Sights

AR 15 Holographic Sights:The New Age of Long Distance Shooting

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Holographic Sights for your AR-15

AR-15 Holographic Sights

Holographic Sights are the latest in Long Distance Shooting for your AR-15. The sight uses laser technology and a computer to judge distance, wind speed, and other factors. These factors are displayed on the glass of the gun accessory.

Hunters love this information and the sight makes their sport easier. Military sharp shooter units have used this technology for the last 10 years. While many people will benefit from this technology, it is not for everyone.

I encourage you to check it out at your local gun shop before deciding if it is for your or not.

What are the Differences between Regular Scopes and Holographic Sights?

Simply put the holographic sights are much more accurate than regular scopes. You have a better view, a more accurate sight of your target and a focus within everything you are looking at through the view of your sight. While some will say the regular scopes are better than the holographic sights because essentially, “if it’s not broken, why fix it?”, many people will choose the more challenging aspect vs. the technology of a holographic sight.

Start with the best: EOTech Holographic Sights

You can’t find the best holographic sight for AR-15’s, shotguns, or any other firearm (like your .22 pistol) without checking out EOTech’s selection. They are the first name you will hear in the holographic site world for a reason.

Even with the basic 512 model, you get the A65/1 reticle pattern sight. Up close, use the 65 MOA outer ring for to acquire your target fast. At distance, the 1 MOA dot in the center gives you better precision than you get with your typical 2 MOA red dot sight.

For a few more dollars you have the 552, which adds night vision capability. Then XP2 and XP3 are more light-weight. All great sights in their own right. Still, the EOTech 512 is our pick for the best value holographic sight you can buy.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Holographic Sight

You want to consider several factors before you decide to buy your holographic sight, but to narrow it down; you want to keep your considerations to:

  • Price
  • Field of Sight, “How’s the view?”
  • Size of Scope
  • Amount of Use

With these considerations and understanding how it is to meet your needs, your choice of holographic sights will make your goals in hunting and target shooting met with ease.

In which Situations will this Scope be used?

From Hunters to Police SWAT teams, holographic sights have been used in many different situations. For example, it is used for:

  • Sport of Hunting
  • Sharp Shooter Competitions
  • Military Sharp Shooting Sniper Units
  • Protection (capturing a fugitive or someone running from being arrest)

Each situation is different, regardless of what it will be used for, the holographic sight will make your hunting experience better, the competition much more of a challenge for the other competitors who use regular scopes, or the capture of a fugitive a great motive to do better each time.

Holographic Sights have became more on trend in comparison to the regular scopes. Like I stated above, the sight uses laser technology and a computer to judge distance, wind speed, and other factors. These factors are important in every situation that it is used in. Hunters want this information. The military marine needs this information and technology. It is not for everyone but it could be for you!

—>>Check out the best prices on Amazon for Holographic Sights<<—

EOTech 552 Review: Night Vision Ready Holographic Sight

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The EOTech 552 with A65 reticle is a solid, night vision compatible, holographic sight. It’s an upgraded version of the 512 model, EOTech’s most popular holographic sight. Is this sight worth the money? Following along with this EOTech 552 Review as we dive into its features and how it stacks up against the competition. Check it out!

EOTech 552 Holographic Sight
EOTech 552 Holographic Sight
  • EOTECH 552.A65 - Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68MOA ring & 1 MOA dot reticle
  • Night Vision Compatible - Works with all Gen 1-3 night vision devices
  • Mount - Compatible with both 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails
  • Water Resistant - The 552 is water resistant to 33ft (10m)
  • EOTECH HWS Prestige Warranty - Comes with 10 year limited warranty
Click For Price

Reticle

The EOtech 552 A65 1 Holographic Sight features the same A65/1 reticle pattern as the model 512. This is a good thing for a few reasons. Here is a breakdown of the A65’s 3 components:

  1. Tiny 1 MOA aiming dot in the center for precise aiming.
  2. Large 65 MOA outside ring for quick target acquisition.
  3. Four quadrant ticks at cardinal points for leveling.

It’s common for red dot sights to have a 2 MOA dot in the center. This larger dot is more noticeable than the 1 MOA of the 552 model. Meaning, you can line up the dot with your target faster.

