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Every shooter must learn to aim with iron sights if they want to learn how to control breathing, perfect their aim, and learn discipline. Being able to shoot with iron sights also reduces dependency on red dot optics, which might prove very beneficial in case of emergencies.
With red dot optics taking the market, it is hard to find a good iron sight.
But don’t worry, because, in this article, we will talk about some of the best iron sights you can get.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for AR-15 Iron Sights
- OUR TOP PICK: Magpul MBUS Flip-Up Backup Sights
- RUNNER-UP: Black Hawk Tactical Front and Rear Side Sight Flip Up 45 Degree Rapid Transition
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: OZARK ARMAMENT Flip Up Backup Iron Sight
Comparison of the Best Iron Sights
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What Are Iron Sights And What Are They Used For?
Iron sights are small optic devices used in combination with gains to acquire the target and get a better aim. They use alignment markers that are usually made of metal. They are mounted on top of the gun and can fit almost any rifle.
Since the bullets fired from a rifle do not follow a straight-line trajectory, an aim is needed to guide the shooter as to where the bullet will land. With the naked eye, you can miss the target and possibly hit very far from the bullseye. The iron sights act as the aim guide and align the gun with the target to achieve maximum shot accuracy.
UTG Super Slim Rear Sight
How Do Iron Sights Work?
Rifles are somewhat bent and do not shoot in exactly a straight line. Hence, when shooting with a naked eye, you might miss the target. Iron sights help achieve shot accuracy by providing horizontal and vertical reference points. These reference points allow the shooter to determine the trajectory the bullet will follow.
In this way, when you look through the iron sight, you know exactly how and where to position your rifle to hit the bullseye or as close to it as possible. Good-quality iron sights give a great sight picture for shooters to use as a reference.
Review of the Best Iron Sights
Even though new technology is gaining popularity in the market, iron sights are still quite in demand. Owing to how well they train a shooter, different models saturate the market. Here are a few of the best iron sights available amongst them.
Best Overall:
UTG Super Slim Rear Sight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Because the iron sight is extremely easy to set up and has great features, it was quite popular among recent buyers. The smooth folding and unfolding made almost no noise and prevented alerting the target. According to some, the click windage adjustment was a great benefit, for they did not need to take eyes off the target to set the windage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The UTG slim super iron sight has a low profile appearance. It has a solid build of anodized aluminum made with machine precision. This makes it an ideal accessory to use for shooting purposes, even those involving harsh conditions. The dual aiming aperture is a huge added benefit, for it provides a better field of view. You can switch between the two easily and use whichever presents itself better under the circumstances.
Adjusting the windage requires only rotation of a knob instead of hefty tools, which further compliments the ease of use. Lastly, it supports a Posi lock design that holds the sight tower in a raised position and prevents collapsing during use. If you are out shooting or hunting in a place with a lot of overhanging bushes, then the lock proves to be a real asset in addition to all other situations.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a high performing choice in iron sights. It has an intelligent design and smart technology. It sits very easily and maintains a low profile on top of your gun, hardly adding any weight. The functioning is robust and easy to get the hang of.
Runner-up:
Dagger Defense Tactical Iron Sight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The quality of the sight really impressed recent buyers. They were of the view that Dagger Defense has outdone themselves with this product in such a reasonable price range. The flip-up feature was widely popular as it made using the sight easy. It was used both as a primary and a backup optic.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Numerous features make this iron sight a great accessory for shooters. Like all good iron sights, this one also does not dominate the Picatinny rail and assumes a very compact shape when closed. It can be flipped open only when needed, and hence you can use it as a backup or in combination with other tools and accessories.
When mounting on a rail, it is fixed using Allen screws, forming a strong and unwavering adjustment. There is no need to buy a specialized rail for it; you can use the one you already have on your rifle.
Bottom Line
Made with strong aluminum alloy and a full metal body, the Dagger Defense Tactical Iron Sight means business. It is designed to withstand harsh conditions and gives an unmatchable performance. The creator is a former vet who has incorporated everything needed by a shooter on an iron sight.
Best for the Money:
KINBON Flip Up Sight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers hail the layout of this iron sight. In addition to its fine quality and great functionality, the design really adds to the comfort. With this unit, they were saved from the nuisance of flipping the iron sight down every time they needed to use a different optic or accessory.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A 45-degree tilt has really added to the convenience of this unit’s design. When mounted on the rail attached to the rifle, it sits slightly tilted to a 45-degree angle. Hence, it does not conflict with the sight or any other accessory even when popped up. If you want to see through the sight, all you have to do is slightly tilt the gun and have a look at your target. This saves the hassle of opening and closing different accessories to switch between them, resulting in quick target acquisition.
