9 best ar 15 backup iron sights

Backup iron sights (BUIS) for AR-15 rifles are secondary aiming devices that can be used when the primary optic, such as a scope or red dot sight, becomes inoperative or if the shooter needs a close-range aiming solution. These sights are typically designed to be rugged, reliable, and easy to use.Here are some key points about AR-15 backup iron sights:

  1. Types of BUIS:

    • There are two main types of BUIS: flip-up and fixed.
    • Flip-up sights are designed to be folded down when not in use, allowing the use of the primary optic without obstruction. They can be quickly flipped up when needed.
    • Fixed sights are always in the up position and are considered more robust due to their simplicity.
  2. Front and Rear Sights:

    • BUIS consist of a front sight and a rear sight.
    • The front sight is usually a post or blade that is adjustable for elevation.
    • The rear sight is often adjustable for windage (horizontal alignment) and typically has two apertures, one for precision and one for faster target acquisition at close range.
  3. Material and Durability:

    • BUIS are commonly made from materials like steel or aluminum to ensure durability and resistance to recoil forces.
    • Quality construction is essential to maintain zero (alignment) even after being folded down and brought back up.
  4. Mounting Options:

    • BUIS can be mounted on a Picatinny or M-LOK rail system, depending on the rifle's configuration.
    • Ensure that the BUIS you choose is compatible with your specific rail system.
  5. Use Cases:

    • BUIS are primarily intended for close to medium-range engagements.
    • They are a critical backup for shooters who rely on optics for their primary sight picture.
  6. Zeroing:

    • It's essential to zero (adjust) your BUIS to align with the point of impact of your primary optic. This ensures accuracy when switching between sights.
  7. Co-witnessing:

    • Some shooters prefer to have their BUIS co-witness with their primary optic, meaning the iron sights and the optic reticle line up when aiming. This provides redundancy and a quick transition between the two sighting systems.
  8. Maintenance:

    • Regularly inspect and maintain your BUIS to ensure they are in proper working condition.
  9. Legal Considerations:

    • Be aware of local laws and regulations regarding the use and ownership of AR-15 rifles and accessories, including iron sights.

Remember that proficiency in using BUIS, along with regular training, is crucial to effectively employ them in a real-world scenario. Always follow safety guidelines and local laws when using firearms and accessories.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best ar 15 backup iron sights on the market
  

Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights for Rifle Includes Front Sight Adjustment Tool | Rapid Transition Backup Front and Rear Iron Sight BUIS Set Picatinny Rail and Weaver Rail

Tacticon Armament

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

⭐️ NEW HARDENED AIRCRAFT GRADE ALUMINUM ALLOY!



THE QUALITY



The Tacticon Flip-Up Front And Rear Iron Sights are a high-quality aluminum alloy. Whether using as your main sight or as a back-up sight for another optic, you can count on the accuracy and durability this sight offers. The spring loaded pop-up action on the iron sights is incredibly fast and effective with the simple push of the button.





THE WARRANTY



These iron sights are fully refundable if you are not satisfied with them. We offer a lifetime warranty on the sights.





THE FLEXIBILITY



It is designed for any hunting or tactical rifle including Winchester, Remington, Colt, etc. and can fit ANY rifle and will fit all Picatinny Rail and Weaver Rail sections.





THE ADJUSTABILITY



The front sight post is fully adjustable for elevation and we INCLUDED the front sight post adjustment tool for your convenience! The rear sight is fully adjustable for windage.





THE INSTALLATION



Allen wrench to easily mount the iron sights is included with this product unlike most other sights on Amazon. How terrible would it be to get these awesome iron sights then have to drive to the hardware just to mount them on your rifle?





THE PACKAGING



Whether you're keeping this for yourself or giving this to someone for an awesome gift you will be pleasantly surprised when you crack open the packaging. Makes for an awesome gift box and/or ammo box!!!

  • ✔ FRONT SIGHT ADJUSTMENT TOOL INCLUDED! This front sight elevation tool is included! It sells for $10 by itself on Amazon!
  • ✔ TACTICON IS A COMBAT VETERAN OWNED COMPANY - STURDIEST AND BEST BUILT IRON SIGHT ON AMAZON - Made out of actual metal (hardened aircraft grade aluminum alloy), not polymer like some of these cheap imitations on Amazon
  • ✔ COMES WITH WOODEN CASE AND FRONT SIGHT ADJUSTMENT TOOL - Keep the sight adjustment tool and the mounting wrench along with some extra ammunition in this awesome box we include with your purchase.
  • ✔ PUSH BUTTON FLIP UP WITH EASE - Simply the press of a button and your iron sights will pop up quickly.
  • ✔ MOUNTING WRENCH INCLUDED - No other iron sights on Amazon come with the allen wrench and the front sight adjustment tool!