The 552 takes a different approach. It uses the smaller center to get tighter groupings. About 1″ at 100 yards for the 552 vs 2″ grouping for a 2 MOA red dot. What you have lost in target acquisition speed you make up for tighter precision.

EOTech made up for the loss in acquisition speed by adding the 65 MOA outside circle. It’s very easy to see. Much easier than the 2 MOA dot. So, at closer ranges, your eye will pick up the target much faster.

With the A65/1 reticle you get the best of both worlds. Pick up your target faster at close range, and more precise targeting at long ranges.

Field of View & Brightness

This sight has a field of view of 30 yards at a 4” inch eye relief and features 30 scrolling brightness settings, ten of which are for night vision usage.

The brightness adjustment range is 146,000:1 at its brightest and lowest, respectively. With the NV switch engaged, night vision compatibility is 1280:1.

Weight, Dimensions & Build

The sight itself has dimensions of 5.6” x 2” x 2.5” with a window dimension of 1.2” x 0.85”, and weighs in at 11.5 ounces. The front window is made of 1/8” inch solid glass while the rear window is composed of 3/16” inches of shatter-resistant laminate.

The display window’s optical surfaces have anti-glare coating.

This EOtech sight was specifically designed for close combat and versatility. It is made of aluminum and is easy to mount without tools thanks to its knobbed bolt.

Battery

The EOtech 552’s battery will last 1,000 continuous hours of nominal use via lithium batteries and 600 continuous hours of use via alkaline (at brightness setting 12). The power source uses two 1.5-volt AA batteries and accepts lithium, alkaline, and rechargeable batteries.

When you fire this thing up, it automatically flashes a battery check indicator reticle.

Weatherproofing

It’s waterproof and submersible up to 33 feet while also sealed for fog-proof internal optics. This is another upgrade from the 512, which is only waterproof to 10 feet.

All electronics used in this device are encased in a shock absorbent resin.

While in operation, it can withstand a temperature range of -20 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, but while in storage, the sight can handle a temperature range of -40 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Parallax Free

The optics use parrallax-free transmission holography for minimal work to get a clear shot. The EOtech 552 has a 1x magnification to get even more target accuracy.

EOTech 552 vs 512

Preview
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 512
EOTech 552
Weight
11.5 oz
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
33 Ft
More Information
Click For Price
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 512
Weight
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
More Information
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 552
Weight
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
33 Ft
More Information
Click For Price

The 552 and 512 are great for close quarter battle or ranges out to 600 yards (with magnifier). Both EOtech products mount on Weaver or Picatinny rails. They both run on AA alkaline or lithium batteries.

The major advantage of the 552 over the 512 model is night vision compatibility. The better weather sealing is nice, but you, unless you know you will need it, weather resistance of the 512 is fine.

If you will be using night vision in the future go with 552. It will definitely be worth the additional cost.

Conclusion

All of these great features make the EOtech 552.A65 to be a formidable weapon sight in the right hands. After all, this sight has been standardized by the DEA, ATF, and FBI SWAT team and has been used as a top choice of military units like the Stryker Brigade and 3rd Infantry.

The 552 holds its own in the market. The cost of this rugged sight is well worth the features it boasts as a high end product. Whether used for hunting targets at the range or game in the wilds, this sight will help its users keep their aim true regardless of experience.

EOTech 512 Review: The Tactical Holographic Weapons Sight

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The world of holographic red dot sights is an exciting one. One look at the EOTech 512 and you will see why. Its drool-worthy A65 reticle will get you on target fast – without sacrificing precision. Pair it with a 3-5x magnifier to hit your target where you want at most distances.

Sale
EOTech 512 Holographic Sight
EOTech 512 Holographic Sight
  • EOTECH 512.A65 - Holographic Weapon Sight in Back with 68MOA ring & 1 MOA dot reticle
  • Mount - Compatible with both 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails
  • Adjustable Brightness - The 512 has 20 brightness settings for use in any lighting scenario
  • Water Resistant - The 512 is water resistant to 10 feet (3m)
  • EOTECH HWS Prestige Warranty - Comes with 10 year limited warranty
Click For Price

This sight fits in at the lower end of EOTech’s holographic sight product line. Not to say the 512 isn’t a great sight – it is. It just doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles the others have. Some sights are smaller and lighter than the 512. Others are night-vision ready. If you don’t feel like paying for these extra features, the 512 is a fantastic sight at a solid price.