Moreover, it could be installed on either side of the gun, making it suitable for both left and right-handed shooters. Coupled with a strong body and tight locks, the iron sight proves to be very useful.
Bottom Line
It cannot get better than this iron sight for the price. The KINBON flip-up sight provides the most features for a reasonable price among all of the options on this list. It is smartly and sturdily built for any shooting activities you might want to use it for.
Best Iron Sight For AR15:
Troy Industries Folding Battle Sight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many recent buyers reported that the sight was easily compatible with their guns, and they were very pleased with their purchase. They said that it lives up to the name of Troy Iron and has all the essentials of an iron sight that can take the beatings of all-weather. Once set, the sight did not need much tuning or adjustments and worked perfectly well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Troy Industries is a leading brand in arms and ammunition accessories. Their products are famous for their strength, durability, and optimal performance. The brand exudes quality, and the same is the case with this folding iron sight released.
The locking mechanism is made with stainless steel, which makes it water and rust-resistant. This gives shooters ease of usability under all-weather circumstances, including rain and snow or any other wet conditions. The stainless steel also imparts it with the strength to withstand bumps and hits during extreme combat conditions.
The one-touch deployment mechanism is free of any lever or moving parts. It is operated by a push-button, making it super convenient to use.
Bottom Line
Supported by a lifetime limited warranty, the folding iron sight by Troy Industries delivers what is expected of it. The high-quality construction, optimal performance, and dependable design make this a worthy option.
Best 45-Degree Iron Sight:
Ozark Armament 45-Degree Offset
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This product by Ozark was also quite well-received by recent buyers, particularly owing to its ability to hold the settings well, even after several rounds of firing. For many, it served as a cheap and equally useful alternative to high-end, expensive products. It was compatible with almost any gun and was used for all sorts of shooting activities.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We know that a 45-degree iron sight can prove quite convenient to use, especially in situations where multiple optics need to be used one after the other. In such cases, having to fold close or open an iron sight can be time-consuming and might result in the shooter missing a shot or encountering danger.
However, 45-degree rifles present the solution of keeping your iron sight open throughout the use and also out of the main field of view. To use it, all you have to do is tilt your gun a little and see through the sight without having to waste time in the deployment of every optic.
The ease of use of a 45-degree iron sight is combined with the brilliance of a CQB and a precision aperture. The resulting combination is flawless and ruthless when it comes to functioning.
Bottom Line
What more can you want from an iron sight that has a 45-degree angle tilt and the two types of apertures that will cover every need you might have regarding iron sights? The Ozark 45° offset BUIS serves the purpose of a dependable backup optic without having to spend a fortune on it. The one-year warranty is a further testament to its sturdiness in both structure and function.
Best Fixed Iron Sight:
Ozark Armament Rear Iron Sight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Many recent buyers were in awe of how inexpensive yet decent this iron sight was. They appreciated its perfect fit and stylish design that complemented their guns and rifles. The windage and elevation knobs were reported to be solid with a nice click. Moreover, the aperture height was found to be very suitable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Here's yet another iron sight by Ozark, and this one too has all the characteristic features that make Ozark products one of the best available. The fixed iron sight has an all-metal construction, which is a testament to its durability. Like all other units by Ozark, this one too has a close-range aperture and a precision aperture. Both provide the user with enough field of view that is expected of rear iron sight.
The knobs for adjustments of elevation and windage move by producing a sharp and crisp click to let the user know that adjustments have been made without them having to move their eye from the aperture.
Bottom Line
Dominating the iron sight market, Ozark has released another quite useful iron sight for versatile uses from combat to hunting to shooting in the range. Even with metal construction, it is lightweight and gives very dependable functioning.
Best Flip-Up Iron Sight:
Magpul MBUS Flip-Up Backup Sights
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of people who had bought this product by Magpul were of the view that it beats the standard A2 sights by a good margin. This was because of the product's snug fit on the rail, its sturdiness, and its ability to be used with front planes as it occupies very little space on the rail. Likewise, the tactical functioning is right up to par.
Why it Stands Out to Us
To prevent the product from being too heavy for convenient use, Magpul utilizes color injected polymer for construction. The resultant sight is lightweight but also quite strong so that it can withstand operational abuse that comes with harsh conditions, especially under combat situations and during hunting.
