Let’s Talk About Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight offers a robust, low-profile backup sighting system for AR-15 platforms. These sights are designed and manufactured by Midwest Industries, a company known for producing high-quality, durable firearm components. I needed a dependable set of backup iron sights that wouldn’t add unnecessary bulk to my rifle, and that could reliably deploy when needed, without breaking the bank.
I’ve always valued having a failsafe sighting system on my rifles. Optics can fail, batteries die, and things break, especially in the field. These Midwest Industries sights seemed like the perfect balance of durability, low profile, and affordability, aligning with my need for reliable, unobtrusive backup sights.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the solid feel and clean machining of the Midwest Industries sights. The black finish was uniform and the sights felt substantial without being overly heavy. The crisp detents for the flip-up mechanism were a welcome sign of quality construction.
Compared to Magpul MBUS sights, which are polymer, the Midwest Industries sights felt significantly more robust. While the MBUS sights are a popular and lightweight option, I was willing to trade a bit of weight for the added durability of steel and aluminum construction offered by Midwest Industries. Compared to fixed iron sights, the benefit of the Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight is that they don’t obstruct the optic when stowed.
My first impression was definitely positive. I was excited to get these sights mounted on my rifle and see how they performed at the range. The inclusion of an A2 front sight tool was a nice touch, showing that Midwest Industries thought about the end-user during the design process.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and sunny, perfect for sighting in new optics and iron sights. I mounted the sights on my AR-15 and began the process of zeroing them at 50 yards.
The adjustments were easy to make, with audible and tactile clicks. The sight picture was clear and the medium-sized rear aperture proved to be a good compromise between speed and precision. The sights performed admirably, even after a few hours of continuous shooting and numerous adjustments.
I experienced no issues during my initial range session. The sights deployed quickly and locked into place securely. Their solid construction instilled confidence in their ability to withstand the rigors of field use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight continues to perform flawlessly. I’ve taken my rifle on multiple outdoor excursions, including a hunting trip and a few camping trips, exposing the sights to various conditions. So far the sights have held up well.
I’ve experienced no signs of wear and tear beyond some minor cosmetic scratches. The finish has proven to be durable, and the flip-up mechanism still operates as smoothly as it did on day one. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use.
Compared to other backup iron sights I’ve used in the past, the Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight is noticeably more robust and reliable. These sights have outperformed my expectations and have earned a permanent place on my rifle. I’ve used cheaper plastic alternatives in the past, and they never instilled the same level of confidence in their ability to withstand abuse.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight
Specifications
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight is constructed with a 6061 aluminum base and ordnance-grade phosphate finished steel for durability and weight savings. The front sight height when deployed is Mil-Spec at .437 inches, and the rear sight is .388 inches centerline when folded down, maintaining a low profile. The front sight utilizes a standard A2 front sight post and provides 1.5 MOA per click adjustments.
The rear sight features an intermediate aperture and offers Rifle .5 MOA / Carbine .65 MOA click adjustments. The sights are designed for top mounting on Picatinny rails and are compatible with M16, M4, and AR-15 platforms. These specifications are important because they directly impact the sight’s accuracy, durability, and compatibility with various AR platform firearms.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight performs exceptionally well as a backup sighting system. The sights are accurate and reliable. The crisp detents ensure the sights lock securely in both the up and down positions.
The only potential weakness is the intermediate aperture on the rear sight. Some users might prefer a traditional dual aperture setup with a larger close-range aperture and a smaller precision aperture, though the compromise is useful for simplicity’s sake. Ultimately, the sights meet and exceed expectations for backup iron sights.
Design & Ergonomics
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight features a well-thought-out design that balances durability with a low profile. The combination of aluminum and steel provides a solid feel without adding excessive weight. The sights are easy to manipulate, even with gloved hands, and the adjustments are precise.
There is minimal learning curve to using these sights. Mounting is straightforward, and adjustments are intuitive. The low profile design ensures that the sights do not interfere with the use of optics.
Durability & Maintenance
Constructed from durable materials, the Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight is built to last. I expect these sights to withstand years of use and abuse. The simple design makes them easy to maintain and repair if necessary.
Maintenance involves only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The durable finish resists corrosion and scratches, further prolonging the lifespan of the sights. The fact that Midwest Industries replaced the screw for a customer free of charge speaks volumes to the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and product durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight comes with an A2 front sight tool. While there aren’t many specific accessories designed solely for these sights, the use of a standard A2 front sight post allows for the use of aftermarket posts with different colors or materials. The Picatinny rail mounting system also ensures compatibility with a wide range of AR-15 platforms.
The intermediate rear aperture provides a good balance of field of view and precision, but some users might prefer to swap it out if possible (though the product doesn’t advertise this). The ability to customize the front sight post allows users to fine-tune the sight picture to their preferences.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight
Pros
- Extremely durable construction using steel and aluminum.
- Low profile design that doesn’t interfere with optics.
- Crisp and positive detents for reliable deployment.
- Easy to install and adjust with included A2 front sight tool.
- Excellent value for the price compared to other high-quality iron sights.
Cons
- Intermediate rear aperture might not be ideal for all users.
- Some users have reported minor lateral play in the front sight (though this appears to be rare).
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight?
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight is perfect for AR-15 owners who want a durable, low-profile, and reliable backup sighting system. These sights are ideal for tactical shooters, law enforcement professionals, and recreational shooters who value quality and dependability. The sights are also a great option for PCC owners as a primary sighting system for close range shooting.
Anyone looking for the absolute lightest option or who prefers polymer sights might consider other options. This is also likely not the ideal choice for someone who exclusively uses iron sights at extended ranges due to the lack of a smaller, precision aperture. A must-have accessory would be a quality thread locking compound to ensure the mounting screws remain secure under heavy recoil.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-quality backup sighting system for their AR-15. The sights offer a great balance of durability, functionality, and affordability, making them a standout product in their category. The price is justified by the superior materials, robust construction, and reliable performance.
I would personally recommend these sights to anyone looking for a dependable set of backup iron sights. The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Iron Sight is a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your AR-15 today and experience the peace of mind that comes with having a reliable backup sighting system.