What’s your backup plan? Backup iron sights (BUIS) allow you to stay in the fight should your primary optic fail. Most backup iron sights today deploy instantly via the press of a button, locking into position. Along with being a redundant sighting system in the event your glass fails, backup sights are also ideal for close-range engagements where a high-magnification optic might be a liability.

Start By Admitting You Need BUIS

The art of aiming a rifle solely by aligning the front post with the rear aperture of its iron sights is going the way of the dinosaurs. Almost every rifle is equipped with some sort of enhanced optic system. While it’s not a bad thing to be able to get quick, accurate shots through an optic, one should be prepared in case that optic ever fails.

Flip-up backup iron sights are usually folded in their down position to be stowed away until needed. There they stay out of view of optics, are less prone to snagging on other gear or clothing, and are more protected from damage. Many manufacturers offer their own versions of flip-up BUIS, giving us consumers an all-you-can-eat buffet of options. The front sight on all BUIS systems adjusts the elevation of your shot, while most rear BUIS adjust the windage. To go above and beyond, some rear sights can also be quickly adjusted for elevation, allowing more accuracy when shooting at different distances.

So, without further ado, here are a few failsafe backup iron sights for AR shooters.

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Athlon Outdoors’ Top Backup Iron Sights (BUIS) for AR-15s 

Blackhawk Hybrid Fold Sights

The Blackhawk Hybrid Fold Sights showcase dual apertures which swing 180 degrees with an embedded rare earth magnet to hold the sight flat to the sight tower. This design lowers the risk of snags and switches instantly for close- and mid-range targets. The hybrid design includes a solid metal alloy core with an advanced copolymer jacket that lowers excess bulk while the steel A2 front sight post assists in ensuring accurate aim. Lastly, the windage and elevation dials are toolless for user-friendly operation.
blackhawk.com

Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sights (RTS)

Top 3-Gun shooter and IPSC Grand Master Barry Dueck is responsible for the Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sights (RTS). He built the sights for the rigor of competition or the abuse of law enforcement/military tactical scenarios. These offset sights enhance a shooter’s ability to quickly hit near and far targets. Made of 7075 aluminum alloy bar stock, these sights are durable and mount to your rifle’s top rail without interfering with a mounted optic.
dueckdefense.com

GG&G 45 Degree Transition Sights

GG&G 45 Degree Transition Sights allow shooters to engage targets at close range quickly and efficiently. The front and rear combo set are offset at 45 degrees. All an operator does is cant the rifle or carbine to quickly get on target and continue firing. The sights install on most Picatinny/Weaver rails. Lastly, the sights are made of ultra-strong 6061-T6 billet aluminum.
gggaz.com

Guntec AR-15 ‘Ez Sights’ Thin Profile Polymer Backup Iron Sight Set

Here is the AR-15 ‘Ez Sights’ Thin Profile Polymer Backup Iron Sight Set from Guntec. It’s made of a lightweight Zytel polymer composite that possesses steel internal construction. The low-profile design was made for rail height and fits any flattop receiver or Picatinny rail. These rapid-acquisition precision sights are quick to install, easily manipulated, and have a push-button lock to prevent folding down while in operation. What’s more, a dual rear aperture option is available.
guntecusa.com

Magpul MBUS

The MBUS (Magpul Back-Up Sight) is an affordable, color-injection molded, folding back-up sight system that fits most 1913 Picatinny-railed hand guards. It’s specifically designed for the AR-15/M16 platform. The MBUS’s detent and spring pressure design keeps the sight picture straight-on but allows for easy folding under pressure. The rugged, lightweight polymer construction withstands years of use and abuse. Both front and rear sights provide the same height-over-bore as standard A2 irons. The front sight activates from either side or by pressing the top. Meanwhile, the spring-locking A2 front sight post is protected by a wings shield. Lastly, the spring-loaded flip-up rear sight is also easily activated from either side or by pressing the top section. Its protective wings protect the dual, same-plane flip apertures.
magpul.com

Mission First Flip Up Front and Rear Sights

Mission First’s rugged polymer Flip-Up Front and Rear Sights are made for mounting on the 1913 Picatinny rail. Both front and rear sights boast a low-profile and snag-resistant design for dependable and functional use. A shroud protects both the front post blade and rear aperture from dirt and debris and from impact damage. Rail clamp nuts on both front and rear sights ensure no spin-out when over-tightened. Front and rear sights also offer a retaining pin for the cover to prevent the pin from falling out of position.
missionfirsttactical.com

Why Shooters Need BUIS

Backup iron sights (BUIS) play a crucial role in the effectiveness and versatility of AR-15 rifles. While optics have become increasingly popular and offer significant advantages, they can sometimes fail or become compromised in certain conditions. This is where BUIS come into play. By having backup iron sights installed on an AR-15, shooters have a reliable secondary aiming system that ensures they can still engage targets accurately even if their primary optic malfunctions. BUIS provide a quick and intuitive way to acquire targets, especially in close-quarters situations where speed is essential. Additionally, BUIS offer shooters the flexibility to adapt to different shooting scenarios and environments, making them a valuable addition to any AR-15 rifle setup.