• SUBSCRIBE
Athlon Outdoors Supersite
Tactical Life Website
Ballistic Website
Personal Defense World Website
Skillsetmag Website
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
        • Thermal Vision
        • Night Vision
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
        • Thermal Vision
        • Night Vision
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS
No Result
View All Result
Athlon Outdoors Super Site
No Result
View All Result
  • TL
  • PDW
  • BM
  • Skillset
 
ENTER TO WIN: FREE GUN FRIDAY ft. Browning, Caldwell & Black Hills!

17 Durable Backup Sights to Help You Stay in the Fight

ShareTweetPin
diamondhead backup sights

Diamondhead D-45 ISS: The D-45 ISS sights from Diamondhead deploy at a 45-degree offset so a shooter can slightly roll their rifle 45 degrees to use these backup sights in close quarters. In other words, you won’t have to remove an optic or co-witness it with your sights. The rear sight stows under the eyepiece of a scope and features dual apertures with 0.5-MOA adjustments. The front sight accepts all standard A2 front sight posts.

Robert A. SadowskibyRobert A. Sadowski
December 19, 2016
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
arms backup sights
ARMS #40 L-F/#40 L Combo: The #40 L-F/#40 L Combo from ARMS comes with low-profile front and rear sights that fold flat on top of your AR’s rail. The front sight has protective wings, and the rear sight has dual apertures. When needed, the sights spring up and lock in place via a quick release lever that also ensures the sights are not accidentally deployed.
command arms backup sights
Command Arms FFS & FRS: When folded, the Command Arms FFS (Flip-up Front Sight) and FRS (Flip-up Rear Sight) are low profile so they will not snag on gear. Made of polymer and steel, these sights bolt onto any Picatinny-style rail using a square lug so they won’t wiggle when they’re mounted. Both sights can also be adjusted without tools, and the FRS features three aperture options and is adjustable for windage. The sights are spring-loaded and deploy rapidly using ambidextrous buttons. Each sight also weighs less than an ounce.
diamondhead backup sights
Diamondhead D-45 ISS: The D-45 ISS sights from Diamondhead deploy at a 45-degree offset so a shooter can slightly roll their rifle 45 degrees to use these backup sights in close quarters. In other words, you won’t have to remove an optic or co-witness it with your sights. The rear sight stows under the eyepiece of a scope and features dual apertures with 0.5-MOA adjustments. The front sight accepts all standard A2 front sight posts.

diamondhead ISS backup sights
Diamondhead ISS: The sights in the Integrated Sighting System (ISS) feature patented diamond-shaped apertures for faster target acquisitions and centering. These sights are made of metal and bolt onto any Picatinny-style rail. A push button instantly deploys or stows the sights. The ISS is available in black or Flat Dark Earth.
dueck defense backup sights
Dueck Defense RTS: Designed by top 3-Gun shooter and IPSC Grand Master Barry Dueck, the Rapid Transition Sights (RTS) are built for the rigor of competition or the abuse of law enforcement/military tactical scenarios. These offset sights enhance a shooter’s ability to quickly hit near and far targets. Made of 7075-T6 aluminum, these sights are durable and mount to your rifle’s top rail without interfering with a mounted optic.
FAB defense backup sights
FAB Defense Tritium Flip-Up Sights: These backup sights are made of lightweight yet rugged polymer and stow very flat along a Picatinny top rail when folded. Both sights also feature tritium inserts for quick aiming in any lighting condition. The front sight is adjustable for elevation, and the rear sight is adjustable for windage.

magpul backup sights
Magpul MBUS Pro LR: The adjustable, all-steel MBUS Pro LR rear sight features an elevation-adjustment wheel to accurately engage targets from 200 to 600 meters in 50-meter increments. No tools are needed to make the adjustments. Positive detents keep the MBUS Pro LR at standard AR sight height when deployed and low profile when stowed.
magpul MBUS pro backup sights
Magpul MBUS Pro Offset: Magpul’s MBUS Pro Offset front and rear sights deploy to standard AR height at a 45-degree offset on the right-hand side of the weapon. These backup sights can supplement an optic or one that has been damaged beyond use. They will easily mount to any Picatinny-style rail.
magpul MBUS backup sights
Magpul MBUS: Magpul’s front and rear MBUS sights are super lightweight since they are made from injection-molded polymer. The sights are also spring-loaded and flip up by pressing the top from either side. Protective wings shield the spring-locking A2 front sight post, and an elevation-adjustment tool is included with the front sight. The rear sight features dual apertures. MBUS sights are available in black, Flat Dark Earth, stealth gray or olive drab.

