The Best Flip Up Sights for Better AR-15 Range Scores

4.7/5

Having an AR-15 style rifle could be a big advantage when hunting or shooting at the range. However, the factory sight may not be enough sometimes. Do you feel that your rifle misses something? If so, consider adding flip-up sights on your AR15 for the best results. A pair of high-quality backup iron sights can improve your shooting ability and accuracy by giving you an extra edge for more effective targeting.

Many gun owners love flip-up iron sights because they’re easy to mount and operate. Unlike some gun sights, they shouldn’t be used all the while. Furthermore, flip up sights can be a good alternative to a red dot or scope in some situations. Finding a good sight set is not an easy task.

If you want to get the most out of your rifle, you need to find the best flip up sights. The high-end backup sights are typically made of iron to withstand a lot of wear and tear. But that’s not to say that sights made of other materials will not serve you well. Check out the iron sights review anyway. Also, the best sights are combat-ready, spring-loaded, compact, and adjustable for windage and elevation alike.

We have waded through a large number of flip-up iron sights for AR 15 and other rifles as well to compile a list of the best options available on the market today. In this comprehensive review, we will narrow down your choices to 5 flip-up sights that offer the best value for money.

Top 5 Products

* The prices are not shown because of the frequent pricing update on Amazon.com. Please click on the Amazon buttons to get the latest pricing.

IMAGE

MODEL

PRICE

RATING

4.3/5

4.3/5

Best Flip Up Sights of 2020

Our Rating

Top Rated Flip Up Sight

5/5

Magpul MBUS PRO is a windage adjustable, and it comes with small and low profile knob. The entire sighting system of these backup iron sights is made from hard and strong steel that can withstand the most demanding applications. An important fact is that all the parts and elements inside the system are made from steel and metal. There are no weak links here. This is what sets Magpul MBUS PRO apart from many other iron sights.

Since this is the front and rear sight system, you actually get the set of iron sights in the package. The unit can be easily installed on any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail. If you prefer STANAG 4694 rail, it will serve the purpose too. The installation process is slightly different but there are no major differences. The rear flip module can fold and won’t affect your visibility when not needed.

The dimensions of these sights are 6 x 2 x 2 inches while the weight is 5.6 ounces. However, keep in mind that the front sight doesn’t work on gas block mounting systems. It is no big deal for most people, though.

PROS

  • Sturdy steel construction
  • Windage and elevation adjustable
  • Rock-solid locking mechanism
  • The corrosion-free Melonite QPQ finish
  • Easy to operate

CONS

  • The front sight can't be mounted on the gas block

Best for:

Magpul MBUS PRO is the best alternative for hunters and shooters who want premium quality, amazing capabilities and adjustments all in one product. Also, these front and rear sights are ideal for those who want great-looking iron sights that are easy to install and operate.

Our Rating

4.8/5

These are one of the most modern and most advanced sights you can find today. They feature a spring-loaded design that can be activated with a press of a button. After that, the sight is deployed and ready to use. These iron sights are compatible with many accessories and optics. Use them at the same time to make the most of your rifle.

The compatibility is with Picatinny rails is another thing we like about these iron sights. The installation is simple. The sights will stay in place even when you are running or jumping. Both windage and elevation can be adjusted according to your needs. There is a metal dial that can be used for this purpose. Customers can get a one-year warranty and make use of US customer support as well.

PROS

  • Fully adjustable for both windage and elevation
  • Hassle-free push-button deployment
  • Easy to mount
  • 45-degree offset
  • Spring-loaded design

CONS

  • The rear sight may not fit well
  • No high sight-line

Best for:

This sight set is great for users who need 45-degree offset, easy to install iron sights with push-button deployment. It takes a second to deploy the sights.

Our Rating

4.6/5

The third model on our list is Troy Industries Micro HK Style Front and Rear Folding Battle Sight. It is a professional unit of a modern generation that has positive reviews from most owners. If you are looking for high-quality front and rear sights, look no further. These iron sights by Troy Industries are designed to be ready for any battle or hunting. They feature a rugged design and can provide outstanding accuracy in any situation and at any given moment.

