adjustable for precision aiming
- Fits all Mil-Spec AR-15/M4 flat-top rifles
- Easy installation – No gunsmithing required
AR-15 Detachable Carry Handle - A2 Style w/ Windage and Elevation Adjustments: A Classic Upgrade with Tactical Precision
The AR-15 platform is one of the most versatile and customizable rifles in the world. From modern optics to lightweight handguards and cutting-edge barrels, the list of upgrade options is nearly endless. Yet, among all the high-tech accessories available, the AR-15 Detachable Carry Handle - A2 Style w/ Windage and Elevation Adjustments remains a timeless favorite for shooters who value durability, simplicity, and proven functionality. This classic design not only adds a nostalgic military aesthetic but also delivers practical performance, especially in iron sight setups.When building or upgrading an AR-15 rifle, the detachable carry handle offers a solid option for shooters looking to maintain a traditional look, benefit from backup iron sights (BUIS), or even simplify their build with a rugged and reliable sighting system.
In this, we’ll dive into every important detail you need to know about the A2-style detachable carry handle, from its origins and design to its practical applications in modern-day shooting.The origins of the A2-style carry handle trace back to the military’s adoption of the M16A2 rifle in the 1980s. At the time, the carry handle was not detachable—it was an integral part of the upper receiver. The idea was simple: give soldiers a rugged, easy-to-use platform with built-in iron sights that could survive tough environments. Over time, the A2 carry handle gained a reputation for its precision windage and elevation adjustments and its ability to hold zero under intense use.As the AR-15 evolved into the flat-top upper receiver configuration (thanks to the advent of the Picatinny rail), the carry handle became detachable.
This change offered shooters the best of both worlds—modern flexibility with the option to mount traditional iron sights when needed. Today, the AR-15 Detachable Carry Handle - A2 Style w/ Windage and Elevation Adjustments remains one of the most popular choices for shooters who want durability, versatility, and heritage wrapped into one component.One of the standout features of this detachable carry handle is its construction. Most A2-style carry handles are machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, often with a hard-coat anodized finish for extra resilience. This makes them both lightweight and capable of withstanding hard use in the field, whether you're training at the range, on a patrol, or out hunting.The handle attaches securely to any standard Picatinny (Mil-Spec 1913) rail using dual thumbscrews that create a rock-solid fit. Once installed, there’s minimal wobble or movement, ensuring consistent performance shot after shot. The quality of the materials used also means this carry handle can last for years without any degradation in performance.What really sets the AR-15 Detachable Carry Handle - A2 Style w/ Windage and Elevation Adjustments apart is its built-in rear sight. Unlike fixed rear sights or flip-up backups, the A2 carry handle includes a rear sight that offers both windage and elevation adjustments without requiring additional tools.
This gives the shooter the ability to make fine-tuned corrections on the fly, whether zeroing at the range or adapting to varying environmental conditions in the field.The sight includes two apertures: a smaller one for long-range precision and a larger ghost ring for close-quarters use. This dual-aperture system allows you to transition quickly between different engagement distances, making the carry handle sight more versatile than many standard BUIS setups. Windage adjustments are controlled via a knob on the right side of the sight, while elevation is adjusted by rotating the drum beneath the aperture, each click offering tactile feedback and audible confirmation.While red dots, LPVOs, and holographic sights have become the norm on many AR-15s, there is still a strong use case for iron sights—especially in backup roles or minimalist builds.
The A2-style detachable carry handle serves exceptionally well as a reliable backup sight system in case your optic fails or loses zero. Since it’s detachable, it can be quickly installed or removed depending on your mission profile or shooting scenario.For those who prefer a classic, no-optic setup—especially for training purposes or simplicity—the carry handle rear sight, paired with a standard A2 front post, offers one of the most robust and accurate iron sight systems available. These sights are capable of delivering tight groupings out to 300 meters with the right ammunition and shooter proficiency.In recent years, retro AR builds have become increasingly popular among collectors, enthusiasts, and nostalgic shooters alike.
Whether you’re recreating a classic M16A2, CAR-15, or even an early M4 clone, the detachable carry handle is a must-have component. It not only completes the iconic silhouette of a military rifle but also offers the same functionality that troops have relied on for decades.The attention to detail in A2-style carry handles—down to the contour, finish, and markings—makes them perfect for authentic retro reproductions. Whether you're building a rifle for personal enjoyment, competition, or historical collection, this component adds value, accuracy, and authenticity to your firearm.One of the reasons the AR-15 Detachable Carry Handle - A2 Style remains popular is its ease of use. Installation is simple: align the base with your rifle’s top Picatinny rail and tighten the dual thumbscrews until secure. Removal is just as fast, requiring no specialized tools. This makes it a convenient addition to any shooter’s range bag or field kit—ideal for those who like to alternate between optics and irons depending on the scenario.
Maintenance is also straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a cloth, occasional oiling of the adjustment knobs, and keeping the aperture free of dirt and debris is typically all that’s needed to keep the carry handle performing like new.In terms of cost, the detachable carry handle is often more affordable than many premium backup sights, yet it offers far more utility. With full windage and elevation adjustments, rugged construction, and a dual-aperture system, it outperforms many flip-up iron sights in both precision and durability. It’s also an all-in-one unit, eliminating the need for separate rear sight purchases or the hassle of sight alignment across multiple parts.For budget-conscious builders or those looking for high-value upgrades, the A2-style detachable carry handle represents one of the best returns on investment you can make in terms of performance, reliability, and heritage.
