Best AR-15 Front Sight Tools – 2020 Buyer’s Guide

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Rifles are used nowadays for different things and activities. These include hunting, self-defense or home defense, competitive shooting games such as 3gun, rapid-fire, long-range shooting, etc. They are also used by law enforcement squads in case of emergencies. While they are good as they are, their performance can be amplified by the use of some attachments or accessories, such as scopes, front sight tools, etc.

In this article, we will be discussing front sight tools, their types, and why they are needed for an AR-15 to work better.

Comparison of the Best AR-15 Front Sight Tools

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Precision machined stainless steel
  • Durable black oxide outside coating
  • Adjusts 4-pin for A2 front sights and 5-pin for A1 front sights
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  • Patterned surface for a firm grip
  • Rugged steel construction with black finish
  • Elevation adjustments with both 4-prong and 5-prong for A1 and A2 front sights
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  • Best for the money
  • Has prongs for 4 and 5 slot sights
  • Highly durable because of steel structure
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  • Length is only 3 inches
  • Highly durable solid steel structure
  • Easy 4-prong and 5-prong adjustments for A1 and A2 front sights respectively
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  • Great for both A1 and A2 front sights usage
  • Has both sight and wind adjustment capabilities
  • Prongs on both front and back of tool for easy adjustment
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What is a Front Sight Tool?

It’s a small device used to adjust and fine-tune the front sight elevation of a rifle. Some people find it confusing to use one because it can be a little complicated to make it work. For instance, if your rifle is hitting higher than the center of the target, you’ll need to adjust and alter the front sight to make it higher, and if your rifle is hitting lower than the center of the target, you’ll need to position the front sight to make it lower.

It is basically a small piece of metal that is designed to adjust the elevation of the rifle, whether it needs to be positioned higher or lower, how to adjust it according to wind direction, etc.

What Are The Benefits of a Front Sight Tool?

The benefits of a front sight tool are as follows:

Compact and Easy to Carry

They are very small sized tools that are also easy to carry around with you. They are at most 2 to 3 inches in size and are not something that needs to be carried around in a toolbox. They are so small that they can fit into your pocket with ease, though that is not recommended by users. They can be stored inside an empty pill bottle, one that vitamins usually come in. They are also easy to misplace because of their small size, so be careful with them.

Easy Adjustments

Front sight tools are primarily used for adjustments of the rifle for its proper functioning. The great thing is that since the tool itself is not heavy or large in size, you can take it with you wherever you go. Whether it is on a hunting trip with friends and family or at a shooting range to test your skills, these tools will come in handy. If you are shooting a little off target, all it takes is a few minutes to pull it out and make the necessary adjustment to your front sight, so that you can make the kill shot.

Durable

These tools may be small, but that does not make them weak or easily breakable. Most of them are made of metal or stainless steel, which is then coated with black oxide to make it even more durable. They are also patterned or textured on the outside, so they are easy to grip and don't slip from your hand.

Why Did These Front Sight Tools Make Our List?

These front sight tools made our list for the following reasons:

Highly Durable

When we spend our money on anything, even if it is really ordinary in nature, we want it to last us for a long time or for as long as it can in the best way possible. This applies to whether it is a pencil, a pair of glasses, or in this case, a front sight tool. We want a tool that is made of good quality materials that will be useful for us for a long time to come.

Easy to Use

Some companies receive complaints from customers that, despite being described, their tools are not easy to work with as they will not fit on the front sights of their rifles. As a result, they either had to return the product or, if that was not possible, had to alter it to make it work personally. Now no one wants to pay to make themselves work over something that should have been good for use in the first place. So a front sight tool should be easy to use and adjust onto the front sights of rifles.

Compact

Heavy machinery is not a good idea if you want to move around from place to place, and that is exactly what happens in outdoor shooting games or hunting. No one wants to carry heavy equipment in such conditions, so a front sight tool should be lightweight and small in size, making it easy to carry from one place to another.

