HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights Review

First Impressions of HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights

The HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights promise reliability and a clear sight picture when your primary optic fails. HiViz is known for their innovative sights, and these folding back-up sights are designed to seamlessly integrate onto any AR platform. The vertical tritium front sight post and dual aperture rear sight immediately caught my attention, hinting at excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. As someone who’s relied on AR platforms in demanding environments, I was eager to test if these sights lived up to the hype, offering a dependable backup aiming solution.

For years, I’ve relied on fixed iron sights, finding them robust but somewhat limiting in precision adjustments. I wanted a set of folding sights that wouldn’t clutter my rail space when not in use, yet were instantly available when needed.

Upon unboxing, the HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights felt solid and well-made. The black finish was consistent, and the folding mechanism snapped crisply into place, inspiring confidence in its durability. Compared to Magpul’s polymer MBUS sights, the HiViz offering felt more substantial, suggesting greater resistance to impacts and wear. My first impression was one of quality and thoughtful design.

I picked the HiViz sights over the Magpul MBUS Pro sights and the Troy Industries folding sights, mainly due to the tritium front sight post for enhanced low-light visibility. The HiViz promised a practical advantage that I wanted to test extensively.

My initial excitement was tempered with the anticipation of putting the sights through their paces. I hoped they would deliver on their promise of ruggedness and reliable performance, proving to be a worthy addition to my AR build.

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Real-World Testing: Putting HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights was at a local outdoor shooting range, a perfect environment to gauge their performance under controlled conditions. I mounted them on my AR-15’s Picatinny rail and immediately appreciated their low-profile when folded. The range offered both covered and open-air lanes, simulating varied lighting.

The HiViz sights performed well even in bright sunlight, but truly shone in the shaded lanes, making the tritium front sight post easily visible. Transitioning from my primary red dot optic to the HiViz sights was seamless. I did require a few rounds to fine-tune the windage and elevation, but the adjustments were precise and easily made using a small tool.

I experienced no significant issues during the initial session. The deployment of the sights was smooth and intuitive, and the sight picture was crisp and clear.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including a weekend tactical training course and multiple range trips, the HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights have proven to be reliable performers. The black finish shows minimal signs of wear, despite being exposed to dirt, mud, and the occasional bump. The folding mechanism still operates smoothly and securely, locking into place with a reassuring click.

Cleaning the sights is straightforward; a simple brush and solvent remove any accumulated carbon fouling. I’ve found no need for specialized tools or procedures.

Compared to my previous experience with cheaper, generic back-up sights, the HiViz sights stand out for their durability and consistent performance. The tritium insert continues to glow brightly, providing excellent visibility in low-light scenarios. They have definitely exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights

Specifications

The HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights boast a robust design with several key specifications:

• The HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights are designed for the AR Platform. This ensures seamless integration with the vast majority of AR-15 and AR-10 rifles on the market.
• The sights are finished in black. This provides a non-reflective surface, crucial in tactical situations.
• They are constructed with Tritium. This offers enhanced visibility in low-light or no-light conditions.
• The front sight is a vertical tritium post. The glow-in-the-dark capability allows for quick target acquisition in dim settings.

These specifications contribute to the sights’ overall reliability, ease of use, and effectiveness in various shooting scenarios. They are crucial for those who need a dependable backup aiming solution.

Performance & Functionality

The HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights perform their intended job admirably, providing a reliable and accurate aiming solution. Their ability to quickly deploy and offer a clear sight picture is paramount in emergency situations.

The vertical tritium front sight post is a standout feature, significantly improving target acquisition in low-light conditions. The dual aperture rear sight offers flexibility for both close-quarters and longer-range shooting. The inclusion of both elevation and windage adjustability ensures that the sights can be precisely zeroed to the user’s rifle and ammunition.

While the sights are robust and functional, the adjustments could be slightly more tactile. A slightly more pronounced click with each adjustment would improve the overall experience. Overall, the HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights meet and exceed expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They are relatively lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the rifle, and their low-profile design when folded keeps them out of the way of primary optics.

The build quality is excellent. The materials used feel robust and durable, inspiring confidence in their longevity. There’s no significant learning curve; the sights are easy to install and deploy, making them user-friendly for both novice and experienced shooters.

Durability & Maintenance

The HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights are built to last, with a robust construction that can withstand the rigors of regular use. The materials used are resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring that the sights maintain their functionality over time.

Maintenance is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a brush and solvent will keep the sights in optimal condition, ensuring their continued reliability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights are designed to be a standalone sighting system and do not require additional accessories for basic functionality. However, they are fully compatible with any AR-15 platform featuring a standard 1913 Picatinny rail.

While there are no direct customization options offered by HiViz for these specific sights, users can explore aftermarket front sight tools for more precise elevation adjustments. They are designed to be compatible with existing AR-15 platforms.

Pros and Cons of HiViz Folding AR Back Up Sights