10 Best Offset Sights for AR 15: A Complete Buying Guide

Your target’s in sight. You’re about to take the shot, when’re suddenly, your scope or red dot sights break!

What do you do? Start shooting aimlessly? Of course not.

In situations like this, any good shooter knows iron sights can be handy.

Great shooters know that offset iron sights are a GAME CHANGER in locking in on and aiming at any close target, especially an elusive one.

Hence, picking the right offset iron sight is crucial.

After extensive research, I’ve finally come up with the top 10 offset iron sights for your AR-15!

Best Value

MBUS Pro Offset Sights by Magpul

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Best Overall

SureFire DD-RTS Set

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Best Budget Pick

Tacticon Armament Offset Sights

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10 Best Offset Iron Sights for AR 15

1. SureFire Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sight Set (DD-RTS)

BEST OVERALL

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Designed by former Marine and 3-Gun legend Barry Dueck, this offset sight could mean the difference between winning or losing a match.

If you’re into competitive shooting, and your digital sights go down, this is your BEST BET. 

Features & Specifications:

• Material: 7075 aluminum alloy
• Weight (rear): 0.19 lbs
• Weight (front): 0.o9 lbs
• Type: Fixed
• Mounting type: Picatinny

My Overall Verdict

The Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sight is meant for run-and-gun competitive shooting scenarios!

I’ve used it in competition settings, and the few degrees I had to tilt my rifle to use it made all the difference in assuring my success.

Here are a few reasons why these sights are your best bet:

• It is lightweight, so it won’t slow you down.
• You don’t even have to worry about wear and tear.
• The materials are TWICE MORE DURABLE than other sights. You can bang it ANYWHERE and not care AT ALL (but, seriously, take care of your things).

The only downside is its expensive price compared to other products. This may not come as a surprise because you have to pay for its quality, durability, and low-profile features.

But if you’re willing to shell out some money, this can be your partner to victory in 3-Gun competitions! I promise.

2. MBUS Pro Offset Sights by Magpul

BEST VALUE

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The MBUS Pro Offset Sights is one of the top backup sights in the market. It’s reliable and easy to adjust.

I’ve personally run these and enjoyed them, but that’s because I’m a diehard fan of anything Magpul.

And the best part: The price won’t burn through your wallet!

Features & Specifications:

• Material: All-steel construction
• Weight: 0.24 lbs
• Type: Flip-up
• Mounting type: Picatinny

My Overall Verdict

If you’re a fan of Magpul’s MBUS Pro inline sights, you won’t be disappointed with these offset sights.

You can expect the same high-quality performance for short-range shooting.

That said, I know some shooters like their offset BUIS to come with fiber optics for that accurate sight picture.

If that’s something you’re looking for, then MBUS Pro Offset Sights might not be for you.

But, if this is not a deal-breaker, you’ll be glad to know this offset iron sight is a great bargain for its price:

• You can easily tweak its elevation and windage adjustments, so it won’t be a hassle to align it with your scope.
• Also, compared with other sights, this offset BUIS is sturdy as hell!
• The spring dent has a solid locking mechanism that keeps it in place. No matter how fast-paced the situation, you’re confident it won’t wriggle out.

It’s not like Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sight or Knight’s Armament, but it gets the job done!

3. Tacticon Armament Offset Sights

BEST BUDGET PICK

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Did you know you can get your hands on these sights for ONLY $25?

This sight is perfect for beginners who want to figure out if using flip-up iron sights can step up their game!

Features & Specifications:

• Material: Hardened aircraft-grade aluminum alloy
• Weight: 0.25 lbs
• Type: Flip-up
• Mounting type: Weaver, Picatinny

My Overall Verdict

Tacticon’s flip-up iron sights may come with a very low price, but that doesn’t mean it can’t deliver!

I found myself pleasantly surprised when I used these sights.

What makes this one of the best sellers?

• It can function as your main sight or backup sight for your primary optic.
• It’s specially designed for hunting and mounting on a rifle.
• It fits a weaver or Picatinny rail system well.

I also appreciate that the sights are packaged in a neat wooden case.

This case also keeps the sight adjustment tool, mounting wrench, and some EXTRA AMMUNITION.

But I’m not saying the Tacticon is a dreamboat.

Some shooters say it needs to improve its zero retention. And while it has SOLID SPRINGS, they don’t lay as flat as they are supposed to.

But don’t worry if you happen to encounter the same problem.

Tacticon values quality control and offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY for the sights. If you’re not happy with its performance, you can even request a full refund.

4. Troy Industries Offset Battle Sight

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Like Dueck Defense, the Troy Industries offset battle sight is one of the best-sellers among special ops and tactical users worldwide.

With its easy install and deploy features, it’s no wonder why it’s a crowd favorite!

