Best AR 15 iron sights in 2023
In this guild, I’m going to share the best AR 15 iron sights with best flip sights ar also.
In fact:
Generally, all the below listed ar15 iron sights are used by home defenders and high-class shooters.
If you want the AR 15 Scope for your rifle, you can get it.
The final list of best ar15 iron sights is created after the use by handy. So whether you’re on a budget or need a solid AR 15 iron sight, you’ll find it here.
Let’s start!
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Types of Backup Iron Sights
Backup iron sights (BUIS) are auxiliary aiming devices that can be used as a backup to electronic or optical sights on firearms. They are typically used on rifles, carbines, and other firearms to provide a secondary aiming option in case the primary sight fails or becomes inoperable. Here are some different types of backup iron sights:
1. Fixed Iron Sights: These are traditional iron sights that are permanently attached to the firearm and do not fold or collapse. Fixed iron sights consist of a front sight post, usually a blade or post-like structure, and a rear sight, often a notch or aperture. They are typically made of metal and provide a reliable and rugged aiming option.
2. Flip-Up Iron Sights: Flip-up sights are designed to be folded down when not in use and can be quickly flipped up into position when needed. They are usually spring-loaded and can be deployed with the press of a button or lever. Flip-up sights offer a low-profile configuration when folded and can be easily adjusted for windage and elevation.
3. Offset Iron Sights: Offset sights are typically mounted at a 45-degree angle to the firearm’s top rail, allowing the shooter to quickly transition between a primary optic and the iron sights. By tilting the firearm, the shooter can quickly acquire the offset iron sights without removing or adjusting the primary sight. Offset sights are often used in close-quarters situations or when engaging targets at different distances.
4. Tritium Night Sights: Tritium night sights are a type of iron sights that incorporate tritium gas-filled vials. These sights glow in low-light conditions, allowing for better aiming in the dark. Tritium night sights are often used in conjunction with primary optics or as standalone sights for low-light shooting scenarios.
5. Prismatic Iron Sights: Prismatic sights are a hybrid between traditional iron sights and magnified optics. They use prismatic lenses to provide some degree of magnification while still offering the simplicity and reliability of iron sights. Prismatic sights can be used as primary sights or as backups to electronic or optical sights.
It’s important to note that there are various manufacturers and models of backup iron sights available on the market, and their features may vary. These sights provide shooters with reliable aiming options and the flexibility to adapt to different shooting conditions or equipment failures.
Really Need Backup Iron Sights?
Having backup iron sights is not an absolute necessity for every shooter or every firearm. Whether you need backup iron sights or not depends on several factors, including your shooting style, the type of firearm you use, and your intended use of the firearm. Here are a few considerations which would help you to pick best ar iron sights:
1. Redundancy and Reliability: Backup iron sights provide redundancy in case your primary optic or electronic sight fails or becomes inoperable. If you heavily rely on your firearm for self-defense, competition shooting, or other critical situations, having a backup sighting system can be beneficial. Iron sights are generally rugged and reliable, not prone to battery failure or other technical issues.
2. Shooting Discipline: Different shooting disciplines have different requirements. For example, long-range precision shooters often rely on high-powered optics and may not prioritize backup iron sights. On the other hand, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and some tactical shooters may prefer having backup iron sights for quick target acquisition at close to medium ranges.
3. Optic Dependency: If your primary sighting system is an electronic optic, such as a red dot sight or holographic sight, it may be more prone to failure due to battery issues, damage, or other malfunctions. In such cases, having backup iron sights can ensure that you can still effectively engage targets even if the optic fails.
4. Personal Preference: Some shooters simply prefer the feel and familiarity of traditional iron sights. They may find them easier to use in certain scenarios or prefer the simplicity and ease of maintenance they offer. If you fall into this category, having backup iron sights can provide peace of mind and confidence in your shooting capabilities.
Ultimately, the decision to have backup iron sights or best flip up iron sights is subjective and depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to assess your shooting requirements, evaluate the reliability of your primary sighting system, and consider potential scenarios where having a backup option would be advantageous.
Best AR 15 Iron Sights Review
1.Magpul MBUS PRO Steel Backup Sight
These sights (front and rear MBUS Pro) are excellent, with durable steel construction, nitride finish, and low profile when folded which leaves plenty of options for optics. The apertures and front sight post are excellent. In the same vein as A1 sights, it isn’t adjustable for elevation, but when zeroed at 50/200 yards, it is wholly adequate out to 300 yards, beyond which I would most likely consider to be outside my engagement criteria without magnification. The LR would help with longer range shooting, but these sights are excellent as backup battle sights.
