For many firearm enthusiasts, the AR-15 is a versatile and customizable platform. One important aspect of personalizing an AR-15 is choosing the right iron sights. Whether you’re using them as a primary sighting system or as a backup to optics, iron sights can provide a reliable aiming solution for a variety of shooting scenarios.
Ironsights: Which Is Best
In this comprehensive guide, we will focus on fixed iron sights, flip-up iron sights, a combination of fixed front iron sights and rear flip-up iron sights, and 45-degree canted iron sights. We’ll explore their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision when selecting the right backup sights for your AR-15.
Fixed Iron Sights
Fixed iron sights are a classic choice for AR-15 owners. These sights are permanently attached to the rifle and always ready for use.
Pros:
- Durability: Fixed iron sights are robust and built to withstand rough handling.
- Always ready: Since they are permanently attached, there is no need to deploy them, ensuring they are always available for quick target acquisition.
- Simple and reliable: With fewer moving parts, fixed iron sights are less prone to mechanical failure.
Cons:
- Limited versatility: Fixed sights cannot be easily removed or adjusted for different shooting scenarios.
- Obstruction: They may obstruct the view of some optics or accessories mounted on the rifle.
Flip-Up Iron Sights
Flip-up iron sights offer a modern alternative to fixed sights, providing the ability to deploy or stow the sights as needed.
Pros:
- Versatility: These sights can be easily deployed or folded down, allowing for seamless integration with optics.
- Unobstructed view: When stowed, flip-up sights do not obstruct the view of any mounted optics.
- Adjustable: Many flip-up sights feature adjustable windage and elevation settings for improved accuracy.
Cons:
- Potentially less durable: Due to their folding mechanism, flip-up sights may be less durable than fixed sights.
- Deployment time: Unlike fixed sights, flip-up sights must be deployed before use, adding a step to the process of target acquisition.
Fixed Front Iron Sight and Rear Flip-Up Iron Sight Combination
This combination pairs a fixed front iron sight with a rear flip-up iron sight, offering a blend of the benefits of both fixed and flip-up sights.
Pros:
- Best of both worlds: Combines the durability of a fixed front sight with the versatility of a rear flip-up sight.
- Flexible and adaptable: This setup allows for easy integration with various optics without sacrificing the reliability of a fixed front sight.
Cons:
- Limited adjustability: With a fixed front sight, you may have fewer options for fine-tuning elevation adjustments.
- Partial obstruction: The fixed front sight may still obstruct the view of some mounted optics.
45-Degree Canted Iron Sights
45-degree canted iron sights are mounted at an angle on the rifle, providing a secondary aiming solution when using magnified optics.
Pros:
- Rapid transition: Allows for quick transitions between magnified optics and iron sights without removing either system.
- Unobstructed view: The angled placement ensures that the iron sights do not obstruct the view through the primary optic.
- Versatile: Can be used in conjunction with a wide range of optics.
Cons:
- Learning curve: The angled placement may require some practice for shooters to become proficient.
- Additional weight: The extra set of sights may add weight to the rifle.
Final Word
Choosing the correct backup sights for your AR-15 is a matter of personal preference and intended use. Fixed iron sights offer simplicity and durability, while flip-up sights provide versatility and unobstructed views or optics. A combination of a fixed front sight and a rear flip-up sight combines the strengths of both types and 45-degree canted sights allow for rapid transitions between magnified optics and iron sights. By evaluating the pros and cons of each type, you can select the backup sights that best meet your needs and shooting preferences.
No matter which type of iron sights you choose, it’s essential to practice and become proficient with them. Familiarize yourself with their operation and adjustability to ensure that you can use them confidently and effectively in any situation. Remember that backup sights are an essential component of your AR-15 platform, providing a reliable aiming solution when your primary optic may fail or become unsuitable for certain shooting scenarios. With the right choice and practice, your iron sights will serve you well and help enhance your shooting experience.