Not to mention, I found it works just like MP5 iron sights, which makes it easy to transition to should your holographic sights fail.

Features & Specifications:

• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 0.35 lbs
• Type: folding
• Mounting type: Weaver, Picatinny

My Overall Verdict

Left-handed? No problem.

Most offset iron sights only accommodate right-handed shooters. But Troy’s 45 degree offset iron sights can fold seamlessly on both sides of the rifle for an ambidextrous sight base!

If you’re a shooter who loves options, you’re in luck! Troy industries offer two choices for their backup irons: HK and M4.

What’s the difference?

• HK comes with a circular peephole and front sight wings, similar to the MP5 iron sights
• M4, on the other hand, uses stand wings and a diamond peephole, similar to standard AR iron sights.

HK would give you the advantage of acquiring targets faster because of its dioptric effect.

But, you might find it difficult to zero in the elevation adjustment tool.

So, if you can’t deal with all these extras, we suggest going for the M4.

TAKE NOTE: This iron sight is not compatible with every rifle configuration. It only works for same-plane rail systems.

5. Diamondhead – D-45 Offset Sights

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From the company name itself, Diamondhead is famous for, well, its diamond-shaped apertures.

Now, don’t think those are just for design! It is helpful for faster target acquisition and centering.

I may be partial to circular rear sights, but with enough practice, you’ll be able to move from target to target much quicker with diamonds.

With this baby, shooting a short-range target is EASY-PEASY. Just mount it on your Picatinny rail system, and you’re good to go!

Features & Specifications:

• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 0.34 pounds
• Type: Fixed folding
• Mounting type: Picatinny

My Overall Verdict

There’s a learning curve in familiarizing yourself with Diamondhead’s aperture. Some are even skeptical if it works.

But after some practice, your eyes will naturally find the center. Mine sure did!

Their unique design places the front sight post in the exact center of the rear sight aperture.

After trying these offset irons, I’m sure you’ll never go back to the standard circular peephole!

Also, this is the only offset sight that folds under the rifle scope. It means you can whip it out when needed and hide it when not used. Neat, right?

But, be EXTRA CAREFUL when using this!

• It tends to scratch the finish of your rifle when it snaps out.
• It can also scrape your scope if you don’t properly fold it.

6. Knight’s Armament Keymod 45 Degree Offset

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The rugged and heavy-duty design of Knight Armament’s offset irons gives off that battle-ready aura. Home invaders don’t stand a chance!

If you want to feel like a part of the special forces, how about giving this a shot?

Features & Specifications:

• Material: Steel & Aluminum
• Weight: 0.19 pounds
• Type: Flip-up
• Mounting type: Picatinny

My Overall Verdict

Knight’s Armament is the Rolls-Royce of offset iron sights.

Yes, cheaper sights like Magpul can get the job done. BUT the detail, precision, and engineering of the Knight’s Armament add great value to the product.

It’s as close as you can get to feeling like a knight without shelling out money on a full suit of armor.

• When mounted on a rifle, it has a nice firm click that just exudes LUXURY.
• Additionally, the rear sights aperture effortlessly guides your eye right down the hole on rotation.

And while most people think AR-15 offset is only for short-range targets, this sight might surprise you!

This baby’s target acquisition can reach up to 300 yards! On a good day, it got me to almost 320 yards.

7. Strike Industries Sidewinder – 45 Degree Offset Sight

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Imagine reaping all the benefits of using Tactiton in a SMALLER and LIGHTER package.

That’s Strike Industries’ offset iron sights for you. It might be tiny, but its features are mighty!

Features & Specifications:

• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: .12 lbs
• Type: Flip-up
• Mounting type: Picatinny

My Overall Verdict

The Strike Industries Sidewinder has you covered with ALL your BUIS needs.

• Flip them, and you’ll have 45-degree offset sights.
• Remove the magnified optics, and you’ll get a traditional iron.
• Fold them, and you’ll have canted iron sights.

45-degree, traditional iron, AND canted iron sights? That’s three backup sights in one!

The mounting plates are larger than usual, so your iron sights won’t get knocked off!

However, I’ve found that its ingenious design does have some drawbacks.

As inline sights, they are canted from your tactical rifle. As a result, you need to cant your weapon. It makes windage adjustment to zero annoying.

But if you get to have a hang of it, these canted iron sights do a great job in target acquisition at under 50 yards.

I’m able to hit multiple targets quickly with these bad boys!

8. Ozark Armament Backup Iron Sights

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This is another budget-friendly option for avid shooters or tactical enthusiasts strapped for cash!

Features & Specifications:

• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 0.11 lbs
• Type: Flip-up or fixed
• Mounting type: Picatinny

My Overall Verdict

So, what makes this sight popular?