Let’s break the 512 down feature-by-feature:

Reticle

The EOTech 512 A65 features a 1 MOA aiming dot inside a 65 MOA circle reticle. Some versions come with the 68 MOA circle reticle. This is known as A65/1 reticle pattern, which is made up of 3 parts:

  • 1 MOA dot centered on the outside ring.
  • Large outside ring with 65 MOA (Minutes of Angle)
  • 4 quadrant ticks at the North, South, East and West points of the outside ring

The 1 MOA dot is about half the diameter of the 2 MOA dot found in your typical red dot sight. The smaller dot gives you more precise targeting – pretty handy at longer-ranges. However, it’s not as easy to find as the 2 MOA dot. This slows down your target acquisition a bit.

This is where the outer ring becomes important. It’s a large circle, which makes it very easy to see, and gets you on-target fast. This is a great optic for close quarter combat situations you would expect in law enforcement.

It’s the best of both worlds with the outer circle for fast target acquisition and the 1 MOA center dot for precision. You should be set up to 200 yards. Add in a magnifier and you could take that out to 600 yards.

Field of View

It has a field of view of 30 yards at a 4” eye relief so this offers a great visibility.  The brightness range starts at 110,000 at its brightest to 1 at the lowest. There are 20 different settings so you can control the brightness at any time according to your needs.

Night Vision

The 512 isn’t night vision compatible. However, its big brother, the EOTech 552, does work with night vision. If night vision compatibility is a must-have feature for you, the 552 is a worthwhile upgrade.

Weight & Dimensions

First, we will talk about the size of this model. The dimensions are 5.4”X2”X2.5” inches and weighs 10.1 ounces. The optical surfaces have an anti-glare coating and the window dimensions were 1.20” X 0.85” inches and the front window material was made from 1/8” solid glass and the rear window is made of shatter resistant laminate that is 3/16” thick. The unit itself is made from strong aluminum hood assembly and a very easy to used knobbed mountain kit.

Battery Life

It supports lithium and alkaline batteries. Go with lithium whenever possible. Lithium battery life is over 1,000+ continuous hours at nominal setting 12 and 600 hours using alkaline batteries. When you turn on your model 512, which takes two AA batteries, it will automatically show you how much battery you have left. It’s good practice to change your batteries regularly, even if you haven’t used your sight. Then you know it will work when you need it.

Water Proof and Fog Proof

The EOTech 512 is waterproof and is submersible up to 10 feet, so if you ever drop your it in a puddle, you can be rest assured that the scope will keep on working.  It can also able to withstand temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees F.

It also has internal fog proof optics to help keep fog to a minimum so you are looking through clear glass – no matter the weather.

Parallax Free

The optics are parallax free so you will never have to center your scope and you will always get a clear shot of the item you are going to shoot at.  The magnification level on this unit is 1X so you will be able to get even closer to whatever you are shooting at whether it is an animal or target.  You will be able to rail mount your scope onto any hand gun or shot gun with ease and onto interfaces to 1” Picatinny or Weaver Rail.

EOTech 512 vs 552

Preview
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 512
EOTech 552
Weight
11.5 oz
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
33 Ft
More Information
Click For Price
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 512
Weight
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
10 ft
More Information
Click For Price
Preview
EOTECH 552 Holographic Weapon Sight
Title
EOTech 552
Weight
11.5 oz
Length | Width | Height
5.6” x 2” x 2.5”
Battery Life (Lithium)
1,000 hours
Night Vision Ready?
Water Proofing
33 Ft
More Information
Click For Price

The major advantage of the 512 compared to the 552 model is price. The 552 adds night vision and better waterproofing. A signification upgrade for sure. But, not worth the extra expense, unless you think you will need it.

Conclusion

As you can see, speed and versatility makes the EOtech 512.A65 Holographic Sight a great choice for gun owners. It’s a solid performer at close-quarters, 100 yards, 200 yards, or even up to 600 yards with magnifier.

The 512 is, a popular choice among among law enforcement and military personnel. You will amazed at how this little unit can help you hunt better whether you are a novice or an experienced hunter.

Related Posts

Trijicon 4×32 USMC ACOG Optic Sight Review

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Trijicon Acog 4x32 scope usmc

There is no room for costly mistakes, such as optic sight batteries dying on you when you’re in the middle of a gunfight. This blunder can be avoided with the use of a battery-less optic sight like the Trijicon 4×32 USMC ACOG optic sight. ACOG is preferred by many gun enthusiasts and military men, because it is easy to mount, very durable, and overall, a great scope.

Features:

This ACOG sight is specially designed to fit the M16A4 weapon system. It has a dual illumination technology, combining fiber optics and tritium. The former adjusts brightness levels according to daytime light conditions, while the latter brightens the aiming point at night. Thus, the optic sight can be useful, regardless of the time of the day. With this technology, the aiming point is always lit up, and it essentially eliminates the need for batteries.
This optic sight also comes with a reticle pattern that allows users to quickly focus on their targets at close range. It has a Bullet Drop compensator that improves identification of the target and enhances the probability of a hit, up to a range of 800 meters.

 

Pros and Cons:

Aside from not requiring batteries, the use of this optic sight provides numerous advantages. One is the durability. The tritium used in the scope can last for up to 12 years, ensuring its owners that they can get the most value out of this piece of equipment for a long while. Owners of this optic sight are also raving about the bright and clear optics. There should be no problems attaching the optic sight to an M4 rifle with its included mount.
The prohibitive price tag is the common gripe of those who have bought this scope. The price tag is the main reason that some gun enthusiasts will have second thoughts on buying this one. However, there are those who believe that the price tag is justifiable, given the versatility and durability of this scope.

Another complaint about this optic sight is the small reticle that can prevent users from clearly seeing their targets.

Trijicon Acog 4x32 scope usmc2

Conclusion:

All in all, Trijicon 4×32 USMC ACOG optic sight is a highly-recommended piece of equipment. While it is a bit pricey, there is no denying that this optic sight has all the features that gun enthusiasts want from their scopes—durability, reliability, versatility, and ease of use.

Aimpoint Micro T-1 4 MOA Night Vision Compatible Sight Review

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Aimpoint Micro T-1 4 MOA Night Vision Compatible Sight

Size and weight matter when it comes to firearms, given that the success of your aim are highly dependent on the strength and endurance of your grip. The grip, in turn, is determined primarily by the quality of the equipment you have on hand. This is exactly what they had in mind when they devised the Aimpoint Micro T-1 4 MOA Night Vision Compatible Sight, a lightweight and compact aiming system that does not compromise function in lieu of form or design.

Features:

Getting a good visual could very well be the difference between life and death, which is why it is important to make sure that you have a reliable aiming system with you in order to minimize risks. This particular model counts on unlimited field of view and eye relief, a sturdy structure which is highly adaptable to extreme conditions, a mechanical switch, which permits speed and dependability, as well as compatibility with most generations of night vision devices.

In addition to what has already been mentioned, this model also has a mount, which is hinged to the sight body, thereby enabling effective recoil absorption, minimizing damage for the device. There are also provisions for adjustment as far as windage and elevation are concerned, making it more flexible for rough terrain. Installation is easy, thanks to the protective caps, which easily fit the holes on adjustment screws. Moreover, it could be used independently or in tandem with other vision optics gadgets.

 

Pros and Cons:

The main advantage of this model has always been its compact exterior and its lightweight nature, which means less weight for the entire firearm as a whole. As such, precision and accuracy are not sabotaged by too much unnecessary weight.

As for the drawbacks, there are not so many, and its only known defect so far is how the battery cover tends to loosen up due to the tension, although this could easily be remedied by tightening the bolts again.

Conclusion:

The Aimpoint Micro T-1 4 MOA Night Vision Compatible Sight is the perfect companion for your firearm, if you want to be able to retain accuracy and precision through the help of a visual aid that does not weigh too much, and which gives you a better grasp, not just of the equipment, but also of the situation at hand through the powerful visuals you see.

 

Choosing a Reflex Sight for your AR-15

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reflex sights

What are reflex sights anyway? “Reflex” refers to the fact that the objective lens of the system acts like a mirror. It reflects the targeting reticle (the dot) back towards your eye. Therefore, even though you see a red dot, there is no laser being projected.