After using these steel sights extensively, I would like to give my input to help others. I have this paired with the MBUS Pro LR Adjustable Rear Sight. These steel sights are some of the most accurate sights I’ve ever used. The front sight post on this sight is slightly slimmer than a regular A2 front sight post that comes on the standard AR.
I feel that I can shoot more accurately with a slimmer front sight post because it doesn’t cover the target as much. This is just my opinion though, others may not feel the same way, just because it’s slimmer doesn’t mean it’s more accurate, it’s more of a user preference. The best part about these sights, there’s no need for any tools to adjust them which is just plain awesome and It has positive, sturdy adjustments.
The build is very quality, EXTREMELY low profile and has a nice protective finish. It doesn’t require any buttons to deploy or put back down which makes it much simpler and faster to use, but it’s not as secure as other sights that have a locking system that keeps them deployed. With all I chose these as my primary back-up sights and currently run these on my rifle over my troy battlesights which I really love. I just feel more accurate with these sights and they’re very low profile and slim. I’ll with a few photo to give you guys an idea of the sight picture and how they look like on a rifle.
One of the main reasons I chose the Magpul MBUS Pros is because I’ve used the excellent Magpul MBUS sights. One of the things that really impressed me about the original MBUS sights was their ability to hold zero. The other thing that impressed me was that they didn’t seem to have any other major problems either (ie, randomly deploying).
The other reasons I chose these sights were that they are made of steel, Magpul has a great reputation for producing quality products (my personal experience with Magpul products being quite positive), and they were reasonably priced.
Unlike the MBUS, these do not have any form of automatic deployment (no push button pop-up). These are lower-profile than the MBUS. Most notably, they are much narrower.
The profile of the rear sight makes it fit within the area above the charging handle latch on an M4 upper without any protrusion, which is very nice. Their low profile means they do not interfere with mounting options for optics.
Both front(elevation) and rear(windage) sights are finger adjustable. The adjustments are fairly stiff – not so stiff that they are impossible to use, but enough so that I have no worries about anything moving over time.
Also different from the MBUS, these are a melonite finished steel. The steel construction means they can stand up to the heat of being mounted on a gas block. I’m not terribly familiar with the melonite finish, but from what I gather it’s supposed to be fairly durable.
The rear sight contains both large and small apertures and is relatively easy to switch between the two.
Over all I am very happy with their performance, and they certainly live up to the reputation that Magpul has garnered.
Magpul MBUS PRO Steel Backup Sights
About this item
- All steel construction; Steel, rectangular sight post selectable between Match and Standard widths (.040” Match width for increased precision; .060” Standard width for maximum visibility)
Magpul MBUS PRO Steel Backup Sights
About this item
- All steel construction; Steel, rectangular sight post selectable between Match and Standard widths (.040” Match width for increased precision; .060” Standard width for maximum visibility)
2.Troy Industries Micro HK Style
Superb quality sights that are very easy to
deploy and detract. While I do not have a raised top rail on my S&W M&P
15, I still love the low profile these sights provide. I can even use my red
dot sight as a co-witness without needing a riser!
My only complaint is that these sights do not come
with the sight adjustment tool. For the high price, you would expect them to
throw in a cheap little tool that is essential to the sights.
To be totally honest. I melted a set of Magpul sights and decided to go all metal. These Troy Micro Sights work fabulous on my Machineguns, and I don’t have to worry about glowing red hot barrels melting them. The Troy sights don’t pop up automatically but I’m old school and don’t mind pushing the release button and pulling them up to the open position. You get what you pay for with sights.
If you’re looking for the best iron sights for low-light shooting, the Troy Industries Micro HK Style fit the bill. Awesome back up sights. They are sturdy and easy to install and hold up through tons of rounds fired.
Recommend these over Magpul sights (even though I love Magpul products). I can’t say much about their weight, but the build quality and flipping up/down are excellent. Fits well under an EOTech 3x magnifier.
The Troy Industries Micro HK Style sights consist of a front sight and a rear sight, both of which are constructed from durable materials like aluminum or steel.