User questions & answers

Question: The push button has a knob. What does it do
Answer: I have been trying to get my rear sight warrantied for months and only get a completely useless e-mail response in return. Good luck. If you get anywhere with your warranty, please let me know how you did it.
Question: Who do you call for the life time warranty
Answer: A customer can have it in any color they want as long as it's black
Question: Does this come in tan
Answer: The are DEFINITELY made in China. The box is marked "Made in China".
Question: Where are they made
Answer: I think everything is made in China. It’s a good sight for the money . I like mine

Feyachi 45 Degree Front and Rear Backup Iron Sights - Rapid Transition Picatinny Rail Mounted

Feyachi

Based on 731 reviews Check latest price
  • 1/2 MOA elevation and windage adjustments
  • Low-profile sights extend only 2" above top rail, don't interfere with primary optics or military IR illuminator /laser sight.
  • Compatible with most Picatinny / Weaver rails.
  • Ambidextrous sights easily and securely mount to Picatinny rails using a flathead screwdriver.
  • Machined from lightweight, extremely durable, aluminum, Mil-Spec hard anodized.

User questions & answers

Question: How many Picatinny slots does each sight take up
Answer: They each take three slots. The screw goes through the middle one and the edge of the sights, both front and rear of each, sit on the slot on either side.
Question: Is the index knob adjustable and does it have an index set screw
Answer: I bought these for my son. He's got probably 150-200 rds through his AR, and he's had no issues with them holding a zero, or working lose. For the money, their a crazy bargain.
Question: Can the front sight post be resplaced with one from Blitzkrieg? The ones that are high contrast and/or tritium insert
Answer: I believe so. It looks like a standard post to me.
Question: Will this fit my H&K
Answer: Right handed. It is awkward using it left handed as I am. I would recommend looking for ambidextrous backup sights.

Product features

Feyachi Front and Rear Fixed 45 Degree Rapid Transition Backup Iron Sight

  • Rapid Transition Sights (RTS) provide shooters with the quickest possible transition between longer- and closer-range target acquisition, greatly increasing their efficiency and effectiveness in battle and competition.
  • This unique offset position makes transitioning from optical to iron sights simply a matter of quickly canting the weapon with your wrists and locking on to the target.
  • There's no removing a hand from the weapon or making a manual adjustment, and no cluttered field of vision or iron sights blocking the optical sight.
  • Just smooth, quick transitions that could mean the difference between winning or losing a competition, or more importantly-a gunfight.

CHAOS READY | Flip Up Iron Sights - Spring Loaded Low Profile Back up Ironsights | Designed for Picatinny 1913 Pattern Rails | Co-Witness Front and Rear BUIS Combo Set |

Chaos Ready

Based on 404 reviews Check latest price
  • Spring Loaded: The Spring Loaded Action is Highly Responsive & Means For An Instant Back Up Iron Sight. All Done From A Simple Conveniently Placed Spring Loaded Button Placed On The Side Of The Iron Sight.
  • Compatibility: Designed To Mount On The Military Standard 1913 Picatinny Rails Widely Universal Can Be Used On Most Picatinny Mounting Systems. Co-Witness To Most Standard Optics When Flipped Up Or Low Profile & Out Of The Way When Flipped Down.
  • Design: Made From A High Quality Aluminum Metal Allowing For A Light But Highly Sturdy Iron Sight. This Allows You To Not Change The Weight Of Your Firearm Too Much. You Always Have A Back Up Iron Sights That You Won’t Even Notice.
  • Fully Adjustable: The Iron Sight Is Fully Adjustable For Both Windage & Elevation Via 1/2 MOA Clicks Adjustments Allowing For A Truly Accurate Iron Sight No Matter The Environment. Also Comes With Both Precision & CQB Apertures On The Rear Sight, So No Matter What The Environment You Have It All.
  • Rock Solid Support: You need the confidence in knowing you've chosen the absolute best quality products available, Chaos Ready always backs them with their armor plated customer support and lifetime warranty.

