Iron Sights

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.