Let’s Dive into Meprolight MEPRO FRBS – Self-Illuminated Flip Back – 1 out of 4 models
The Meprolight MEPRO FRBS – Self-Illuminated Flip Back – 1 out of 4 models are tritium-enhanced back-up sights designed to be a reliable secondary sighting system for your rifle. These sights from Meprolight offer a low-profile design, durable construction, and self-illuminated tritium vials, ensuring they are ready to use in any lighting condition. Their flip-up design means they are out of the way when not needed, and instantly available when your primary optic fails.
I was looking for a set of back-up sights that wouldn’t add unnecessary bulk to my AR-15. My primary optic is excellent, but I understand the need for redundancy in any serious application. I needed something robust, reliable, and usable in low light without needing batteries.
Upon unboxing, the MEPRO FRBS sights felt solid and well-made. The fiberglass reinforced polymer and metal construction gave me confidence in their durability. They are lightweight, which is a huge plus, and the flip-up mechanism operated smoothly and positively.
I considered Magpul MBUS Pro sights, known for their slim profile, and the Troy Industries folding battle sights, renowned for their ruggedness. I chose the Meprolight MEPRO FRBS because of the tritium illumination, which I felt was essential for low-light scenarios, where a simple blacked-out sight wouldn’t cut it. The $169.99 price point felt reasonable for the feature set.
My initial impression was excitement and relief. Finally, I had a reliable back-up sighting system that didn’t compromise on quality or low-light visibility.
Real-World Testing: Putting Meprolight MEPRO FRBS – Self-Illuminated Flip Back – 1 out of 4 models to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the MEPRO FRBS at my local outdoor shooting range on a partly cloudy day. I mounted them on my AR-15’s Picatinny rail, and the installation was straightforward. The tool-less adjustment for elevation was incredibly convenient.
The performance was impressive even in broad daylight, the sights were easy to acquire, and the sight picture was clear. The flip-up mechanism was quick to deploy when I intentionally obscured my primary optic. I also tested them in simulated low-light conditions by shooting in the covered area of the range. The tritium illumination provided a noticeable advantage, making target acquisition significantly easier compared to standard iron sights.
There were no immediate issues. The sights held zero after the initial adjustments, and the flip-up mechanism remained reliable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range trips and a weekend tactical training course, the MEPRO FRBS sights have held up admirably. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being subjected to various weather conditions and some rough handling. The polymer and metal construction has proven to be very robust.
Maintenance is minimal. I occasionally wipe them down with a lightly oiled cloth to remove any dirt or debris. I haven’t had to make any adjustments to the elevation since the initial setup.
Compared to my previous experience with cheaper, polymer-only back-up sights, the MEPRO FRBS are a significant upgrade. The tritium illumination and durable construction inspire confidence, and they consistently outperform my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Meprolight MEPRO FRBS – Self-Illuminated Flip Back – 1 out of 4 models
Specifications
- These sights are designed as front and rear back-up sights. They provide a secondary sighting system should the primary optic fail.
- The illumination is provided by tritium. This provides self-illumination without the need for batteries.
- They are designed to quickly flip up or down. This allows for immediate use or to be stowed out of the way.
- Elevation is adjustable without tools. This allows quick zeroing in the field.
- They mount on any 1913 Picatinny rail. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of firearms.
- The construction consists of fiberglass reinforced polymer and metal. This creates a balance between durability and weight.
These specifications matter because they directly contribute to the sights’ reliability and usability in critical situations. The tritium illumination ensures visibility in low light, while the durable construction guarantees they can withstand harsh conditions. The tool-less adjustment and Picatinny compatibility make them easy to install and use on a variety of firearms.
Performance & Functionality
The Meprolight MEPRO FRBS perform their job exceptionally well. The tritium illumination is a standout feature, providing a clear sight picture in low-light conditions without requiring batteries or an external power source.
The flip-up mechanism is reliable and fast, allowing for quick deployment when needed. The tool-less elevation adjustment is a convenient feature for zeroing in the sights, and the robust construction ensures they can withstand the rigors of field use. The main weakness might be the tritium losing some brightness over time (12 year warranty on luminance), but that is expected.
The sights meet and exceed my expectations for a back-up sighting system. They provide a reliable and usable alternative to a primary optic in any lighting condition.
Design & Ergonomics
The Meprolight MEPRO FRBS sights have a low-profile and lightweight design. This prevents them from adding unnecessary bulk to the rifle.
The fiberglass reinforced polymer and metal construction provides a good balance of durability and weight. The sights feel solid and well-made. There is no noticeable learning curve, and the flip-up mechanism is intuitive to use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Meprolight MEPRO FRBS sights are built to last. The durable materials and robust construction ensure they can withstand harsh conditions and rough handling.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth. I anticipate these sights will provide many years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Meprolight MEPRO FRBS sights do not come with any additional accessories beyond what is needed for mounting and adjustment. There aren’t really any traditional customization options for back-up iron sights, aside from painting them a different color (not recommended).
The sights are compatible with any firearm that has a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail. This means they can be used with a wide range of rifles, carbines, and even some pistols. The height of the sights is designed to co-witness with many popular red dot optics, allowing for a seamless transition between the primary and secondary sighting systems.
Pros and Cons of Meprolight MEPRO FRBS – Self-Illuminated Flip Back – 1 out of 4 models
Pros
- Tritium illumination for excellent low-light visibility.
- Durable fiberglass reinforced polymer and metal construction.
- Low-profile and lightweight design.
- Tool-less elevation adjustment.
- Compatible with all MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rails.
Cons
- Tritium illumination will gradually dim over its 12-year lifespan.
- Relatively expensive compared to non-illuminated polymer sights.
Who Should Buy Meprolight MEPRO FRBS – Self-Illuminated Flip Back – 1 out of 4 models?
The Meprolight MEPRO FRBS are perfect for anyone who needs a reliable and durable back-up sighting system for their rifle, especially those who may find themselves in low-light situations. This includes law enforcement officers, military personnel, hunters, and anyone who takes their personal defense seriously. The tritium illumination provides a significant advantage in low-light conditions, making these sights a worthwhile investment.
Someone who is only looking for a very basic and inexpensive back-up sight may want to skip this product. There are cheaper polymer-only options available. However, they won’t offer the same level of durability or low-light performance.
A quality optic is a must-have to accompany these sights. Also, practice regularly with both your primary optic and the back-up sights to ensure proficiency in switching between them.
Conclusion on Meprolight MEPRO FRBS – Self-Illuminated Flip Back – 1 out of 4 models
In summary, the Meprolight MEPRO FRBS – Self-Illuminated Flip Back – 1 out of 4 models are a high-quality and reliable back-up sighting system that offer a significant advantage in low-light conditions. The durable construction, low-profile design, and tool-less adjustment make them a worthwhile addition to any rifle.
The price is justified by the quality, durability, and performance of these sights. The tritium illumination alone makes them worth the investment for anyone who may need to use their rifle in low-light situations.
I would highly recommend the Meprolight MEPRO FRBS to anyone looking for a reliable and durable back-up sighting system. Don’t compromise on your ability to aim accurately in any situation – invest in the Meprolight MEPRO FRBS today!