10 Best Backup Iron Sights (BUIS) For AR 15 in 2024
Having the best Backup Iron sights in your arsenal is essential for an AR 15 owner. With the market teeming with the latest and advanced optics, it’s often a good idea to leave it to the old reliable irons sights when things go awry with your new digital reflex sight. For one thing, your iron sights help you aim in any situation, albeit not as accurately as a modern red dot or reflex sight but is a reliable alternative if your main scope is damaged and/or is malfunctioning.
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Today, we’ll be talking about why you need an iron sight on your gun and how it might come in handy in different situations. Moreover, we’ll be looking at some of the best ar 15 iron sights on the market and compile a comprehensive rundown of the top ten iron sights for your AR15. Finally, we’ll look at what makes for a good iron sight for your personal arsenal.
Let’s
get started.
Dominate at Short Range: Top 10 CQB Iron Sights for Your AR-15
In a Hurry? Here is Our Top Pick!
Superior Strength of other makes.Mounts on any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny or STANAG 4694 rail. Made from Steel (NOT POLYMER) and MADE IN USA
Top 10 Best Iron Sight For AR 15 Of 2024
#1st Rated
Magpul MBUS Flip-Up Backup Sights
- Impact resistant polymer construction provides light weight and resists operational abuse.
- Spring-loaded flip up sight easily activated from either side or by pressing the top.
- Protective wings shield the spring-locking A2 front sight post.
- Each click equals . 50 MOA of adjustment.
- MIL-SPEC Type III Hard Coated.
- Lifetime limited.
#3rd Rated
- Doesn't interfere with your optic sight picture.
- Allows quick, repeatable transition from primary optic.
- Standard height above bore as standard iron sights.
#4th Rated
Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights for Rifle
- Front sight adjustment tool included!
- Tacticon is a combat veteran owned company.
- Comes with wooden case and front sight adjustment tool.
#5th Rated
Magpul Industries USA MBUS Front & Rear Flip Up Backup Sight
- Impact resistant polymer construction provides light weight and resists operational abuse
- Spring-loaded flip up sight easily activated from either side or by pressing the top
- Protective wings shield the dual, same plane flip apertures & spring-locking A2 front sight post
#6th Rated
Magpul MBUS Pro Offset Front and Rear Flip-UpBackup Sights
- All steel construction; Standard height over bore when deployed, 45 degrees offset right-hand side
- Positive detents in both the up and down positions
- Made in U.S.A.
#7th Rated
- Melonite Finish;Windage adjustable with low-profile knob
- Made from Steel (NOT POLYMER)
- Front Sight can be mounted on Railed Gas Block
#8th Rated
Diamondhead USA Front and Rear Combat IronSights
- FLIPS UP QUICKLY and smoothly for rapid deployment
- REAR SIGHT: Patented diamond-shaped apertures for FASTER TARGET
- SECURE AND ACCURATE 0.5 MOA windage adjustment
#9th Rated
- Same height above bore as standard-issue sight
- Machined from lightweight, extremely durable 7075
- Low-profile sights extend only .2" above top rail
#10th Rated
DAGGER DEFENSE -Combat Vet Owned Company- 45Degree flip-up Sights
- Includes hex wrench and sight adjustment tool. No need to search for the tools you need, they are all included.
- Aluminum alloy material.
- Mounts onto standard mil-spec 1913 rails.
What is an Best Iron Sights For AR 15?
Iron
sights were around long before modern optics were built, and they helped gunmen
and hunters aim at their targets without fancy optics. These days, however, the
use of iron sights has fallen in favor of modern optics which provide more
features, better aiming experience, and overall make for better aim assistance
out on the field.
Despite
all this, the iron sight is still an old reliable friend in all situations,
often serving as your backup aiming aid. Experts will go so far as to argue
that, when starting your gun training with a AR 15, you should start your
practice runs with plain old iron sights as it helps you tremendously in
developing proper gun skills and allows gives you ample practice for situations
wherein you will not have a scope or sight in your arsenal.
