Iron Sights Are Not Obsolete

In a time where we seem to be going back "to the good old ways" during this pandemic, I thought about my older semiautomatic rifle that was gifted to me. It's nothing fancy, as a matter of fact, it's kinda plain, or even a little ugly. Sorry, I got lost in the nostalgia, but it got me thinking about my rifle. It has iron sights, which are pretty primitive compared to today's selection, but the bottom line is, they work! Yesteryears iron sights and today's iron sights may look different, but they're categorically the same device. And once again, THEY WORK!

Diamondhead Integrated Sighting System

Fundamentals

There are 5 fundamentals to firing a rifle. These fundamentals are aiming, breath control, movement control, trigger control, and follow-through. They should work together as one process. Everyone that pulls the trigger also wants to hit the target. For that, there are also fundamentals of rifle marksmanship, which is what we all strive for. For rifle marksmanship, establish a steady position from which you can observe your target. Aim your rifle at the target by aligning your sight system. Then, fire your rifle while ensuring proper breathing techniques and a steady trigger squeeze. The proper techniques in these two elements must be practiced in order not to disturb your sight alignment.

Ruger Rapid Deploy Front Sight

Sight Alignment and Sight Picture

With basic, standard iron sights, when the front post and the rear ring, or notch, are properly aligned, you have achieved sight alignment. Sight picture, meanwhile, is the term used to describe what you see past the end of the gun while your sights are aligned. It is basically setting your sights on the target. Focus on the front sight just like you would for a pistol. Fuzzy rear sight, focused front sight, fuzzy target. Look through your rear sight, not at it. The great thing about using iron sights is that you are getting constant, real-time feedback on your aim. When the vertical front post sits in the rear notch, there will be a little bit of daylight along each side of the front post. The tiny gaps that allow light to come through are called light bars. The key is to keep the exact amount of light on each side of the post while maintaining a straight line across the front post and rear notch. At that point, you have achieved a sight picture, sight alignment, and therefore, a proper aim.

LWRCI Skirmish Sights

Advantages of Iron Sights

Don't get me wrong, I love optics, but there is just something special about shooting with iron sights. I love the simplicity of them. I feel that I have mastered something by being able to effectively hit a target with both iron sights and optics. On mornings with high humidity, nothing ruins the day more than starting off with a fogged-up optic. That is not an issue with iron sights. Water does not compromise your shot when you are using iron sights. They clean up easily, and are more compact. With compactness being a key quality, you're also talking about a lighter weight rifle. There's little anxiety about failure when shooting with iron sights. It is a lot harder to knock an iron sight out of alignment than it is to cause an optic to misalign. Less pieces means less maintenance, and no batteries are required. Iron sights are reasonably cheaper than optics and substantially cheaper than advanced optics.

Troy Industries Folding Battle Sights

Final Thoughts

I am rather fond of iron sights. So fond, in fact, that it took me forever to learn how to shoot with optics. I was bullheaded about shooting with optics, and I know that there are those out there reading this that have sworn to never own a rifle without optics. For younger readers, you may have never even shot a rifle without them. Man, I gotta tell you, no bells and whistles, just a man (or woman) with their rifle, with each depending on the other, there is nothing else like it. The relationship that you build with your rifle while shooting iron sights is something special, and something that you cannot build with a scope or optic. Do yourself a favor and learn to shoot with iron sights. Mastering iron sights is an achievement to be proud of. This article is not about tactical advantages, windage, red dots, cross hairs, or even the obvious ongoing debate about which is better; iron sights or optics. This article is about you, your rifle, and the confidence that you have in both. If you have yet to achieve the skillset of shooting with iron sights, do yourself a favor and learn. If you used to shoot with iron sights and now prefer optics, you should check out the new iron sights that are available on our website, they are up to date sight systems. If you are looking for a little help in selecting a new iron sight, I will throw my two cents worth in and tell you what my iron sight wishlist is: 1- Troy Industries Folding Battle Sights
 2- Ruger Rapid Deploy Front
and Rear
Sights (AR15) 3- LWRCI Skirmish Sights
 4- Diamondhead Diamond Integrated Sighting System
 5- Diamondhead D-45 Degree Offset Integrated Sighting System
 I hope that I have given you something to think about and consider for your next rifle accessory. Show me a shooter that is proficient in not only optics, but iron sights as well, and I will show you a true rifleman. By the way, did I mention that THEY WORK! Shop All Rifle Sights