Anchorite
Member
I just picked up a Ruger AR556 and I’m in need of sights. I want to keep it (very) simple and stick with open sights for now. No optics, no glass, just steel/aluminum sights.
Appreciate any advice.
Appreciate any advice.
Flip up sights for AR
- Thread starter Anchorite
- Start date
It’s hard to go wrong with Magpul or Troy Armaments. Magpul comes in either polymer or metal (with a price difference). Troy offers the HK-style front sight (which I like). Neither are cheap but they will last much better than the cheap, Chinese knockoffs.
mcb
Member
You can get non folding sights for your AR too. When I got my first RRA AR I ran their fixed sights for competing in Limited division at 3-gun matches. My first sight was a standard AR looking front sight but mounted to the Picatinny rail. Same for the rear sights it was a standard A2 carry handle sight in a Picatinny rail mounted unit that did not include the carry handle.
Front sight
Rear sight
Front sight
Rear sight
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Hillbilly Hydrographics
Member
Ive been using a set of the poly magpul pop ups for years and have switched them onto several different ar rifles in those years and theyve held up great. Im a guy you usually stays away from poly anything. But if i had to replace the pop ups i wouldnt hesitate to get another set of the poly magpul sights.
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Anchorite
Member
Even Amazon offers them. I think metal is the way I want to go. CDNN even has some, but I have no idea of the quality.
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Anchorite
Member
Educate me on the “HK” aspect? I see they mentioned, but not sure about the pros/cons?
Guess it would help if I'd actually add the link to the Vendor. They have regular and 45°.
Bear Armz Tactical Flip Up Iron Sights - 2 Styles - American Company
High quality aircraft grade aluminum iron sights by Bear Armz Tactical. 100% money back, satisfaction guarantee!
beararmztactical.com
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Anchorite
Member
Thanks. I like that. Seems more intuitive than trying to “see” through the peep hole.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Ive actually received somewhat-authentic looking Magpul and Troy Chinese counterfeits from Amazon. Sent them back, got a refund, but Amazon doesn't give 2 poops when you report the sellers, even when the items shipped from their own fullfillment centers.
Under no circumstances do I recommend buying any sights or optics from them- get them straight from the manufacturer or another trusted seller.
The Magpul MBUS poly sights are GTG. I like that they DONT lock open because if you whack them on a hard surface while moving, they just fold out of the way and spring back rather than breaking.
The (real) Troys are really nice, but heavy and pricey. I just got some UTG steel irons, which are made in Taiwan and good quality for the price.
Under no circumstances do I recommend buying any sights or optics from them- get them straight from the manufacturer or another trusted seller.
The Magpul MBUS poly sights are GTG. I like that they DONT lock open because if you whack them on a hard surface while moving, they just fold out of the way and spring back rather than breaking.
The (real) Troys are really nice, but heavy and pricey. I just got some UTG steel irons, which are made in Taiwan and good quality for the price.
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Don't cheap out on sights. Invest in Magpul or Troy sights. I've used both and both are quality and what many default to as standard. If you ever choose to sell them in the future, they hold their price. I'm partial to Troy sights, but because of my ODC, I'll go Magpul if I'm using Magpul furniture. If it's a range toy, get some cheaper budget knockoffs. If this is your go to self defense rifle, get something tried and true. The others are cheap for a reason, and don't have not been stress tested.
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Anchorite
Member
I’m liking the “HK” style and I dig the Magpuls. Thanks fellas. Y’all are such enablers, and I mean that with all due respect!
bassjam
Member
If you aren't running an optic, personally I'd go with fixed sights. I really like Daniel Defense sights.
danieldefense.com
But if you just want simple flip-up, the Magpul MBUS are fine.
AR-15 Iron Sight Set (Rock & Lock®)
The Daniel Defense AR-15 Iron Sight Set is built from the highest quality aircraft grade aluminum and will never let you down. Unlike our belief in the fact “all men are created equal,” AR-15 sights are not. Accuracy and usability depend on quality sights. Consisting of the A1.5 Fixed Rear Sight...
But if you just want simple flip-up, the Magpul MBUS are fine.
Ethan Verity
Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2021
- Messages
- 616
If you just plan on running the irons, with no intention of adding an optic later on, then I think you'll be happier with fixed irons rather than flip-up. They are a bit more robust, and are always positioned at the ready. I put a standard mil-spec BCM manufactured A2 carry handle on my AR-15, and have been very happy with it. I got the carry handle style, not because I ever intend to actually carry the gun by the handle, but because it provides a long mounting surface for a rock-solid connection to the gun. The A2 BDC is a pretty cool feature as well, though I never get to use it since my range only goes out to ~300M which is just the starting zero for the small aperture.
OP
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Anchorite
Member
Even thinking on this since my original post. I think I’m convincing myself to ditch the flip ups and go with the fixed irons like the DD.
AlexanderA
Member
The issue BUIS is the MA Tech.
https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts...hts-parts/ar-15--usgi-backup-iron-rear-sight/
https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts...hts-parts/ar-15--usgi-backup-iron-rear-sight/
small town life
Member
diamondhead or ultradyne are my go2's. kns works great also.
I have a couple of those, one is on my quasi A4 service match that has a fixed A2 front and the other is on a 450 Bushmaster with a YHM flip up sight/ gas block.
herrwalther
Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2013
- Messages
- 7,933
Looks like the AR556 comes with the standard A2 front sight/gas block assembly. With that assembly on a rifle, I always recommend the US Army issued backup iron sight, the Matech rear sight. Pricey, considering it is just the rear, but well worth the cost in terms of durability. In 2008 I was writing feedback articles for these while at Ft Benning. We were encouraged to try breaking them. And nothing gives a new private more joy than the green light to tough test a new piece of gear, but few of us had to replace them.
www.brownells.com
AR-15 USGI BACKUP IRON REAR SIGHT | Brownells
Current U.S. Army standard-issue backup rear sight for M4 carbines and M16A4 rifles flips up instantly at the touch of your thumb when primary sight fails or tactical situation makes iron sights preferable. Designed in conjunction with Picatinny A...
www.brownells.com
gotboostvr
Member
I like the Matech, especially since you can find them practically new, lightly used for about half off with a little digging since there's so many in the pipeline.
herrwalther
Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2013
- Messages
- 7,933
The sight that sits on my main AR15 is a set that Uncle Sam didn't ask back. It was still wrapped in oil paper at the bottom of my foot locker when I left.
gotboostvr
Member
AlexanderA
Member
I have the MA Tech rear sight on my A4 clone (flat top receiver). For the front sight, I picked the A.R.M.S. folding base. Expensive, but really streamlined when both sights are folded down.
https://www.brownells.com/gun-parts...-parts/ar-15--flip-up-silhouette-front-sight/
