Back up sights for AR

[rmsdurham]

Why do people spend so much money on back up sights for an AR-15? I've seen some for sale for more than $250. I have basic magpul back up sights to use in conjunction with my Aimpoint t1 and make sure the back up sights are zeroed every other shooting trip. Why spend that much? Wouldn't the money be better used on ammo and training?

[TNP'R]

Because depending on your set up the magpul ones can melt also they are made of plastic so they can break.

[Droppin Deuces]

http://kitup.military.com/2012/07/back-up-iron-sight-drop-test.html

Don't mount your MBUS on a railed gas block and you'll be fine.

[amgc36]

Not a fan of Magpul MBUS - I'd spend a few bucks more and get metal BUS. I like troy and LWRC. Durable, positive click.

You can shoot CQB classes with iron sights no problem - a red dot can make things easier but it's not required. Perhaps people start with quality iron sights and then add red dots, resulting in two sets.

[amgc36]

Not a fan of Magpul MBUS - I'd spend a few bucks more and get metal BUS. I like troy and LWRC. Durable, positive click.

You can shoot CQB classes with iron sights no problem - a red dot can make things easier but it's not required. Perhaps people start with quality iron sights and then add red dots, resulting in two sets.

[advocatusdiaboli]

Not a fan of Magpul MBUS - I'd spend a few bucks more and get metal BUS. I like troy and LWRC. Durable, positive click.

You can shoot CQB classes with iron sights no problem - a red dot can make things easier but it's not required. Perhaps people start with quality iron sights and then add red dots, resulting in two sets.

Samson Mfg makes good iron sights as well.

[Warhawk014]

Why do people spend so much money on back up sights for an AR-15? I've seen some for sale for more than $250. I have basic magpul back up sights to use in conjunction with my Aimpoint t1 and make sure the back up sights are zeroed every other shooting trip. Why spend that much? Wouldn't the money be better used on ammo and training?

why worry about what other people put on their guns

[rmsdurham]

Not... Worried. I believe manufactures charge too much for back up sights. If you don't want a red dot sight or scope spend the money on iron sights.

[as_rocketman]

I have quality aftermarket iron sights on three four firearms, of which only one is an AR-15... they're all expensive. Of the four the AR-15 sights (GG&G in my case) are the only pair that are deployable, and the only ones that mount to a larger Picatinny rail system. On that basis they are still expensive but not especially so.

For many users, sure, polymer Magpul sights are economical and will do the job. Others can get by with even simpler sights.

I was happy of mine the day I was shooting full-distance AQTs at an Appleseeed Instructor Shoot, and my red-dot bit the dust. In fact the sights helped me verify that the red-dot had bit the dust, by providing a dead-nuts reliable reference zero.

Would some users be better served spending the money on ammo or training? Sure. Not me, though. My limiting factor is time. It's worth the extra coin to me to not have to fuss or worry about my gear. I buy good irons, I sight 'em in, and they stay there. Forever.

In my experience instructing, sights that wander, come loose, aren't repeatable, or lack sufficient adjustment range is the single most common problem with student rifles. Note that most of these are factory irons on economy .22's, mind you. But sights would not be my first choice of a place to cut corners.

Different users have different needs. It's a great thing to have so many choices.

[ScottsBad]

I forgot where I read it now, but someone did a drop test on BUIS. Believe it or not the Magpul plastic ones survived with less damage than the metal ones. Oh, there it is in post #3.

http://kitup.military.com/2012/07/back-up-iron-sight-drop-test.html

In any case, I still prefer Troy BUIS even though they employ scumbags. I personally just feel better using metal sights in case I lose my RDS or Scope. All my ARs are equipped as go-to rifles and I have to trust go-to rifles with my life. So I feel better with quality metal sights.

[ScottsBad]

....But sights would not be my first choice of a place to cut corners.

Amen.

[Jimi Jah]

I use cheapos. Can't see spending over $100 for that. Click, set, shoot. Break 'um, drop $30 and get another one. I don't need another Troy logo on my gun, not at those prices.

Save your money and add an Aimpoint, the cheapos work just as good with that.

[SBsasquatch]

My Magpul always works for me. Didn't break the bank neither. Same with my crossfire... Budget build.

[TruEdge]

I spent the extra money on the Troy HK style BUIS because I just didnt feel comfortable with the plastic magpul sights. Didn't like the idea that they could break after a good fall but my troys could also break I suppose. Plus I really liked the HK style they just line up for me nicely when looking down them. To each their own.

[JackRydden224]

I'm no operator, nor do I pretend to be one, I'm just that guy with bad eyes who can't see the front sight post if it is not one with a tritium or fiber optic insert. I use Troy's HK style tritium fronts but my rear sights do not have tritium. Sometimes I take my optic off to get some practice with irons.