First Impressions of Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights
The Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights promise a reliable and affordable backup sighting system for your AR-15 or any rifle with Picatinny rails. With a spring-loaded flip-up mechanism and full windage/elevation adjustability, they aim to provide a quick and accurate aiming solution. After a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen my share of iron sights, from the rock-solid premium brands to the questionable budget options, so I was eager to see where these Tacticon Armament sights fall on the spectrum.
As someone who often relies on red dot optics, I needed a dependable backup in case of battery failure or damage to my primary sight. I was looking for something durable, easy to deploy, and accurate enough for close-to-medium-range engagements.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the weight and feel of the aluminum alloy. They felt significantly more robust than some of the polymer sights I’ve handled. Compared to Magpul MBUS sights, which are polymer and known for their lightweight durability, the Tacticon Armament sights felt more substantial, promising greater resilience to impacts. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, leaning towards impressed; I hoped they would live up to their build quality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights to my local shooting range for their initial trial. The range offered a controlled environment with targets ranging from 25 to 100 yards, perfect for evaluating accuracy and ease of use. I subjected them to varying conditions, including bright sunlight and shaded areas, to assess their visibility and performance.
Deploying the sights was mostly straightforward, but the rear sight initially hesitated to flip up without assistance; more on that later. Once deployed, the sights were relatively easy to align, and I quickly zeroed them in at 50 yards using the included front sight adjustment tool. First use revealed that the front sight post adjustment tool worked very well, and that was definitely a bonus.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a weekend backcountry camping trip, the Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights have held up reasonably well, though not without some caveats. The finish has proven to be quite durable, with no noticeable scratches or wear marks despite exposure to dirt, sand, and minor bumps.
Cleaning was straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use. However, the initial issue with the rear sight refusing to flip up without manual assistance persisted. While not a deal-breaker, it’s a definite inconvenience.
Breaking Down the Features of Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights
Specifications
The Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights boast several key specifications. They are constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, providing a robust yet lightweight design, weighing in at just 1.6 oz. They are finished in black, ensuring compatibility with most AR-15 builds.
- Material: Aircraft-grade Aluminum Alloy – Offers a balance of strength and weight.
- Mount Type: Weaver/Picatinny – Ensures broad compatibility with various rifles.
- Adjustment: Fully Adjustable Windage and Elevation – Allows for precise zeroing.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the sights’ durability, ease of mounting, and accuracy. The aluminum alloy construction ensures they can withstand reasonable abuse, while the Weaver/Picatinny mount guarantees they’ll fit most modern rifles. Full adjustability is essential for achieving an accurate zero, regardless of ammunition or shooting conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights perform adequately as backup sights. Once zeroed, they maintain accuracy at typical backup sight distances (50-100 yards).
- Strengths: Durable construction, easy-to-adjust front sight, and clear sight picture.
- Weaknesses: The rear sight flip-up mechanism can be unreliable.
- Overall, they meet the basic expectation of providing a usable backup sighting system, though the rear sight issue detracts from the experience.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights is generally well-considered, though not without flaws. The sights are low-profile when folded down, minimizing interference with optics or handling.
The aluminum alloy construction feels solid and gives confidence in their durability. However, the rear sight’s flip-up mechanism lacks the smooth, reliable action I’d expect.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights, made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, are built to last. Regular cleaning and light lubrication are all that’s needed to keep them in good working order.
Based on my experience, these sights should provide years of reliable service with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights come with a front sight post adjustment tool. While there aren’t specific customization options for these sights themselves, their standard Picatinny mount allows them to be used with a wide range of aftermarket rails and handguards.
They are fully compatible with any standard AR-15 platform.
Pros and Cons of Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights
Pros
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction. Provides confidence in long-term reliability.
- Fully adjustable windage and elevation. Allows precise zeroing for different rifles and ammunition.
- Included front sight post adjustment tool. A convenient addition that saves time and effort.
- Low profile when folded. Minimizes interference with optics and handling.
- Affordable price point. Offers a good value proposition for a backup sighting system.
Cons
- Rear sight flip-up mechanism can be unreliable. Requires manual assistance in some cases.
- Base is super wide which can detract from appearance.
Who Should Buy Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights?
The Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights are perfect for budget-conscious AR-15 owners who need a durable and adjustable backup sighting system. They are also suitable for recreational shooters and those building their first AR-15.
However, competitive shooters or those who demand absolute reliability from their backup sights might want to consider a higher-end option. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality lubricant to help the rear sight flip up more smoothly.
Conclusion on Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights
The Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights offer a solid value proposition for those seeking an affordable and durable backup sighting solution. While the rear sight flip-up mechanism can be finicky, the overall build quality and adjustability make them a worthwhile investment.
At $57.99, the price is justified for what you get – a robust set of aluminum iron sights that will likely outlast cheaper polymer options. I would personally recommend them to anyone on a budget who needs a dependable backup sight, with the caveat that they might need to manually assist the rear sight at times. Don’t expect perfection, but expect functionality and durability for the price. If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills backup sight that won’t break the bank, the Tacticon Armament Flip Up Iron Sights are worth considering.