Best Reflex Sight for your AR-15

Brand & ModelOur RatingPrice & Reviews

Dagger Defense DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight		Dagger Defense DDHB
Red Dot Reflex Sight		4.6 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight		Sightmark Ultra Shot
M-Spec Reflex Sight		4.5 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

Lirisy Red Dot Sight, Tactical Holographic Red and Green Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		Lirisy Tactical Holographic
Red and Green
Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		4.5 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

Field Sport Red and Green Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		Field Sport Red and Green
Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		4.2 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

Ohuhu Red and Green Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		Ohuhu Red and Green
Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles		4.3 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on
Amazon.com

An AR-15 reflex sight is also often called as “red dot” targeting system, because most red dot systems do fall in this category. However, the term “red dot” may not be entirely accurate since it’s not always a dot. It can be a chevron or a triangle, for example. It’s not always even red, either.

reflex sights

—> Check Price on Amazon: Reflex Sight for AR-15

Advantages of the Reflex Sights

The advantages of the reflex sight become obvious when you keep in mind how you should use your iron sights. With the iron sights, you have to make sure that your aiming eye is exactly aligned with the sight axis. The relevant factors must, in fact, fall in line perfectly: the target to the front sight to the rear sight to your eye. When you’re shooting, your non-aiming eye is usually shut, while your aiming eye is focused not on the target but on the front sight.

This method has proved quite effective through the years, and it’s one of the reasons why iron sights won’t probably disappear as backup for your reflect sight. But the fact remains that you have to practice a lot to master this technique. And even when you think you’ve mastered it in practice runs, the entire procedure can go out the window when you really need to do some shooting (and people are shooting back at you). It’s also unsettling to keep focusing on the front sight when you know that the target—and perhaps other enemies as well—are all trying to kill you. You instinctively just want to keep your eyes open and look for possible dangers.

Using a telescopic sight can make things better, but some problems remain. Alignment is still an issue, and you also need to make sure that you get the right separation distance (the “eye relief”) from the sight tube. With scopes that use magnification, you also tend to keep an eye closed, which again is a problem in real world shootouts.

Now with the reflex sight, all those considerations can be forgotten, and your bullet still goes where you want it to go. Aligning your eye with the sight axis is no longer crucial. You also don’t have to bother with “eye relief” to get a sight picture. You can look through a reflex sight in a position you can’t use for iron sights or telescopic sights. The reticle and the target field appear on the same focal plane, like in a telescope. But with the reflex sight, you don’t have to close an eye.

You can sum up the advantages of the reflex sight this way: One, it allows you to be faster on target. Two, with both eyes open you increase your situational awareness.

There’s also an additional advantage, by the way, with how iron sights (which are usually black) can be difficult to see when in low light, or you’re aiming at a dark target or a dark area. That’s not a problem with a reflex sight. If you can see a target, you can see the red dot to target it.

 

Shooting with a Reflex Sight

The principle behind using the reflex sight is quite simple. Can you see the red dot on the target? If the answer is yes, then your bullet will hit what you are aiming at. That’s it.

Here are the steps you need to take to make that happen:

  1. Identify and focus on your target, while you keep your AR 15 on safe at the ready.
  2. Keep both of your eyes open.
  3. Set your weapon to the firing position.
  4. When the reflex sight is in front of your eyes, you’ll see a red dot.
  5. When the red dot is in the point where you want to send your bullet, switch to fire and engage the enemy.
  6. You keep your eyes open and you keep your focus on the target.

With that kind of simplicity, it’s no wonder that reflex sights have become truly popular among military personnel all over the world.

 

The Best Iron Sights for AR 15: What are Your Options?

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Troy industries di-optic

Despite the popularity of optics as the primary targeting mechanism, shooters will also try to find the best iron sights for their rifles. That’s because these sights are very durable and of course will never run out of power. Besides, they are an excellent choice when you are looking for a backup sight. Electronic sights are great but… what if your favourite sight fails when you really need it?

