Offset rifle sights are a set of 45-degree canted iron sights that are mounted atop an AR-15 with a rail. Offset sights are the perfect solution for CQB and home defense without having to remove your scope or LPVO.
It’s rare to find an AR-15 owner that doesn’t run some type of optic on their rifle for home-defense applications. In particular, a red dot sight or holographic sight is a great choice.
With these optics, you can keep both eyes open allowing you to acquire the target and stay situationally aware without losing your peripheral vision.
These optics, however, have failure points. That’s where offset irons come into play.
In this blog, we’re going to take a look at most offset sights, how to choose them, and why you want them. Then, we’re going to dive into some recommendations for some specific offset iron sights to help you find the ideal choice for your setup.
If you’re ready to buy, here are our top picks.
What Is The Purpose of Offset Sights
Offset sights have an advantage over inline sights in that they don’t require you to take the time to flip them up when you need to use them.
Although offset sights can also be flipped up and down, keeping them in the up position won’t interfere with your scope like inline sights would.
Offset iron sights offer a significant advantage in the event that your optical device malfunctions, which can severely reduce the effectiveness of inline sights.
Engaging a short-range target is a straightforward process of rotating your rifle 45 degrees and aiming at the target.
However, there is a learning curve associated with using offset sights. It may take some shooters some time to become accustomed to rotating the rifle 45 degrees when they need to take a quick shot under pressure.
5 Best Offset Iron Sights For Your AR-15
Having discussed the advantages of offset iron sights, let’s now examine the top choices based on factors such as value, performance, design, and cost.
Magpul MBUS Offset Sights
Magpul, a prominent manufacturer of aftermarket tactical gear, is known for producing high-quality products that often speak for themselves.
One such product is the MBUS Pro inline sight, which has been a popular backup iron sight for its durability and reliability.
The offset variant of the MBUS Pro sight is virtually identical to its inline counterpart, with the only difference being that it’s designed for shooters who prefer to aim with offset sights instead of inline flip-ups.
Nevertheless, it boasts the same standard of quality and durability that comes with all Magpul sights.
Constructed entirely from steel, the MBUS Pro Offset sight can withstand a fair amount of impact. Moreover, it’s coated with Melonite QPQ to protect against corrosion.
Like standard iron sights, the MBUS Pro offset sights can be adjusted for windage and elevation without any tools.
The low-profile design of the front and rear sights make them compatible with almost any rifle configuration, adding to their appeal.
Midwest Industries Offset Iron Sight Set
Midwest Industries has a longstanding reputation for producing top-notch firearms and accessories, and their sights are certainly no exception.
Constructed from solid aluminum, this set of sights is built to last for years. Furthermore, the included springs are precise, ensuring that once you fold the sights up or down, they will remain firmly in place.
These sights are an excellent choice for any rifle, but their durability makes them particularly well-suited for self-defense applications where your gear must work flawlessly on the first attempt.
Troy Industries Offset Battle Sights
The Troy Industries 45-degree offset iron sights are available in two versions: HK and M4.
The HK variant features circular peepholes and front sight wings, while the M4 variant has standard wings and a diamond-shaped peephole.
The HK sight wings provide a dioptric effect that can help you acquire targets more quickly.
However, with offset backup iron sights, you adjust the elevation using the front sight post, while the rear adjustments are solely for windage. This can make zeroing the HK sights for elevation more challenging.
If you’re uncertain which to choose, it’s recommended to go with the M4 variant instead.
Strike Industries Sidewinder
The Strike Industries Sidewinder stands out by offering the functionality of both offset and standard backup sights in a compact package.
The Sidewinders can be flipped out to function as 45-degree offset sights, and can also swing across to function as traditional iron sights after removing any magnified optics mounted on the rifle.
When folded down, they function as traditional canted offset iron sights, providing a versatile backup sight option that covers all your needs.
The design of these sights takes rough use and competition into account, as evidenced by the slightly larger mounting plates which offer added durability to ensure the sights stay securely in place.
The easy-to-read, high-contrast markings are a thoughtful addition to the design, and these rugged sights would be well-suited to a competition carbine that might be subject to rough handling.
Ade Advanced Offset Sights
If you want to try out offset irons without breaking the bank, the Ade Advanced Offset Sights provide a budget option that’s surprisingly decent.
These sights are made from 7075 aluminum with a hard anodized finish and feature 1/2 MOA elevation and windage adjustments.
While they lack any additional features like night sights, they do provide a decent target picture that allows you to score easy hits on human-sized targets at close range.
Overall, these sights are perfect for range day trips and for testing out whether offset irons are right for you without a significant investment.
Wrapping It Up
It’s important to note that offset iron sights may not be suitable for everyone.
If you typically shoot at a fixed distance and don’t need to switch between long and short distances frequently, there may be little incentive for you to learn how to shoot with offset irons.
However, if you do have a need for offset iron sights, it’s crucial to invest in a quality set rather than opting for cheaper alternatives that are designed for airsoft rifles.
This will ensure that you get the necessary precision and durability to perform on the range or if you have to defend your castle.
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