The Advantages of Flip Up Sights
Backup Sighting System: Reliability When It Matters Most
In the dynamic landscape of firearms accessories, flip up sights present a compelling value proposition. Let’s explore the core benefits that make them a popular choice.
Low Profile Design: Staying Out of the Way
When your primary sighting system, often an optic, is functioning correctly, flip up sights reside unobtrusively on your firearm. Their low profile design ensures they don’t impede the field of view offered by your scope or red dot sight. The ability to fold the sights down allows them to remain out of the way, avoiding any obstruction when you’re using your primary aiming device. This prevents any unnecessary interference, letting you focus on the target and shot placement. This design feature is especially valuable for shooters who appreciate a clean, uncluttered sight picture when using their preferred optic.
Versatility: Adaptability Across Shooting Scenarios
The adaptability of flip up sights is truly remarkable. They are equally at home in close-quarters combat (CQB) situations, where rapid target acquisition is paramount, and in long-range shooting scenarios, where precision is key. For CQB, the larger aperture of some flip up sights can assist in quickly aligning on moving targets. At longer ranges, the more precise adjustments offered by quality flip up sights allow you to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift, helping you hit your mark accurately. They can even be a primary sighting system on some firearms, but they become even more valuable as backup sights, enhancing the versatility of a firearm setup by providing alternative sighting options.
Material and Durability
Aluminum: A Balance of Strength and Weight
Aluminum is a prevalent choice, providing a good balance between strength and weight. High-grade aluminum alloys are both rugged and lightweight, making them suitable for various applications. Aluminum sights generally offer excellent durability, and they can withstand significant impact without breaking or bending. Furthermore, aluminum is often treated with an anodized coating that increases its resistance to corrosion and scratches. This anodization process provides an additional layer of protection, ensuring the sights remain functional and aesthetically pleasing even after prolonged use. However, some lower-quality aluminum sights may be more susceptible to damage, so it’s important to choose products from reputable manufacturers.
Steel: Maximum Strength for Maximum Durability
For shooters who prioritize maximum durability and ruggedness, steel flip up sights are an excellent option. Steel is inherently strong and can withstand the most demanding conditions, including extreme temperatures and heavy use. While steel sights are generally heavier than their aluminum counterparts, the added weight is a small price to pay for the superior strength they offer. Steel sights are a great choice for anyone expecting rough handling and operating in environments with high levels of abuse. They will likely stand up to virtually anything. Steel also exhibits excellent resistance to wear, ensuring that the sights maintain their accuracy and functionality for years.
Polymer: Lightweight and Affordable
Polymer, or polymer-based sights, provides a lightweight and affordable option for shooters. Polymer is lighter than both aluminum and steel, potentially contributing to improved balance and handling characteristics. Polymer sights are generally less expensive than their metal counterparts, making them an accessible option for shooters on a budget. The resistance of polymer to corrosion is a significant advantage in humid environments, and they are less likely to dent or scratch easily. While polymer sights are not as strong as metal sights, many are designed to be robust enough for everyday use and offer a practical solution for many shooters.
Adjustment: Achieving Precise Aim
Windage Adjustment: Perfecting Horizontal Alignment
Windage adjustment is the mechanism for correcting lateral (left-to-right) bullet trajectory. It allows you to account for wind drift, or any other force that causes the bullet to move horizontally. Windage adjustments are usually made via a dial or screw on the rear sight. Adjusting the windage correctly is crucial for ensuring your bullets impact the target at the desired point.
Elevation Adjustment: Fine-tuning Vertical Alignment
Elevation adjustment controls the vertical bullet trajectory, enabling you to adjust for bullet drop over distance. At different ranges, a bullet will drop, and elevation adjustments are required to ensure it hits your intended target. Elevation adjustments are usually made using a dial or screw on the rear sight, much like the windage adjustment. Proper elevation adjustments are necessary for engaging targets at different distances and maintaining accuracy at varying ranges.
Sight Aperture: Finding the Right Balance
Large Apertures: Speed in Close Quarters
Large aperture sights are characterized by wider openings. This wider aperture provides a broader field of view, enabling you to quickly acquire and align with a target, making them ideal for close-quarters combat situations. The larger opening helps focus on the target, and reduces the precision required for alignment, enabling faster target engagement. However, at extended ranges, the increased aperture size can reduce the precision of your shot.
Small Apertures: Precision at Extended Ranges
Small aperture sights are characterized by narrower openings, allowing for greater precision and accuracy. The small aperture creates a crisper sight picture, enhancing target clarity, and precision. This precision makes them ideal for long-range shooting scenarios. The smaller opening forces more precise sight alignment, allowing for tighter groupings and more accurate shots. However, smaller apertures can reduce the speed of target acquisition, which can be a disadvantage in close-quarters situations.
Mounting System: Ensuring a Secure Fit
Picatinny Rail: A Standard for Versatility
The Picatinny rail, also known as the MIL-STD-1913 rail, is a standardized rail system. It offers excellent versatility and compatibility with a wide range of accessories, making it one of the most common mounting systems for flip up sights. The Picatinny rail system consists of a series of slots and spaces, allowing for a secure and repeatable mounting. Its standardized dimensions ensure that accessories will readily attach and maintain the desired point of impact.