The polymer construction also provides resistance towards corrosion, adding to the life of the iron sight.
It is easily deployed by touching either the sides of the sight or the front of it, after which the spring pressure and detent prevent it from unnecessarily collapsing during operation.
Bottom Line
A polymer unit with accurate and precise windage and elevation adjustments, the Magpul MBUS iron sight is quite an accessory. It is bound to serve the user for long and well with its corrosion-resistant construction and smart design.
Best Iron Sight For KSG:
FieldSport Flip-Up Iron Sight
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The popular belief among recent buyers was that the iron sight is quite lightweight, even though it is made of aircraft-grade aluminum. This lent ease of use for beginners as well as seasoned shooters without putting too much strain on the arm. It was easy to install and worked perfectly.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Shotguns require additional accessories that can provide ultra-performance and are capable of withstanding harsh use. This particular iron sight satisfies all the needs that make it a worthy partner for a shotgun. Shotguns have a strong recoil, and hence the accessories attached to it should be able to bear the force. The aircraft-grade anodized aluminum construction imparts this iron sight with the necessary strength.
Moreover, in order not to further add to the weight of an already bulky shotgun, users prefer a lightweight option. This iron sight has a negligible weight of 0.1kgs, which suits the requirements of the shotgun.
Bottom Line
It is preferred to use a lightweight but sturdy iron sight for shotguns that can withstand harsh recoils and does not add much to the weight. The FieldSport flip-up iron sight presents as a perfect optic for shotguns in this regard. Along with that, it provides the superior performance that is second to none.
Best Backup Iron Sight:
Ozark Armament Picatinny Flat-top BUIS
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Right out of the box, the iron sight looked and felt great. Recent buyers mostly used it as a backup sight, but some also have used it as a primary optic. In both cases, it delivered well. Buyers were able to zero them without a problem and loved the precision and accuracy offered by the optic.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If an iron sight cannot offer the precision of shot and accuracy of aim, then it is of no use. These two are the primary objectives of sights, and the Flat-top BUIS by Ozark provides just that.
The rear sight of the optic is equipped with precision and a CQB aperture. The CQB aperture provides a large aperture for close-range target acquisition. Since threats or hunts close to the shooter will need to be urgently dealt with, a large aperture would provide great help. With the use of a CQB aperture, the iron sight can offer a very quick target locking in very little time.
In addition, the elevation and windage control manifest as huge plus points because they allow the user to adjust the gun such that it provides the most accurate and precise shot.
Bottom Line
Precision and accuracy are all this iron sight by Ozark are about. It features a CQB aperture for urgent target acquisition and viewing and allows windage and elevation adjustment. Furthermore, it is backed by a one-year full-coverage warranty that covers any damages to the iron sight.
Types of Iron Sights
Since there is a huge variety of guns and all need an iron sight, there are many different types available to best complement each. The choice of iron sight depends on your personal preference and a little on the rail supported on your gun. Let’s have a look at what these types are.
Open Sights
Open sights provide the least obstruction in the field of view but compromise on precision. They are usually used in guns in which the rear sight lies at a considerable distance from the shooter’s eye. They use a bead-on post or a square post for the front sight, which is then positioned horizontally and vertically in the center of the rear sight notch to use.
Open sights are very common and one of the most affordable types. They are sturdy and lightweight with an uncomplicated way of use.
Aperture Sights
These types of iron sights use a peephole so that the human eye can easily center the target when looking through it. These provide accuracy and precision of shot by utilizing rings that act as an aperture. These might be ghost rings that almost blur to almost being invisible when looked through. As a result, there is a minimal obstruction to view.
Aperture sights may also use rings or disks with the peephole to be used as aperture. These types are popularly used on military rifles and are known for their precision.
Same Plane Sights
As the name suggests, the same plane sights have all their parts installed on the same level on the rail. These are small in size and need to be closed when other accessories are to be used. They usually are foldable and assume a compact form on the rifle so as not to appear in the field of view.
They have a variation that is known as a 45-degree iron sight. This iron sight is rotated to a 45-degree angle and does not need to be closed every time some other accessory is to be used. To see through them, the gun is rotated a little until the iron sight comes in front of the shooter’s eye.
Gas Block Sights
Gas block sights have a front post that is slightly longer than the rear post. As a result, it is supposed to be installed a little lower than the rear post. After assembly, both should be at the same level.
