Expert Tips: How to Line Up AR 15 Iron Sights for Perfect Accuracy

Posted by Matt Rice on Feb 12th 2024

Expert Tips: How to Line Up AR 15 Iron Sights for Perfect Accuracy

Hey there, fellow AR-15 enthusiasts! If you're like me, you've spent countless hours tweaking your rifle setup, trying to nail that perfect shot. Today, we're diving into the world of AR-15 iron sights – the unsung heroes of accuracy that'll have you hitting bullseyes like a pro.

Why Bother with Iron Sights?

Look, I get it. Fancy scopes are cool, but iron sights? They're the trusty sidekick that'll never let you down. Here's the deal:

Reliability: No batteries, no problem. Iron sights are always ready to rock.
Simplicity: Less gear means fewer things to go wrong when it counts.
Skill Building: Mastering iron sights makes you a better shooter, period.

Front and Rear Sights: The Dynamic Duo

You might be wondering, "Do I really need both front and rear sights?" Hell yeah, you do! It's like peanut butter and jelly – they're just better together. Here's why:

Front Sight: Your aiming point. It's like the arrow on your GPS.
Rear Sight: Frames the front sight and target. It's your alignment check.

Together, they create that sweet spot called the "sight picture" that'll have you nailing targets like a boss.

Setting Up Your Sights

Alright, let's start with the basics. Where should you slap those front and rear AR-15 iron sights on your AR-15?

Go the Distance: Mount 'em as far apart as your rail allows. Longer sight radius = better accuracy.
Front Sight: Typically goes at the end of your barrel or gas block.
Rear Sight: Back of the upper receiver is your go-to spot.

Pro Tip: If you're rocking a carry handle, that rear sight's already built-in. Score!

You can find one of our front sight tools here.

If you have questions on how to remove your front sight check out our guide on removing A2 Front Sights here

Lining 'Em Up: The Art of Sight Alignment

Adjusting iron sights for windage and elevation is where the magic happens. Get this right, and you're golden:

Center the front sight post in the rear sight aperture.
Make sure the top of the front sight is level with the top of the rear sight.
Equal space on both sides of the front post? You're doing it right!

It might feel weird at first, but trust me, practice makes perfect.

If you've got more questions on how to properly align your sights check out this NRA Guide you can also find more information from the

Nailing the Sight Picture

Once you've got alignment down, it's time for the sight picture. Here's the secret sauce:

Focus hard on that front sight. Make it sharp as a tack.
Your target should be a bit blurry. Yeah, I know it sounds backward, but trust me on this one.
Place the top of the front sight where you want to hit. Boom!

Adjusting for Precision

Even the best setup needs some fine-tuning. Here's how to dial it in:

Windage: That's left and right. Most rear sights have a little knob for this.
Elevation: Up and down adjustments. Usually on the front sight.

Remember: Move the rear sight the way you want the bullet to go. Front sight? Opposite direction.

What about aligning M4 Iron Sights you ask? Head over here to our guide on how to zero M4 sights.

Practice Makes Perfect (No, Really)

Look, I'm not gonna sugar-coat it. Getting good with iron sights takes time. But here's how to speed up the process:

Dry Fire: Practice at home. No ammo needed, just focus on that sight picture.
Start Close: Begin with targets at 25 yards. Nail those, then move back.
Mix It Up: Try different positions – standing, kneeling, prone. Your targets aren't always gonna play nice.

The Bottom Line

Mastering AR-15 iron sights isn't rocket science, but it does take some elbow grease. Stick with it, and you'll be shooting circles around your buddies in no time. Remember: