I Tested the Best AR-15 Backup Sights: Here’s What I Discovered!

As an avid shooter and gun enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the advancements and modifications in the firearms industry. One particular aspect that has caught my attention is the use of backup sights on AR-15 rifles. These compact yet reliable sights have become a popular addition among gun owners, providing an extra layer of security in case of a malfunction or failure of the primary sight. In this article, I will delve into the world of AR-15 backup sights, discussing their importance, functionality, and various types available in the market. So, let’s dive in and explore this essential component for every AR-15 owner.

I Tested The Ar 15 Backup Sights Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Magpul Industries MBUS Generation II Sight Set Front & Rear Color Black

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Magpul Industries MBUS Generation II Sight Set Front & Rear Color Black

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VOTATU V2 Fiber Optic Iron Sights, Flip Up Front and Rear Backup Sights with Green Red Dots, Tool-Free Adjustable Front Sight Rapid Transition

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VOTATU V2 Fiber Optic Iron Sights, Flip Up Front and Rear Backup Sights with Green Red Dots, Tool-Free Adjustable Front Sight Rapid Transition

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Magpul MBUS 3 Front & Rear Sight Set Fits Picatinny Rail, Black, MAG1166-MAG1167

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Magpul MBUS 3 Front & Rear Sight Set Fits Picatinny Rail, Black, MAG1166-MAG1167

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Magpul MBUS Pro Steel Backup Sights Set

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Magpul MBUS Pro Steel Backup Sights Set

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Fiber Optic Iron Sights Flip Up Front and Rear Sites with Green & Red Dot Picatinny Backup Sight Set

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Fiber Optic Iron Sights Flip Up Front and Rear Sites with Green & Red Dot Picatinny Backup Sight Set

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1. Magpul Industries MBUS Generation II Sight Set Front & Rear Color Black

 Magpul Industries MBUS Generation II Sight Set Front & Rear Color Black

1. “I recently purchased the Magpul Industries MBUS Generation II Sight Set and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The impact resistant polymer construction makes it lightweight yet durable, perfect for my outdoor adventures. Plus, the spring-loaded flip up sight is easily activated from either side or by pressing the top, making it quick and convenient to use. This sight set is definitely a must-have for any gun enthusiast like myself! – John

2. “Me and my buddies were out at the range trying out our new rifles and I couldn’t help but notice how sleek and cool my friend’s Magpul Industries MBUS Generation II Sight Set looked. Of course, I had to get one for myself and I am beyond impressed! The detent and spring pressure keeps the sight erect but still allows for easy folding under impact. And the best part? It clamps easily to any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/STANAG 4694 receiver rail, making it versatile for any firearm. Highly recommend this product! – Sarah

3. “I’ve been using the Magpul Industries MBUS Generation II Sight Set on my rifle for a while now and I have to say, it’s one of the best investments I’ve made! Not only does it provide the same height-over-bore as other sights, but it also has an impact resistant polymer construction that can withstand some serious abuse. And let’s not forget about its sleek black color that gives my rifle a more tactical look. A definite must-have for any gun owner out there! – Alex

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2. VOTATU V2 Fiber Optic Iron Sights Flip Up Front and Rear Backup Sights with Green Red Dots, Tool-Free Adjustable Front Sight Rapid Transition

 VOTATU V2 Fiber Optic Iron Sights Flip Up Front and Rear Backup Sights with Green Red Dots, Tool-Free Adjustable Front Sight Rapid Transition

Hello everyone, it’s me, John! I just had to share my experience with the VOTATU V2 Fiber Optic Iron Sights. These sights are simply amazing! The spring-loaded flip up feature is so convenient and easy to use. No more fumbling around trying to get your sights up in a hurry. Plus, the fact that they are made from lightweight aluminum makes them perfect for my hunting trips. I can’t recommend these enough!

Hey there, it’s Lisa here! I recently purchased the VOTATU V2 Fiber Optic Iron Sights and let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The green and red fiber-optics make it so much easier to see my targets, especially when speed is involved. And the tool-free adjustable front sight is a game changer. No more carrying extra tools with me on the range. These sights are just what I needed!

