In some cases, you may need to prove your shooting prowess without using optics. The way to do it is to shoot with the assistance of iron sight. However, it might not be easy to do so. The best AR15 iron sights are the best assistants for this kind of assignment, and AR shooters commonly use it.
In this article, I am going to examine the 10 best iron sights for AR 15. I will review each product and mention some pros and cons.
There will also be a user guide section and a list of some frequently asked questions. Finally, there will be a conclusion to the guide and a list of all the products under review. Please read on for more information.
Top 5 Best ar15 Iron Sights Comparison in 2022
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The 10 Best ar15 Iron Sights Reviews
1. Diamondhead USA Micro-D Iron Sights Front & Rear.

The Diamondhead Front & Rear Combat Iron Sights is excellent for AR shooting because of the following attributes:
It has an impact-resistant polymer construction, and this makes it very light and resistant to operational abuse. The product is, therefore, durable and portable.
It has a low profile knob that is useful in making both the elevation and windage adjustments. These adjustments do not require any tool, as you can do it by the use of the hand by turning the knob.
Therefore, the sight will last long because the hand adjustments cannot damage it easily. Tool adjustments can be abrasive, hence making its useful life short.
It is a product of high-quality material from the USA. The sight is a genuine brand and not a copy of any other one. Its casing is also durable because it is a product of stainless steel that is resistant to water, wear, and corrosion.
Products that are not water-resistant do not last long, and this is not the case with this brand. I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to buy one.
It has a knurled non-slip handle that provides a lifetime of convenient operation. The firm grip ensures that you do not lose control when operating it. It is, therefore, safe to use.
The product is ideal for those persons who compete or even those who are training to perfect their skills.
2. Daniel Defense DD Fixed Front/Rear Sight Combo.
Daniel Defense is a family-owned company known for its firearms. They are among the industry’s most reliable brands, offering the world’s finest AR-15 style rifles, bolt-action rifles, pistols, and accessories for civilian, military customers, and law enforcement. The brand’s fixed front/rear sight combo is one of their best-selling items.
High-Quality 6061-T6 Aluminum and Military Specification
Daniel Defense Iron Sights Combo is made from the highest quality aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum that will never disappoint you. The accuracy and usability of AR-15 depend on the sight’s quality. Both the rear and front sight combo is lightweight and durable. Considering that it is made from premium quality material, this sight set will provide lifetime service.
Single-Piece Design Rail
The front sight has a lightweight, streamlined design which makes it snag-free and unremarkable. Because of its single-piece design, you can install it on any MIL-STD-1913 rail. The front sight facilitates the utilization of compact firearm lights forward of the sight. You can rest your thumb at the concave radius designed on both sides.
Rear Sight Work as a Secondary Sight
The rear sight of Daniel Defense serves as a secondary sight with the latest optical sighting systems. The sight will not affect the charging handle, and it can easily fit a flat military-style top receiver even without a tool.
Verdict
Daniel Defense DD Fixed is made of high-quality material that is easy to use. It is recommended to any MIL-STD-1913 rail.
3. Chaos Ready | Flip Up Iron Sights
Chaos Ready Flip-Up AR 15 Iron Sights is your typical yet complete BUIS at a reasonable price for its quality. It is built of high-quality aluminum, making it robust and lightweight, so you won’t have any trouble carrying it around even during combating. Chaos Ready Iron Sight is worth buying and is designed to last.
Compatible to 1913 Picatinny Rails
Chaos Ready Flip Up Iron Sights are designed to fit the military standard 1913 Picatinny Rails. It can be used on most of the Picatinny mounting systems. When flipped up, it is a co-witness to most standard optics. When flipped down, it is hidden or low profile.
Fully Adjustable
These flip-up iron sights have fully adjustable windage and elevation, which makes them quite accurate. Elevation adjustment is via ½ MOA clicks, making these iron sights very accurate. The BUIS has a CQB Aperture at the rear sight so that you will have an accurate aim. Its spring-loaded action is very responsive and provides an instant backup iron sight. All with just a push of a spring-loaded button on the side of the iron sight.
Premium Quality Design
It is made of premium-quality aluminum metal, with light iron sight but quite robust. This will not affect the weight of your firearm. Because it is light, you will not notice that you have backup iron sights.
4. Midwest Industries Combat Front and Rear Sight.
This Midwest Industries Combat Iron Sight is ideal for AR shooting because of the following salient features:
It is adaptive to the needs of the user because it can mount on either side of the firearm. You will, therefore, not need to strain so much as the sight caters for both left-handed and right-handed AR shooters.
It is of a low profile design that does not prevent the field of view when you are shooting. You will need a clear field of view when you will be shooting because the sight does not use optics. This product provides just that. It is, therefore, a premium product for any AR shooter.