Some of the major benefits of using plain iron sights include:
- Better breathing control when using the gun
- Increased discipline
- Improved shot accuracy over-time
Our Top 10 Best AR 15 Iron Sights Reviews
#1. Magpul MBUS Flip-Up best backup iron sights
The MBUS Flip-Up Back Up Sights are constructed from an impact-resistant which provides enough durability to overcome shoves and bumps. Although it is not as it would be if it were made from steel or aluminum material, it gets the job done. To activate the sight, you only need to push a single button and the sight will flip into an upright position almost immediately and fold it down when not needed to avoid the sight from snagging cloth or other artifacts.
To calibrate the sight, there is an included elevation adjustment tool. Additionally, with the detent knob on the rear sight, you can easily adjust the windage as well. Another A2 tooling for the front sight can also be used to make adjustments to the elevation.
Pros
- The polymer material used in the construction of the sight allows it to resist abrasions and hits and ensures that the sight does not get damaged from repeated abuse
- The sights are spring-loaded, so they are ready to jump into action when you need them
- Compatible with any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/STANAG 4694 rail, and so can be mounted and most rifles without installation hassles and incompatibility worries
- Comes with an additional protective shield which keeps the spring-loaded mechanism safe
Cons
- Polymer material not suitable for very harsh conditions
- Sights sometimes fail to flip-up
#2. Troy Industries Folding Battle Best rear sights for ar 15
Battle sights are often referred to as the sights which are mounted on a gun without front sight. The name originates from the fact that iron sights are more attuned for close quarter combat, hence, battle sights. The battle sight we have at hand now, the Troy Industries Folding Battle Sight runs 0.5 MOA of adjustment per click and is a MIL-SPEC TYPE III. Additionally, the battle sight is constructed from T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and is hard coated.
As the name suggests, the sight is fordable. That is, it can lie flat on your rifle at the press of your button. This convenience, in addition to the ease of installation and configuration, gave the 0.5 MOA dial, makes this sight the best iron sight for your AR 15. With no moving parts and solid construction all around, the Troy Industries Folding Battle Sight is a tough contender to beat.- No moving parts, hence no wobble or looseness
- With Zero Cant calibration and 0.5 MOA of adjustments with each click, you will be able to quickly adjust the sights to best fit your needs
- MIL-SPEC Type III Hard Coated and T6 Aircraft-grade aluminum construction for prolonged operation and longevity
- Is extremely tough and can withstand plenty of abuse
- The sights come with a lifetime warranty
- More expensive than other competitors and only offers a rear sight, no front sight
#3. OZARK Armament 45 DegreeOffset best Backup Sights for Railed Rifles Picatinny Mount
This
is yet another 45 degrees offset iron sight, and these are often popular
among close-range hunters. The sight comes with all the standard features you would
expect a backup iron sight including the quick transition between your main
optic sights and back up sights, compatibility with most Picatinny rails, and
standard height overbore. In addition to this, the sight comes with a one-year
full warranty.
Finally, elevation and windage adjustments are convenient and quick. Therefore, the OZARK comes off as a standard backup sight choice for beginners who do not want to invest in more expensive equipment.
Pros
- The sights serve as reliable backups sights which quickly spring into action when called upon
- Does not get in the view of your main optics sight and is always ready when you need them
- Standard height overbore, so you do not have to worry about incompatibilities and obstructions
- Adjustments knobs are known to be tight and hard to work withSome adjustments require disassembly
#4. Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights for Rifle
The
Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights bring a lot to the table in terms of
quality, functionality, and usability. First off, with this Tacticons, you will
get front and rear iron sights constructed from an aircraft-grade aluminum
alloy making the irons sights an effective choice for those looking for a
durable solution. Moreover, with the spring-loadedpop-up action, the irons
sights are quick to deploy when in need with the simple push of a button.
The TacticonArmament Flip Up Iron Sights are compatible with any hunting or tactical rifles and can be mounted on almost all Picatinny and Weaver rail sections. For further adjustments, Tacticon has ensured full windage and elevation adjustments for the rear sight, and only elevation adjustments for the front sight with an included tool. Overall, the sight is perfect for newbies as it comes with all things packed together.
