Offset Iron Sights are the best accessory for your firearms. These sights are set of 45 degree canted iron sights that are best for a flat top AR. If you are looking for the perfect solution for CQB without getting rid of the high magnification scope, the offset iron sights are the answers.
These sights are usually used in three gun competitions which require switching between long and short-range targets. They are also perfect for target shooting, hunting, and home defense if you want fast transitions from a close-range set to a long-range optic.
We know it is not easy to find the best offset iron sights, so we have written this comprehensive review to help pistol owners search for the perfect accessory. Included in this post are the pros and cons of each product. At the end of this post, we pick the one we think is the best among the rest.
Top 5 Best Offset Iron Sights Comparison in 2022
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What Is An Offset Sight?
An offset iron sight enables the shooters to switch from short-range targets to medium and long targets by tilting the rifle fast and effortlessly. It is a regular aperture sight arranged at a 45-degree angle to interfere with the main optical sight. The sight can be fixed or flip up in position and has the same options that inline sights have.
Why Use Offset Iron Sights?
Offset iron sights are a popular option compared to other kinds of iron sights as they are easy to use. There is no need to flip the sights up or down to use the scope. Many offset iron sights flip up, but it won’t affect your capability to use your scope if you keep them up.
Advantages of Offset Iron Sights
The transition from high magnification scope to traditional settings is one of the prevalent advantages of offset iron sights. You don’t have to worry if the optic will not function as expected as you have iron sights as your backup.
If you are mounting a scope, the offset iron sights have a low profile. The greater the scope clearance you mount the scope, the lower your rifle.
It is also essential to fit the scope within the 1.5 inch standard on most AR-15s, or if the head is not in the standard size, that requires you to mount it lower for better cheek weld.
Changing from short to long-range sighting systems without losing speed is yet another advantage of offset iron sights. The throw lever might take you up to 6x. But if you need to change from 200 to 50 yards, adjust your parallax.
Disadvantages of Offset Iron sights
People find the design of the offset iron sight awkward. The offset iron sight is good at 20 yards, but you will be struggling to make a shot at 100 yards.
Another disadvantage is the price. A decent offset iron sight will cost you around $100, and the best in the market will cost about $300. That is a huge amount of money for a backup system. But if you consider the transition time, it is worth buying.
The 7 Best Offset Iron Sights Reviews
We have reviewed seven offset iron sights that you can consider buying. But you have to read this post from start to finish before you decide.
FalconOptics 45 Degree Iron Sights
The Falcon Optics Iron Sights is one of the famous offset iron sights as it functions well when needed. It can slightly rotate your pistol to aim at the target and get them engaged. With a press of the button, the iron sights will pop up quickly.
Design and Durability
These iron sights are made of high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum alloy but do not add weight to them. It is very reliable regardless of whether you are using them as your primary sight or act as a backup sight for another optic. FalconOptics is known for its durability and accuracy. Using these iron sights is fast and effective with just a push of the button.
Flexibility and Easy to Adjust
These iron sights are designed not just for a kind of rifle. You can use it on your Remington, Winchester, Colt, etc., and can likewise fit AR-15/AR-10/M4/M16 platform and fits Weaver Rail and Picatinny Rail. The front sight elevation is adjustable and includes the front sight post adjustment tool, while the rear sight is adjustable for windage. The backup sights are flexible. You can flip them down and stow them away conveniently if not needed and stay at low positions that are not intrusive to other optics.
Easy to Install and Fast Deployment
Mounting the iron sights only requires an Allen wrench. You don’t have to purchase it separately as the tool is included in the package. It would be pretty frustrating installing the sights when you realized you don’t have the tool needed.
Pros
Cheap
Easy to adjust
Two-mode of shooting
Easy to install
Cons
It does not include an adjusting tool
Diamondhead USA D-45
This USA-made iron sight is made of premium quality material. The brand is getting popular because of its durability and design. Also, people appreciate its unique diamond shape design instead of the regular circular peephole. Centering the front sight to the rear peephole is not a problem because Diamondhead has sharp corners.
Premium Quality and Well-Designed
As the name implies, the sight is made in the USA and is known for having a well-designed construction. Its innovative design is impressive. Aside from the diamond peep sight, it is the only brand in this list that folds under the rifle scope. A good feature considering that it is small, you will probably utilize your offset BUIS. The sights are protected, and rotating the firearms are fast and easy.
Fast and Accurate
Diamond Head D-45 is quite reliable when it comes to high speed and high-stress shooting. The traditional rear sights, round aperture, and front-sight housing make it hard and inaccurate to shoot longer distances. It is much easier and faster for the eye to locate the center of a rear sight’s aperture with the additional posts at the corner. You can only see these proprietary reference posts in Diamondhead sight. With its restyled rear sight, rapid aiming is easier and for CQC aiming as well.