mission first tactical backup sights
Mission First Tactical Sights: The BUPSWF (Backup Polymer Flip-Up Front Sight) and BUPSWR (Backup Polymer Flip-Up Rear Sight) from Mission First Tactical are designed with shrouds that shelter the front post blade and rear aperture from dust and debris as well as damage from impact when in the closed position. These sights are made from though polymer and mount to any Picatinny rail.
troy backup sights
Troy 45-Degree Folding Battle Sights: Troy Industries’ durable, practical 45-Degree Folding Battle Sights position the aperture at a mil-spec height and deploy effortlessly. The front sight is an HK-style unit with rounded protective wings.
troy folding battle backup sights
Troy Folding Battle Sights: Troy offers a number of sighting optics, including its Medium Battle Sight Set, which includes a folding front sight and a folding Di-Optic Aperture (DOA) rear sight, which are made with aluminum and steel components. The rear sight’s diamond-shaped apertures—for 300- and 500-meter engagements—center your eye for faster target acquisitions.

UTG backup sights
UTG Low-Profile Flip-Up Sights: UTG’s new Low-Profile Flip-Up front and rear sights are made of tough, lightweight aluminum. Just press the spring-loaded side releases to deploy these sights or fold them down when not in use. Both sights are hardcoat anodized matte black.
XS Sight Systems XTI Set: The AR-16/M16 Xpress Threat Interdiction (XTI) sights are fixed offset sights that employ a big dot on the front sight and a shallow V-shaped rear sight with a vertical post. The dot and post use tritium so they are visible in low-light conditions. These sights attach to any rail.
XS Troy battle sights backup sights
XS Troy Battle Sights: XS Sight Systems offers upgraded Troy Folding Battle Sight sets where the front sight uses a tritium stripe that glows in low-light conditions. The rear sight features the CSAT aperture, which was pioneered by master shooter Paul Howe.

YHM backup sights
YHM Front Flip Sight Tower: A combination flip-up front sight and gas block, the YHM-9394 Front Flip Sight Tower has a built-in gas block. The two-piece design allows it to be mounted on firearms with pinned and welded muzzle accessories.
YHM QDS backup sights
YHM QDS Same-Plane Sights: The QDS Same-Plane sights from Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) flip up or stow with the press of a button. Made of aluminum with a black anodized finish, the QDS rear sight is adjustable for windage while the front sight is adjustable for elevation.

Optics fail. That’s why you need to make sure your rifle has Plan B—backup sights for quick aiming. Sometimes called backup iron sights, or BUIS, these are go-to targeting aids for when your glass fails or become inoperable. Backup sights are also handy at close range, where a high-magnification optic is unusable.

  • RELATED STORY: High-Tech Roundup – 14 Pieces of Night-Vision Gear

BUIS allow an operator to stay in the fight, and they’re typically designed to be deployed in an instant if needed. Here are some great secondary options to help you stay in the fight.

  • RELATED STORY: Stock Options – 10 State-of-the-Art AR Stocks for Max Accuracy

For more information on the backup sights featured in gallery above, please visit the following sites.

A.R.M.S., Inc
http://www.armsmounts.com

Command Arms
http://www.commandarms.com

Diamondhead
http://www.diamondhead-usa.com

Dueck Defense
http://www.dueckdefense.com

FAB Defense
http://www.fab-defense.com

Magpul
http://www.magpul.com

Mission First Tactical
http://www.missionfirsttactical.com

Troy
http://www.worldoftroy.com

UTG
http://www.leapers.com

XS Sight Systems
http://www.xssights.com

Yankee Hill Machine
http://www.yhm.net

This article was published in ‘Black Guns’ #190. For information on how to subscribe, please email subscriptions@outdoorgroupmags.com or call 1-800-284-5668.