Pros
- A tool for front sight adjustment is included in the box, saving you some money from having to buy an additional adjustment tool
- Sturdy build with the use of hardened aircraft-grade aluminum alloy in favor of polymer which ensures that your sights reliably serve you for several years
- Comes with extra ammunition in the box, so you don’t have to fumble around to get started with testing the new sights
- The sights come with an easy-to-reach push-down button which let the flip-ups spring into action when you most need them
Cons
- Hard to focus once zeroed in
- The push-button for the rear sight is known to come off when not handled carefully
#5. Magpul Industries USA MBUS Front & Rear Flip Up Backup Sight
For
starters, due to the polymer material, the sight is very lightweight. Although
not compact enough to allow for gas block mounting, the sight is capable enough
to serve as a backup sight for your standard optical sight. In addition to
these qualities, the sight has a spring-driver flip-up system which allows for
quick deployment.
Moreover,
the sight is known to hold zero even under rough conditions and so, you will
always have a clear view of the target even when shooting from a hundred yards.
All in all, the Magpul Industries Front & Real Flip-Up is one of the best
iron sights if you’re working with a tight budget and cannot spend more on a
steel or aluminum variation.
- The sight is lightweight making it a perfect backup iron sight for your AR 15
- The spring-loaded sight is ready for action whenever you need it
- The rifle will stay accurate even under tough conditions
- Is compatible with most MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/STANAG 4694 Rails
- The sight comes with additional protective wings
- Made from polymer, therefore, durability takes a big hit
- Requires tooling to make adjustments in elevation
#6.Magpul MBUS Pro Offset Front and Rear Flip-Up Backup Sights, 526-525, Black
Magpul
has earned respect in the rifle sight community by bringing in several high
quality and durable sights into the market. One prime example of the Magpul
quality is the Magpul MBUS Pro Offset Front and Rear Flip-Up Backup Sights.
The MBUS Pro features all-steel construction, which plays into the durability of the sight and ensures that it is always reliable. To further boost the durability of the sight Magpul has hardened the case and finished it off with Melonite QPQ, which is extremely resistant to wear and corrosion.
Additionally,
it has a standard height over bore when deployed and 45 degrees offset
right-hand side. For ease of use and configuration, the sight comes with
elevation and windage knobs which allow easy adjustments without needing any
tools. When the need arises, these iron sights will get the job done.
- Adjusting the zero of the rifle is extremely easy and quick
- The entire body of the sight has been constructed from a tough and durable corrosion-resistant material
- Given the Mennonite finish on the body of the sight, you will look professional while out on the hunt with this sight
- Positive detentes allow configurations in both up and down positions
- The wind age adjustments on the rear sight can be made without the use of any tools
- Standard height over bore when deployed
- The front sight does not support elevation adjustments while the rear one does
- The sights do not “pop up” but rather needs to be manually pulled up
#7. Magpul MBUS PRO Steel Sight Set MAG275 & MAG276 Black
With another Magpul MBUS Pro on the list, it goes without saying that when it comes to making backup iron sights, Magpul knows how to get things right. This particular MBUS Pro is designed to provide the best in terms of quality and durability with the Melonite finish on the all-steel body.
For
professional users, the front sight has been designed with a narrow width to
ensure compatibility with most infra-red aiming lasers and light installations.
Additionally, with the positive detents, the front, and rear sights flip up to
the standard AR height when insure and go back down low enough to not be
noticed when stowed away.
Finally,
the rear sight has a dual aperture and has windage capabilities letting you get
adjusted to all 1913 Picatinny rail mounting applications which include
rail-height gas blocks. This sight is great for outdoor and sporting purposes
and will serve you well for many years.
Pros
- The Melonite finish on the sight allows it to resist corrosion and abrasions
- The sight is structurally sound as it has been crafted purely from steel with no polymer used anywhere
- The front sight is removable making room for a railed gas block if necessary
- Flexibility in terms of mounting onto MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails by taking minimal rail space
- High durability and strength
- The rear sights support toll-free windage adjustments letting you adjust precision shots while out on the hunt
- The front sight does not offer much in adjustments
#8. Diamondhead USA Front and Rear Combat Iron Sights – Integrated Sighting System
This
Integrated Sighting System comprises of the Diamondhead USA Front and Real
Combat Iron Sights and serves to a place on the barrel of your AR 15 as backup
iron sights.
The
unique diamond-shaped housing found on both the rear and front sights allows
the user to quickly place the front sight post in the center of the rear
aperture, thereby improving the aiming experience significantly when aiming
down the sights.