They are designed to be foldable and can be deployed when needed or folded down to maintain a sleek profile when not in use. The foldable feature allows them to be easily stowed away and minimizes the risk of snagging on gear or obstacles.
These sights typically feature a square post front sight, similar to the HK-style sights, which can be adjusted for elevation.
The rear sight usually incorporates a dual-aperture design, providing the shooter with the option to choose between a large or small aperture for different shooting scenarios or lighting conditions. Windage adjustments can typically be made on the rear sight as well.
The Troy Industries Micro HK Style sights are often compatible with Picatinny or M-LOK rails and can be mounted securely using a locking mechanism or a quick-detach (QD) system. They are known for their solid construction, reliability, and ease of use. Their compact size and low-profile nature make them popular among shooters who prioritize minimizing weight and bulk on their firearms while still having a reliable backup sighting option.
It’s important to note that specific features and variations may exist within the Troy Industries Micro HK Style sights lineup, so it’s always advisable to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions for detailed information on a particular model.
Magpul MBUS PRO Steel Backup Sights
About this item
Troy Micro BattleSights are rugged, reliable and Battle
Ready
3.MAGPUL MBUS FRONT & REAR FLIP UP GEN 2: BEST FLIP UP SIGHT FOR AR-15
The Magpul MBUS (Magpul Back-Up Sight) Gen 2 is a popular set of flip-up sights designed to be used as backup sighting systems on rifles and other firearms. Here’s a review of the Magpul MBUS Front and Rear Flip Up Gen 2 sights:
1. Design and Construction: The MBUS Gen 2 sights are made from a durable polymer material, which makes them lightweight yet rugged enough to withstand harsh conditions. They feature a low-profile design and fold down when not in use, reducing the chances of snagging on gear or other objects.
2. Installation: The installation process for the MBUS Gen 2 sights is straightforward. They can be easily mounted to any Picatinny or MIL-STD-1913 rail system using the provided hardware. The sights lock securely in the upright position and are quick to deploy with a simple push of a button.
3. Functionality: The sights feature a spring-loaded flip-up
mechanism, allowing for rapid deployment when needed. The windage and elevation
adjustments are tool-less, making it easy to zero the sights. The rear sight
has dual apertures, with a smaller one for precision shooting and a larger one
for close-quarters engagements. The front sight has a standard post design.
4. Performance: The MBUS Gen 2 sights provide a reliable and accurate aiming solution. The sight picture is clear, and the windage and elevation adjustments are precise. The sights hold zero well and can withstand the recoil of various calibers. However, it’s important to note that these are backup sights and may not offer the same level of precision as dedicated, higher-end sights.
5. Compatibility: The MBUS Gen 2 sights are designed to be compatible with most Picatinny and MIL-STD-1913 rail systems. They can be used on a wide range of firearms, including AR-15s, carbines, and other rifles.
6. Value: The Magpul MBUS Gen 2 sights are known for their affordability without compromising on quality. They provide excellent value for those who are looking for reliable backup sights without breaking the bank.
Overall, the Magpul MBUS Front and Rear Flip Up Gen 2 sights are a solid choice for backup sighting systems. They offer durability, ease of use, and good performance at an affordable price point. However, if you require a higher level of precision or plan on using your firearm for more demanding applications, you may want to consider upgrading to more advanced sights.
The Verdict:
When it comes down to it, a good set of backup sights is just as important as a good riflescope.
That’s why I recommend the Magpul Gen 2 flip up sights.
They’ve got:
· Low weight
· Solid durability
· Easy installation
· Easy ambidextrous operation
· Target and Combat rear apertures
So if you’re looking for a solid, high-quality set of flip up iron sights for your AR15, look no further than the Magpul MBUS Gen 2 Flip Up Sights.
MAGPUL MBUS FRONT & REAR FLIP UP GEN 2: BEST FLIP UP SIGHT FOR AR-15
About this item
-
Clamps to most any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/STANAG 4694 railed hand guard and provides the same height-over-bore as standard A2 irons
4.DANIEL DEFENSE A1.5 FIXED REAR SIGHT ASSEMBLY: BEST REAR SIGHT FOR AR-15
I’ll start off by saying these are quality sights. Well made. I’m currently still running the front sight on one of my ARs. The front sight is perfect. I have a blitzkreig components sight post replacement currently on it. Works flawlessly.
My major issue is with the rear sight. The adjustment wheel is not the easiest way to dial windage. However, once you figure out a method it’s workable, and you set it and forget it. Major issue: the sight has very coarse adjustments.
