Backup Iron Sights: 24 Legit Options For Your Rifle

Bobro’s sights are designed to be extremely low-profile and are frequently used with SBRs so they won’t interfere with other accessories, such as lights, lasers and optics. These are probably the lowest and lightest sights in this guide and are constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum.

MSRP: $211.00 (sold as set)
URL: bobroengineering.com
FB: bobroengineering
Weight: 0.8 oz.
Height when folded: 0.187”
Length: 2.2”

Emtan Karmiel’s sights hail from Israel. They are CNC-machined from aircraft-grade aluminum and steel, and have a unique rail locking system that will not loosen from recoil and vibration.

MSRP: $159.95 (sold as set)
URL: emtan.co.il
Weight: 1.6 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.46”
Length: 2.27”

The U.S. Army, the Marine Corps and numerous law enforcement agencies all currently use KAC’s line of Micro Iron Sights. This front sight features a tool-free adjustable front sight post that makes sight corrections fast and simple in the field.

MSRP: $153.15
URL: knightarmco.com
FB: /knightsarmament
Weight: 1.3 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.88”
Length: 2”

LWRCI’s Skirmish sights feature melted contours to prevent snags. The front sight locks securely in the up position and is lowered by pressing a button on the left side. The sights are made in the U.S. of anodized 7075 aluminum and NiCorr-treated 4140 steel, while the ball bearings and detends are hard chromed.

MSRP: $99.00 ($209.00 as set)
URL: lwrci.com
FB: /lwrci
Weight: 1.4 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.50”
Length: 2.2”

The MBUS Front Sight is a low-cost alternative for a backup sight solution. It’s injection-molded from a lightweight, reinforced polymer and is adjustable for elevation. This sight fits most Picatinny rails but is specifically tailored to the AR platform.

MSRP: $39.95
URL: magpul.com
FB: /magpul
Weight: 1.1 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.53”
Length: 2.5”

The MBUS Pro Front Sight is a corrosion-resistant, all-steel backup sighting solution that delivers maximum functionality and strength with minimum bulk. Positive detents keep the MBUS Pro at standard AR sight height when deployed and very low profile when stowed.

MSRP: $84.95
URL: magpul.com
FB: /magpul
Weight: 1.5 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.34”
Length: 1.57”

Constructed of 6061 aluminum, Midwest Industries’ Low Profile Flip-Up Front Sight uses a smooth ball-bearing pivot detent to automatically lock it in the raised position. This sight uses the standard A2 front sight post.

MSRP: $99.95
URL: midwestindustriesinc.com
FB: /Midwest-Industries
Weight: 1.2 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.437”
Length: 2.27”

The Back Up Polymer Flip Up Front Sight features a shroud that shelters the front post blade from debris and impact damage when not deployed. Slide the shroud back, and the sight automatically pops up for quick deployment.

MSRP: $39.99
URL: missionfirsttactical.com
FB: /missionfirsttactical
Weight: 0.5 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.56”
Length: 2.23”

This sight features an imbedded tritium insert that glows to help targeting in low-light environments. Troy’s Tritium Folding HK-Style Battlesight is easy to install and deploy. No tools are required for adjustments.

MSRP: $144.00
URL: worldoftroy.com
FB: /TroyIndustriesUSA
Weight: 1.4 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.53”
Length: 2.21”

This durable, all-steel sight folds out of the sight line with the push of a button, and it flips and locks in the deployed position with ease. It mounts quickly and easily with the included thumbscrew and accepts all standard AR sight posts.

MSRP: $90.50
URL: yhm.net
FB: /OfficialYHM
Weight: 2.4 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.61”
Length: 1.55”

The PRI G2 Flip Up Front Sight incorporates a 0.75-inch-diameter gas block that attaches to the barrel through two cross bolts that cinch around the barrel. The sight locks in place when folded up, and can be flipped down with the press of a button.

MSRP: $180.00
URL: precisionreflex.com
FB: /precisionreflex
Weight: 4.9 oz.
Height When Folded: 1.22”
Length: 2.25”

This sight’s two-piece design allows it to be mounted on firearms with pinned and welded muzzle accessories. It features all-steel construction for superior strength. The flip-up sight is easily raised and lowered with the push of a button.

MSRP: $86.70
URL: yhm.net
FB: /OfficialYHM
Weight: 5.2 oz.
Height When Folded: 1.0”
Length: 1.9”

Bobro’s sights are probably the lowest and lightest sights in this guide. Not only are they stylish, they’re built to get you accurate shots when you need them. The front and rear sights are sold as a set and are constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum.

MSRP: $200.45 (sold as set)
URL: bobroengineering.com
FB: /bobroengineering
Weight: 0.9 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.187”
Length: 2.3”

Diamondhead’s Rear Combat Sights are made of 6061–T6 aircraft aluminum and are designed with the company’s signature diamond-shaped apertures for faster target acquisition and centering. These sights feature dual same-plane short- and long-range apertures, and they flip up quickly for rapid deployment.