Keymod: Streamlining the Design
Keymod is another system that has been gaining popularity, with a key advantage being a lighter weight profile. This system consists of a series of keyhole-shaped slots that accessories attach directly to. It offers a streamlined, modern appearance and often provides a lightweight alternative to the Picatinny rail. Keep in mind that the Keymod system does not provide as much mounting surface, and the accessories may have limited adjustability.
Overall Aesthetics: The Visual Appeal
Color and Style: Matching Your Firearm’s Look
The color and style of your flip up sights can contribute to your firearm’s overall aesthetics. Sights are available in various colors, including black, flat dark earth (FDE), and others. These options allow you to match your sights to the color of your firearm, or customize your firearm to make it aesthetically pleasing.
Top Flip Up Sights: Reviews and Recommendations
The Magpul MBUS Pro: A Proven Classic
* Overview: The Magpul MBUS Pro is a well-regarded set of flip up sights. They are known for their durability, reliability, and sleek, low-profile design.
* Features: MBUS Pro sights are constructed from case-hardened steel, featuring a protective finish. They have both windage and elevation adjustments and are designed to be exceptionally robust.
* Pros: Exceptional durability; robust construction. Low profile design. Windage and elevation adjustments.
* Cons: Higher price point than some polymer options.
* Final Verdict: The Magpul MBUS Pro is a top-tier choice, offering excellent performance and reliability.
The Troy Industries Folding BattleSight: Precision and Speed
* Overview: Troy Industries BattleSights are premium options and are favored by professionals due to their precision and rapid deployment.
* Features: These sights are machined from aircraft-grade aluminum and have an advanced locking mechanism. They offer both aperture and tritium options for low-light visibility.
* Pros: High-quality construction. Precise adjustments. Tritium options for low-light environments.
* Cons: The cost is significantly higher.
* Final Verdict: Troy Industries BattleSights are a premium choice, offering top-of-the-line performance.
The Daniel Defense Rock & Lock: Rock-Solid Performance
* Overview: The Daniel Defense Rock & Lock sights are designed for rugged use and feature a spring-loaded design.
* Features: They are constructed from aluminum, providing a balance of strength and weight. They have a locking mechanism that keeps them firmly in place when deployed.
* Pros: Excellent durability, secure locking mechanism.
* Cons: Slightly more expensive than some alternatives.
* Final Verdict: The Daniel Defense Rock & Lock sights are an excellent choice for those looking for robustness and reliability.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Flip Up Sights for You
Intended Use: Tailoring to Your Shooting Style
Different shooting disciplines have different demands. If you participate in competitive shooting, your focus should likely be on speed and precision, which will influence your choice of aperture and adjustment features. For tactical or defensive purposes, you’ll prioritize durability, rapid deployment, and low-light visibility. Hunters may choose sights that excel at both precision and robustness.
Budget: Striking a Balance
The price range for flip up sights can vary significantly. Consider your budget and the level of features and quality you require. Polymer sights provide an economical entry point, but might not offer the same long-term durability as their metal counterparts.
Compatibility: A Seamless Integration
Ensure that the flip up sights you choose are compatible with your firearm, mounting system, and other accessories. Consider the height of your sights and make sure they are aligned correctly.
Personal Preference: Matching Your Needs
Ultimately, your personal preferences are important. Do you prefer a minimalist or a more feature-rich design? Does a particular brand or style appeal to you? Consider your preferences when choosing your flip up sights.
How to Install and Sight In Flip Up Sights
Installation: Ensuring Proper Fit
Begin by reading the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, you attach the sights to the appropriate rail on your firearm, ensuring a secure fit. Most sights use a thumbscrew or locking lever to secure them in place.
Zeroing/Sighting In: Making Accurate Shots
To zero your sights, start at a known distance (usually 25 yards). Fire a three- to five-shot group. Adjust your sights based on where the group is in relation to your point of aim, using windage and elevation adjustments. Continue this process until your shots consistently hit the target at the point of aim.
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning: Removing Debris and Buildup
Clean your sights regularly to remove debris, dirt, or any buildup. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt, and a solvent or cleaner as needed.
Inspection: Checking for Wear and Tear
Inspect your sights for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose screws, bent parts, or damage. Address any issues immediately.
Storage: Preserving Your Sights
When storing your sights, keep them in a dry, clean place. You can protect them further by storing them in a case or padded container.
Conclusion
Flip up sights represent a crucial component for all shooters. Whether you prioritize a backup sighting system, low profile design, or versatile performance, these sights will significantly enhance your firearm’s capabilities. Choosing the right set requires careful consideration of material, adjustment, and mounting systems. By thoroughly considering the factors discussed in this guide, you will be well-equipped to choose the best flip up sights and improve your shooting performance.
Resources
* Magpul: [https://magpul.com/](https://magpul.com/)
* Troy Industries: [https://troyind.com/](https://troyind.com/)
* Daniel Defense: [https://danieldefense.com/](https://danieldefense.com/)
