Chances are that when you think of iron sights these days, one of the first things that comes to mind is a first-person shooter WWII game where you tend to spray and pray more than anything else. For some, they may think about how they removed their stock fixed iron sights from their AR to free up rail space or because they never use them. Iron sights have become an afterthought in the modern shooting era, and with many more advanced optics options hitting the market on a regular basis, it can be difficult to justify the extra weight added and space taken by having back-up iron sights on an AR-15 build.
Although there are plenty of people out there who still maintain, sight, and use their fixed iron sights regularly, and if you’re one of them, we applaud you. If you’re not, that’s okay, too. But, we hope you’ll take the time to read today’s blog from the team at RailScales® and consider some of the reasons why keeping — and using — your fixed iron sights is a good idea.
To be clear, we’re not advocating for abandoning your laser sight or other advanced optics, we’re just making the case that you shouldn’t do that same thing to your fixed iron sights. Read on to learn more, or, shop online at RailScales® today and check out our selection of LEAF® iron sight laser mounts.
Fixed Iron Sights Don’t Malfunction
Whether you are partial to them or not, your AR’s fixed iron sights are always going to provide you with an aiming option, sans you swinging your AR-15 like a club and breaking them — and don’t do that, it’s an AR, not a Mosin-Nagant carbine.
While your batteries in your laser sight may die and other optics with electrical components can potentially be fritzed out by moisture or impact, fixed iron sights are, if anything, reliable.
Even if you haven’t sighted them in very well, iron sights give you a fixed aim point that you can work from no matter the situation. So, having a set as a backup on your AR-15, and even occasionally practicing with them in the instance that your advanced optics fail isn’t just a good idea, it may prove pivotal in certain situations.
Versatile Shooting Skill Development
Almost without fail, the very best shooters in the world — as well as most actual combat veterans — will tell you that it’s not so much how your AR-15 is equipped, but what you can do with it. Stance and hardware might make all the difference when you’re standing in the cool calm breeze at the range and all the metal is flying one way, but in real-life applications, a lot of what is good for recreational shooting doesn’t apply nearly so well.
That’s why many of the world’s best practice shooting in unconventional ways on as many different firing platforms as possible. Making sure that you are dedicating some time at the range to use your fixed iron sight on your AR-15 means that you are becoming a more versatile and situationally flexible shooter.
Survivalism
Now, we don’t want to step on anyone’s toes here, and we know from talking with our friends about their survival philosophy and preparation choices that people have some strong feelings about what is right and what is wrong. Of course, hopefully, none of us ever have to find out.
However, we’d like to make the case that long-term, fixed iron sights are the single most sustainable and reasonable sight solution for a survivalist. Batteries are heavy, and a multi-use resource that cannot be dedicated simply to your sights.
Additionally, although the difference may be small, any serious hiker will tell you that when you are living life on your feet, every ounce counts. Fixed iron sights are almost always going to be the lightest weight option.
Easy Transition To Almost Any Firearm
Virtually every firearm you will lay your hands on will possess at least some form of iron sight, unless they were intentionally removed. Despite the fact that transitioning between different styles of fixed sights can be problematic, being able to quickly range down the barrel over them is still a useful skill to have.
The best way to do it? Make sure to leave a set of iron sights — stock or after-market— on your AR-15 and practice with them a little bit every time you go to the range. It also gives you an opportunity to challenge your friends to who is REALLY the best shooter if you're able to consistently hit targets with iron sights at range.
Because It’s Boss
There’s no denying that when someone saddles up to the outdoor rifle range and lifts a beautiful AR-15 out of its case, complete with every sweet AR accessory that is being raved about in Tactical Life or some other well-known publication, we’re impressed — with the rifle.
The same situation, except the person who walks up to the range, pulls out a nice, but simple, AR-15 with a decent set of fixed iron sights on it and starts putting together groupings that your great aunt Mildred couldn’t find anything wrong with — and we’re impressed with the shooter.
There is something to be said about a person who takes pride in taking the fundamentals seriously, and not in a way that is breath control, sight picture, or trigger control. But keeping iron sight shooting as a trainable fixture in their range time. While it is easy to be impressed with groups and whatnot, it's really not that impressive anymore with the wealth of knowledge we have and the quality of rifles being produced these days. Dumb monkeys could shoot one MOA these days and YouTube it. Consistent and proficient with every accessory on the rifle is the goal. The best AR-15 iron sight won't make you a better shooter, but it will help you if you commit to it.
LEAF® - DBAL Version 2
With the LEAF, you may mount it to your laser and clear up precious rail space by removing your folding front sight. Simply attach it to your laser and adjust the rear windage until it's zeroed in on your red dot.
The new Version 2 DBAL has several minor, but important modifications. The biggest difference between Version 2 and earlier versions is the expanded field of view around the post, which now measures 29 percent. The main body has been lowered by 50%, which allows the post to appear taller and opens up the field of vision. The post was narrowed by 0.007" to allow for better sight placement and a wider view around the post. The weight has been reduced by 43% to 3.69 grams, and the overall size has shrunk considerably, lowering it to 3.69 grams, a 43 percent reduction in weight. The overall height of Version 2 is still the same as Version 1. The new LEAF is available in Orbital Gray and Carbon Black anodizing, whereas the previous model was produced in orange, red, blue, or white. The ear post serrations on the front of the LEAF were also expanded to create more shadow distinctions.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the best reasons to have fixed iron sights on your AR-15 like the LEAF® - DBAL Version 2 is that they’re incredibly easy to clean and maintain. Because they’re not as susceptible to dirt, dust, or other debris buildups as advanced optics can be, cleaning them is a breeze. Simply remove them from the gun, disassemble them (if they’re not one piece), and clean away. If you're not someone who enjoys spending a lot of time on cleaning and maintenance, iron sights are a practical and time-saving solution.
Improve Performance at the Range
One of the best reasons to have fixed iron sights on your AR-15 is that they can improve performance when you’re out shooting in a controlled environment like an outdoor range. Because they don’t rely on batteries or other power sources, you don’t have to worry about them running out of juice in the middle of a shooting session. Additionally, since they’re not as susceptible to outside factors like weather conditions, you won’t have to adjust your sights every time there’s a gust of wind or a change in temperature.
Affordability and Durability
Another great reason to keep fixed iron sights on your AR-15 is that they’re affordable. Advanced optics and lasers can be expensive, but fixing iron sights makes a great addition to your AR-15 without breaking the bank. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about batteries running out or having issues with fogged lenses when shooting in adverse conditions like rain or snow.
A great benefit to keeping fixed iron sights on your AR is that they’re durable. Since advanced optics are typically placed at the front of the gun, just in front of where you place your hands when aiming, there’s a higher likelihood of damage if something unexpected happens like a slip or a bump. Iron sights, on the other hand, are located closer to the end of your barrel and receive less abuse from day-to-day use. Additionally, if you’re into shooting competitions where you might encounter some debris during rapid-fire exercises (or even in fast draw drills), fixed iron sights can help prevent damage to more expensive optics.
Get The Best Of Both Worlds With LEAF® Iron Site Laser Mounts From RailScales®
Thankfully, RailScales® makes it so that you can have the best of both worlds without having to give up precious rail space on your AR or swap out components constantly. We’ve developed the LEAF® Iron Site Laser Mount system so you can maintain an iron site on your AR at all times, but use your laser site with ease. These are by far the best iron sights for AR on the planet. From Ar15 sights to iron sights, RailScales has a solution for you. Check them out today at our online store.