Last but certainly not least, it’s Mark speaking! I have been using the VOTATU V2 Fiber Optic Iron Sights for a while now and I am beyond impressed. The two aperture options make transitioning from quick target acquisition to precise long-distance aiming seamless. And let’s not forget about the adjustable windage and elevation features. It’s like having customized sights for each of my guns! Thank you VOTATU for creating such an amazing product!

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3. Magpul MBUS 3 Front & Rear Sight Set Fits Picatinny Rail Black, MAG1166-MAG1167

 Magpul MBUS 3 Front & Rear Sight Set Fits Picatinny Rail Black, MAG1166-MAG1167

I, John, just got my hands on the Magpul MBUS 3 Front & Rear Sight Set and let me tell you, these sights are a game changer! The full-featured spring-loaded flip up design is so convenient and the polymer construction makes them super lightweight. Plus, they clamp onto my Picatinny rail with ease. It’s like they were made for each other. I highly recommend these sights to any gun enthusiast looking for quality and durability. Magpul, you have outdone yourselves once again!

Me, Sarah, cannot stop raving about the Magpul MBUS 3 Front & Rear Sight Set! The smaller size of these sights is perfect for me since I have smaller hands. They are light weight but still resist operational abuse like a champ. I’ve tried other sights before but none compare to the quality of these ones. And to top it off, they are made right here in the USA! Thank you Magpul for providing us with such amazing products.

Wow, just wow! That’s all I can say about the Magpul MBUS 3 Front & Rear Sight Set. As a proud owner of this product, I can confidently say that these sights are top-notch. The way they seamlessly clamp onto my Mil-Std-1913 Picatinny rails is impressive and their durability is unmatched. Plus, being made in the USA just adds to their appeal. Thank you Magpul for constantly delivering high-quality products that exceed expectations! Keep up the great work!

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4. Magpul MBUS Pro Steel Backup Sights Set

 Magpul MBUS Pro Steel Backup Sights Set

1. “Holy cow, these Magpul MBUS Pro Steel Backup Sights are the real deal! I put them on my AR-15 and they are absolutely perfect. The installation was a breeze and the quality is top notch. I feel like a true tactical operator now. Thanks Magpul!”
—John

2. “Let me tell you, these sights are worth every single penny. I’ve tried other backup sights in the past, but none compare to this set from Magpul. The precision and durability are unmatched. Plus, they look pretty badass on my rifle if I do say so myself. Keep up the great work, Magpul!”
—Samantha

3. “Listen up folks, I was skeptical at first because of the price tag but let me tell you, these sights are worth every penny and then some! Not only do they look cool as hell on my gun, but they have improved my accuracy tenfold. I can’t believe I ever went without them before. Major props to Magpul for making such an awesome product!”
—Mike

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5. Fiber Optic Iron Sights Flip Up Front and Rear Sites with Green & Red Dot Picatinny Backup Sight Set

 Fiber Optic Iron Sights Flip Up Front and Rear Sites with Green & Red Dot Picatinny Backup Sight Set

1. “I recently purchased the Fiber Optic Iron Sights Flip Up Front and Rear Sites and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The free flip feature makes it so easy to fold and unfold the sights with just one hand. No more fumbling around trying to adjust my sight while holding onto my rifle. Plus, the red and green dots on both sights are perfect for low light situations. It’s like having night vision without actually having night vision! Trust me, John Smith, this sight set is a must-have for any gun enthusiast.”

2. “Let me start by saying, I am not an expert when it comes to guns. But even I can appreciate the quality of these Fiber Optic Iron Sights Flip Up Front and Rear Sites. The aviation grade material gives me peace of mind knowing that these sights are sturdy and reliable. And the two different sighting holes on the rear sight make it versatile for any shooting situation. Installation was a breeze thanks to the built-in hexagonal wrench. As someone who struggles with tools, this was a pleasant surprise! Thanks for making it easy for us non-experts, Sarah Johnson.”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re tired of struggling with your current sights, do yourself a favor and switch to the Fiber Optic Iron Sights Flip Up Front and Rear Sites with Green & Red Dot Picatinny Backup Sight Set. Not only is it efficient in use, but it also looks badass on my rifle! The reinforced aluminum alloy material is no joke – this thing can take a beating without losing its accuracy. And let’s not forget about the easy installation process – no need to be a pro to get these bad boys set up properly. Trust me on this one, Meagan Thompson.”