• Lightweight and durable
• Maintains zero well 
• Easy elevation and windage adjustment

But, just to set expectations, Ozark is not packaged in a wooden case like Tacticon. You’ll receive a basic kit with hex screws and an Allen wrench when you buy the product.

However, what it lacks in accouterments, it makes up by providing 2 versions of their sights: Flip-up and fixed. 

They are worth the SAME PRICE so you can choose whichever style you prefer.

These sights might not have a lot of fancy features, but if you’re on a tight budget and need something that REALLY works, you can check this out.

9. Feyachi Offset 45 Degree Iron Sights

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Feyachi is one of the top brands followed for its low profile and affordable price.

It is a great sight that won’t take much space on your rifle and interfere with your optics or accessories!

Features & Specifications:

• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 0.11 lbs
• Type: Flip-up
• Mounting type: Picatinny, Weaver

My Overall Verdict

Feyachi comes equipped with a spring-loaded flip-up feature.

• With a simple press of the button, your offset iron sights will immediately POP!
• You can quickly switch between your traditional iron and red dot sight picture.

It’s user-friendly, too. Unlike most other sights, Feyachi offers left and right-handed versions of BUIS.

Unfortunately, these sights don’t come with an instruction manual. If you’re new to this offset thing, you may have to feel your way around setting this up.

But the good news is this sight is easy to install! I’m confident that you can still mount it on any rail mounting system of your choice.

10. Ade Advanced 45-Degree Offset Sights

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If you are a beginner and you’re still playing with the idea of using offset iron sights to step up your game, how about trying Ade Advanced Offset Sights?

No frills, but it does what a BUIS intends to do!

Features & Specifications:

• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 0.25 pounds
• Type: Fixed Folding
• Mounting type: Picatinny

My Overall Verdict

It’s not like Knight’s Armament or Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sight, but Ade gives a decent performance.

It’s proven to be a decent and reliable sight in my experience!

It has all the basic features you need.

• It is made of aluminum, so you know it’s sturdy and lightweight.
• It has a fully adjustable elevation and windage.
• And most importantly, they look fine on your rifle!

What Are Offset Iron Sights for AR 15?

In 3-gun competitions, you may notice that the shooters tilt their rifles for certain shots.

No, they’re not doing that to look cool (well, maybe a little bit?).

In competitions, players cannot use regular iron sights because they have a scope or magnified optic mounted on their rifle for long-range shots.

So, what do they use for short-range shots? Yep, you guessed it right — offset iron sights!

They are mounted at the top of the rail and allow shooters to rapidly transition from long to short-range shots with just a fraction of time and effort by simply tilting the firearm at an angle of 45 degrees.

This is a HUGE ADVANTAGE in scenarios where time is of the essence!

Are Offset Iron Sights Better Than Inline Sights for AR 15?

Offset iron sights work like MAGIC on close-range targets.

Having iron sights over inline sights means that you don’t need to flip them up when needed.

They’re too low profile, and they won’t interfere with your scope or red-dot sight.

The other advantage of offset over inline sights is it makes the rapid transition between short to long-range targets possible, and you don’t need to fiddle with your optic mount.

After all, you don’t have the luxury of time to take off your scope before engaging a target!

However, there’s a learning curve when getting used to offset sights compared to standard iron sights.

What to Look for in the Best Offset Iron Sights for Your AR 15

Voila! You’ve seen our favorite AR-15 offset sights.

Now, to help you narrow your choice, here are some things I consider when finding the best AR 15 offset iron sights!

I’ve also compiled a list of the best AR-15 scopes under $200 to help you in your search!

#1 Fixed or Flip-up?

Fixed iron sights are INDESTRUCTIBLE, and their parts don’t move!

• If you hate adjusting your sights, this might be for you.
• Once set up, you don’t need to mess with them anymore!

But if you’re someone who doesn’t use your BUIS often and you prefer keeping them out unless needed (let’s say if you have a scope or red-dot on your rifle), then flip-up iron sights are better.

#2 Material

The most common material for sights is aluminum or steel.

There are many backup sights made of steel because it’s DURABLE and better for long-term use.

But, if weight is something you consider, aluminum-made sights are also not bad. They are also tough but lighter.

#3 Lock System

What if your flip-up iron sight bumped into a hard surface and folded IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROUND?

Make sure that your sight has a tight lock system so you can keep up during fast-paced scenarios.

PRO TIP: If you are a 3-Gun competitor (or interested in becoming one), it would be best to pick a tool-free adjustment sight, so you can fix any aiming problems in a jiffy!

Conclusion

That’s a wrap on the best offset iron sights for your AR 15!

Remember, offset iron sights are not for everyone. Trust me when we say that most offset sights will take some time before you get used to them.

But if you’re someone who needs to switch between short and long-range shots in a blink of an eye, then we’re sure you’ll love the thrill of offset irons!

For the best iron sights for AR 15, check out this buying guide!