Best Iron Sights for AR 15

Brand & ModelOur RatingPrice & Reviews

Troy Industries Folding Battle Sight Rear		Troy Industries Folding Battle Sight Rear4.9 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

45 Degree Offset Backup Iron Sights		45 Degree Offset Backup Iron Sights4.8 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

Magpul MBUS PRO Steel Sight		Magpul MBUS PRO Steel Sight4.8 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

MaTech Mil-Spec Back-up Iron Sight		MaTech Mil-Spec Back-up Iron Sight 4.6 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

FAB Defense Front and Rear Set of Flip-Up Sights		FAB Defense Front and Rear Set of Flip-Up Sights4.5 out of 5 stars
Click to see prices on Amazon.com

Now, trying to determine the best iron sight for AR 15 can be truly challenging. Not only there are too many products to consider, but even experts online disagree with the definition of “best” when it comes to iron sights. In order to make it easier for you to find the best one on the market, here are some great tips:

→ What is it made of? If durability is your priority, then steel sights would be your best option although they can be very heavy. If you really wish to keep it light, then you’ll probably gravitate towards the polymer sights at the expense of its comparative fragility. And if you can’t really decide between the two extremes, you can compromise by choosing aluminum.

If you notice, it’s all about choosing what’s important for you. Getting the best of something means you have to make sacrifices in another area. This is a general trend when you’re trying to pick iron sights for your AR 15.

→ Do you want fixed sights or folding sights? Each choice here has its good news and bad news. With the fixed sights, you have to put up with its presence affecting your field of view, which can get annoying when you’re using your primary targeting mechanism. But at least it’s always on a ready position. With the folding system, you have to take the time to set it up when you need to use it, but at least you can put it down when you’re not using it.

→ Selecting the height of the sights. Your options here are gas block height, same plane and micro. The rule with iron sights is that the front and the rear sights ought to sit at the same height. If not, being on target can be a problem. You can use micro sights when you have to get smaller sights. When your rails sit at the same height, you’ll need same plane sights. You’ll also need a gas block height front sight if you’re going to mount the front sight on a gas block. The weapon configuration will dictate your choices here.

→ Choosing the peephole style. Now this is another feature that depends on your own preferences. (Some people prefer to call it aperture.) The standard peephole is round, and it comes in two different sizes. There are also diamond-shaped peepholes, which some say are better than the round peepholes. What do you prefer?

→ Visibility. Now this is a feature that can be assessed much more objectively. Some iron sights are simply better when it comes to offering a sight picture so that your eye can zero in on the target. Then, there are tritium sights which are regarded as the best for low visibility. They use illumination with the need for batteries to make the contrast. You can also use high-visibility sights that create a high contrast image, which lets your eye focus faster.

To cut a long story short, there’s really no such thing as the absolute best. It depends on your preferences and on what you’re used to. When you get the iron sights you really like, and it jives with how you trained, that’s when you know you made the right decision. Just make sure you get them as a backup for your primary target mechanism. Remember the rule that all soldiers know by heart: it’s better to have them and not use them, than to need them and not have them.

 

 

 

MAGPUL Gen 2 Front Back Up Sight MBUS Review

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MAGPUL Gen 2 Front Back Up Sight MBUS

For true blue shooters, learning how to aim with iron sights is a necessary skill to learn. Red dot sights may be well and good, but sometimes they go up at the most inconvenient times. By learning how to use iron sights, shooters don’t have to spray their bullets all over the place.

The problem with these backup sights is that sometimes they can cost a lot of money. Buying cheap, on the other hand, may result in a low quality product. But with the MAGPUL Gen 2 Front Back Up Sight MBUS, you can actually pay a small price and get huge benefits.

Features

One of the reasons for the low price is that it is made of polymer, albeit it is impact resistant. Flipping up the sight is easy enough by pressing the top or activating from the side. The spring tension also locks it down, but with enough give upon impact. The protective wings offer additional protection.

The MAGPUL Gen 2 Front Back Up Sight MBUS is compatible with most MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/STANAG 4694 railed hand guards. It also offers same height-over-bore as standard A2 irons.

The elevation adjustment tool is part of the purchase normally, but shooters can use just about any aftermarket A2 front sight adjustment tool.

 

Pros and Cons

The MAGPUL Gen 2 Front Back Up Sight MBUS comes with a very reasonable—in fact, a very affordable—price tag, yet somehow it also comes in a very high quality. The polymer may not be technically “iron”, but it’s virtually as tough and it’s lighter as well. It will last for quite a while.

This sight is very easy to mount, and zeroing it doesn’t take a lot of time and effort. The spring tension is great too. Snapping up the sight is quick and firm, but it offers enough give when it hits something. The accuracy is also undeniable, and it offers quite a relief if a shooter’s red dot battery dies at an inopportune time.

