The marvels of technology can help in so many unexpected areas. After all, advances in technology are what help us make lighter, more durable, heat-resistant rail scales that don’t bulk up your handguard rail. It’s pretty safe to say we enjoy the benefits of some good technology. Despite that, technology isn’t foolproof. What do you do when reliable technology goes bad? When it comes to your AR-15 setup and getting the most out of the accessories you will use the most, the creators of the best AR-15 accessories will normally take use into account to prevent a lot of potential issues by creating products that are built to last. However, there’s a pretty common failure that any AR owner should be prepared for: your powered optics. If you’re not already in the know, it’s time to learn the fine art of iron sights.
Optics and the AR-15
If you’ve been relying on a red dot or green dot sight, that means you are in the majority of AR-15 owners. Don’t get us wrong, we absolutely understand the appeal. It’s quick and easy to sight in so you can focus on the other elements needed for accuracy, like your stance and grip. Most red dot sights have the advantage of being lighter in weight and much smaller than many alternative sights, especially in comparison to many of the scopes out there.
The one potential pitfall is also a pretty common one. What do you do when the battery goes out? Without power, your sight becomes an ornamental weight on the front end of your firearm. Now, if you only use your AR during range time, a dead battery and an unusable red dot sight is an incredibly annoying hindrance, but not an insurmountable problem. At worst, you cut your range time short or switch to a different gun until you can get that battery replaced. However, if you intend to use your AR for another purpose, such as for home defense, it can be more than simply inconvenient, and preparing to have a backup plan in place is incredibly important.
Iron Sights
Way back before clear-as-day magnifying scopes and powered red dot sights, gun owners had the fixed iron sight to help them sight shots. These days, thanks to those aforementioned technological advancements, iron sights are seeing less and less use. If you’re not even sure how to use one, well, you’re not alone. The art of the iron sight is, sadly, a dying art. Despite the lack of frills or powerful scoping benefits, an iron sight can be an invaluable part of your AR-15 setup. They’re generally exceptionally light, small, and low-profile, meaning you can add iron sights to your handguard rail without impeding your laser or red dot sight.
When we talk about iron sights, we’re using it as an inclusive term for a whole range of open sights. They rely on a combination of two split side shanks and a third centered notch that, when aligned, help the user line up a shot. There are u-shaped sights, v-shaped ones, three-post options, and more. In addition to the various shapes, there are also fixed iron sights and adjustable options, as well. Despite the name, most modern iron sights are made from materials like aluminum or plastic rather than iron as a way to cut weight even further and make them easier to manufacture. Of course, some adjustable and fixed iron sight options may be anodized or otherwise finished to ensure durability alongside a lighter weight. The overarching point here is that there are an abundance of iron sight options that you can choose from, and it would be a good idea to at least look through options at a shop near you to find the right option for your setup.
Choosing Iron Sights
Many iron sight options come in two components meant to attach at different points along the same line — generally along the handguard rail to help keep them aligned easily. The downside to these options is that they can potentially be interfered with by other optics attached along this same line. There are also fold-down iron sights made to work with your red dot sight, but these often result in the loss of a lot of rail space. On a Picatinny rail, a folding iron sight can take up anywhere from three to seven rail slots depending on whether it’s deployed up or folded down. The alternative option to avoid these issues is to find a fixed iron sight that works with or attaches to your laser sight. In the end, you’ll want to choose the right iron sights based on your upper receiver setup.
Using Iron Sights
In theory, using open iron sights to align your shot should be as simple as, well, lining everything up. If you’ve ever played a first-person shooter video game, it would be almost impossible for you to not even be familiar with the concept of iron sights. The caveat to this is that you can’t just rely on experience with video games to go into using real-life iron sights thinking your digital “experience” will transfer over. It’s a good starting point for understanding the concept, but the human eye doesn’t work the way you’ve seen iron sights work in games. As with everything else AR-15 related, the best way to improve your experience using iron sights is going to be range time.