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come with the installation tool? Also is there a tool set that you would recommend for adjusting the sights
Answer: I managed to adjust mine with a paper clip/safety pin and a small flat head screw driver.
Question: Will they fit ruger ar
Answer: I'm guessing it's taking longer than normal because things are backed up at shipping docks all over the country. Might be personnel problems due to Covid.
Question: I have a bushnell trs-25 w/riser on my ar now, are they tall enough to co-witness? the first pair i purchased were only 40mm tall and it only came up
Answer: I have no clue where they are made but I know the owner and he worked for me at US SOCOM. I have 3 sets of them and they are great. They hold zero and I use them more than I would have thought.
Question: Will the rear sight properly line up with a stock A2 front sight
Answer: Don't buy it later it won't stay down. Pay for something that is much better. I think it is a good design but, won't stay down.

SOUFORCE Premium Flip Up Mil Spec Iron Sights Front and Rear Sight Mounts Set, Low Profile Standard / 45 Degree Offset Backup Iron Sights for Picatinny Weaver Rail

SOUFORCE

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • 【Flip-Up Design】Flip up and down for transition between iron sights and scopes. Spring inside helps to fix the position and withstand the recoil to prevent it from falling down when shooting.
  • 【Universal Compatibility】Work on most standard Picatinny & Weaver Rail system. Provide a easy mount on Picatinny & Weaver rails, and co-witness with most standard optics.
  • 【Quality Material】Made of high-density exquisite material with black matte finish. The premium aluminium alloy makes the sights durable, sturdy against recoil but light-weighted. Perfect as backup sights.
  • 【High Precision】Fully adjustable for Windage. Both Precision and CQB apertures on rear sight with standard AR front sight, help you to zero in medium and short distance better.
  • 【Low-Profile Folding Design】Low profile folding design won't take up too much space or interfere other accessories when it's folded.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the shortest sighting distance between the rear & front sights mounted on a 10" Picatinney rail for a Mini
Answer: 2XL if they got it. I bought the XL I am a 36 fits good
Question: Will it work with air soft rails
Answer: I wear a 34 and bought a large fits great
Question: Gonna sound like a dumb question, but how do they flip up? The only thing that looks like a button doesn't do anything
Answer: There is NO belt included, but many forms of adjustability.
Question: how do you adjust up/down
Answer: No, they are probably water resistant but not waterproof

Dagger Defense -Combat Vet Owned Company- Tactical flip up BUIS Picatinny Rail Mounted Backup Iron Sights.

sabre

Based on 963 reviews Check latest price
  • Tactical picatinny rail mounted BUIS
  • Aluminum alloy in black matte finish
  • Spring loaded flip up feature
  • Great back up iron sights for red dots
  • Fits most standard picatinney rail systems

User questions & answers

Question: will these sights work on a DPMS panther oracle
Answer: I am not sure if these plates are made in the USA or not. The product doesn’t list that information.
Question: What is the best front post sight tool for this sight
Answer: I dont know how to tell what plastic they are as they out of their packaging on my shelf. I really like them and would buy them again. I use them for parties, lunches and for plant saucers.
Question: Flattop Ar 15 with lower gas block, will these sights work
Answer: Depending on what you paid, sometimes it's cheaper to keep them.
Question: will this hold up on a 12 Gauge shotgun
Answer: The plates are just clear little plates with no designs.

Product features

Retention adjustable

If the Dagger Defense BUIS does not lock into place while laying flat, the push button also doubles as a retention adjustment knob.  The push button can be turned clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the locking retention in the down position.

Add light oil for best use

For better functionality, it is recommended to add a light bit of oil (not included) to the push buttons and moving parts.  Work the oil in by moving the parts back and forth.  Doing so, will help improve the deployment and use of the sights.

Windage adjustment

The Dagger Defense flip up BUIS uses a dial knob for windage adjustment located on the rear sight.

 

Allen screw installation

Lock your Dagger Defense flip up BUIS to a rail system using allen screws. 

STINGER Novelty Finger Sight Set, Fixed Backup Front and Rear Iron Sight BUIS Set, Fit Picatinny Rail and Weaver

Stinger Tools

Based on 117 reviews Check latest price
  • Made of Aluminum Alloy, durable and lightweight.
  • Sturdy mount with hexagonal screws, easy attachment with allen wrench. Low profile matte black finish.
  • OFFSET 45 Degree, great back up iron sights for the red dot.
  • Fits most standard picatinny and weaver rail system.
  • Show your real feeling without even a word with this funny novelty finger sight.

User questions & answers

Question: How do you zero this sight? I don't see any windage or elevation adjustments
Answer: NO! Grossly warped in microwave on my first use.
Question: Do they have a warranty
Answer: They will work well to hold tacos and warm foods like rice or beans.

