Let’s Talk About Griffin Armament M2 Sights
The Griffin Armament M2 Sights are a minimalist, robust, and reliable backup iron sight (BUIS) system designed for AR-platform rifles. These sights are manufactured by Griffin Armament, a company known for its high-quality suppressors and firearm accessories. What sets these sights apart is their snag-free, low-profile design combined with the use of exceptionally durable materials.
I’ve spent years tweaking my AR builds for optimal performance and reliability. After one too many instances of optics fogging up in unpredictable weather during tactical training, I realized I needed a more dependable backup sighting solution. I was searching for rugged, low-profile iron sights that wouldn’t interfere with my primary optic, and the Griffin Armament M2 Sights seemed like the perfect fit.
Upon unboxing, my first impression was one of quality and simplicity. The sights are surprisingly lightweight yet feel incredibly solid thanks to the 17-4 stainless steel construction. Their minimalist design is aesthetically pleasing, and I immediately appreciated the lack of protruding knobs or levers.
Compared to Magpul MBUS Pro sights, which are also very popular, the Griffin Armament M2 Sights offer a more streamlined and arguably more robust all-steel construction. Compared to fixed A2 sights, the M2 Sights provides a much lower profile when not in use. I chose the M2 Sights for their balance of ruggedness, minimalist design, and dependable deployment without needing to manipulate buttons or levers.
My initial impression was definitely excitement. I was eager to get them mounted and test their performance under real-world conditions. The promise of a dependable, snag-free backup sighting system that wouldn’t let me down in critical situations was exactly what I was looking for.
Real-World Testing: Putting Griffin Armament M2 Sights to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Griffin Armament M2 Sights was at a local shooting range during a rainy afternoon. I wanted to evaluate their performance in less-than-ideal conditions. The rain and mud made handling the rifle challenging, but the sights remained secure and easy to deploy.
The M2 Sights proved incredibly intuitive to use, requiring no adjustment period. The sight picture was clear and crisp, and I was able to quickly and accurately acquire targets even with the rain blurring my vision. There were no issues, and the sights performed exactly as I had hoped, bolstering my confidence in their reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a weekend tactical course, the Griffin Armament M2 Sights have proven to be exceptionally durable. There are no signs of wear and tear, despite being subjected to harsh handling and exposure to the elements. The QPQ finish has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of rust or corrosion.
Maintaining the M2 Sights is simple; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is all that’s needed. They outperform my previous experiences with aluminum BUIS, which often showed signs of wear and required more frequent cleaning and lubrication. These sights have become an integral part of my AR setup, providing a reliable backup that I can depend on.
Breaking Down the Features of Griffin Armament M2 Sights
Specifications
The Griffin Armament M2 Sights boast impressive specifications tailored for optimal performance. The sights are constructed from QPQ treated 17-4 and ordnance grade steel, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. They are designed for top-mounted Picatinny rail compatibility on AR-15 platforms, providing a secure and stable mounting solution.
The sights are available in black, offering a low-profile, non-reflective finish. Both front and rear sights are black, maintaining a consistent and unobtrusive appearance. The sights are designed to be deployable, offering quick and easy access when needed.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the sights’ overall reliability and usability. The steel construction ensures they can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use, while the QPQ treatment provides excellent corrosion resistance. The low-profile design minimizes snagging and interference with other accessories, making them an ideal backup solution. The A2 sight post compatibility also allows for easy customization and adjustments.
Performance & Functionality
The Griffin Armament M2 Sights excel in their primary function: providing a reliable backup aiming system. Their accuracy is commendable, allowing for consistent shot placement at various ranges. The simple, spring-loaded deployment mechanism is fast and intuitive, ensuring they are ready for immediate use.
The strengths of these sights lie in their ruggedness and simplicity. They are built to withstand abuse and are incredibly easy to use, even under stress. The primary weakness is the lack of windage adjustment on the front sight; windage adjustments rely solely on the rear sight. They meet and exceed expectations, providing a dependable and rugged backup sighting solution that inspires confidence.
Design & Ergonomics
The Griffin Armament M2 Sights feature a minimalist and functional design. The build quality is exceptional, with precisely machined steel components and a durable QPQ finish. Their lightweight construction minimizes added bulk to the rifle.
The sights are designed to be user-friendly, with no complex mechanisms or adjustments required for deployment. There is no learning curve, as their design mimics traditional iron sights, making them instantly familiar to experienced shooters. Their low profile and snag-free design are significant ergonomic advantages.
Durability & Maintenance
The Griffin Armament M2 Sights are built for longevity. Their robust steel construction and QPQ treatment ensure they can withstand years of use and abuse. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication to keep them in optimal condition.
Due to the simple design and high-quality materials, repairs are unlikely to be necessary under normal use. The sights are a testament to the Griffin Armament’s commitment to quality and durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Griffin Armament M2 Sights come with the necessary fasteners for installation and 12 o’clock mounting plates. The front sight is compatible with standard A2 sight posts, allowing for easy customization of the front sight picture.
While the M2 Sights are primarily a standalone product, they are compatible with a wide range of AR-15 accessories. Their low profile ensures they won’t interfere with most optics or other rail-mounted devices. The A2 sight post compatibility also allows for swapping out different front sight posts, such as fiber optic or tritium options.
Pros and Cons of Griffin Armament M2 Sights
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: Constructed from QPQ treated 17-4 and ordnance grade steel for maximum resilience.
- Low-Profile Design: Minimizes snagging and interference with other accessories.
- Simple and Reliable Deployment: Spring-loaded mechanism ensures quick and easy deployment.
- A2 Sight Post Compatibility: Allows for customization with various front sight posts.
- Lightweight: Adds minimal weight to the rifle.
Cons
- Windage Adjustment: Only the rear sight offers windage adjustments.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some other BUIS options on the market.
Who Should Buy Griffin Armament M2 Sights?
The Griffin Armament M2 Sights are perfect for tactical shooters, law enforcement professionals, and anyone who demands a reliable and rugged backup sighting system for their AR-15. They are also ideal for shooters who prioritize a low-profile, snag-free design that won’t interfere with their primary optic.
Those who prioritize having windage adjustments on both the front and rear sights or are on a very tight budget might want to consider other options.
A must-have accessory would be a quality A2 sight adjustment tool for fine-tuning the front sight elevation.
Conclusion on Griffin Armament M2 Sights
The Griffin Armament M2 Sights are an exceptional backup iron sight system that delivers on its promise of durability, reliability, and simplicity. The rugged steel construction, low-profile design, and easy deployment make them a worthwhile investment for anyone who depends on their AR-15.
The price is justified by the high-quality materials and construction, ensuring they will last for years of use. I personally recommend the Griffin Armament M2 Sights to anyone looking for a dependable and unobtrusive backup sighting solution.
Upgrade your AR-15 with the Griffin Armament M2 Sights and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a reliable backup when you need it most.