Didn't find what you were looking for?

MOST POPULAR

Taurus Home Defender revolver in .410.

KA-BOOM: Here Comes the Taurus Judge Home Defender!

300 Blackout vs 308, rifles, ammunition

300 Blackout vs 308 Win: Which Round Reigns Supreme in AR-15s?

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

All the best new handguns seen at SHOT Show 2023.

21 Best New Handguns [2023]

TRENDING

Simply put, an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) is a brief burst of electromagnetic energy produced naturally in the world or manmade in various forms.

How To Survive An EMP Attack

Tristar Compact

12-Gauge Bullpup Battle: Inter Ordnance Compact vs. Tristar Compact

Heckler & Koch MR762A1 Long Rifle Package (LRP)

Custom Auto Ordnance Thompson 1927-A1s, Auto Ordnance Tommy Guns, drum

GIVEAWAY: Win a Pair of Custom Auto Ordnance Thompson 1927-A1s

BROWSE BY BRAND

Skillset-Logo_yellow-153x47png
Ballistic_LOGO-217x47
CH-Logo_blue-153x47
T-L-SS-stack life-47x140
PDW_CCH_LOGO-300x101
PDW-2022-Sidebyside-logo 160x30-blk
GOW LOGO x101
AF_LOGO-184x47

SPOTLIGHT

The Watchtower Type 15M.

Watchtower Type 15M is Premium Forged and “All American Made”

New to the game, Watchtower Firearms is making some serious waves in the industry. After the acquisition of F-1 Firearms,...

RELATED POSTS

The Watchtower Type 15M.

Watchtower Type 15M is Premium Forged and “All American Made”

...

The Heritage Tactical Rancher Carbine.

Heritage Tactical Rancher Carbine Brings the .22 LR and Mag Fun

...

The Vortex Bantam HD 6.5x32 Youth Binocular.

Vortex Bantam HD 6.5×32 Youth Binocular Gets Youth into the Hunt

...

Load More

TRENDING

Testing the Vudu 1-6x24 FFP Grey on a lever-action rifle.

Running the Vudu 1-6x24mm FFP Grey on a Marlin 1895 SBL

Editor's Note: We recently ran a story detailing a full range session with the new Marlin 1895 SBL. For that...

Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle in American Sniper.

Reel Shooters: The Best Movie Snipers & a Few of the Worst

Fans of action and war movies would be forgiven for thinking that trained snipers carry their rifles disassembled in an...

Big Horn Armory AR500 review, .500 Auto Max Semi-Auto AR

Big Horn Armory AR500: Testing the Absurdly Powerful AR in .500 Auto Max

The start of a new century seemed to wake up designers in their quest to expand AR roles via caliber...

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev.

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev Reviewed: Is It the Best P226 Ever?

Sig Sauer HQ in Newington, New Hampshire, has been a busy place for the last several years. Multiple successes with...

MOST POPULAR

The Mossberg MC2sc semi-auto pistol.

12 Best Micro-Compact Handguns for Concealed Carry [2022]

A thick veil of fog stood forever in front of me as I cruised down the highway at 6:30 in...

Police Sidearms, police duty pistols, Handguns, America's Largest Police Departments 2018

Police Sidearms: Handguns of America’s 10 Largest Departments

Law enforcement in the United States is in constant evolution and that includes various police sidearms. These days, law enforcement...

U.S. Secret Service adopts Glock G47

FIRST LOOK: Glock Just Very Quietly Unveiled the New Glock 47 Pistol

Tuesday afternoon we broke news that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection selected three Glock 9mm pistols as its new standard...

All the best new handguns seen at SHOT Show 2023.

21 Best New Handguns [2023]

The NSSF SHOT Show is the premier event to get your hands on new gear. It gives us a first...

VIDEO SERIES: AT THE READY | SEASON 2

MORE VIDEOS

The 21st Tec TEC47 Rifle.

The 21st Tec TEC47 AR-10 in 7.62x39mm Accepts AK Mags

The Vortex Bantam HD 6.5x32 Youth Binocular.