Review of the Best AR-15 Front Sight Tools

Now that we have discussed some basics about front sight tools and what general features they should possess, let's get into our top picks and discuss their features, pros and cons:

Best Overall:
Real Avid Front Sight Adjuster

Pros

  • Textured grip that makes it easy to hold
  • Highly durable, will last you a long time
  • Lightweight and compact easily fits inside a pill bottle
  • Closest thing on the market to a mil-spec type adjuster
  • Stainless steel manufactured with a black oxide coating

Cons

  • Can be easily misplaced because of small size
  • May not fit every front sight as it is a little wide
  • Might be difficult for a person with large hands to make it work

What Recent Buyers Report

People who have recently bought and used this tool have been greatly satisfied with its performance. They say that it is very easy to carry around and makes aiming and shooting easier for them because they are able to make the necessary adjustments to their rifles for the sake of a kill shot.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because of its durability. Though that is a common feature found in a lot of front sight tools, a lot of customers at times complain that they get the low quality or subpar tools delivered, which can be very disappointing. This one has satisfied its customers almost every time and has maintained its guarantee of high quality and durable products that will last them a long time.

Who Will Use This Most

Individuals that like to go hunting solo or with friends and family will find this great. Plus, people who like to take part in competitive shooting games of different kinds such as 3-gun, rapid-fire, quick draw, long-range shooting, for home defense or self-defense situations, etc. can use this tool to help their aim and shooting.

Bottom Line

It is a very high-quality tool that can really come in handy if you are a regular rifle user for different activities. It is small in size, lightweight, easy to carry around on the go from place to place, and highly durable. It will definitely come in handy for a professional shooter or a novice too.

Runner-up:
Ultimate Rifle Build Front Sight Adjustment Tool

Ultimate Rifle Build Front Sight Adjustment Tool - 4 & 5 Prong with Steel Construction for Adjusting A1 and A2 Types, Use on Iron Sights - Gunsmithing Tools

Pros

  • Easy to handle for all types of hands
  • Full one-piece precision-engineered
  • Optimal length with a slimmer design
  • Super easy adjustments, anyone can do it
  • Prongs of the tool are very strong and under no danger of breakage

Cons

  • A bit large for some A2 sights
  • May be difficult to use after a while
  • May be easy to lose because of its size

What Recent Buyers Report

As per recent reviews, those who have recently bought and used this tool have been very satisfied with its performance. They say that it is easy to make adjustments to the rifle with it as it is easy to work with and handle. Plus, it is small and light and can be easily carried from one place to another.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We find this unit to be worthy of being on this list because of its slim design. Sometimes customers complain that the tool does not fit any of their rifles because it is too wide, and the teeth are too far apart, so either they return the product or file it down to fit their rifles. This tool has been made keeping all that in mind so that it can fit most types of rifles effortlessly.

Who Will Use This Most

This is great for people who like to go hunting on their own or with friends and family. In addition, people who like to compete in shooting matches and games such as rapid-fire, quick draw, long-range shooting, 3-gun, etc. will also find this to be a great pick. It's also ideal for the sake of self-defense or to defend your own home.

Bottom Line

It is a great tool that can be used for a variety of reasons related to the shooting. It is easy to handle, as it is small in size and can be carried around from one place to another. Plus, it is super easy to make adjustments to your rifle with it. So whether you are a professional shooter or a novice, this tool will definitely make it easier for you to shoot properly.

Best for the Money:
Innovative Industries AR-15 A1/A2 Front Sight Adjustment Tool

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Pros

  • Small in size and easy to manage
  • Easy to adjust on both A1 and A2 front sights
  • Lightweight, can be easily taken from place to place
  • Comes with protective caps as an additional precaution
  • Easy to maintain a firm grip on because of the patterned outside

Cons

  • Not a good fit for some models
  • Needed to be filed down before it fit easily
  • Low-quality product received by some customers

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers’ reports tell us that those who have recently bought and used this tool have been greatly satisfied with its performance. They say that it is easy to adjust on both A1 and A2 front sights, and the teeth make it fit effortlessly. Also, they state that its small size and compactness make it easier to handle and carry around.

Why it Stands Out to Us

One feature that specifically highlights this unit is its ease of adjustment. Most people have problems adjusting and working with front sight tools, as some can be difficult to adjust or be too wide to fit on the rifles, which leads to owners having to file them personally to get them to fit. But this one has no such issues. It is easily adjustable for both A1 and A2 front sights, making it a great tool to work with.

Who Will Use This Most

People who regularly take part in shooting competitions or games can invest in this. Plus, those who like to go on hunting trips by themselves or with friends and family will also find it ideal. It's also for people who live in a shady area and own rifles for the sake of self-defense or for the defense of their homes.

Bottom Line

All in all, this unit can come in handy for rifle users for various reasons. It is small in size, easy to carry from one place to another as it is super light as well, highly durable because of its steel structure, and easy to adjust. It is a good tool for professionals and novices alike.

