
Iron Sights
- In StockTRUGLO Fat-Bead 2.6mm Thread Size Red Shotgun Sight Replacement Bead (TG948CR)Large diameter bead replacementCNC-machinedFiber diameter is .100"Fiber length is 0.5"Red color2.6mm thread size$21.12
- In StockTRUGLO Fat-Bead 5-40 Thread Size Green Shotgun Sight Replacement Bead (TG948DG)Large diameter bead replacementCNC-machinedFiber diameter is .100"Fiber length is 0.5"Green color5-40 thread size$21.12
- In StockTRUGLO Fat-Bead 5-40 Thread Size Red Shotgun Sight Replacement Bead (TG948DR)Large diameter bead replacementCNC-machinedFiber diameter is .100"Fiber length is 0.5"Red color5-40 thread size$21.12
- In StockTRUGLO Fat-Bead Dual Color 3mm Shotgun Front Sight (TG948ED)The largest diameter bead replacementCNC-machinedFiber diameter is .120"Fiber length is 0.5"3mm thread size The TRUGLO Fat Bead Dual Color Shotgun Sight, 3mm (TG948ED) features a ...$20.18
- In StockTRUGLO Fat-Bead 3mm Thread Size Green Shotgun Sight Replacement Bead (TG948EG)Large diameter bead replacementCNC-machinedFiber diameter is .100"Fiber length is 0.5"Green color3mm thread size$21.12
- In StockTRUGLO Fat-Bead Dual Color All Gauges Shotgun Front Sight (TG948UD)Dual-Color fiberThe largest diameter bead replacementCNC-machinedFiber diameter is .120"Fiber length is 0.5"Universal model includes thread adapters for 6-48 / 3-56 / 2.6mm / 5-40 / 3mm threads$23.34
- In StockTRUGLO Fat-Bead Green Universal Shotgun Front Sight (TG948UG)Large diameter bead replacementCNC-machinedFiber diameter is .100"Fiber length is 0.5"Green colorUniversal model includes thread adapters for 6-48 / 3-56 / 2.6mm / 5-40 / 3mm threads$22.61
- In StockTRUGLO Fat-Bead Red Universal Shotgun Front Sight (TG948UR)Large diameter bead replacementCNC-machinedFiber diameter is .100"Fiber length is 0.5"Red colorUniversal model includes thread adapters for 6-48 / 3-56 / 2.6mm / 5-40 / 3mm threads$23.34
- In StockTRUGLO Tru-Bead Multi-Colored Universal .060 Shotgun Front Sight (TG949A)Fits any rib widthReplaces front beadIncludes interchangeable fibersFront sight includes different sized "clips" to eliminate twistingExtremely low profileCNC-machinedHardware ...$31.93
- In StockTRUGLO Tru-Bead Multi-Colored Universal .078 Shotgun Front Sight (TG949B)Fits any rib widthReplaces front beadIncludes interchangeable fibersFront sight includes different sized "clips" to eliminate twistingExtremely low profileCNC-machinedHardware ...$31.93
- In StockTRUGLO Tru-Bead Dual-Color Universal Shotgun Sight (TG949D)Fits any rib widthDual-Color fiberReplaces front beadFront sight includes different sized "clips" to eliminate twistingExtremely low-profileCNC-machinedEndorsed by Ducks Unlimited$32.90
- In StockTRUGLO Tru-bead Turkey Universal Shotgun Turkey Sights (TG950X)The industry's most popular fiber optic turkey sight seriesUniversal mounting system for ventilated rib shotgunsFull windage and elevation adjustmentCNC-machinedHardware includedFront diameter is ...$28.99
- In StockTRUGLO Tru-Bead Turkey Dual Color Universal Shotgun Sights (TG950XD)The industry's most popular fiber optic turkey sight seriesUniversal mounting system for ventilated rib shotgunsFull windage and elevation adjustmentCNC-machinedHardware includedFront diameter is ...$28.99
- In StockTRUGLO 3/8in Fiber Optic Green .343in Height, Metal Dovetail Sights (TG95343RG)Fits any standard 3/8" dovetailCNC-machined steel constructionListed heights are measured from the bottom of the dovetailFiber diameter is .060"Green color.343" height$26.94
- In StockTRUGLO 3/8in Fiber Optic Red .343in Height, Metal Dovetail Sights (TG95343RR)Fits any standard 3/8" dovetailCNC-machined steel constructionListed heights are measured from the bottom of the dovetailFiber diameter is .060"Red color.343" height$22.62
- In StockTRUGLO 3/8in Fiber Optic Green .450in Height, Metal Dovetail Sights (TG95450RG)Fits any standard 3/8" dovetailCNC-machined steel constructionListed heights are measured from the bottom of the dovetailFiber diameter is .060"Green color.450" height$24.09
- In StockTRUGLO Starbrite Deluxe 6-48 Green Shotgun Front Sight (TG954AG)The smallest diameter bead replacementCNC-machinedFiber diameter is .060"Fiber length is 0.25"Endorsed by Ducks UnlimitedGreen color6-48 thread size$19.25
- In StockTRUGLO Starbrite Deluxe 2.6mm Red Shotgun Front Sight (TG954DR)The smallest diameter bead replacementCNC-machinedFiber diameter is .060"Fiber length is 0.25"Endorsed by Ducks UnlimitedRed color2.6mm$19.04
- In StockTRUGLO 3/8in Fiber Optic Green .500in Height, Metal Dovetail Sights (TG95500RG)Fits any standard 3/8" dovetailCNC-machined steel constructionListed heights are measured from the bottom of the dovetailFiber diameter is .060"Green color.500" height$24.81
- In StockTRUGLO 3/8in Fiber Optic Red .500in Height, Metal Dovetail Sights (TG95500RR)Fits any standard 3/8" dovetailCNC-machined steel constructionListed heights are measured from the bottom of the dovetailFiber diameter is .060"Red color.500" height$24.81
What are iron sights (gun sights)?
