Let’s Dive into Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts
The Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts is designed as an affordable and ergonomic option for AR-15 platforms. Mission First Tactical aimed to deliver a low-profile, snag-resistant sight with a dual peep aperture for easy co-witnessing. But does it live up to the expectations set by other MFT products?
I was looking for a lightweight, polymer back-up sight that wouldn’t break the bank, and the enclosed design of the Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts initially appealed to me. I was hoping for a durable, reliable option for a budget build.
Upon unboxing, the sight felt incredibly light, which was expected given the polymer construction. However, it also felt… cheap. The plastic didn’t inspire confidence, and the action of flipping the sight up and down felt flimsy.
Compared to Magpul’s MBUS sights, which are the standard in polymer back-up sights, the Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts immediately felt less robust. I also considered the Troy Industries polymer sights, known for their durability, but opted for the MFT based on price and the enclosed design.
My first impression was disappointment. The sight looked cool, but the cheap feel had me worried about its performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts at an outdoor range in relatively clear conditions. The weather was dry, and the temperature was moderate. Initial zeroing proved frustrating.
The windage adjustments lacked distinct clicks, making precise adjustments difficult. The sight picture, especially in bright sunlight, was plagued by glare, hindering target acquisition. It took nearly twice as long as it usually would to zero any iron sights for any of my AR platforms, this should have been my first sign.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions, the Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts continued to underperform. The polymer showed noticeable wear and tear, particularly around the mounting points. The sight never felt solid or secure on the rail.
Cleaning was simple enough, but the flimsy construction made me hesitant to apply too much pressure. Compared to my experience with Magpul MBUS sights, which have proven incredibly durable over years of use, the MFT sight was a significant letdown. This sight was a replacement almost immediately after the first few range sessions, it was one of the worst iron sights that I have ever used.
Breaking Down the Features of Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts
Specifications
The Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts is manufactured by Mission First Tactical. It features a polymer construction, designed for lightweight durability. The sight mounts on a standard 1913 Picatinny rail and offers windage adjustment.
The sight has a dual peep aperture and a low-profile, snag-resistant design. It is available in Scorched Dark Earth. These specifications suggest a focus on affordability and basic functionality, but the execution falls short.
Performance & Functionality
The Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts struggles to perform its primary function effectively. Accuracy is hampered by the imprecise windage adjustments and the glare-prone sight picture. Reliability is questionable due to the flimsy polymer construction and the weak deployment mechanism.
The sight’s main weakness is its overall quality. It simply doesn’t feel durable or dependable enough for serious use. It failed to exceed my expectations, falling well short of industry standards for back-up iron sights.
Design & Ergonomics
The low-profile design is a plus, minimizing snagging. However, the polymer build quality feels cheap and insubstantial. The sight is lightweight, but this comes at the expense of durability.
The windage knob is difficult to manipulate precisely, and there is a learning curve in understanding how much each adjustment affects the point of impact. Overall, the design prioritizes aesthetics over practical functionality.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction raises concerns about long-term durability. I anticipate the sight would not withstand significant abuse or harsh environmental conditions. Maintenance is straightforward, but the sight’s inherent fragility makes me hesitant to disassemble it for thorough cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts does not come with any accessories. Being a rear sight, its customization options are limited. It is designed to work with standard-height front sights.
Pros and Cons of Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment MountsPros
- Low profile design reduces snagging.
- Lightweight due to polymer construction.
- Affordable price point.
- Enclosed design offers some aperture protection.
- Visually appealing (subjective).
Cons
- Flimsy polymer construction raises durability concerns.
- Imprecise windage adjustments make zeroing difficult.
- Glare-prone sight picture hinders target acquisition in bright light.
- Weak deployment mechanism; feels cheap.
Who Should Buy Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts?
Pros
- Low profile design reduces snagging.
- Lightweight due to polymer construction.
- Affordable price point.
- Enclosed design offers some aperture protection.
- Visually appealing (subjective).
Cons
- Flimsy polymer construction raises durability concerns.
- Imprecise windage adjustments make zeroing difficult.
- Glare-prone sight picture hinders target acquisition in bright light.
- Weak deployment mechanism; feels cheap.
This sight might be suitable for those on an extremely tight budget who prioritize aesthetics over performance and durability. It could be used for a range toy that sees very limited use.
Anyone relying on their AR-15 for serious purposes, such as home defense, competition, or professional use, should skip this product. Better alternatives exist at slightly higher price points. A quality front sight, to replace this product, is a must-have to improve the shooting experience on any AR platform.
Conclusion on Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts
The Mission First Tactical Polymer Flip Up Rear Sight, w/ Windage Adjustment Mounts promises affordability and functionality but ultimately falls short in execution. The cheap polymer construction, imprecise adjustments, and glare issues make it a poor choice for serious applications.
The price is low, but the value proposition is questionable considering the performance limitations. I would not recommend this sight. Save your money and invest in a more reliable option from a reputable manufacturer like Magpul or Troy Industries.