MSRP: $129.00
URL: diamondhead-usa.com
FB: /Diamondhead-USA
Weight: 2.0 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.44”
Length: 2.40”

These Emtan Karmiel rear sights positively lock into the up position. They cannot be pushed or locked down accidentally, and can be easily deployed by left- or right-handed shooters. This sight’s design is the same as M4 iron sights.

MSRP: $159.95 (sold as set)
URL: emtan.co.il
FB: /Emtan-Karmiel-ltd
Weight: 1.9 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.46”
Length: 2.2”

KAC builds these rear sights to exacting tolerances out of high-quality steel, and the fixed post aperture of the 300 Meter Micro Rear Sight is ideal for shooters who want an easy-to-use, close- to medium-range backup sighting solution.

MSRP: $124.50
URL: knightarmco.com
FB: /knightsarmament
Weight: 1.5 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.37”
Length: 2.12”

KAC’s versatile 200–600 Meter Micro Rear Sight features a finger-adjustable, rotating dial that enables shooters to engage targets from 200 to 600 meters with both speed and accuracy.

MSRP: $153.15
URL: knightarmco.com
FB: /knightsarmament
Weight: 1.5 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.48”
Length: 2.21”

LWRCI’s Skirmish Rear Sight is made in the U.S. with anodized 7075 aluminum, NiCorr-treated 4140 steel and melted contours to prevent snags. The Skirmish Rear Sight has a 360-degree turret and duel apertures for easy adjustments and fast target acquisitions. All bearings and detents are hard chromed.

MSRP: $119.00 ($209.00 as set)
URL: lwrci.com
FB: /lwrci
Weight: 1.9 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.5”
Length: 2.2”

The MBUS Rear Sight is an affordable alternative for a backup sight solution. This dual-aperture, spring-loaded sight is offered in five colors and is injection-molded from a lightweight, reinforced polymer. It is adjustable for windage, and fits most Picatinny rails.

MSRP: $57.95
URL: magpul.com
FB: /magpul
Weight: 1.3 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.51”
Length: 2.6”

This MBUS Pro LR Rear Sight features Melonite-finished, all-steel construction and capitalizes on the low profile and sleek styling of the original MBUS Pro while adding the additional feature of tool-free elevation adjustments to accurately engage targets at variable distances.

MSRP: $129.95
URL: magpul.com
FB: /magpul
Weight: 2.0 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.49”
Length: 2.15”

Midwest Industries’ same-plane, low-profile backup rear sight features an automatic locking detent and is constructed of 6061 aluminum. It has dual apertures and a micro windage knob that provides the same MOA adjustments as the standard M16.

MSRP: $129.95
URL: midwestindustriesinc.com
FB: /Midwest-Industries
Weight: 1.3 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.437”
Length: 2.27”

The Back Up Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight with Windage Adjustment mounts onto Picatinny rails. A flathead screwdriver is required to adjust it, and, unlike other backup sights, MFT has developed a shroud that protects it from damage when not deployed.

MSRP: $44.99
URL: missionfirsttactical.com
FB: /missionfirsttactical
Weight: 0.5 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.56”
Length: 2.23”

Troy Industries’ tritium folding sights are designed to enhance your sighting picture in dark or low-light environments. Tritium is a form of hydrogen that emits a continuous light source, and the rear features two tritium points of reference to allow proper alignment and a serrated ramp to eliminate glare.

MSRP: $164.00
URL: worldoftroy.com
FB: /TroyIndustriesUSA
Weight: 1.7 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.48”
Length: 2.13”

Wilson Combat QDS Flip Up Sights are spring-loaded and automatically flip up at the push of a button. They are precision-machined from high-strength, lightweight aircraft aluminum. These sights are equipped with two apertures for simple sight adjustment in the field.

MSRP: $119.95
URL: wilsoncombat.com
FB: /wilsoncombat
Weight: 1.8 oz.
Height When Folded: 0.75”
Length: 2.18”

With the advent of reliable and affordable rifle optics, the art of aiming a rifle solely by aligning the front post with the rear aperture of its iron sights is quickly becoming as quaint as dialing a rotary phone to make a call. At the range, it seems that most every rifle is equipped with some sort of enhanced aiming device. While we don’t believe it’s a bad thing to be able to get quick, accurate shots through the lenses of an optic, one should be prepared in case that optic ever quits on you. If your optic loses power, gets damaged, is knocked off its zero or any other catastrophic scenario happens, you’d better have another way to aim your rifle.

For rifles fitted with Picatinny top rails, such as those of the AR variety or even some bolt-action rifle chassis, having backup iron sights, also known as BUIS, is as easy as picking out a set and slapping them on. While manufacturers make both fixed iron sights and folding iron sights, this buyer’s guide is dedicated to the latter.

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 generally more protected from accidental 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.

Generally, front and rear backup iron sights from different companies can be paired up so if you like a certain brand’s front but another’s rear sight, have at it. Although, we believe it’s best not to mix and match, because some sights are made to work in unison with their partner sight. To be sure, always consult the manufacturer for details.

It’s also worth noting that while most sights clamp onto Picatinny rails, some front sights double as gas blocks for AR-pattern rifles, becoming a two-in-one option. Along with the Picatinny riders, we have a couple of the gas-block types in this guide for you to check out as well.