My Eotech is sighted/trued at 300 yards. I could never get the rear sight to co-witness with the dot. The closest I could get these irons, I would still have been shooting somewhat significantly off target past 200 yards; at least a few inches past 200 yards.
Unfortunately, this makes the rear sight nearly useless for me. I’m now running a Magpul mbus Pro LR rear sight and it’s significantly better than this one.
For testing this sight, I ran these sights through Rifle 1 and 2 with Regular Guy Training in NOLA this past August. That’s four days of beating the piss out of my gear with a round count of about 2200 rounds over 4 days.
I put this on a BCM/STAG/Midwest industries build that held it’s own for the entire course.
Zeroing was easy enough, just use the tip of a bullet/proper sight tool to adjust the rear and the front sight is the proper size for a proper sight tool (don’t go cheap on sight tools saw plenty of those snap while trying to adjust quality sights at the class).
Most importantly, they held zero after being dropped, run hard, and beaten on (peep the scratch on the left side of the front site) for four days.
I bought fixed sights because they’re what will primarily be run on this build so I wanted something worth my money.
This is it. Comparable in quality to the LMT sights in finish. The brown on sights is dried mud because of course it rained throughout the class and then the sun would come out to melt your soul. If you want a quality set of irons to use on a primarily irons rifle doesn’t hesitate to buy these and run them hard.
Verdict?
The Daniel Defense A1.5 Fixed Rear Sight Assembly is awesome. Don’t let its modest appearance fool you. This rear iron sight is well designed and full of features:
· Easy to mount
· Simple to zero
· Locking windage
· Sturdy aluminum design
I can recommend the A1.5 Rear Sight Assembly to anyone who is looking for a dependable fixed sight.
Daniel Defense DD Fixed Front/Rear Sight Combo: BEST SIGHT FOR AR-15
About this item
- One piece streamline design
- Slotted screws attachment
- Lightweight
5.Feyachi Flip Up Iron Sights: BEST FOR THE BUDGET
Excellent product. Best bang for your buck. Still need to shoot more with them on. They are a back up for my vortex venom red dot,on my dp 12, so with the double barrels there will always be a slight compensation needed for slug accuracy. These sights are well built and easy to mount. They are solid.
As soon as you feel the sight in your hand, I promise you will be amazed as they feel solid, and robust. Installing them on your firearm is exceedingly easy, and they fit perfectly.
The quality of work that went into designing and producing these is very apparent! Most would assume that no good iron sights can be purchased for such a low price but let me tell you that these don’t simply look great but they serve their intended purpose exceedingly well.
They were even zeroed straight out of the box! Now of course being zeroing will be different on each individual firearm I simply got lucky, and my firearm fire exactly where these sights were pointing out of the box.
So, I took these to the range to test them out, zero them (that’s how I found they were zeroed from the box), see if they withstood recoil (they do from a .223/5.56), and I was thoroughly impressed.
The only thing most would see as a downside is they must be manually flipped up (no spring assisted pop-up) and to flip down press the spring sealed button and folded down.
However, they are very easy to flip up by hand, it can be done extremely quick, and they have enough retention to not fold up when not needed, when transporting, or when carrying the rifle on a sling.
I did not see the lack of the spring assist as a downside because once again they are easy to deploy by hand and can be done so very quickly.
These sights also do co-witness perfectly. Overall, these are not only an AMAZING value for the price, but I would go so far as to say that they are an AMAZING choice for iron sights regardless of price point or budget range! You get way more than what you pay for, and in today’s market that is a genuine surprise! I would recommend these to anybody and everybody!
The last set of BUIS I had wouldn’t zero in properly, especially at 25 yards. They were 45-degree offset BUIS that weren’t made by Feyachi. I was so impressed with the inexpensive reflex red dot sights I bought from them that I decided to give their top rail BUIS a try. I’m glad I did.
Mechanical zero on these sights were only 2 inches low at 25 meters and the windage was dead on. One clicks adjustment on the front sight post put me right where I needed to be. The final group could have been tighter, but I was feeding through the ejection port because of a FGC problem I was having.
That made me have to move my head and everything between shots, but it still ended up being a 1″ group. the mechanical zero group that was magazine fed was less than 1/2″.
The front sight was a little stiff at first but after breaking it in with a front sight tool it clicks up and down just like it’s supposed to.