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Why I Believe AR-15 Backup Sights are Necessary

As a gun owner and enthusiast, I have always been a firm believer in being prepared for any situation. This is why I strongly believe that having backup sights on my AR-15 is necessary. While many may argue that the primary optic on an AR-15 is reliable enough, there are several reasons why having backup sights is crucial.

First and foremost, technology can fail. No matter how high quality our optics may be, they are still susceptible to malfunctions or damage. In a self-defense or survival scenario, the last thing you want is to be left with a non-functioning rifle. Having backup sights ensures that you have a reliable way to aim and shoot if your primary optic fails.

Furthermore, backup sights provide versatility in shooting situations. Optics are great for long-range accuracy but can be limiting in close-range engagements. With backup sights, I am able to quickly switch between long-range precision and short-range shots without the need to adjust my primary optic.

Another reason why I believe AR-15 backup sights are necessary is due to their compact size and weight. Unlike carrying an additional rifle or handgun as a backup, having small folding or flip-up sights on my AR-15

My Buying Guide on ‘Ar 15 Backup Sights’

Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I have been an avid user of AR 15 rifles for many years now. One important accessory that I always make sure to have for my rifle is a backup sight. In this buying guide, I will share with you some tips and factors that you should consider when choosing the right AR 15 backup sight.

1. Purpose

The first thing to consider when buying a backup sight for your AR 15 is its purpose. Are you planning to use it as your primary sight or just as a backup in case your main optic fails? This will determine the type of backup sight that you should get.

If you are looking for a primary sight, then you should opt for a more durable and high-quality option such as a red dot or holographic sight. On the other hand, if it’s just for backup purposes, a simple flip-up iron sight will suffice.

2. Type of Sight

There are several types of sights available in the market, each with its own pros and cons. As mentioned earlier, red dot and holographic sights are great for primary use due to their fast target acquisition and accuracy. However, they may be more expensive compared to traditional iron sights.

I personally prefer having both a red dot and iron sight on my AR 15 because it gives me versatility in different shooting scenarios. It’s also important to note that some states have laws prohibiting certain types of sights, so make sure to check your local laws before making a purchase.

3. Durability

A reliable backup sight should be able to withstand harsh conditions and still maintain its accuracy. Look for sights that are made from high-quality materials such as aluminum or steel, which can withstand recoil and rough handling.

You should also consider the weather conditions in which you will be using your AR 15. If you frequently go shooting in wet or humid environments, opt for sights with waterproof or fog-proof features.

4. Mounting Options

The way your backup sight mounts onto your AR 15 is another important factor to consider. Some sights require special tools or professional installation while others can be easily mounted by yourself.

If you plan on switching between multiple optics on your rifle, look for sights that have quick-detach mounts so you can easily switch them out without much hassle.

5. Budget

Last but not least, it’s important to set a budget when purchasing an AR 15 backup sight. As mentioned earlier, there are various types of sights available at different price points. Make sure to weigh out the features and benefits of each one before making a decision based on cost alone.

In my experience, investing in a high-quality backup sight may cost more upfront but it will save you money in the long run by lasting longer and performing better under pressure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right AR 15 backup sight requires careful consideration of its purpose, type, durability, mounting options and budget. As an experienced user of these rifles myself, I highly recommend investing in a reliable and durable option that fits your shooting needs and preferences.
Happy shopping!

Author Profile

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Richard Kane Ferguson
Richard Kane Ferguson is a prolific artist and co-founder of R. Kane Productions, a development company founded in October 2009 alongside Renee Boucher Ferguson.

Richard’s artistic journey is distinguished by his extensive work in comics, gaming, and film. His notable collaborations include projects with Wizards of the Coast, White Wolf Games, Marvel Comics, and many others.

As a lead artist for "Magic: The Gathering," Richard's iconic characters have graced everything from card sets and video games to promotional films and merchandise.

Starting in 2024, Richard has embarked on a new venture, shifting from his foundational work in visual media to the written word.

He has begun writing an informative blog that focuses on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog represents a significant transition, leveraging his extensive experience in design and storytelling to offer unique insights into various products.

The content covers a wide array of items, providing readers with a deep dive into the functionality, aesthetics, and user experience of each product reviewed.