Accurate Elevation Adjustment
You can adjust the sights on different ranges, depending on the wind. The trajectory and point of impact are on point as you can easily adjust the elevation. Since the sight adjustments are orthogonal, the windage can be changed without affecting the height and vice versa.
Pros
Fast centering and target acquisition
Accurate windage adjustment
Easy to install and use
Secure and precise elevation adjustment
Cons
Folding it back under your scope is a bit complex
45 Degree Offset Flip Up Iron Sights By Bear Armz Tactical Store
Bear Armz Tactical is supporting the bill about self-protection. Having this in mind, they designed and developed high-quality, accurate, reliable, and affordable tactical products. Its 45 Degree Offset Flip Up Iron sights follow the highest manufacturing standards to provide their followers the best products.
Made of Premium Quality Materials
Bear Armz Tactical 45 Degree Offset Flip Up Iron Sights are made of high-grade aluminum alloy. The material is lightweight, robust, and resists moisture effectively. It was coated with black paint for additional protection and looks good when installed on your rifles.
Impressive Flip-Up Iron Sights
The spring-actuated release is quite impressive and reliable. It flips the sights into the best position with authority. Bear Armz Tactical front sight is adjustable for proper elevation, and the rear side is to adjust the windage. The rear sight likewise includes the night and day aperture. Make sure to leave enough space between your rear sight and the optic you are using so it can flip into its proper position.
Easy to Install
You can easily install these iron sights on all Picatinny rails using an Allen wrench included in the package. The product comes with a lifetime warranty. You can contact them if you have any issues or concerns about the iron sights.
Pros
Lifetime Warranty
Flexible can fit all Picatinny rails
Made of premium grade aluminum alloy
Easy to install
Cons
When folded, it is a bit bulky. Thus, it interferes when accessing the charging handle.
Ozark Armament 45 Degree Offset Backup Iron Sights
The Ozark Armament 45 Degree Offset Iron Sights are affordable and almost the same price as the Tacticon sights. But, they differ on accouterments, so it is a bit expensive than the Tacticon. Not because it is sold at a low price, it means it is of low quality. Price is not the only determining factor when buying iron sights.
Made of High-Quality Aluminum Alloy
Like other iron sights in the market, it is also made from premium quality aluminum alloy that is lightweight and durable. Attaching is easy and maintains zero well. Ozark Armament iron sights are fully adjustable for elevation and windage.
Available in Flip-Up and Fixed Designs
These sights are available in flip-up and fixed versions and offered for the same price. The flip-up designs have a low profile. It is spring-loaded for easy, crisp release with a push of the button. Both versions have a rounded design to prevent catching.
Optics Friendly
The flip-up iron sights are designed not to obstruct the other optics installed on your firearms. It does not matter if you want to have a quick shot without a scope or the red dot dies out. You can easily squeeze off a round with 45-degree sight by rotating it counter-clockwise. If you are looking for a cheap alternative for Tacticon Flip-Up Sight, Ozark Armament 45 is a good choice.
Pros
Easy to install
Lightweight and durable
Available in two versions Flip-up and fixed
Maintains zero well
Cons
Right-hand tilt only
AT3 Tactical 45 Degree Offset Back Up Iron Sights
The AT3 Tactical 45 Degree Offset Iron Sights are perfect if you need a fast transition from long and short-range targets. These iron sights are mounted on your weapon. Using the iron sights is easy and is helpful for any situation where you could easily switch target distance like three gun shooting competitions.
Rapid Transition
The transition from long-range to close-range shots is fast. Iron sights are mounted directly to the Picatinny rail in a 45-degree offset position that transitions from optical sight to iron sight simple and quick and locks into the target. No need to remove your hand from the weapon. You don’t have to adjust manually. AT3 Tactical Offset Iron Sights have no front sight blocking and cluttering vision, only smooth, easy transition to help you win a competition.
A2 Style Sights
A2 iron sights are basic square posts that are installed on the gas block. They are utilized along with a carry handle fixed rear sight. This style is a popular choice because of its functionality and reliability, thus making the weapon easier to shoot.
Highly Adjustable and Flexible
The AT3 Tactical Offset Iron Sights are pretty durable and with a low profile. These sights are highly adjustable with half MOA adjustments for elevation adjustments which makes it easy to adjust. Installation is also not a problem as it does not require any tools for installation, even on adjustment. Left-handed and right-handed individuals can use the sights.
Pros
Quick switch from optics to iron sights
Both left-handed and right-handed individuals can use it
Durable and accurate
It can be mounted to any Picatinny rail system
Cons
The price is a bit high compared to others
AWOTAC Fiber Optics Iron Sights
If you are looking for something with a less traditional aperture, check out these Awotac Fiber Optics Iron Sights. The brand has a pair of green fiber optics instead of black on the rear aperture, and the front sight has a red fiber optic. These provide fast acquisition and help get the accurate sight picture by positioning them horizontally.
Day and Night Apertures
Another outstanding feature of the Awotac Iron Sight is its rear sight. It has day and night apertures with fiber optics. Their sights are glare-free with their matte black finish, and the polymer is quite durable. You can easily mount the sights on any standard rail.
Adjustable Front Sight
If you are a firearm owner looking for versatile offset iron sights, the Awotac could be the one you need. The front sight is adjustable for elevation, and the rear sight for windage. These are spring-loaded sights that you can easily fold in case you don’t need them. The idea of flip-up iron sights is essential, but it is much better if you have fiber optics as a backup.
Unique Design
Awotac unique design is also what makes rifle owners purchase the product. It provides convenience and ease of use. The sights have front red dot sight and green dot rear sight to brighten the aiming points even in low-light conditions.
Pros
Reliable even in low light conditions
Easy installation
Adjustable front and rear sights
It can be used by both left and right-handed individuals
Cons
Fiber optics are not as great as expected but good enough for their price
OTW Flip Up Sight 45 Degree
The OTW flip-up 45-degree sight makes switching from optics to backup sights easier by simply rotating the firearm 45 degrees. If the rifle has a large magnified scope, the offset sights will engage closer to the target. The sights are ideal backup in case the primary optic system is not working.
Accuracy and Visibility
The OTW flip-up 45-degree sights are pretty accurate and easy to use. The rear sight can draw your eye into the center easily, and the front sight allows the user to aim at the target accurately. You can choose from the two apertures. The rear aperture is divided into both combat and target apertures. It opens to the Combat setting with just a flip-down on the aperture, enabling the user for a wider view and boosting your target acquisition.
Durable Springs
OTW flip-up is pretty durable as it is made of high-quality materials that can withstand abuse. These materials are lightweight than the traditional iron sights. The springs allow the users to flip it up when needed and provide the required tension.
Easy to Install
The OTW offset iron sights are easy to install in any Picatinny and Weaver rails and provide the same height-over-bore compared to standard A2 iron sights. You don’t need a unique tool in installing the iron sights.
Pros
Fully adjustable elevation and windage
Durable and versatile
Lightweight
Easy to mount
Cons
It does not fit weaver rails
What Aspects to Consider When Buying The Best Offset Iron Sight?
Most offset iron sights have the same features. But there are some with unique features which make it stand out from the rest. Here are the vital factors that you need to consider when choosing the best offset iron sight.
Material
If you want sturdy and durable iron sights that can withstand rough conditions, you have to make sure it is made of high-quality material. Polymer iron sights are much cheaper, but they cannot survive challenging situations. Pick the one made of steel or high-grade aluminum since these two provide the highest amount of protection. You have to consider your usage when deciding the material for your backup sights.
Fixed or Folding
As the name suggests, the fixed sights do not provide moving parts on your firearm and make your rifle more durable as you do not have to worry about anything that might come out loose. Also, you only need to install them and no need to configure them again, which means these sights are ready for action all the time.
On the other hand, the folding sights serve as a backup and are not always in use. You can unfold them if you need them and fold them away if not. Your decision on which of the two types to choose will depend on how often you will use your sights. Choose the fixed iron sights if you use your rifle frequently, while for rare users, it is best to pick the folding iron sights. All folding iron sights come with an easy and fast folding mechanism.
Ease of Use
The ease of using an offset iron sight depends mainly on the user’s skill level and build quality. When choosing the best iron sight, consider the length of time you will be using it and the purpose, as it will tell you how comfortably you will be carrying your firearm on the field and how convenient it will be during lengthy hunts. For new users, it is best to choose the lighter and less costly before you invest in the heavier and more durable iron sights.
Co-Witness Position
This feature is a personal preference, but you should distinguish between the two. For the lower-third co-witness position, the backup sights will be out of the field of view of your primary optics. But it still creates distraction, and users might have difficulty focusing on the target if the backup sights are positioned in the lower third.
For a 100% co-witness position, you can take advantage of having backup sights if you need them to improve the field of view of your main optics or if it fails. But, since flip-up optics are widely used, you have to switch from their primary to their backup sights from resting to erect position and vice versa. In these situations, trading off accuracy over lower third co-witness is redundant. Thus, if you want a more accurate sight to support folding, choose the one with absolute co-witness.
Sight View
The sight view is either inline or offset. With the inline view, the iron sights take a co-witness position. It means you will get a clearer picture of your iron sights. Just make sure the primary optics lens will not get damaged. For the offset sight, they are positioned 45 degrees off the primary axis of the rifle and function as a backup.
Size
Offset iron sights are available in various sizes. In choosing the right size, think about what you need. Check if the size will fit your needs.
Price
For those who can afford to buy any sights, price is not a vital factor. But, if you are on a budget, you will look for something with good quality and features at an affordable price. Good thing there are lots of them online. You should buy the one that is worth paying.
Offset Iron Sight vs. Inline Sights
Inline sights are the best solution for backup targeting when using the rifle in a traditional pose. But real-life problems could crop up using the inline sights, particularly at outdoor shooting ranges.
The main advantage of offset iron sights over the inline sights is that it is easy to flip them up. Most offset sights can be flipped up and down leaves the sights in an upward position. Thus, it won’t prevent your scope as inline sights would.
The inline iron sights function as a backup in case the primary optical sight fails. They are designed to co-witness with the primary optic, which means the aim of both rear and front sights is accurate. If the main optical sight is damaged or is not functioning correctly, you will need to remove it before using the inline backups. If you are in a sticky situation, this is not allowed.
Offset iron sights are the perfect choice if you need an independent backup to be used in case the primary optic malfunction or damaged. If your main optic is magnified, it is hard to acquire a target at close range easily. The offset sights can become your quick, short-range sighting in this situation.
However, offset sights tend to get snagged easily and knock around as compared to inline iron sights. As a result, it gets damaged or knocks them off zero. For left and right-handed rifle users, inline iron sights are the best option than offsets.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Are offset iron sights accurate?
Offset iron sights are efficient and are very accurate and fast with some practice. The offset iron sights are not in line with the standard sight plane but are installed on the side of a riffle at a 45-degree angle, in either fixed or folding configuration.
Where should iron sights be offset?
If you are using the aligned backup iron sights with a red dot at the same time, the front sight dot must be at the center in the rear-sight aperture horizontally and vertically. The dot should be centered on and must touch the top of the front sight.
Does the military use offset sights?
Yes, the military uses offset sights as a backup if the primary optic sights get damaged and cannot function as expected.
Are offset sights ambidextrous?
Offset sights are fully ambidextrous and mounted forward to allow smooth access to the charging handle. Most offset iron sights are designed both for left-handed and right-handed.
Are offset sights any good?
If your primary optic device suddenly breaks, the offset iron sights are your only solution. They can dampen your inline sights effectively. Also, offset iron sights makes it easy to switch from short to medium/long-range target without the need of fiddling your optic mount.
Are gun sights angled?
The gun sights are angled slightly downward and create a straight line from your eye to the sights and the target. The angle is always a straight line, regardless of the distance.
What are 45-degree sights for?
These sights are mounted into your flattop rifle and are offset by 45-degrees.
Who makes the best 45-degree iron sights?
Some of the best makers of offset iron sights are Tacticon, Ozark, Magpul, and all the brands we reviewed here. They provide offset iron sights made from premium-quality materials that are reliable and durable.
Are Offset Iron Sights Better Than Inline Sights?
As mentioned above, each type has its function. Offset iron sights are better in terms of sudden breakdown of your primary optic sight. Inline sights are not reliable during accidental malfunctioning of the primary optic as you need to remove the optic before installing the inline sights.
When Would Offset Iron Sights Come in Handy?
If your primary optic sight suddenly won’t function correctly and you cannot depend on it, you can easily switch to your offset iron sights.
Conclusions
We hope this best offset iron sights review will help you learn more about the offset iron sights and find the right one for your firearm. For some rifle owners, iron sights are not essential, but the accessory is very helpful for those who want to aim at their target accurately. Each pair of sights we reviewed will provide great value for your money. These sights are well-constructed and have some beneficial ideas incorporated into their designs.
If we had to pick one from the seven sights we’ve reviewed, we choose FalconOptics 45 Degree Iron Sights. These sights are made of premium quality materials that are pretty durable. You can depend on these sights in case your main optics get damaged. Adjusting the sights does not require a tool and they are low profile. FalconOptics 45 Degree keeps your tactical rifle easy to maneuver.
In choosing the iron sights, make sure to focus on the factors discussed in this article. Finding the right accessory for your rifle is not easy, but you will surely find one. If you want to share your ideas or experience about the offset iron sights mentioned above, feel free to comment below.