The HK style front sight is awesome, so much better than the classic style, so much easier to line it up quickly. All the adjustments have positive, crisp clicks and both sights lock cleanly into place.
The rear sights have white line ticks so you can be sure when you have mechanical zero. The sights sit at a standard 2.6″ above the centre bore line, for co-witnessing.
All-in-all, these are excellent BUIS, especially for their price point. The construction is durable and the rear sight peeps have a ball bearing under them to ensure a clean transition from the large aperture to your small peep. That ball bearing is always a good sign that the sights are well constructed.
As far as BUIS go, you won’t find a better sight until you start getting rear sights that have an elevation adjustment.
Verdict?
What’s cool about these:
· Low cost
· Solid clicks
· Flips up quick
· Aluminum construction
· Perfect co-witness to Feyachi sight
Feyachi Flip Up Rear Front and Iron Sights
Best Backup fits
About this item
· Rear sight: micro style windage knob features same MOA adjustment as standard sight
· Front sight: A2 post Elevation adjustment （Adjustment Tool not included, you can search front sight adjustment tool on Amazon to get one), satisfaction guaranteed
6.UTG Low Profile Flip-up Front & Rear Sight
Really NICE units!
For the price, these can’t be beat, and dare I say they are on par with those offered at twice the price. Sturdy, aluminum units (not plastic), fit & finish is very good and attention to the details, such as markings, screws, relief cuts, act shows that these are a well-made product with pride of craftsmanship, not something thrown together for the budget minded airsoft crowd.
Rear has no height adjustment, only side to side, front has height only. Push button locks them both open, flip down is solid, no loose/rattles in either position! Tight mount. fiche is flawless.
Great quality sights! These UTG backup sights feel quality made and look it. I prefer all metal to plastic, and these are cheaper too. Installed in under a minute and as a bonus the rear sight fit perfectly under my Vortex Diamondback 3-12×40. I’ll be sighting them in soon but have no doubts they’ll work as intended.
I’ve always bought Magpuls but UTG has done it again. Not spring loaded but no button needs to be pushed until you want to fold them down. In my opinion they are just as fast as magpuls and these are all metal. Very sturdy and well made.
The UTG Low Profile Flip-up sights are another popular option for backup sighting systems on firearms. Here’s a review of the UTG Low Profile Flip-up sights:
1. Design and Construction: The UTG Low Profile Flip-up sights are made from high-quality aluminum alloy, which provides durability and strength while keeping the weight low. They feature a sleek and low-profile design, ensuring they won’t snag on gear or other objects when folded down.
2. Installation: Installing the UTG Low Profile Flip-up sights is a straightforward process. They can be easily mounted to any Picatinny or MIL-STD-1913 rail system using the provided hardware. The sights lock securely in the upright position and are quick to deploy with a simple push of a button.
3. Functionality: The sights feature a spring-loaded flip-up mechanism, allowing for rapid deployment when needed. The windage and elevation adjustments are tool-less, making it easy to zero the sights. The rear sight has dual apertures, similar to the Magpul MBUS sights, providing options for different shooting scenarios. The front sight has a standard post design.
4. Performance: The UTG Low Profile Flip-up sights offer reliable and accurate aiming capabilities. The sight picture is clear, and the windage and elevation adjustments are precise. The sights hold zero well and can handle the recoil of various calibers. However, like most backup sights, they may not offer the same level of precision as dedicated, higher-end sights.
5. Compatibility: The UTG Low Profile Flip-up sights are designed to be compatible with most Picatinny and MIL-STD-1913 rail systems. They can be used on a variety of firearms, including AR-15s, carbines, and other rifles.
6. Value: The UTG Low Profile Flip-up sights are generally considered to be a budget-friendly option. They provide good quality and functionality at a more affordable price point compared to some higher-end sights. They are a suitable choice for those on a budget or those who prioritize cost-effectiveness.
Overall, the UTG Low Profile Flip-up sights offer a decent backup sighting solution. They are well-built, easy to install, and provide reliable performance. While they may not offer the same level of precision as more expensive options, they are a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and functional backup sight solution.
UTG Low Profile Flip-up Front & Rear Sight
About this item
- One of the best feature of our UTG Super Low-Profile Flip-up Sight is that it is very easy to install and unlock, you can fold down when it is not in use. Convenient as you just have to compress plunger.