Iron Sight for AR-15

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David4516

David4516

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Looking for ideas on a good iron sight for my AR-15.

Currently I've got one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/MaTech-Mil-Spec-Back-up-Iron-Sight/dp/B002E6SXN4

I really like this sight but am concerned that it's not going to be very durable (it is flip up after all). I am wondering if there are any similar products out that that are fixed and are more sturdy? Love the elevation adjustment on this and haven't seen another quite like it yet...

Currently I have a super cheap red-dot sight (worth about $30 maybe, it came with the rifle) with the flip up as a backup. I am thinking I'd like to ditch the red-dot and just go with irons, it would reduce weight and bulk (and I won't have to worry about batteries either).

Attached is a photo of my rifle in between my Dad's rifle (build in progress, still missing BCG and charging handle) and my Wife's rifle (the blue one). Both of their guns are lighter than mine, I think this is because I've got the red dot and the quad rail (considering going to Magpul hand guard to save weight).

I doubt that this information will have any impact on the choice of iron sights, but I'll include it here just in case:

Rifle: Windham Weaponry
Barrel: 5.56 / .223 16 inch with 1:9 twist rate
Flash Hider: "vortex"
Stock: Commercial diameter tube with Magpul fixed carbine stock
Grip: Ergo Grip
Handguard: Carbine Length Quad rail of unknown origin (came with rifle when I bought it)
Ammo: I intend to use mainly handloaded ammo, 55gr flat base soft points with 25.0gr of H335 powder and CCI 41 milspec primer
 

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Personally, I like the one you have. Unless you're going to be beating your rifle against the rocks or something, they seem pretty durable to me... I have one exactly like it on a Colt. I'd buy another too, if I had a rifle that needed a back-up sight.

There are a lot of choices out there. Just start looking at pictures. In the meantime, I'll buy that one from you if you're looking to dump it!
 
Daniel Defense has some good fixed iron sights, though they don't have the elevation adjustment like that. They're more A1 style.

Magpul has the new all steel folding sights, but honestly I haven't heard of any real problems with the polymer ones.

I personally would go with fixed ones if I was using them as primary sights, but the good folding sights are probably more than durable enough.
 
RainDodger I'm not looking to dump it as I really do like it as a backup. I'm just wondering if it will hold up well over time as a primary and not just a backup...
 
I wouldn't worry about it.

That is the same MaTech rear sight that is used on all Colt Mil-Spec M4s that are provided to the U.S. Army.

You won't find anything like it tougher or better.

rc
 
I'd recommend keeping the rear sight that you have now and investing in a quality optic like a red dot sight or a low power variable scope. You can pick up an Aimpoint PRO or a Vortex Viper 1-4x for around $500, sometimes less if you can find a sale online. If you would rather just stick with irons, then look into Daniel Defense's fixed rear right or pick up a Colt carry handle rear sight if you want a more classic look.
 
The toughest AR sights are the good old fixed FSB and fixed carry handle. That said, contrary to popular belief, a good flip up like the Magpul Pro or that Matech is very strong. They will just fold under a heavy load, rather than breaking.

Personally, I'd leave it as is with the Matech, or pick up a BCM detachable carry handle.
 
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I have a close connection to the Matech weapon sights you posted. In 2008 I was part of a testing group with the 198th Infantry Brigade testing the durability of those sights on an issue M16A4. Over the span of 4 months I did not have a single problem using those sights in conjunction as a backup to a red dot optic. I made sure I picked up a couple for the AR I don't even have yet.
 
The best rear sight for a flat top AR is the KAC 2-600m folding rear. They can be a bit pricey, but that's what you expect for the best. They are the only folder that has uniform MOA-incremented clicks for both windage and elevation. They are also highly durable. To answer your question, the only fixed option that would be any stronger than what you already have is a factory carry handle.
 
I went through this process about two months ago and I came to the conclusion that the MaTech was the best based on the recommendations of many very knowledgeable people. And you already have one!!! I finally got to shoot my S&W and I shot like Daniel Boone with the Magpul sight that came with it (that's a joke) so I didn't bother with the expense of buying a new one. If I do, it'll be the MaTech.

I think you're good to go as is.
 
Standard MIL detachable carry handle:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/AR-15-Carry-Handle-BCM-p/bcm carry handle ar-15.htm

Daniel Defense fixed rear:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Daniel-Defense-A1-5-Fixed-Rear-Sight-p/dd-11002.htm

LMT tactical rear:

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/LMT-Tactical-Rear-Sight-p/lmt rear sight l8a.htm

Knights Armament 600M:

http://www.knightarmco.com/military/?term=sights-military

Matech:

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...-m16-m4-usgi-backup-iron-sight-prod26575.aspx


Lots of decent use USGI detachable carry handles,KAC 600M,Matechs on Fleabay right now. The Detachable carry handles/Matechs can be had for $20-30 bucks in decent shape.