The basic steps to using iron sights are:
- Line up the sights with each other
- Line up the aligned sights with the target
- Squeeze the trigger, keeping your focus on the target/front sight
- Fire
There is more to it than that, of course, but those basic steps are enough to get you started no matter what type of fixed iron sight you use. On top of that, how you set up your iron sights will also have an impact on usability. If your iron sights are two separate components, make sure the rear portion is further back on the rail and the front sight is as far forward as you can get it on your rail, preferably over the muzzle. The longer the distance between the two, the better your depth of field will be, which can help with precisely lining up your shot. This shouldn’t be a problem with single-unit fixed iron sights since they are designed to take depth of field into account.
Back To Basics
Using a fixed iron sight may feel like going back to prehistoric days after the level of adjustability you get with scopes and red dot sights. However, iron sights are absolutely invaluable as a backup option. In fact, plenty of AR-15 owners choose to use iron sights concurrently with their red dot sight as a co-witness option. If you’re looking for ways to help improve your precision, this could be the double-check you need to boost performance at the range or during competitions.
LEAF® - DBAL Version 2
With the LEAF, you may mount it to your laser and clear up valuable rail space by removing your folding front sight. Simply attach it to your laser, then adjust the rear windage until it's dead on with your red dot.
The new Version 2 DBAL has a number of minor but important changes. The most significant distinction between Version 2 and earlier versions is the wider field of view around the post, which now measures 29 percent. The height of the main portion has been reduced by 50%, allowing the post to appear taller and opening up the field of vision. The post was narrowed by 0.007" to provide for improved sight placement and a broader perspective around the post. The weight has been cut by 43 percent to 3.69 grams, and the size has shrunk considerably, lowering it to 3.69 grams, a 43 percent reduction in weight. The overall height of Version 2 is still 1 inch taller than that of Version 1. The new LEAF is available in Orbital Gray or Carbon Black anodizing, while the previous model was offered in orange, red, blue, or white. The ear post serrations on the front of the LEAF were also extended to enhance shadow distinctions.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
One of the most significant advantages of having fixed iron sights on your AR, like the LEAF® - DBAL Version 2, is that they are really simple to maintain. Because they aren't as susceptible to dirt, dust, or other debris accumulations as advanced optics may be, cleaning them is a snap. Remove the gun from your holster, disassemble it (if necessary), and clean away any visible dirt or residue. Iron sights are a time-saving and practical option for individuals who don't enjoy spending too much time cleaning or maintaining their weapons.
Improve Performance at the Range
One of the most significant reasons to have fixed iron sights on your AR is that they can increase performance when you're shooting in a controlled environment, such as an outdoor range. Because they don't require batteries or other power sources, you won't have to worry about them running out of juice in the middle of a video shoot. Furthermore, because they aren't as affected by external elements such as weather changes or temperature variations, you won't have to alter your sights every time there's a gust of wind or a change in the weather. If you're looking to improve your shooting performance, fixed iron sights are a great way to do it.
Affordability and Durability
Another excellent reason to retain fixed iron sights on your AR is that they are inexpensive. Advanced optics and lasers can be costly, but replacing fixed iron sights on an AR does not have to break the bank. You'll also avoid having to worry about the battery running out or having problems with fogged lenses when shooting in adverse circumstances like rain or snow.
Fixed iron sights on your AR are also long-lasting. Because advanced optics are generally positioned in front of the weapon, just in front of where you position your hands when aiming, there's a greater possibility for damage if something unexpected happens, such as a slip or a jolt. Iron sights, on the other hand, are positioned closer to the muzzle and receive less use over time. Fixed iron sights can also assist in the protection of more expensive optics if you participate in shooting competitions where you may encounter debris during rapid-fire exercises (or even in fast draw drills).
Here at RailScales, we’re big fans of making technology work for our needs. We’ve carefully designed and crafted adjustable and fixed iron sights that work with DBAL and ATPIAL series sights. Our designs fit seamlessly, making our fixed iron sights incredibly low-profile, lightweight, and durable — all while saving you valuable rail space. Explore the benefits of the LEAF and LEAF - PEQ iron sights for yourself. Order online today!