In the world of AR-15s, mastering your iron sights can feel like a throwback to a simpler time, but it's a skill that's as valuable today as it ever was. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to the game, understanding how to use iron sights on an AR-15 is fundamental. It's not just about tradition; it's about reliability. When optics fail, and they might, your iron sights are your steadfast backup, ensuring you're never left in the lurch. Join me as we jump into the essentials of using iron sights, ensuring you're prepared, no matter what your shooting journey throws at you.

Key Takeaways

• Mastering how to use iron sights on an AR-15 is a crucial skill for both beginners and experienced shooters, offering reliability and precision even when optics may fail.
• Proper alignment is key when aiming with iron sights, involving the front sight post centered within the rear sight notch, and maintaining both at eye level for straight line targeting.
• Placement of iron sights impacts accuracy; mounting the rear sight as far back as possible and the front sight near the muzzle enhances the sight radius and aiming precision.
• Adjustment for elevation and windage is essential for accurate shooting, with the front sight adjusting for elevation and the rear sight for windage, requiring practice and familiarity.
• Choosing the right iron sights can significantly affect shooting performance, with options like Ozark Armament’s sights offering durability and ease of use for various shooters’ preferences.
• Continuous practice and leveraging resources such as the National Rifle Association’s guides are vital for refining shooting techniques and achieving proficiency with iron sights on the AR-15.

Understanding Iron Sights on AR-15

Mastering how to use iron sights on an AR-15 is a fundamental skill every shooter should possess. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, the proficiency in using iron sights enhances your shooting experience significantly. Iron sights may seem rudimentary in the age of advanced optics, but their reliability and simplicity make them an invaluable tool for shooters.

When aiming AR-15 iron sights, the focus should be on aligning the front sight post within the notch of the rear sight, while keeping the target atop the front sight. This might sound simple, but it requires practice to achieve consistency. The key here is to ensure that your eye is level with the sights, creating a straight line from your eye, through the sights, to the target.

For those wondering where iron sights should be mounted, the logic is straightforward. Iron sights are typically mounted on the barrel and receiver. But, for enhanced accuracy, especially over longer distances, mounting the rear sight as far back as possible allows for a longer sight radius, making it easier to aim accurately.

Using Ozark Armament’s AR-15 iron sights, such as the Carry Handle Rear Sight or the A2 Rear Iron Sight, provides shooters with high-quality, durable options for their AR-15. These products embody the balance between precision and ruggedness, perfect for those learning how to shoot an AR-15 with iron sights. For those looking for versatility and ease of use, the Battle Sights (BUIS) and HK Style BUIS offer quick deployment and reliable aiming under pressure.

Adjusting iron sights for accuracy involves a simple process. To adjust elevation, the front sight of your AR-15 can be moved up or down; turning the sight clockwise typically lowers the point of impact. For windage adjustments, the rear sight is your go-to, where moving it to the right (clockwise) shifts the point of impact to the right, and vice versa. There’s a useful guide on The National Rifle Association (NRA) website that offers more in-depth insights on sighting techniques.

The Components of Iron Sights

When it comes to using iron sights on an AR-15, understanding the components is crucial. These sights might seem simple at first glance, but they're incredibly effective for aiming and shooting with precision. Let's jump into the different parts and their roles in ensuring accuracy.

Front Sight: This is fundamental when you're learning how to aim with iron sights on an AR-15. Typically, the front sight on an AR-15 has a post that is surrounded by two protective wings. These wings serve not only to protect the post but also to aid in quickly aligning the sight with the target. For example, the A2 Front Sight, which is quite popular, provides a sturdy and reliable reference point for aiming.  Removing an A2 Front Sight is a straight forward process when you follow a checklist.

Rear Sight: The rear sight works in tandem with the front sight to ensure precise shooting with an AR-15. It usually features either a peep hole or a notch through which the shooter aligns the front sight post. Variants such as the Carry Handle Rear Sight or the A2 Rear Iron Sight offer adjustments for windage and elevation, enabling shooters to fine-tune their aim. The rear sight should be mounted as far back on the receiver as possible, following best practices for where iron sights should be mounted.  

Adjustability is a key feature of iron sights for the AR-15. Many models, including the Battle Sights (BUIS) and HK Style BUIS, offer windage and elevation adjustments. These adjustments are critical for ensuring accuracy over different distances. Understanding how to use these features is essential for anyone looking to master how to shoot an AR-15 with iron sights.

Choosing the Right Iron Sights: While preferences vary, it's essential to select iron sights that offer the right mix of durability, adjustability, and ease of use. Ozark Armament's selections, such as the Micro Flip-Up Backup Sights and Fixed Canted Iron Sights, are designed to meet the needs of both beginners and seasoned shooters. For more detailed insights on different sight types, the National Shooting Sports Foundation provides valuable resources.

Adjusting Iron Sights for Accuracy

When it comes to how to use iron sights on AR 15, mastering the adjustments is key for sharpshooting accuracy. The difference between hitting and missing your target can often boil down to how well you've dialed in your iron sights. So, let's break down the steps for proper alignment and adjustments, ensuring that your shots land exactly where you intend.

First off, where should iron sights be mounted on your AR-15? For optimal results, mount your front sight near the muzzle and the rear sight at the end of the receiver or on the carry handle. This setup aids in ensuring a long sight radius, enhancing your ability to aim with precision. Models like Ozark Armament's A2 Front Sight or the Carry Handle Rear Sight are designed for easy installation at these key points, providing a solid foundation for your aiming efforts.