Beware of Airsoft/Chicom knock offs.There appears to be some KAC counterfeit versions out there as well.

The USGI detachable handle version are so cheap($20),you could buy them and go old school and cut them down,LMT makes the modern factory(MK18 MOD 0/CQBR) version of this.
 
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akarguy said:
Check out Diamondhead. They have 2 versions one polymer and one metal. The polymer are about half as much as metal. The diamond shaped aperture allows you to align the front sight post quicker along the windage and elevation axis- which could help take some human factors out of the sight picture equation

http://www.store-diamondhead-usa.com/DIAMOND_Rear_Sight_p/1101.htm
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I second the Diamond Head. I liked the metal rear sight so much I removed my pinned DD GI front sight and put the Diamond Head front sight as well. Not cheap but rugged and very usable.
 
Ok based on what I'm seeing here it sounds like I've already got a pretty good sight and might be better off spending my money on a better (as in smaller and lighter) red dot instead?

I don't know if I can come up with several hundred dollars for something like an aimpoint though. Wonder if something like the Bushnell TRS25 would work well for me. This will be my "SHTF" rifle but the odds of me ever needing it for that role are prettly slim. So in reality I'll probably just be shooting at pop cans with this thing. I just like knowing that whatever I go with will be at least somewhat strong so if I were to need the rifle in event of emergency I don't have to worry about my gear failing on me...

Sorry if these are dumb questions I'm somewhat new to AR-15s.
 
Get an Aimpoint if you want the peace of mind. $360 for a new PRO most of the time, $325 is not unheard of for a used Micro, and even cheaper for a used Comp M2. They have the strength and the battery life.

Nothing wrong with a TRS25, PA Micro/30mm, or Vortex SPARC or Strikefire, but they lack the durability and battery life that make Aimpoint the standard. If you are realistic in your expectations, and only see yourself plinking, the Vortex Strikefire I or II, SPARC I or II, or PA Micro would be the three that I'd recommend.

Personally, I think you've got a good quality AR and good quality sights, so it makes sense to put a good quality optic. I'd start dropping some spare change in a jar for a used Aimpoint. Nothing wrong with using irons until then.
 
If that MaTech gets hit hard enough to break it, then almost any sight, even fixed, will get sufficiently damaged as to be useless. Then again, you could just buy a cheap Magpul plastic folding rear sight as a spare for the unlikely event that the MaTech gets pranged. Or, install the Magpul. It will probably last forever. Sell the MaTech. Apply proceeds to red dot purchase.
 
I don't know if I can come up with several hundred dollars for something like an aimpoint though. Wonder if something like the Bushnell TRS25 would work well for me. This will be my "SHTF" rifle but the odds of me ever needing it for that role are prettly slim. So in reality I'll probably just be shooting at pop cans with this thing. I just like knowing that whatever I go with will be at least somewhat strong so if I were to need the rifle in event of emergency I don't have to worry about my gear failing on me...
Click to expand...

If your looking at cheaper optics, then I suggest looking at Primary Arms products and Vortex's red dots. The Primary Arms branded optics are basically Chinese Aimpoint clones, but they have a pretty good reputation as being one of the most durable of the cheaper red dots out there. Vortex's options are a little more expensive, but they come with a lifetime warranty that Vortex seems to honor pretty well.
 
moxie said:
If that MaTech gets hit hard enough to break it, then almost any sight, even fixed, will get sufficiently damaged as to be useless. Then again, you could just buy a cheap Magpul plastic folding rear sight as a spare for the unlikely event that the MaTech gets pranged. Or, install the Magpul. It will probably last forever. Sell the MaTech. Apply proceeds to red dot purchase.
Click to expand...

You think a plastic BUIS is better than a metal one because it is cheaper and easier to replace if broken? I have durability tested the Matech before it ever went into civilian production. It is a solid sight, much better than other BUIS I have used.

As for a red dot sight, back on topic. The Bushnell TRS-25 is a good budget sight. It will handle recoil well and be easy on the wallet. However since it is the primary sight, I would go for quality. Unless you plan on using nightvision, Aimpoint has some great budget minded red dots for only about 200 more than the TRS25. If you still get the TRS25, make sure you get the riser for it so it is the right height for an AR.
 
I second the carry-handle sight or a cut down one if you don't like the handle. It really is a superb sight if you set it properly. Look up the "Revised Improved Battlesight Zero". Neat technique.
 
rcmodel said:
I wouldn't worry about it.

That is the same MaTech rear sight that is used on all Colt Mil-Spec M4s that are provided to the U.S. Army.

You won't find anything like it tougher or better.

rc
Click to expand...
^^^^^^^
WHAT HE SAID!!!!
It is on the ones the army is provided and my Colt M4orgery came with it -- it is a good BUIS.
 
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