But of course it’s not absolutely perfect. For one, it can’t be mounted to a railed gas block because of the heat. It also has to be mounted to a railed fore end that’s on the same plane as the receiver rail. For this reason, this Magpul front sight won’t work with MOE hand guards.

 

Conclusion

The MAGPUL Gen 2 Front Back Up Sight MBUS is a piece of compelling evidence that superior quality doesn’t have to be expensive at all.

Troy Industries Micro HK Style Front and Rear Folding Battle Sight Review

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Troy Industries Micro HK Style Front and Rear Folding Battle Sight2

Shooting accurately is always a big deal. That’s the point of owning and using firearms. Either you mess up in a shooting range and embarrass yourself or you screw up big time in an actual firefight and you end up in a box. Either way, you need high quality when it comes to firearms accessories and parts, and for the most part you need to spend a significant amount of money.

But in general, they’re often a better investment than cheap products. The Troy Industries Micro HK Style Front and Rear Folding Battle Sight demonstrates this fact beyond a doubt.

Features

Shooters with raised top rail systems will find the Troy Micro BattleSight much to their liking, and the same goes for those who simply prefer a sightline that’s close to the barrel. They’re only sold as a set, but they come with a lifetime warranty.

They stand about 1⅜” high and about a half inch high when folded. They also come with the standard wind and elevation adjustments.

Troy Industries Micro HK Style Front and Rear Folding Battle Sight

Pros and Cons

Since it’s sold as a set, you don’t have to worry anymore about find the right front and rear sight combination that works. With these sights, you already know they work. What’s more, they work really well. Troy didn’t build their sterling reputation on shoddy products.

The build quality is obvious upon sight. There’s no plastic to be found at all. The picatinny mounting is very solid, as is the locking system. There’s no wiggle. They’re just about perfect as can be.

As for the disadvantages, the price maybe the most notable sticking point. It may not fit the budget of some shooters. Still, it may be a better investment in the long run to save up for these sights. Also, you may want to consider buying a Troy sight adjustment tool made precisely for these sights so you don’t scratch them when making adjustments and that’s another expense.

Conclusion

While you can always get yourself a cheaper set of sights, such a decision doesn’t really make much sense. Cheaper sights don’t work all that well, comparatively speaking, and they also don’t last. But with the Troy Industries Micro HK Style Front and Rear Folding Battle Sight, you know that you’ll be able to put your bullets where you want to, every time.

 

 

UTG Model 4/16 Complete Match-grade Rear Sight Review

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UTG Model 4.16 Complete Match-grade Rear Sight

When it comes to shooting, perhaps one of the most important factors to consider is accuracy. It’s a matter of pride for most shooters to shoot straight and to put a bullet right where they want to. For that, rear sights can be invaluable. And although some sights can cost a pretty penny, others are downright cheap. The UTG Model 4/16 Complete Match-grade Rear Sight falls firmly into the cheap category, but that doesn’t mean that they’re to be avoided. In fact, for a lot of shooters this rear sight can be all they need.

 

Features

The UTG Model 4/16 Complete Match-grade Rear Sight is made from aluminum and steel, and it comes in a matte-black finish. It’s about 1.41 inches high, and it can be adjusted for elevation and wind. It features A2 style dual apertures to enable close range and long range aiming. It also comes with a one-piece integral Picatinny mounting deck.

 

Pros and Cons

Obviously, the price has to be mentioned first. In general you may save more than a hundred bucks when you get this UTG rear sight instead of buying from a “name” brand. But there’s more to these sights than just the affordability. The construction is also considered very durable by just about everyone. For the most part, this rear sight is very easy to mount, and once it’s in place it tends to stay in place. When you use it, the dual apertures prove to be quite useful both for long range and for close quarters. It’s also very easy to adjust.

For some shooters, there may be a problem in finding the right front sights to work well with this rear sight. Users should also keep in mind that it is not collapsible, so that must be taken into consideration when getting a long scope.

UTG Model 4.16 Complete Match-grade Rear Sight2

Conclusion

Like most “affordable” sights, standardized quality control may not be uniform across the board. You may be among the lucky ones who get the perfectly fine units, but you may also be the unlucky shooter who gets a shoddier sample. Chances are, though, that you’ll get the better ones.

But all in all, the price makes it a satisfactory gamble. If you get a good model then you save hundreds of dollars, and if you get a bad one you just need to get it replaced or you’re out a few measly bucks.