It has a knurled non-slip handle that provides a very firm grip to the user. The product is very safe to use because it won’t get out of hand during the actual exercise.
It has an aperture that is ideal for both long-range and short-range precision targets. The product is, therefore, a multipurpose tool.
It uses a standard A2 front sight post that ensures that the field of view is clear. These sight posts are universal, meaning that they are shareable, and this leads to cost savings in the operations.
5. Magpul Industries Front and Rear Iron Sight.
I would recommend this Magpul Industries Iron Sight to anyone because of the following factors:
It is resistant to the impact that arises from the use of the gun. Some specific guns cause a lot of impacts when they are in use, and some sights cannot withstand such and kind of impact.
However, that is not the case with this sight. The product, therefore, is ideal for use by all types of guns.
The product comes with a detent and spring pressure plate that keeps the sight erect throughout the exercise. That happens while keeping the field of view free of obstruction.
It comes with a protective wing shield that protects the user, the gun, and itself against the impact. The product is, therefore, strong and durable.
It can mount on any standard type Picatinny, and it also provides the same height-over-bore just as normal standard A2 irons.
The gun can mount on either side of the tool. It has a spring-loaded flip-up sight that makes it easy to aim the target. The spring activates from either side of the equipment by pressing the top. Anyone can operate it with ease and without the need for prior experience.
The product is durable because it is resistant to water and rust. It is a product of stainless steel that does not get rust even if you leave outside when raining.
6. Dagger Defense BUIS Picatinny Rail Mounted Backup Iron Sights.
Dagger Defense is a company owned by a combat veteran. Their BUIS backup iron sights are recommended because of their quality and reliability. You can use the iron sight in an AR-15 rifle, and it is compatible with red dot optics, and it is not possible to mount these BUIS on bigger rifles. Its black matte finish makes the rifle look good.
Retention Adjustable
Sometimes the Dagger Defense BUIS does not function as expected when it is laid flat. The push-button also act as a retention adjustment knob. Turn the push-button clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust the locking retention in a downward position. You can also lock it in place in the horizontal position when adjusting. For windage adjustment, use the dial knob located on the rear sight.
Durable Construction
The Dagger Defense BUIS is durable because it is made with aluminum and not a polymer. It can survive any impact and heat and offers orientation at 450 on the right and left. You do not require a special tool in adjusting the elevation and windage, unlike other backup iron sights.
Ergonomic Design
Dagger Defense lets the user position the reticles in four different ways. It will benefit the shooter as you can aim effortlessly to your target. The reflex sight offers great optics convenience that is quite palpable. With its stabilizing user sighting adjustment, it provides a reliable locking set screw. It has a red dot constructed with durable aircraft-grade aluminum. You can have many facilities to save rail space since it has a fan ergonomic design.
Verdict
The Defense Dagger Combat Vet is recommended for users looking for a reliable backup iron sight. It is quite durable and easy to adjust.
7. Magpul MBUS Pro Iron Steel Sight.
I would recommend Magpul MBUS Iron Sight to any potential buyer because of the following characteristics:
The sight is durable because it is a product of stainless steel. It is of high quality with its origin in the United States. The clients who buy it, therefore, are sure of buying an original product and not a fake product.
The distinctive feature of this product is that it has superior strength than other iron sights. It can withstand guns that produce a heavy impact on shooting, and it is, therefore, durable.
The sight has a melonite finish that gives it the strength when it is in use. Apart from that, the product is windage adjustable and can do it by use of the hand. You do not require any tool for this purpose, hence preserving the newness of the product.
The sight comes with a detent and spring pressure that keeps the sight erect throughout the exercise. At the same time, the spring pressure does not allow for the field of view to have obstructions.
It has a knurled non-slip handle that provides a very firm grip to the user, making it safe for use all the time.
8. Troy Industries Round Rear Iron Sight SSIG-45SHRBT-00.
The Troy Industries Round Iron Sight is ideal for AR 15 gun shooters because of the following qualities:
It is a multipurpose product that fits both HK front and rear sight. The product is excellent for both the distant and short targets. You can zoom the distant targets until they appear to be near, hence making it easy for precision shots.
It is long-lasting because it is a product of stainless steel that is resistant to water and rust. Rust weakens the ions and eats up the metal component. This product, however, is not prone to rust, hence durable.
It can fold up compactly on both sides of the rifle, and this makes it easy to operate. Anyone with some experience in gun shootings can use it with ease.
It can fit any standard size base, and this leads to cost savings. You do not need to buy a new base every time you buy a sight.
It is easy to install and deploy. You can fix it to the base by the use of the hand, and not by use of any tool.