Vortex Bantam HD 6.5×32 Youth Binocular Gets Youth into the Hunt

HANDGUNS

The Sig Sauer P320 FCU and Custom Shop circumvent restrictive state regulations.

Sig P320 FCU and Custom Shop Overcome Restrictive State Laws

New Graphene finish.

The Taurus GX4 Micro-Compact is Now Available in Graphene

The Pedersoli Howdah.

The Pedersoli Howdah: Recreating the Howdah’s Legacy

The SK Customs Morelos.

SK Customs Morelos 1911 Heralds Generalissimo Jose Morelos

The Tisas Model 1911A1 Aviator

Tisas 1911A1 Aviator: Bringing Back the ‘Feel’ of the Original

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev.

The Sig Sauer P226 Zev Reviewed: Is It the Best P226 Ever?

RIFLES - click to see all

The 21st Tec TEC47 Rifle.

The 21st Tec TEC47 AR-10 in 7.62x39mm Accepts AK Mags

The Watchtower Type 15M.

Watchtower Type 15M is Premium Forged and “All American Made”

The Heritage Tactical Rancher Carbine.

Heritage Tactical Rancher Carbine Brings the .22 LR and Mag Fun

The limited edition RISE Armament Topo Watchman rifle.

UPDATED: New RISE Armament Topo Watchman Limited-Edition

AMMO - click to see all

HEVI-Shot HEVI-Bismuth Upland loads.

HEVI-Shot HEVI-Bismuth Upland Expands Hunting Lineup

Ammo Storage, Survival Ammo, long term ammo storage, Prepper

Best Methods for Long-Term Ammo Storage

6 .410 Ammo Options for Home and Personal Defense.

.410 Ammo for Home Defense [2023]

.44 Magnum dirty harry

Your Guide to the .44 Magnum Cartridge

The Escort PS Youth 20-gauge shotgun.

The Escort PS Youth Shotgun is Now Available in .410 Bore

The 2022 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous event.

Rendezvous Roundup: Guns & Gear at Athlon’s Signature Event

Magazines Available Now! Subscribe today for Home Delivery!
FREE NEWSLETTERS! Subscribe!
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TERMS OF USE
  • CORPORATE
  • ADVERTISE
  • EDIT DESK
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Handguns
      • Semi-Automatic Handguns
      • Revolvers
    • AR Pistols
    • AR Rifles
    • Rifles
      • Semi-Automatic Rifles
      • Lever Action
      • Bolt Action
    • Shotguns
    • Airguns
    • Custom Guns
      • Handgun Build
      • Rifle Build
      • Shotgun Build
    • Specialty Guns
  • Parts
    • Handgun Parts
    • Rifle Parts
  • Accessories
    • Optics & Sights
    • Lasers & Lights
    • Suppressors
    • Holsters
    • Slings
    • Shooting Rests
    • Targets
    • Maintenance & Tools
  • Ammo
    • Handgun Ammo
      • 9mm
      • 10mm
    • Rifle Ammo
      • .223
    • Shotgun Ammo
      • 12 Gauge
    • Rimfire Ammo
    • Reloading
  • Gear
    • Apparel
    • Ears & Eyes
      • Ears
      • Eyes
    • Storage
    • Tactical Gear
      • Body Armor
    • Knives
      • Fixed Blade
      • Folding Knives
      • Tactical Knives
    • Less Lethal
    • Flashlights
    • Electronics
  • Lifestyle
    • Concealed Carry
    • Personal Defense
      • Self-Defense
      • Hand to Hand Combat
    • Home Defense
    • Sport Shooting
      • Hunting
      • Competition Shooting
    • Precision Shooting/Long Range Shooting
    • Training
      • Shooting 101
    • Survival
      • First Aid
    • Tactical & LE
    • Pop Culture
      • People
      • Rides
      • History
      • Military Lifestyle
  • News
    • New Products & Industry News
    • Gun Facts & Laws
    • Police News
    • Military News
    • Politics
  • VIDEOS

© 2023 Athlon Outdoors - Premium Firearm product and industry news, reviews and magazines" .