The front post is installed near the muzzle half an inch below the rail, and the rear sight is installed on the rail. The advantage of a gas block sight is that if the barrel shifts, the sight shifts with it, keeping the target in view.
Fixed Sights
Fixed sights cannot be moved once installed. If needed to move, you will have to take it off. This makes them unsuitable for use with other optics because, with the inability to close, it obstructs the field of view through other optics.
Folding Sights
These have moveable parts and can be opened or closed, depending on the need. When closed, they sit lowly on the rail and do not block the view. Either a pop-up mechanism or a manual fold is used to open or close them. Also, they have the compatibility to be used with other optics.
Comparison Overview
Let’s see how iron sights compare with other optics that are used on guns and rifles. The primary goal of these optics is to provide a better view of the shooter to attain maximum shot accuracy.
Red Dot vs. Iron Sights
Red dot sights portray the aim point in the form of a red dot. These are also very common in firearms. The following is a comparison between the two:
Similarities
- When the shooter looks through both of these, an amplified view of the field is not seen; rather, the same size is visible, which means neither of them is amplifying.
- You can use them in combination with other optics if they are foldable.
- The main objective of using both of these is to attain shot accuracy and precision of the shot.
- They are lightweight and have metal construction.
- Weather resistance and the capability of taking harsh condition’s beatings are common in the two.
In comparison (Source)
Differences
- Red dots use an illuminated red dot for target acquisition or aiming and are more accurate compared to iron sights.
- Iron sights cannot be used in the dark very efficiently while red dots give better usability in the dark.
- Red dots are faster because once the redpoint appears on the target, the shot can be taken without further due.
- Iron sights are more reliable because they don’t need batteries to run.
Iron Sights vs. Scope
Telescopic sights, more commonly known as scopes, use a graphic image pattern mounted on the field of view to acquire the target. Let’s see how the two compare with each other:
Similarities
- They are mounted on top of the rifle and utilize a rail for forming links.
- A popular use of each is found in hunting and combat situations.
- Both of these have weather-resistant properties and are capable of withstanding rough operational use.
Differences
- Scopes may have the capability of magnifying to get a better view of the target.
- The reticle of the scope might have illumination for use in low light conditions.
- Scope sights are faster at target acquisition.
- Iron scopes are lighter in weight and do not run on batteries.
- Specific models of scopes need to be bought for specific rifles while an iron sight can fit almost any gun.
Iron Sights vs. Optics
In order to better maneuver the gun so that the target is locked quicker and the shot fired lands at it, optics have been widely used. Their popularity has gained a spike in the past few decades. Here’s how they compare to iron sights:
Similarities
- For better control, they need to be adjusted for elevation and windage.
- The construction material used in them is usually polymers or metal alloys.
- Target acquisition and accuracy of the shot are what they are mainly used for.
Differences
- Optics provide faster target acquisition than iron sights.
- Iron sights are lighter in weight compared to optics.
- It is possible to flip open or close an iron sight as needed, but optics are immovable in this regard.
- Owing to the illumination of the reticle, optics might use batteries, but iron sights don’t.
- A 45-degree angled design is also seen in iron sights, but optics are mounted straight on top of the gun.
Troy Iron Sights vs. Magpul
Two of the leading brands in firearm accessories are Troy Iron and Magpul. Both are known to produce top quality, solid, and high functioning products. Their iron sights are no exception. Here’s a comparison:
Similarities
- Both have a foldable design for easy opening and closing.
- It is possible to use them in combination with other optics.
- They utilize a rail, commonly a Picatinny rail, to mount on top of the gun.
- Can be used for almost any gun or rifle.
Differences
- Troy Iron uses metal alloys, particularly aluminum, for construction of iron sights while Magpul uses polymer for synthesizing the body of the iron sight.
- Magpul iron sights are lighter in weight thanks to the polymer construction.
- Troy Iron offers a limited lifetime warranty for its iron sight while Magpul doesn’t.
- Troy Iron has a stainless steel locking system to hold the iron sight in an upright position and prevent collapsing.
- Magpul has dual aperture featuring both a precision aperture and a close-range aperture.
Magpul MBUS Flip-Up Backup Sights
How to Use Iron Sights
Iron sights are used either as a primary optic or as a backup. Nonetheless, if you are a shooter, you might come across the need to use them once in a while. Let’s see how to aim with an iron sight.
- Mount the iron sight on your rifle via a Picatinny rail.
- Your iron sight will have front and back poster blades or sights. The front lies close to the muzzle and is usually protected by a sunshade.
- Align these two sights.
