The Flip-Up Iron Sights for Picatinny and Weaver Rails – Front & Rear Sights Compatible with Emperor Arms MPTAC12 12GA Made a Bold First Impression
Iron sights. They’re the unsung heroes of the shooting world, often relegated to backup status in this age of red dots and magnified optics. But a reliable set of irons can be a lifesaver, a point driven home during a particularly frustrating hog hunt a few years back when my red dot’s battery died just as a sounder broke cover. That hunt underscored the need for a bombproof sighting system, and it’s what led me to the Flip-Up Iron Sights for Picatinny and Weaver Rails – Front & Rear Sights Compatible with Emperor Arms MPTAC12 12GA.
I was searching for a set of sights that could withstand the rigors of regular use on my Emperor Arms MPTAC12 12GA shotgun. I needed something durable, low-profile, and, most importantly, quick to deploy. The initial draw of these sights was their advertised compatibility with both Picatinny and Weaver rails, a common standard, and their promised durability.
Upon unboxing, my first impression was positive. The sights felt surprisingly solid for their price point, constructed from what appeared to be a decent grade of aluminum alloy with a clean, matte black finish. The spring-loaded flip-up mechanism snapped into place with a satisfying click, inspiring confidence in their ability to deploy quickly when needed.
I considered a couple of other options from Magpul and Troy Industries, but ultimately chose these due to their affordability and the positive reviews regarding their compatibility with the MPTAC12. The Magpul sights, while excellent, were a bit pricier. The Troy sights were outside my budget. I was excited to test these sights out on my MPTAC12.
Real-World Testing: Putting Flip-Up Iron Sights for Picatinny and Weaver Rails – Front & Rear Sights Compatible with Emperor Arms MPTAC12 12GA to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Flip-Up Iron Sights was focused on getting them zeroed on my Emperor Arms MPTAC12. I tested them at a local outdoor range, under sunny, but slightly breezy conditions. The sights were mounted easily onto the Picatinny rail of my shotgun, requiring no special tools or modifications. Adjusting for windage and elevation was straightforward, though the clicks felt a bit mushy.
After about 20 rounds of 12-gauge slugs, I had the sights dialed in reasonably well at 50 yards. The sights held zero, even with the significant recoil of the MPTAC12. The flip-up mechanism worked reliably, deploying quickly and locking securely into place each time.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a dove hunting trip, the Flip-Up Iron Sights have proven to be surprisingly durable. I did notice some minor scratches on the finish, but nothing that affected their function. Maintenance has been minimal – a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth after each use is all that’s required.
Compared to some other budget-friendly iron sights I’ve used in the past, these have held up exceptionally well. I’ve had cheaper sights fail after just a few range sessions, but the Flip-Up Iron Sights continue to perform reliably. The recoil of the 12-gauge hasn’t loosened them at all.
Breaking Down the Features of Flip-Up Iron Sights for Picatinny and Weaver Rails – Front & Rear Sights Compatible with Emperor Arms MPTAC12 12GA
Specifications
The Flip-Up Iron Sights for Picatinny and Weaver Rails – Front & Rear Sights Compatible with Emperor Arms MPTAC12 12GA boast several key specifications:
- Material: Aluminum alloy. This keeps the sights lightweight, but also provides a degree of durability.
- Color: Matte black. The matte finish helps to reduce glare and reflections.
- Rail Type: Picatinny/Weaver. This ensures broad compatibility with various firearms.
- Adjustments: Windage and elevation. This allows for precise zeroing of the sights.
- Mounting: Easy to install, no gunsmithing required. This is a huge plus for ease of use.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the sights’ performance and usability. The aluminum alloy construction keeps the weight down. The windage and elevation adjustments are critical for accurate shooting. The easy installation means that almost anyone can install these sights on their firearm without professional help.
Performance & Functionality
The Flip-Up Iron Sights perform their primary function – providing a reliable aiming point – admirably. Accuracy is more than acceptable for iron sights, allowing for consistent groupings at reasonable distances. Their greatest strength is their simplicity and reliability: no batteries to die, no complicated electronics to fail.
The windage and elevation adjustments, while functional, could be more precise, and the adjustment clicks are not as tactile as I’d like. Overall, they meet expectations for backup iron sights at this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Flip-Up Iron Sights have a simple, functional design. The low-profile when folded is a major benefit, preventing snagging and minimizing obstruction of optics. They are lightweight, adding minimal weight to the firearm.
The sights are relatively user-friendly, although it takes a bit of practice to quickly deploy them from the folded position. The sight picture is clear and easy to acquire.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the aluminum alloy construction, these sights should last for quite a while with proper care. As mentioned before, I’ve seen only minor cosmetic wear after months of use.
Maintenance is very straightforward. A simple cleaning with a brush and a light coat of oil is all that’s needed to keep them in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Flip-Up Iron Sights do not come with any additional accessories beyond the front and rear sight units themselves. However, their universal Picatinny/Weaver rail compatibility means they can be paired with a wide variety of aftermarket accessories. These accessories include lights, lasers, and vertical grips that are mounted on the same rail system.
These sights are designed to be a standalone aiming solution. No direct customization options are available.
Pros and Cons of Flip-Up Iron Sights for Picatinny and Weaver Rails – Front & Rear Sights Compatible with Emperor Arms MPTAC12 12GA
Pros
- Affordable: Excellent value for the price.
- Durable Construction: Made from robust aluminum alloy.
- Easy Installation: No gunsmithing required, simple to mount.
- Reliable Deployment: Spring-loaded flip-up mechanism works consistently.
- Versatile Compatibility: Fits both Picatinny and Weaver rails.
Cons
- Adjustment Clicks: Windage and elevation adjustments could be more tactile.
- Finish: The matte black finish scratches relatively easily.
Who Should Buy Flip-Up Iron Sights for Picatinny and Weaver Rails – Front & Rear Sights Compatible with Emperor Arms MPTAC12 12GA?
The Flip-Up Iron Sights are perfect for:
- Shooters looking for an affordable and reliable backup sighting system.
- Those who want a simple and durable aiming solution without the need for batteries.
- Anyone with an Emperor Arms MPTAC12 or other firearm with Picatinny/Weaver rails.
Who should skip this product?
- Competitive shooters who require highly precise and adjustable sights.
- Those who prioritize absolute scratch resistance above all else.
A must-have accessory to consider alongside these sights would be a quality rail-mounted light for low-light shooting scenarios. Also, you should consider getting a tool for sight adjustment.
Conclusion on Flip-Up Iron Sights for Picatinny and Weaver Rails – Front & Rear Sights Compatible with Emperor Arms MPTAC12 12GA
The Flip-Up Iron Sights for Picatinny and Weaver Rails – Front & Rear Sights Compatible with Emperor Arms MPTAC12 12GA offer exceptional value for the money. At $25.49, they provide a durable, reliable, and easy-to-install sighting solution.
While not perfect – the adjustment clicks could be better, and the finish is prone to scratches – their overall performance and ruggedness are impressive. I would absolutely recommend these sights to anyone looking for an affordable and dependable set of backup irons.
If you’re seeking an affordable, functional, and reliable set of flip-up iron sights, don’t hesitate to give these a try. You might be surprised at how much you like them.