In this Troy Industries set, you get the front and rear s sights. This means you will not have to buy front and rear sights separately. There are two colors are available. We tested both of them and there were no major differences. The first one is in black (a more popular option), while the alternative option is earth color.

In addition, there is also a detent ball lit used to lock the unit in place. The only drawback of these Troy Industries sights is the fact the adjustment tool isn’t included in the package.

PROS

  • Flipping action is incredibly smooth
  • Rugged, ultra-compact metal construction
  • Can lock in place with a detent ball lit
  • Low-profile design
  • Combat ready

CONS

  • A sight adjustment tool is not included
  • Rear sight aperture is a bit large

Best for:

Low profile design makes these Troy Industries sights sleek and slim. If you are in the market for a pair of combat-ready iron sights that have all-metal construction, you will certainly like these sights.

Our Rating

4.5/5

M 4 Super is a cool name that has plenty to offer. At the same time, this product is an excellent value for money and can be used by beginners and professionals alike. The package includes both front and rear iron sight. To use the unit, you need to employ a spring-loaded side plunger. It will unlock the adjustment feature. When the sight isn’t in the use, press the plunger and fold it down.

What we particularly like about these sights is the low profile design and the compatibility with any Picatinny rail. Elevation adjustment is available too.  The front sight is only 1.3 ounces in weight while the rear sight measures 1.59 ounces.

PROS

  • It flips up and down with ease
  • Comes with side plunger release
  • Low-profile lightweight design
  • Elevation adjustable
  • Nice matte black finish

CONS

  • Adjustment options are somewhat limited
  • No front sight adjusting tool

Best for:

M 4 Super is designed for shooters who need straightforward, easy-to-install front and rear sights that easily flip up and down. There is no complicated installations process, no complicated adjustments or anything like that.

Our Rating

4.3/5

UTG Flip-up Rear Sight w/Windage Adj & Dual Aiming Apertures are one of the most affordable iron sight modules out there. It offers dual aiming aperture and also precise windage adjustment which can considerably enhance the accuracy.

Let’s get started with Posi-lock. That’s a unique feature that can’t be found in other flip-up rear sights. This system prevents the unit from tipping. The installation can be done using a thumbnut, which can make things a whole lot easier. It should be noted that this well-made iron sight can be used with both Weaver and Picatinny rails. There are no major differences.

The entire construction is made from a special type of aluminum that is stronger than ordinary aluminum. The unit weighs 3.4 ounces while its dimensions are 1.9 x 1.3 inches.

PROS

  • Unique Posi-lock system that prevents tipping
  • Picatinny mounting deck
  • Windage adjustments are highly precise
  • 2 aiming aperture options for various shooting applications
  • Lightweight aluminum construction

CONS

  • Slightly difficult to flip up and down
  • Quite large and bulky
  • It does not come with locking cable.

Best for:

This model is recommended for all of you who want simplicity and accuracy. It is very popular among hunters who need Posi-lock to prevent tipping.

Our Rating

4.3/5

Magpul MBUS Flip-Up Backup Sights are available in black, olive, earth and gray colors. All the variations come with the same characteristics and feature the same design and the same functionality as well. In this iron sight review, we will take a closer look at this particular model and see what it has to offer.

First things first, you should note that the mechanism is spring-loaded with the addition of two wings that protect the unit from dust, dirt, and debris. Also, keep in mind that the sights are made of polymer; it is not an iron sight. Nevertheless, this material is super tough and it can withstand heavy pressures and extraneous forces, just like heavy-duty iron sights.

Moreover, the sight can be installed on any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/STANAG 4694 rail. Rest assured that it will stay in place even in the harshest situations. Lastly, it is important to point out that this package only includes front sight. So, if you also need a rear sight, you will have to buy it separately.