It works on the same plane rail systems and will not work on a railed gas block that is higher than the receiver.
9. Magpul MBUS Pro Front and Rear Iron Sights 526-525.
This Magpul MBUS Pro Iron Sight is a premium product that I would recommend to anyone looking forward to buying one because of the following reasons:
The product has both elevation and windage adjustments. One can perform these adjustments by use of the hand, and you do not require any tool for this purpose. Tools can damage the sight, especially if the adjustments become common.
It is durable, and this is because of its all-round steel construction. The sight is resistant to water and rust. These agents can damage the sight within a short time. Since it can withstand such, it will serve you for long.
Its casing is hardened and finished with Melonite QPQ to make it stronger. This component makes it extremely resistant to wear and corrosion that is caused by water and rust.
It is of standard size over bore when it is in use. The product does not in any way obstruct the field of view when you are shooting.
It has a handle that provides a firm grip to the user.
The gun can mount on either side of the sight. It is a high-quality product from the United States.
10. Tacticon Flip up Iron Sights for Rifles.
The Tacticon Flip up Iron Sights is an ideal iron sight for an AR 15 shooter because of the following reasons:
The product comes with an Allen wrench and the front adjustment tool that is useful in adjusting the sight. These tools cannot damage the sight. They have the approval of the manufacturer.
It is a product of an actual metal that is the aluminum alloy. The sight is, therefore, durable, and with care, it can serve you for long.
It is not similar to other cheap imitations that are products of the polymer. I would, therefore, advise you to buy this product because it has all that you need in the iron sight.
It features push buttons that are easy to operate. The sights are offset at 45 degrees to allow for maximum visibility of the field of view. It also allows you to rotate the weapon to see the target clearly, no matter where it is.
The product has a hardened case that makes it long-lasting with less impact from water and rust. It does not rust because it is a product of aluminum alloy.
The sight can support extra ammunition that you can use at any moment.
11. Troy Industries Micro HK Style Front and Rear Folding Battle Sight.
The Troy Industries Micro HK Style Front and Rear Sight is one of the best AR 15 iron sight for AR shooters because of the following qualities:
This sight comes with an impact-resistant polymer construction that protects it against the impact of the use of a gun.
Therefore, this makes it very light and resistant to operational abuse and shocks from vibrations. The product is, therefore, durable and portable as well.
It is adaptive to the needs of the user because it can mount on either side of the firearm. The sight is ideal for both people who use either the left hand or the right hand for shooting. A person, therefore, does not have to strain a lot whenever they are using it.
The product comes with a detent and spring pressure that keeps it erect all through the exercise. That happens without obstructing the field of view.
With this sight, you can view the entire field, and you can also adjust it to capture the moving targets.
It is durable because it is a product of stainless steel that is resistant to water and rust. Rust weakens the ions and corrodes the metal component.
The product works on the same plane rail systems and will not work on a railed gas block that is higher than the receiver.
Thing to consider when looking for the Best ar15 Iron Sights
Whenever you want to buy a product, there will be several things to put into consideration. Some of these things include the quality of the product, whether it is genuine or not, and so on.
You should also consider the attributes of it, both in a general and broad spectrum and in detail as well. This will assist you in proper decision making, hence the likelihood of buying a quality product.
So what are some of the features that you should look for before you buy a product? Go through this guide, and you will find answers to all your questions.
The quality.
Most of the AR 15 iron shots are not the original versions. Some unscrupulous people and companies who are out there to make money are creating fake products.
To protect yourself from buying a substandard one, you should always conduct a product quality assessment test. If you are not keen enough, you will end up buying a fake sight. Such a product will not only drain you financially but also other resources.
If you are not keen enough on the quality of the product, then you will spend a lot of money doing repairs and replacements. Always ascertain the quality of a product before you spend your money on it.
Compatibility.
AR 15 iron shots are not cheap products because there are several expenses that you will incur before it becomes fully operational. Before buying one, find out whether or not it is compatible with all the shareable components.
Some of these components include the rifles and the base. It should accommodate all the weapons that are at your disposal. If that is not so, then you may have to incur additional costs in buying extra pieces of equipment such as the base or new guns.
That will lead to the consumption of a huge space in your store when it comes to storing these components. It should also fit the mounting base or, otherwise, you will also need to buy an extra one. If all your guns are compatible with this product, then that is a product to buy.
Ease of installation, deployment, and adjustment.
You have to be careful not to set it either too high or too low to avoid obstructing the field of view. Always buy a sight that is easy to install a rifle on it and also, it should be easy to mount on any base.
To access a wider field of view, you have to set it low. However, if you set it too low, it might become difficult to view the field through the lens.
On the other hand, if you set it too high, it will obstruct the field of view and the target as well. Your efficiency will also diminish. To be on a better side, you have to set it in the most optimal position.
