Iron sights give a rifle or pistol a mechanical aiming system that does not depend on batteries or electronics. The category covers rifle and pistol iron sights, including flip-up backup sights that fold down when not in use and replacement sights for handguns. Military users, law enforcement officers, competitive shooters, and civilian shooters all rely on iron sights as a primary sight or a backup to an optic.

Options include flip-up backup sights, front and rear sight sets, and replacement pistol sights from top brands like Magpul. Rifle sights typically clamp to a Picatinny rail, and pistol sights are matched to the sight cut on the slide.

Think about what the sights are for. On a rifle with a red dot, holographic, or magnified optic, flip-up backup sights stay folded out of the way and flip up if the optic fails or its battery dies. Sights that deploy at standard AR height are meant to co-witness with an optic, so the sight picture is familiar when they are needed. On a rifle without an optic, a front and rear set gives a complete sight system on the rail. Polymer sights keep weight down, while steel sights add strength for hard use. On a pistol, replacement sights fit the slide's sight cut and are chosen for visibility, such as a high-contrast front sight, or for height, since taller sights can be seen through the window of a slide-mounted red dot. Whichever sight is used, adjust windage and elevation at the range so the sights match where the rifle or pistol hits.

Pair iron sights with rifle red dots or pistol red dots so there is a backup if the optic fails. See more optics for the rest of the setup.