- The rear is present near the end of the rifle barrel and is usually adjustable for elevation.
- The distance between the two sights is called the sight radius. The smaller the distance, the lower will be the accuracy of your iron sight.
- Some rifles use a peep aperture at the rear end of the rifle, which increases the distance between the aperture and the front sight hence giving better accuracy.
- In such rifles, the shooter sees through the peep aperture and centers the front sight in the peephole.
- The front sight is then kept on the target, and the rifle is kept steady. This way, you acquire your target and are ready to shoot.
- The centering of the front sight is largely dependent on how firmly you hold the rifle. If you hold it with a strong grip, then it won’t be difficult to center the sight.
- You can only focus on one of the sights when firing and make sure that you have focused your vision on the front sight before shooting. A blur vision of the rear sight would be enough to get you through.
If you're confused about any of the steps, view the following video for a deeper understanding of the process.
How to Zero Iron Sights
In order to zero your iron sight, you just need to follow a few simple steps. Have a look:
- When your point of impact deviates from your bullseye and the shot lands on the wrong place, you will have to reset the zero of your iron sight.
- The zero needs to be adjusted on both the front and the back sight as needed.
- Take a front adjustment tool and insert it in the sight.
- Next, rotate it to fix the adjustments as required. You will hear clicks when rotating. Each click moves the barrel to a specific value of MOA.
- Consult your iron sight directions to see how many MOAs are included in each click. Adjust accordingly.
- Now, move to the rear sight. Rear sights usually have knobs to adjust the zero.
- Rotate the knob to the desired number of clicks.
- Rotate the knob counterclockwise to move the sight down and clockwise to move it up.
- Move your rear sight in the same direction in which you want your point of impact to move and move the front sight in the direction opposite to which you want the point of view to move.
For example, to move the POI up, move the rear sight up and front down, and vice versa. To move the POI left, move the rear sight left and front sight right and vice versa.
- Look through the rear sight and center your front sight. Fire again.
- Observe where the bullet landed this time. If the point of impact is still away from the bullseye, make further adjustments until the desired point of impact is attained.
- The distance you zero your iron sight from is entirely up to you. Usually, shooters use a 500-yard or a 250-yard distance for the purpose. However, some also start at as near as 25 yards and then move backward, adjusting the zero along the way.
To better understand how to zero the iron sight, have a look at this video:
Conclusion
Iron sights were very widely used before the advent of modern optics. But that doesn’t mean they are completely out of the market yet. They are still highly dependent and have a sturdy frame made of metal alloys or sturdy polymers. These optics usually have a foldable design and can be used along with other optics. They serve to gain shot accuracy and precision.
Which iron sight suits you usually depends on your personal preference and comfort. This article has given you a thorough knowledge of iron sights to help you buy the best one for your needs.
People Also Ask
The iron sight you settle on will determine how comfortably you use your gun and also how accurate your resultant aim is. Thus, it is not a decision to be made with haste and without proper considerations. To provide the readers with as much useful detail as possible, in this section, have answered some of the most asked questions regarding iron sights.
Are Red Dot Sights More Accurate Than Iron Sights?
The accuracy of your aim mainly depends upon the shooter’s skills, but the optic plays a fair role as well. While iron sights are durable and can always be leaned upon, the red dot provides quicker target acquisition and a non-obstructed field of view. Due to these reasons, when compared, the latter may give a more accurate aim than the former.
How to Adjust Iron Sights
The iron sight can be adjusted in both the front and the rear sight. For the front sight, use an adjustment tool and insert it in it. Rotate the tool to adjust the sight by as many clicks as required.
For the rear sight, there are knobs dedicated to adjustments. These knobs are also rotated by the desired number of clicks to make the adjustments. Until you get the required field of impact, keep on adjusting the two sights as needed.
How to Adjust Windage On Iron Sights
The windage is adjusted using knobs and tools. If your point of impact (POI) has landed towards your target's left, rotate the knob to move the rear sight to the right and adjust the front sight to make it move towards the left side. This goes vice versa for the POI moving towards the right of the target.
If the POI is above the target, move the rear sight down and the front sight up. If the shot lands below the target, move the rear sight up and the front sight down.
What is Co-Witnessing With Iron Sights?
If you are using other optics in conjunction with an iron sight, it is called co-witnessing. Using a red dot in combination with an iron sight so that both the optics are aligned and are being used simultaneously is when the iron sights are co-witnessing. This increases the accuracy and the speed of target acquisition.