It might sound like it is a complicated process, but actually, it is not. You will find it a lot easier as you continue to use it.
Safety.
An AR 15 iron sight can be harmful if it is not put to the correct use as expected. You must exercise a lot of caution, especially when using it for the first time. Begin by learning how to operate it first before you start using it.
Persons with experience, however, do not have problems when it comes to using it. Notwithstanding the case, you have to observe safety whenever you are using such a tool.
Make sure that you are buying a product that you know how to use. Injuries caused by this product are so rampant, and several people have suffered them because of not being careful when handling them.
Always buy a sight that has safety wings, and that which you have ever had an experience with it, and you will avoid injuries.
It should also have handles that provide a firm grip so that you do not lose control over the gun and the sight. Therefore, this will improve safety around the work environment.
Warranty.
Not all manufacturers provide a warranty for their products. For some, the contract between the buyer and the seller ceases with the exchange of the money and the commodity.
The buyer should, however, take it upon himself/herself to establish whether the product has one or not. Several benefits accrue from the warranty that one should not miss.
Some of the things to put into consideration in case of a warranty include:
- All the terms that govern the warranty. Some manufacturers provide a wordy or a lengthy warranty document. The document is inconvenient to the user owing to its size. I would, therefore, urge you to read through it carefully before consenting.
- The duration with which the warranty shall remain in force and the possibility of extension.
- Warranty exclusions and inclusions. In most cases, the warranty does not cover the entire set, especially the wearable parts. Get to know the specific parts that shall not be under warranty.
- The factors that can invalidate a warranty. One does not automatically qualify for a warranty during breakdowns. Several instances can make it invalid, and the clauses indicating the same should be in writing in the warranty document.
- Finally, get to know the dropping point of the product when you want to return it for claims. Some sellers/manufacturers may require you to return to the physical store of purchase, while others may require that you send it to their store as a parcel.
The cost.
It is a variable factor, and it differs from one brand to another. The quality of a product will determine its price. I would, however, advise you to consider all the attributes of each product before making a purchase decision.
Check through the quality attributes of each product. The truth is that not all costly products are high-quality products, and the opposite is true as well.
My advice is that you scan through the individual attribute of the product, and let the cost to be the final issue to consider. In this way, you will be able to settle for a product that offers a lot, no matter the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Aren’t Sights Outdated?
Sights are obsolete. They were useful in the yesteryears, but so far, the evolution of technology has led to the production of better tools.
However, that is not to mean that they are now useless. They still have several uses, but there are better products that you can use for the same purpose.
We cannot write it off completely, because they still have their uses. They are not easy to destroy or damage. It is also tough as compared to a reflex sight.
How to use the iron sight perfectly and effectively?
The first step is to ensure that you have the correct type of sight and the gun. In most cases, the two are compatible, and hence it should not be a big problem.
The second step is to make proper adjustments. Make sure that as you set, it does not obstruct the field of view. Adjust both the elevation and windage settings as appropriate.
The third step is to mount the gun on the rail together with the sight.
Aim the gun at the target through the lens and adjust the nozzle until you are sure that it is right on it. Finally, pull the trigger to release the bullet.
How to Aim with Iron Sights?
They do not use the same principle as the reflex sights because they do not have optics. You have to focus on three points that are both sides of the rear sight and that of the front sight. All these must be in a single line before pulling the trigger, failure to which you will miss the target.
How to care for an iron sight.
An iron sight, just like any other piece of equipment, needs a lot of care. Common things that can damage it include water and rust. You should, therefore, make every effort to keep it away from water.
However, if it is a product of stainless steel, then rust might not become a problem. Always buy one that is resistant. Carry out regular maintenance of the sight to keep it fit always. Where possible, make all the adjustments by the use of the hand.
Are iron sight good for long-distance targets?
Yes, they are useful for both short-range and long-range targets. However, some of the sights lack these capabilities. Some are only good for short distances, others for long distances and others can do both.
I would, however, advise you to buy one that can do both, even if you do not intend to use it for both functions. You do not know when you will need it.
Conclusion.
Before you buy an iron sight, you have to put several things into consideration. These are the factors that should guide the decision that you will make. In the guide, I mentioned all the information that you should have at your fingertips as you go shopping.
It features an introduction to the article, the review of eight products, and the guide. Also in the article are some few FAQs that answers all your questions in a bid to make everything clear.
Finally, there is a conclusion to the product and a list of all the products under review. Please read through it several times, for more information.
You guy’s didn’t even mention Ultradyne, and their sights blow everyone you listed out of the water. The only con to them is they’re expensive, but you pay for quality and performance…
Thank you sir for your kind information. We will update As soon as possible.