Iron sights are the most common sighting system on firearms and consist of two components:
- Front Sight: A single post at the muzzle end that gives a general aim.
- Rear Sight: A notch or aperture at the back for aligning the front sight precisely.
To aim, align the front sight evenly within the rear sight, ensuring the top edges are level.
Pistol Iron Sights & Night Sights
- Iron sights:
- Square Notch Sights: Angular lines for precise alignment, ideal for accuracy.
- U-Notch Sights: Rounder rear notch, easier eye alignment but slightly less precise.
- V-Notch Sights: Shallow "V" shape with a dot or line for fast but less conventional aiming.
- Fiber Optic Sights: Brightly colored tubes gather light, boosting visibility in daylight. Ideal for outdoor shooting. Popular brands: HiViz, Trijicon, and TruGlo.
- Night Sights: Night sights glow in low light, using either tritium (a glowing isotope) or photoluminescent paint. Although effective in low-light scenarios, they’re best paired with a flashlight for complete darkness. Popular brands: Trijicon, Meprolight, and Night Fision.
- Adjustable Sights: For target shooting, these allow precise windage and elevation adjustments.
Pistol Sighting Holds
- Combat Hold: Aligns front sight dot with the point of impact directly. Great for fast aiming but may obscure target.
- Center Hold: Aligns impact along the top edge of the front sight. Clearer target view, slower alignment.
- 6 O'Clock Hold: Sits just below the target for clarity but requires more practice for precision.
Check your pistol’s hold type (e.g., SIG Sauer often uses combat holds; Glock favors center holds) and train consistently.
AR15 Iron Sights
Similar to pistol iron sights, AR15 iron sights are a two-piece mechanical aiming system consisting of a rear sight (often a ghost ring or peep sight) near the shooter’s eye and a front sight near the muzzle.
- Ghost Ring: Large aperture for faster targeting at close range.
- Peep Sight: Smaller aperture for precision over longer distances.
While optics are popular for speed and versatility, iron sights are reliable backups and don’t require batteries.
Types of AR15 Iron Sights
Fixed Sights:
- Always upright, durable, and no moving parts.
- Ideal for users who want a simple, always-ready sight that pairs well with optics.
- Pro: Robust and co-witnesses easily.
- Con: May block the view if not paired with co-witness optics.
Folding (Flip-Up) AR Sights:
- Can be folded down when not in use, great for optics users.
- Easily deployed as a backup.
- Pro: Clear sight picture when folded.
- Con: Less durable due to moving parts.
Offset (Canted) Sights
- Mounted at a 45-degree angle for quick transitions between optics and irons.
- Useful for close-range shooting when using magnified scopes.
- Pro: Smooth switching between sights.
- Con: Has a steeper learning curve.
AR iron sights may come with enhancements, tritium or fiber optic dots.
If you need a recommendation on good AR sights for the start, consider the Magpul BUIS.
AR Rifle Sights Co-Witness Options
Pairing iron sights with optics creates a unified sight picture:
- Absolute Co-Witness aligns irons perfectly with the optic.
- Lower 1/3 Co-Witness places irons in the bottom third of the optic window for less obstruction.
FAQs
Why should I learn to shoot with iron sights first?
Iron sights teach foundational skills like natural point of aim, sight alignment, and trigger control that apply to all shooting, even with optics. They force you to master the basics before relying on technology.
How do I properly aim with iron sights?
Focus on the front sight while aligning it with the rear sight and target. Use both eyes open if possible, but closing one eye is okay if double vision occurs.
How do I improve my iron sight accuracy?
Practice slow, deliberate shots with a focus on front-sight stability and follow-through. Use drills like timed fire to build speed without sacrificing precision.
Do iron sights actually reduce recoil?
Iron sights don’t physically reduce recoil, but they minimize visual recoil perception by keeping your view closer to the barrel. This makes muzzle movement feel less exaggerated compared to magnified optics.
Do iron sights actually reduce recoil?
Iron sights don’t physically reduce recoil, but they minimize visual recoil perception by keeping your view closer to the barrel. This makes muzzle movement feel less exaggerated compared to magnified optics.