PROS

  • Available in different colors
  • MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/STANAG 4694 compatibility
  • Impact-resistant polymer construction
  • Good value for money

CONS

  • Some users don’t like the polymer construction
  • Front sight only

Best for:

This is an ideal option for those looking for a front flip-up sight that is lightweight, cheap and that can be installed on MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny/STANAG 4694 rails. It is one of the best Picatinny flip up iron sights on the market you can find today.

Our Rating

4.2/5

FAB DEF Poly FLIP-UP Sight Set BLK is a low-profile sight set that includes the front and rear modules. In addition to the dual aperture, the easy adjustment is what sets this product apart. The long eye relief is 3 mm while the shorter one is 1.5 mm. These sights boast of modern and futuristic design.

The sides you can see are called angel wings and they help hunters center the target with enhanced accuracy. The loading mechanism relies on a spring, just like other sights on our list. It offers instant deployment. No tools required for windage adjustments. You can install it by yourself with ease and use it afterward when needed.

PROS

  • Easy to acquire the sight picture
  • Appealing design
  • Dual aperture
  • Smooth profile
  • No tool needed for windage adjustments

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Side clamp may need shim material

Best for:

FAB DEF Poly FLIP-UP Sight Set BLK is a must-have if you want the latest gadget and the latest accessories for your firearm. If you are looking for flip-up sights that feature an appealing, modern and robust design, you will love this sight set for sure.

Our Rating

4.1/5

Good Stuff Innovation Flip-Up Rear Sight is a modern product of the latest generation. In fact, the sight is based on old-school models and comes with the center, circle design, and prolonged shaft. It is quite easy to install. Keep in mind that you will need a screwdriver to complete the installation. We believe that most of you already have this tool at tool your garage or at home.

The adjustment can be done with the dial that covers the entire sight. There is a massive dial that can center the sight accordingly. This rear flip up sight is designed n such a way to fit most rails. The entire unit is made from high-quality metal and it features stunning durability.

PROS

  • One of a kind design
  • Extremely affordable
  • Excellent adjustability
  • Highly accurate

CONS

  • Rear sight only (no front sight)
  • A bit tall

Best for:

Good Stuff Innovation Flip-Up Rear Sight will an ideal choice for you if you’re looking for a rear backup sight at a low price that has old fashioned design but comes with all the features you could ever need.

Our Rating

4/5

Diamondhead USA Front and Rear Combat Iron Sights isn’t a simple model for recreational use. It is a high-end unit that has been developed for 5 years in order to be the best sight money can buy. let’s see what it offers.

These sights feature a rapid deployment system that can be activated in a few seconds. The installation is possible on all A2 front sights. The good news is that you won’t need any special tools to get these sights installed. Centering a target is faster and more accurate than ever before thanks to a diamond-shaped aperture. We tested this feature and it works better than we expected. The 0.5 MOA windage is available as well.

Please note that all of these capabilities and features come at a high price.  These are not cheap backup sights aimed at budget-conscious shoppers. They are worth every penny! The dimensions are  9 x 6.1 x 1 inch while the total weight is 5.4 ounces.

PROS

  • Quick target acquisition
  • Diamond-shaped apertures
  • Tough construction
  • Well finished
  • 0.5 MOA windage adjustment

CONS

  • Expensive
  • Available in one color only

Best for:

These combat sights are perfect for users looking for an integrated sighting system of superb quality that can make it easy to improve target acquisition. They can be used with just about any standard A2 front sight post and we recommend using these iron sights if your gun has a flat top. You will like them for sure!

Conclusion

We have tested all of these sights in different situations and we fired over 100 shots with each one to get a better feel of how they work indeed. They all lived up to our expectations. Some of these amazing sights have even exceeded our expectations.

On our list of the best flip up sights, there are a lot of options to choose from. There are many world-venomous brands like Troy Industries, Ozark Armament, Diamondhead USA, Magpul, and so on. 

Of course, you need to choose ones that can meet your specific requirements while suiting your budget at the same time. Whether you are looking for a sight set or just want a front or rear sight, make sure to pay attention to every detail before making up your mind to get the best value for money.