Pretty dumb observation question

[WhoAmI]

a pretty brain dead question so please don't hate I was wondering what the small front site on military sniper rifles is for is it just a marker so they know where the top and center of the barrel is when machining or does it have a purpose ? Iv seen them on like top sniper and shows like it and on the member here named delta 3/4 profile pic and was curious

 

[vinsonr]

They have bases to mount rear sights and fire the weapon without a scope. http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-bolt-action-rifles/51116-army-m24-build-thread.html