Posted by Aaron Rice on Apr 24th 2024

Mastering Your Aim: A Comprehensive Guide to AR-15 Rear Iron Sights

Alright, let's talk shop about AR-15 rear iron sights. If you're scratching your head wondering why you should care, stick with me. These little bad boys can turn your run-of-the-mill AR into a straight-up tack driver. No joke.

Why You Need Good Rear Iron Sights

Look, we've all been there - squinting down range, trying to line up that shot, and muttering under our breath when we miss. That's where solid iron sights come in clutch.

Take the AR-15 A2 CSAT Rear Aperture paired with a Tritium Stripe Front A2. It's like giving your rifle a pair of night vision goggles. That tritium stripe? It glows in the dark like a firefly on steroids. Perfect for when you're out late and the sun's decided to clock out early.

And don't even get me started on the AR-15 A2 Non-Tritium Orange Standard Dot Front Sight. That orange dot sticks out like a sore thumb at a thumb war convention. Trust me, when you're trying to zero in on a target and the wind's pushing you around like a schoolyard bully, you'll be thanking your lucky stars for that bright little dot.

Fixed vs. Flip-up: The Eternal Debate

Now, you've got two main flavors in the iron sight world: fixed and flip-up.

Fixed sights are like that old hunting buddy who always shows up, rain or shine. They're tough as nails and give your AR that classic "don't mess with me" look. Our A2 Rear Iron Sight? It's carved out of the same stuff they use to build fighter jets. Yeah, it's that hardcore.

Flip-up sights, though? They're the chameleons of the sight world. Take our Battle Sights (BUIS) or the A2 Rear Iron Sight. These puppies fold down flatter than a pancake when you don't need 'em, but pop up faster than a prairie dog when you do. They're perfect for those "oh crap" moments when your fancy red dot decides to take an impromptu vacation.

And for you fence-sitters out there, we've got sights like the 45 Degree Flip Up Backup Sights. It's like having your cake and eating it too - the toughness of fixed sights with the "now you see me, now you don't" magic of flip-ups.

How to Pick the Perfect Sight (Without Losing Your Mind)

  • Know Your Mission: Home defense? You want something faster than a caffeinated cheetah. Long-range precision? Maybe slow and steady wins the race.
  • Check the Build: You want something tougher than a $2 steak. Our sights could probably survive a nuclear apocalypse. Okay, maybe not, but they're pretty darn close.
  • Keep it Simple, Stupid: If you need a PhD to install it, keep looking. Our HK Style BUIS? So easy a caveman could do it. (No offense to cavemen.)
  • Play Matchmaker: Make sure your rear sight and front sight get along like peas and carrots. It's a team effort, folks.
  • Pick Your Poison: Fixed for the "always ready" types, flip-up for the "be prepared" crowd. Choose your fighter.
  • Options are Your Friend: Some sights, like our Battle Sights (BUIS), give you more looks than a chameleon in a crayon factory. Versatility is the name of the game.

    • DIY: Slapping on Your New Sights

  • First things first - make sure your AR is empty. We're going for accuracy here, not accidental holes in the wall.
  • Grab a screwdriver (flat head, not your vodka screwdriver) and slide that rear sight onto the rail. Make sure the peep hole's facing you, Einstein.
  • Line up the holes and tighten that screw. Snug, but not "overtightened lug nut" tight.
  • Time to dial it in. See that windage knob? It's not just for looks. Turn it clockwise to move your shots right, counterclockwise for left. Like steering a really tiny ship.
  • If your sight's got an elevation knob (like our A2 Rear Iron Sight), each click moves your shot about an inch at 100 yards. It's not rocket science, but it's close.
  • Hit the range and fine-tune. A few rounds downrange will tell you if you're on the money or shooting at imaginary targets.

    • The Bottom Line

    Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is the perfect sight picture. The more you use your new sights, the more they'll feel like an extension of your rifle. Before you know it, you'll be hitting targets like a pro and wondering why you ever settled for less.

    Now get out there and start ringing some steel! Your AR-15's waiting for its glow-up.

    ARTICLE WRITTEN BY AARON RICE GENERAL MANAGER OF OZARK ARMAMENT

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