First Thoughts on the Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer
The Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer promises a backup sighting solution that’s both affordable and functional. Manufactured by Tacfire, these sights aim to provide a reliable alternative to your primary optic, especially in scenarios where quick transitions are crucial or your main sight fails. The OD Green polymer construction immediately catches the eye, suggesting a focus on lightweight durability.
My journey to these sights began with a desire for a streamlined backup sighting system for my AR-15. I wanted something unobtrusive, reliable, and budget-friendly, as my primary optic is often the focus of my spending. Upon unboxing, the sights felt surprisingly solid for their price point, although the polymer definitely has a different feel than metal alternatives I’ve used. The OD Green color is a nice touch, blending well with certain AR-15 builds.
I considered a few other options, including some metal 45-degree sights from other manufacturers and even fixed iron sights. I ultimately chose the Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer because of their low profile when folded, the promise of easy deployment, and the incredibly attractive price. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism – could such an inexpensive option actually perform well in the field? Only testing would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer was at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was dry and mild, perfect conditions for sighting in new components. The initial setup was simple, attaching the 45-degree mount and the sights themselves to my AR-15’s rail system took only a few minutes.
Zeroing the sights was relatively straightforward, thanks to the adjustable A2 front post and windage adjustments on the rear sight. I did find the adjustments to be less precise than those on higher-end metal sights, but I was still able to achieve a satisfactory zero at 50 yards. A major plus was the fast transition between my optic and these sights, simply canting the rifle allowed me to quickly acquire targets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a weekend training course, the Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer have held up surprisingly well. While the polymer material shows some minor scuff marks, there are no signs of cracking or significant wear. I found the ball bearing pivot detent with posi-lock design held zero consistently, a very pleasant surprise considering the price.
Maintenance has been minimal; I simply wipe them down with a cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris. Compared to my previous experience with fixed iron sights, these pop-up sights offer a much cleaner sight picture when using an optic, and are significantly faster to deploy than removing the optic entirely. They certainly outperform my initial expectations, though they wouldn’t replace high-end metal sights for absolute durability in harsh conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer
Specifications
Material: Constructed of durable OD Green polymer. This keeps the weight down and contributes to the affordability of the sights.
Mounting: Includes a 45-degree mount. This allows for quick transitions between a primary optic and the iron sights.
Front Sight: Features an adjustable A2 post. The familiar A2 post allows for easy elevation adjustments.
Rear Sight: Adjustable for windage and equipped with two apertures. The dual apertures provide options for different lighting conditions and target distances.
Locking Mechanism: Incorporates a ball bearing pivot detent with a posi-lock design. This ensures the sights lock securely into place when raised, guaranteeing zero.
Performance & Functionality
The Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer perform their primary function of providing a backup sighting system adequately. The adjustable front and rear sights allow for proper zeroing, and the 45-degree offset enables quick transitions from an optic. The polymer construction, while durable enough for most recreational shooting, is a potential weakness compared to metal alternatives, especially under extreme conditions.
One strength is the ease of deployment – the sights pop up quickly and lock securely. The windage adjustment on the rear sight is functional, but lacks the tactile precision of more expensive sights. Overall, they meet expectations for a budget-friendly backup sight option, but don’t exceed them in terms of ruggedness or precision.
Design & Ergonomics
The OD Green polymer build is lightweight and blends well aesthetically with many AR-15 configurations. The low-profile design when folded keeps the sights out of the way of the primary optic. There is a slight learning curve in getting used to the 45-degree offset, but it is quickly overcome with practice.
The polymer material, while functional, doesn’t offer the same premium feel as metal sights. The overall design is utilitarian and practical, prioritizing function over high-end aesthetics.
Durability & Maintenance
The polymer construction raises questions about long-term durability under harsh conditions. While the sights have held up well in my testing, extreme heat, cold, or impact could potentially cause damage. Maintenance is simple: regular cleaning with a soft cloth is generally sufficient.
Repairability is limited; if a major component breaks, replacement is likely the only option. The posi-lock mechanism does seem robust, so failures should be infrequent under normal use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer don’t offer extensive customization options. Being iron sights, they don’t accommodate accessories like lights or lasers directly. However, they are compatible with any AR-15 platform that has a Picatinny rail system and work in conjunction with most existing optic setups.
The included 45-degree mount is integral to their function, and replacing it would likely require finding a compatible aftermarket alternative. There are no readily available replacement parts for the sights themselves, so any significant modification would likely void any implied warranty.
Pros and Cons of Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer
Pros
- Affordable Price: At around $18.99, these sights are incredibly budget-friendly.
- Lightweight: The polymer construction keeps the overall weight down.
- Easy Deployment: The pop-up design allows for quick transitions.
- Functional Adjustability: The A2 front post and adjustable rear windage allow for proper zeroing.
- Low Profile: The folded sights stay out of the way of your primary optic.
Cons
- Polymer Durability: Polymer construction may not be as durable as metal sights under extreme conditions.
- Adjustment Precision: Windage and elevation adjustments lack the tactile precision of higher-end sights.
- Limited Customization: No readily available replacement parts or customization options.
Who Should Buy Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer?
The Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer are perfect for budget-conscious shooters, recreational AR-15 owners, and those looking for a simple, lightweight backup sighting system. They are also a great option for new AR-15 owners looking to get started without breaking the bank. Those who frequently shoot in harsh environments or demand absolute reliability from their gear might want to consider a more robust (and expensive) metal alternative.
A must-have accessory would be a tool for adjusting the A2 front sight post. While a bullet tip can work in a pinch, a dedicated tool makes adjustments easier and more precise.
Conclusion on Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer
The Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer offer a compelling value proposition for shooters seeking an affordable and functional backup sighting solution. While the polymer construction might not be as bombproof as metal alternatives, these sights have proven to be surprisingly reliable and easy to use in my testing. The low price point makes them an excellent choice for budget-conscious AR-15 owners.
The price is absolutely justified given the functionality and ease of use. I would personally recommend these sights to anyone looking for a simple, affordable backup option for their AR-15. Don’t expect them to replace high-end sights, but for the price, they deliver solid performance. If you’re on a budget and need a reliable backup, give the Tacfire AR-15 45 Degree/Low Profile Pop Up Sights OD Geen Polymer a try – you might be surprised.