Magpul MBUS PRO Steel Backup Sights

Magpul

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • 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)
  • Case hardened and finished with Melonite QPQ for extreme resistance to wear and corrosion
  • Mounts on any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/STANAG 4694 rail. Windage Adjustment - ~0.5 MOA (0.566 inch/100m) per click with a 14.5 inch sight radius. ~0.4 MOA (0.410 inch/100m) per click with a 20 inch sight radius
  • Elevation adjustment knob – no tools required
  • Positive detents in both the up and down positions as well as on the elevation knob; Standard sight height when deployed

User questions & answers

Question: Do you get solid "clicks" when you adjust the elevation dial? If so, anyone know how many Clicks per MOA
Answer: It fits on standard picatinny rails. If your gas block has a rail on top or if you have a low-pro gas block with a free float hand guard with a top rail, it will fit on top of the handguard
Question: can someone explain "co-witness" . Got a Colt ar15 and want to put a red dot on it. Everybody seems to talk about co witness?? help
Answer: I put them on a Sig AR in 5.56. I would only be guessing but the sights seem to be solid and I would believe they will hold up on a 12GA. Remember the auto loader has much less recoil than a pump.
Question: Will this work on the gas blocks that are lower than the rail on the upper reciever
Answer: My plates are clear!! Very nice
Question: Does this sit at the same hight as a fixed front sight
Answer: These are great dinner plates for a party, great quality and size. I did not reuse these, I used them as disposable plates at my party. I'm sure you can reuse them, however when you wash them depending on the sponge you use, they may show scratch marks?

Ozark Armament 45 Degree Offset Backup Iron Sights - All Metal Construction - Two Aperture Sight for Close and Precision Targets - Designed to Mount to All Picatinny Rails

Ozark Armament

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • Don't let optic failure take you out of the fight
  • Doesn't interfere with your optic sight picture
  • Allows quick, repeatable transition from primary optic
  • Standard height above bore as standard iron sights
  • Backed by our full One Year Warranty and Dedicated US Support

User questions & answers

Question: Front rail is slightly lower than rear, will it adjust
Answer: DO not buy these. They are not fold down. They are offset only. The spring loaded pin, in from sight is on the back and not the front, as should be. They are ok; but, I'd get another.
Question: Picture shows hex screw but I read a review that they come with slotted screws. Which is it
Answer: Sorry, I didn't sell that.
Question: Will standard a2 front post fit
Answer: Laura is correct. They are made to be mounted on the right, but if mounted on the left they are still functional, the rear adjustments may be reversed ( I think the left/right, not the up/down).
Question: Will laying the rifle in a snug case affect these sights by applying pressure
Answer: Yes (up and down)

Feyachi Flip Up Rear Front and Iron Sights Best Backup fits Picatinny & Weaver Rails Black

Feyachi

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • Machined from lightweight and extremely durable aluminum, Mil-Spec hard anodized
  • Calibrated and matched together as a set, Designed for same plane with low profile rear sight
  • Flip-up design with spring load push button, allowing for quick deployment Rear sight Windage adjustable
  • 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), 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed

User questions & answers

Question: will this fit a radical arms ar
Answer: they will fit if the rifle has standard picatinny rails which most do.
Question: Can anyone verify if the front sight post is the same size as a standard Ar sight post as i would like to put an aftermaket in
Answer:  definitely too high for a a4/ar15. I cant even see the laser of the foresight at all. If you measure the front sight is about 3/8" larger than the rear. If you read the description closely, all the wayyyyy at the bottom it says it's a standard A2 front sight.!
Question: How close of a proximity can the front and rear sight be mounted from eachother on a standard Mini 14 6" picatanney mount
Answer: These sight ar really for a longer sight plane. (AR 15). You would be better off with the sights that came on your Mini 14 if you are looking for accuracy. Thi
Question: Will this for a Mck gen 3 or roni
Answer: Mounted on my Roni, will not sit level, about a 5 degree cant to the left.

Product features

1. Feyachi Flip Up Rear Front and Iron Sights with Elevation

Specification

  • Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm (height) x 30mm, Weight:1.5 oz (Front) 35mm x 40mm (height) x 27mm, Weight:1.8 oz (Rear)
  • Color: Black finish
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Interface: Picatinny / Weaver Rails

Flip-up Design

Flip-up design with spring load push button, allowing for quick deployment

2 Mode

Adjustable for CQB or long range Mode

Rear Sight Windage Adjustable

Rotate the knob to adjust the windage.

Latest Reviews

View all