In
addition to allowing the rifleman to focus quickly on the front sight, the
diamond shape allows for increased light capture and faster target acquisition.
Pros
- When you’re out for a hunt the sights will flip up quickly when you need them to
- Both the rear and front sights feature a patented diamond-shaped aperture which allows for faster target acquisition and centering
- The sights bring along proprietary reference posts and horizon bars, this aids in target acquisition and allows you land shots right on the target
- For easy and accurate adjustment, the sights feature 0.5 MOA windage adjustments
- When not in use, the sights are stowed away mostly out of sight for easy hunting with your standard optic sights
Cons
- The sights are larger than standard sight sizes, and so your accuracy takes a hit when aiming
- The sights are known to fail to flip on immediately sometimes
#9. Ade Advanced Optics Frontand Rear 45 Degree Rapid Transition Buis Backup Iron Sight
The
Ade Advanced Optics Front and Rear offers excel in quick transitions when
switching between your main optics and your backup sights and with the 45
degrees offset, ensure that the backup sights are out of your way when you are
acquiring a target using your main optics.
Moreover, the sights are compatible with most Picatinny rails, you simply just have to pop it onto your rails and it rests easy at 45 degrees off-center.
Ade
has used lightweight aluminum in the construction of the sight which ensures
long term durability and maintains a low profile, only extending .2” above the
top rail to not interfere with the view of your main sights.
Pros
- Created using Mil-spec hard anodized 7075 aluminum that ensures that the sight will stay undamaged on your rifle for year
- Same above bore height as standard sights and low-profile sights to ensure that the sight can fit onto any rifle with Picatinny rails you have
- Accurate adjustments can be made with the 0.50 MOA elevation and windage adjustments
- Back sight is known to wiggle sometimes
- Takes time and many rounds to calibrate
#10. DAGGER DEFENSE –Combat VetOwned Company- 45 Degree flip-up Sights
No
list for the best iron sights for an AR15 is complete without the DD Dagger
Defense Tactical Backup Iron Sights. These sights have been constructed from aluminum
material for longevity and durability. Additionally, the 45 degreed canted
sights lock into a resting position when not in use, and have spring-loaded
deployment options at the press of a button.
In
terms of compatibility, the Tactical BUIS will fit on any standard 1913
Picatinny rail ready for deployment. As for adjustments, the Dagger Defense
BUIS comes with its tool for front sight elevation adjustments and windage
adjustments knobs for the rear sight.
These buttons are retention buttons, which can be turned clockwise, counterclockwise, or locked in place in the horizontal position when making adjustments. Therefore, given the 45-degree angled optional sighting experience, durability, and adjustment conveniences, the Dagger Defense45-degree angled BUIS is a great option for users looking for a great backup iron sight.
Pros
- 1913 Picatinny rail mounted BUIS 45 Degree Angled allowing you to jump into combat without iron sights obstructing the view of your main sights, and when in need, just turn the barrel over and use your backup sights
- The sight is constructed from aluminum allow, which adds to the durability and lifetime of the sight
- When required, just hit the button and the spring-loaded flip-ups will be ready for action
- Comes with adjustment and installation tools right out of the box
- Recommended to add oil before use as buttons are stiff
- Requires both hands when retracting the sight
How to Use It with an AR 15?
With
the use of modern sights and scopes, using your AR iron sights can seem a
little foreign at times and there are some nuances when getting up and ready
with the iron sights on your AR 15. Moreover, there are some misconceptions in regards to the view
provided by the sight as well, which will prevent newbies from adjusting the
sights properly.
First off, clearing out the misconceptions planted by modern video games and simulations. Often in these games, the first-person focus in the game in regards to the plain iron sight is incorrectly portrayed, and in reality, you will not be able to focus on the front-sight while keeping tabs on your target without blurring out some of the front-sight.
That is, the picture-perfect “blur everything out and focus on the target” we often see portrayed in these games are unfortunately not possible in reality due to the way the human eye functions. Therefore, using iron sights with an AR 15 requires educated calibration and ample practice to get used to aiming down iron sights.
That concludes our rundown of the best iron sights currently available and what you should consider when buying them. The most important factor here is the use-case.
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