Let’s Talk About Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of tactical gear, and I’ve seen a lot of front sights come and go. The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight immediately caught my eye with its promise of rugged reliability and a low-profile design. It’s a folding front sight designed to mount on any Picatinny rail, offering a backup sighting system that stays out of the way until you need it.
My aging eyes needed a reliable backup sight that wouldn’t interfere with my primary optic. I wanted something robust enough to withstand the rigors of training and potential field use.
Upon unboxing, the Midwest Industries sight felt substantial, with a reassuring heft that spoke to its build quality. The black phosphate finish on the steel components looked even and durable, complementing the hardcoated aluminum base. My initial impression was definitely positive; this sight exuded quality, and its compact folded profile was exactly what I was seeking.
Compared to the Magpul MBUS Pro and the Troy Industries Folding BattleSight, the Midwest Industries offering seemed to strike a better balance between cost and construction. While the Magpul is a solid polymer option, I was looking for the added durability of steel. The Troy sight is excellent but considerably more expensive. The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight felt like the right compromise for my needs. I was genuinely excited to get it onto a rifle and see how it performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, under bright, sunny conditions. I mounted the Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight on my AR-15, zeroed it at 50 yards, and ran several drills focusing on transitioning from optic to iron sights. The sight deployed quickly and locked into place with a reassuring click.
The A2-style front sight post was easy to adjust, and the sight picture was clear and precise. Even with gloves, manipulating the sight was straightforward. There were no hiccups or issues. The sight performed flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight has proven its worth. It has held zero consistently, even after multiple deployments and collapses. I even took it out in light rain, and the phosphate finish showed no signs of corrosion.
Durability has been excellent. There are no visible scratches or signs of wear, despite being bumped around in my range bag. Cleaning is a breeze; a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth keeps it in top condition. Compared to my previous experiences with polymer sights, the Midwest Industries model feels significantly more robust and reliable. I’m confident it will hold up to years of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight
Specifications
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight is designed for use on AR-15, M4, and M16 platforms, or any rifle equipped with a Picatinny rail. It features a standard A2 front sight post for easy adjustments. The sight body is constructed from 6061 aluminum, while the sight itself is made of ordnance-grade steel with a phosphate finish for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. It is black in color.
The sight offers 1.5 MOA per click adjustments, and it is specifically designed to be a front sight, mounting at the front of the rifle. It is top-mounted and deployable (folding). Folded, it has a low profile of just 0.437 inches. Its “F marked” front blade height ensures compatibility with most AR-15 setups. It is made in the USA. These specifications are crucial because they dictate the sight’s reliability, accuracy, and compatibility with various firearms platforms. The all-metal construction inspires confidence, and the low-profile design ensures it doesn’t interfere with optics.
Performance & Functionality
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight excels at its primary function: providing a reliable backup sighting system. Accuracy is excellent, and the adjustments are precise and repeatable. The dual locking detent springs ensure the sight stays firmly in either the deployed or folded position.
Its greatest strength is its robust construction and reliable deployment mechanism. The main weakness is that it requires a separate sight adjustment tool (not included) for precise elevation adjustments. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a backup iron sight.
Design & Ergonomics
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight boasts a well-thought-out design. The combination of a hardcoated aluminum base and phosphate-finished steel components results in a sight that is both lightweight and incredibly durable. The sight is compact and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the rifle.
Deploying and folding the sight is easy and intuitive. The knurled surface provides a secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands. There’s virtually no learning curve; it’s a simple and effective design.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction, the Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight should last for many years of regular use. The phosphate finish provides excellent corrosion resistance, and the steel components are built to withstand significant abuse.
Maintenance is minimal. Regular cleaning with a lightly oiled cloth is all that’s required to keep it functioning optimally.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight does not come with any accessories. However, it’s designed to be compatible with any standard A2 front sight post tool for elevation adjustments.
A popular customization option is replacing the standard front sight post with a tritium insert for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, as some users have noted in their feedback. The sight is also designed to co-witness with many popular red dot optics when deployed.
Pros and Cons of Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight
Pros
- Extremely durable construction using steel and aluminum for long-lasting reliability.
- Low-profile design when folded, minimizing interference with optics.
- Crisp and reliable deployment with dual locking detent springs.
- Easy to adjust using a standard A2 front sight post tool.
- Affordable price compared to other high-quality steel folding sights.
Cons
- Requires a separate sight adjustment tool for elevation adjustments.
- No included tritium option for enhanced low-light visibility.
Who Should Buy Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight?
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight is perfect for AR-15 owners looking for a durable and reliable backup iron sight. It’s also well-suited for tactical shooters and law enforcement professionals who need a dependable secondary sighting system.
Those who prioritize having integrated tritium sights or prefer polymer construction should skip this product. A must-have accessory is a standard A2 front sight post adjustment tool. Consider also adding a tritium front sight post for enhanced low-light capabilities.
Conclusion on Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight
The Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight is a fantastic value for the money. Its robust construction, reliable deployment mechanism, and low-profile design make it an excellent addition to any AR-15 platform.
The $89.95 price tag is justified given the sight’s build quality and performance. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone seeking a dependable and affordable backup iron sight. Don’t settle for less; get yourself the Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Top Mounted Deployable Front Sight and ensure you always have a reliable sight picture.