4. TACFUN Dual Front Sight Adjustment Tool with 4 & 5 Prong

TACFUN Dual Front Sight Adjustment Tool with 4 & 5 Prong

Pros

  • Easy to use for adjustment of the sight
  • Patterned surface for easy and friendly use
  • High level of durability will last a long time
  • Easy precision adjustments for A1 and A2 front sights
  • Compact and lightweight, easy to store and carry around

Cons

  • May not function well with some front night sights
  • Sometimes it didn't fit A2 sights, according to users
  • Feeling and quality felt cheap in the case of some products

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers who have recently bought and used this tool have been quite satisfied with its performance. They say that it is very durable. Those who have had it for over a year and have constantly used it are still happy with its current state. It is also great for easy sight adjustment, which is not common in all tools as some people find it difficult to make them work.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Some companies may manufacture tools that are light and easy to carry, but they are not durable in the slightest because subpar or low-quality materials have been used in their making. But that is not the case with this tool, as it is light and easy to carry, but also of high-quality and very durable. Thus, it stands out to us because it is a very lightweight tool.

Who Will Use This Most

This is primarily for those people who like to take part in shooting games or competitions. Plus, those who like to go hunting on their own or with friends and family, or who own rifles for the sake of self-defense can make use of this tool for their benefit.

Bottom Line

Overall, it is a good quality tool that has been recommended for further use by the people who already own it or who have recently bought and used it. It is small, easy to carry, good for both A1 and A2 front sight adjustments, and has a high level of durability. Any professional shooter or novice will be lucky to own this tool as it makes it easier for them to be better at shooting.

5. Troy Industries Battle Sight Adjustment Tool

Pros

  • Comes with a lifetime warranty
  • Allows for easy sight adjustment
  • Allows for wind adjustment as well
  • Diamond pattern on the outside ensures a firm grip
  • Small curvature at the opposite side of the front prongs

Cons

  • Can only be used on A2 sights
  • Quality felt cheap, as reported by some users
  • Can be easily misplaced because of small size

What Recent Buyers Report

According to those who have recently bought and used this tool, they are greatly satisfied with its performance. They say that it is very easy to work with, it just takes a few minutes at most to adjust it at the front sight of their rifle and it fits on effortlessly. Also, it is small and easy to carry around wherever you go.

Why it Stands Out to Us

One thing that makes this unit stand out is its lifetime warranty. Even though most of these front sight tools are super durable and long-lasting, we cannot predict the sort of situation you may get into that may lead to them getting misplaced or damaged. For those situations, the lifetime warranty comes in handy, as all you need to do is give it to customer service technicians to repair or replace with a new one.

Who Will Use This Most

People who like to go on hunting trips by themselves or with friends and family can go for this. In addition, people who like to take part in shooting competitions and games of different kinds can use this tool for better accuracy and aim while shooting.

Bottom Line

It is a really good tool to own for rifle owners as it can come in handy for various reasons and in a lot of scenarios. It is small in size, easy to handle, and can be gripped firmly so that it does not get lost, misplaced, or damaged. It is a good tool for both professional shooters and novices to use.

What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?

Some things that you need to keep in mind before buying a front sight tool are:

Durability

It is very important that before buying an important tool, you make sure that it is worth the money. So make sure that even if the tool is small and light in weight, it is not made of flimsy or cheap material. We all want a durable product that will last us for years to come, so make sure you buy something of high-quality that will last you a long time and give you your money's worth.

Easily Adjustable

Nowadays we all are in a hurry. Be it in our normal everyday lives or even while doing something we love, we want quick results. So if you are out and about at a shooting range or a hunting trip, or in a tactical competition of sorts, you want to make sure you have a front eye tool that is quick and easily adjustable, especially if it is a timed competition. This way, you can quickly elevate your aim according to the wind and sight, and make the shot that counts.

Easy to Handle

Anything that has to do with hunting or competitive outdoor sports should not be heavy or difficult to move around, because how will you be able to perform if you are tired from lugging around heavy equipment. Your front sight tool should be compact and lightweight, easy to carry around from one place to another.

Conclusion

Front sight tools are important for proper aim and accuracy when it comes to shooting. It is like a little extra help for your rifle that makes it even better at what it does. With a little bit of easy sight and wind adjustments using a front sight tool, which is portable and easy to carry around with you, you will be making smooth kill shots in no time.

Other AR-15 Buyer Guides

Below are some other reviews related to AR-15s: