If you are into hunting and shooting, you have to make sure that every aim you do is on the spot. This is not possible if you do not have an optic, magnifier, or offset iron sights. If you have an AR-15 rifle, it is best to mount an offset iron sight so it will be easy for you to switch from short to long-range and vice versa.
Finding the right iron sights for your AR-15 is a challenge. But, don’t worry as there are lots of them available online and in traditional gun accessories stores. Included in the package of iron sights is the instructional manual, but if you want to know how you will mount offset iron sights before buying, this guide is for you.
Advantages of Using Offset Iron Sights
The main benefit of using offset iron sights is to make switching from a high magnification scope to traditional iron sights and vice versa fast and easy. For instance, your optic got damaged during a competition, or while you are hunting, if you do not have the backup sight, you better bring along your torque Allen wrench all the time.
Shooters prefer offset iron sights over BUIS because it has a low profile. You can mount your scope lower to your rifle, thus providing better scope clearance. This is essential if you cannot fit your scope within the 1.5 inch standard on AR-15s or if the head is not normal in size, requiring your optic mount lower for a better cheek weld.
The most significant advantage of offset iron sights is their ability to switch quickly between long-range to short-range sighting systems without wasting time. Your throw level can take you from 24x to 6x but changing from 200 to 50 yards may require adjusting your parallax.
Compared to mini red dot sight or holographic sight, offset iron sights are far better when switching ranges. It’s because of this, you usually see it on three gun rifles.
Where to Mount Offset Iron Sights?
When installing the offset iron sights, you position the front sight as far as you can on the handguard/forend so you will have the longest sight radius. The rear sight is mounted as far as possible at the back but make sure it will not interfere with the power ring of your riflescope.
Steps on How Do I Mount Offset Iron Sights?
Mounting your offset iron sights is not hard at all. Follow the steps below to safely and successfully mount the sights in your AR 15.
Step #1 Safety First
This is the most critical of the process. Safety is essential when working with your gun. Before you start meddling with your rifle, remove the magazine and put it away from your working area and store it in your gun safe. Accidents sometimes happen if you are not careful. Make sure to double-check the chamber before you proceed.
Step #2 Clean the Spot Where You Will Mount the Sights
Determine where you will attach the sights and check if it requires an MLOK or another adapter. Next, clean the anchoring area of the rifle. The dirt left on the adapters will loosen later and may greatly impact the point of aiming. Take time to clean the area thoroughly, so you will not encounter any issues in the future.
You also need to scrub any rail strips attached to MLOK. Using Q-tip on tight corners to remove any dirt is a good idea. But make sure there is no cotton tuft left on the sharp edges or protrusions. These blemishes can cause a problem in securing the sights.
Step #3 Positioning
Most of the offset iron sights include an instruction manual and guide on the positioning. But, usually, you will create a long sight radius by positioning the sights far from each other. This will improve usability for new shooters, and this is an advantage that veteran shooters understand.
Step #4 Positioning the Front Sight
Determine the proper position of the front sight and make sure it will not distract your access to other accessories. Mount the adapter required and tightened according to the specification of the manufacturer. Apply firm finger pressure on the firearm toward the gun’s front as you torque it down.
Flush-fit against the front of the groove to reduce shifting under recoil. Look for the rear sight position and do the same procedure. Keep in mind, not all companies suggest a thread-locking compound, and most of the sights come with it pre-applied on the bolts.
Step #5 Bore Sight
To boresight, place the gun on a firm rest, insert a laser bore sighter. Then, change the rifle’s position until the red does is aiming at the target. Another way to bore sight is to push out the takedown pin on an AR-15, then rotate the lower and upper receivers apart. Then remove the bolt carrier group, change the handle and adjust until the target is visible upon looking down the gun’s barrel bore.
Step #6 Adjust the Windage and Elevation
The next step is adjusting the elevation and windage following the instructions provided in the manual. You will know you are done when the sight picture is aligned on the target. The mounting is almost complete. You only need to do one last step. You should work on the sights, aiming the unloaded/empty gun in a safe direction.
The user must be comfortable with the setup. Then, if needed, you can provide accurate details on how to adjust the sights. This will prepare your rifle for self-defense and hunting game.
Conclusions
Offset sights are iron sights set at a 45-degree angle to the bore to prevent obstructing the main optical sight. The sights function the same way the standard irons do, but you need to tilt the rifle to fire.
Many shooters prefer offset iron sights as they feel they are getting better with the help of the sights. The offset sights are perfect for short-range competitive shooting since it gives a clear view of the target. If you are into short-range competitions, offset iron sights are the best option.
The offset iron sight will not be helpful as they are expected to be if they are not appropriately mounted. With the above steps, you can mount your sights properly. If you want to know more about how to mount offset iron sights, feel free to comment below, and we will answer your questions.