Adjustment of the sights is pretty straightforward but requires attention to detail. Using iron sights on AR 15 involves making the necessary windage and elevation modifications to align your sights accurately with the target. For example, for most AR-15s, adjusting the front sight post clockwise will raise the point of impact, whereas adjusting the rear sight to the right shifts the impact to the right. These adjustments are crucial when aiming AR 15 iron sights at varying ranges and conditions.

Remember, the quality and type of iron sights can significantly influence your shooting performance. Ozark Armament offers a range of high-quality sights, including the Battle Sights (BUIS) and HK Style BUIS, known for their durability and reliability under various conditions. Selecting the right model can dramatically improve how to shoot an AR 15 with iron sights, providing you with confidence in your aiming and shooting abilities.

Finally, practice is paramount. Adjusting your sights correctly is just the beginning. Spending time at the range, practicing your aim, and continuously tweaking your sights as needed will enhance your skill level. Shooting is a dynamic skill, and conditions like wind and lighting will always play a factor.

Proper Sight Picture and Alignment

When mastering the art of how to use iron sights on an AR 15, achieving a proper sight picture and alignment is foundational. For those new to shooting, or perhaps even seasoned shooters looking to refine their skills, understanding this concept is crucial. I've found that aiming AR 15 iron sights doesn't need to be a challenging job.

First off, let's talk sight alignment. This involves positioning the AR 15 iron sights so that the front sight post is centered within the notch of the rear sight, with the top of both sights level. It sounds simple, but it’s a skill that requires practice. When using iron sights on an AR, ensuring this level alignment is your first step towards accuracy.

But what about sight picture? This is where you bring the aligned sights to bear on your target. While aiming with iron sights on an AR 15, I've learned the importance of focusing on the front sight. This ensures that while your target may appear slightly blurry, your front sight is crystal clear, ensuring better shot placement. Remember, while using iron sights on AR 15, it's the front sight that needs your focus, with the target and rear sight slightly out of focus.

For those wondering where should iron sights be mounted on their AR-15, the answer ties back to achieving optimal sight picture and alignment. Normally, mounting the rear sight at the furthest point back on the rail and the front sight as far forward as possible helps in creating a longer sight radius, aiding in more precise shot placement.

Ozark Armament offers a variety of iron sights tailored to enhance your shooting experience. Whether it's the Carry Handle Rear Sight for a classic look or the more versatile Battle Sights (BUIS), these options are designed to improve your shooting AR 15 with iron sights skills. And for those in need of compact solutions, the Micro Flip Up Backup Sights are a superb choice.

Aiming Techniques with Iron Sights

When it comes to shooting an AR-15 with iron sights, precision and technique are key. I've spent countless hours mastering the art of aiming with iron sights, and it's my goal to pass on that knowledge. Whether you're using Ozark Armament's Carry Handle Rear Sight or their sleek Micro Flip Up Backup Sights, understanding the fundamentals of how to use iron sights on an AR15 makes all the difference.

First things first, let's talk about how to aim with iron sights on an AR-15. The process involves aligning two sights: the front and the rear. For a perfect aim, ensure the top of the front sight post is level with the top of the rear sight aperture. This alignment allows for an accurate aim at your target. Using iron sights on an AR-15 requires practice, but once you've got the hang of it, it becomes second nature.

The position of your iron sights can impact your aiming significantly. Where should iron sights be mounted? Ideally, they should give you a comfortable line of sight without straining your neck or eyes. For example, Ozark Armament's 45 Degree Flip Up Backup Sights are designed to offer an alternative sighting solution, making it easier to switch between optics and iron sights seamlessly.

Choosing the right iron sights is crucial. The A2 Rear Iron Sight is renowned for its durability and reliability, a good choice for shooters who appreciate traditional designs. Meanwhile, the HK Style BUIS from Ozark Armament provides a modern twist to iron sights, offering rapid target acquisition and robust construction.

Practicing with your AR-15 and iron sights is essential. Techniques like dry firing at home (with an unloaded weapon, of course) can greatly improve your familiarity and comfort level. Also, visiting a range to practice shooting an AR 15 with iron sights under various conditions can help refine your skills further.

Wrapping Up

Mastering the use of iron sights on an AR-15 isn't just about enhancing your shooting accuracy; it's about building a foundation of reliability and preparedness. With the right alignment, sight placement, and a focus on the front sight, you're setting yourself up for success. Opting for high-quality sights like those from Ozark Armament and leaning into resources from the NRA can make a significant difference in your learning curve. But remember, the key to truly honing your skills lies in consistent practice. Whether it's dry firing at home or making regular trips to the range, each session is a step towards becoming a more proficient shooter. So grab your AR-15 or M4 & align those sights, and embrace the journey to mastering iron sights with confidence and precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do iron sights work?

Iron sights work by the shooter aligning their sight along a rear gap and focusing on the front sight's top edge. This alignment creates a direct aim at the target. The front sight can be a post, bead, ramp, or ring.

Which is better: iron sights or red dot?

Red dot sights offer a broader view of the target and surroundings compared to iron sights. They allow for quicker target acquisition, especially in close quarters and low-light conditions.

Do you close an eye with iron sights?

When using iron sights, it's common to close one eye to focus more effectively. This typically involves closing the non-dominant eye, keeping the dominant eye (closest to the gun) open for aiming.

Where is the best place to put iron sights on an AR-15?

The optimal placement for iron sights on an AR-15 includes setting the front sight at the foremost position on the picatinny rail and the rear sight as far back as possible. This arrangement allows room for additional optics.

What is the advantage of red dot over iron sights?

Red dot sights offer significant advantages over iron sights, including faster target acquisition in close quarters, enhanced performance in low-light conditions, and compatibility with night vision. They are also robust and reliable.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY MATT RICE, OWNER OPERATOR OF OZARK ARMAMENT