First Impressions of Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight
Back in ’08, while humping a SAW through the mountains of Kunar, Afghanistan, my EOTech took a critical hit from a rogue piece of shrapnel. I learned a hard lesson that day: electronics fail, and when they do, your life might depend on having a reliable backup. That’s why, after years of relying on various BUIS setups, I decided to give the Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight a serious look.
I’ve always been a fan of Samson‘s reputation for rugged, no-nonsense gear, and the promise of a durable, low-profile backup sight system that wouldn’t break the bank definitely piqued my interest. My primary optic sits on a riser, and finding BUIS that would co-witness properly without adding even more height has been a constant challenge. The Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight seemed like a solid solution.
Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the solid feel of the sights. The T-6061 aluminum construction felt incredibly robust, and the Type III class 2 hard coat anodizing gave it a nice, matte finish. Compared to some of the polymer BUIS I’ve used in the past, these felt like they could take a serious beating. I’d been considering Magpul MBUS Pro sights, or even some fixed Troy Industries sights, but the Samson offering seemed to strike a better balance between ruggedness and profile.
Initially, I was excited by the low-profile design and the promise of reliable performance. The manual deployment concerned me initially, as I am a big fan of spring-assisted deployment, but I’ve been burned by them failing at critical moments, so I understand the design choice. Hopefully, my initial excitement will hold up after some serious range time.
Real-World Testing: Putting Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight was at my local outdoor range, where I ran drills on my AR-15 at distances from 25 to 100 yards. It was a slightly overcast day, with a light drizzle, so the conditions weren’t ideal, but that’s exactly what I wanted to test these sights in. Installation was a breeze. The sights mounted securely to my Picatinny rail with no wobble.
The first thing I noticed was the clarity of the sight picture. The single .160 aperture on the rear sight was easy to acquire, even in the low light conditions. Getting used to the manual deployment took a few reps, but soon it became second nature. I found that the M4 co-witness height was perfect for my setup, allowing me to easily transition from my primary optic to the iron sights without any awkward adjustments. I achieved a respectable grouping at 50 yards after some minor adjustments to the front sight post.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, including multiple range trips and a carbine course, the Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight have proven to be incredibly reliable. There are no signs of wear and tear on the anodized finish. They still lock firmly in both the folded and deployed positions.
Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe down with a CLP-soaked rag after each range trip is all it takes to keep them in good working order. Compared to some of the cheaper BUIS I’ve used in the past, which often require constant tightening and adjustment, the Samson sights have been rock solid. The sights have not disappointed me; they have proven to be a reliable and durable backup system.
Breaking Down the Features of Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight
Specifications
The Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight boasts several key specifications that contribute to its overall performance.
- The sights are constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum, ensuring durability and lightweight.
- They feature a Type III class 2 hard coat anodizing for enhanced corrosion resistance.
The sights are designed to attach to any 1913 Picatinny rail and offer a perfect M4 co-witness height. The rear sight features a single .160 aperture. This allows for accurate shooting while still being usable in low-light conditions. The windage adjustment offers just over 0.5 MOA per click, providing precise zeroing capabilities.
The stainless steel clamp ensures a secure and stable mounting platform. The sights accept all aftermarket front sight post replacements with MIL-SPEC dimensions. These specifications are important because they contribute to the sight’s durability, accuracy, and compatibility with other AR-15 components.
Performance & Functionality
The Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight performs admirably in its intended role as a backup sighting system. The sights provide a clear and unobstructed sight picture. This allows for rapid target acquisition and accurate shot placement.
The manual deployment, while not as fast as spring-assisted models, is reliable and prevents accidental deployment. The .160 aperture strikes a good balance between precision and low-light visibility. Windage adjustments are precise and repeatable. A potential weakness is the lack of tool-less adjustment.
The sights meet and exceed expectations for a backup iron sight system. I’d trust them in any situation where my primary optic failed.
Design & Ergonomics
The Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight features a low-profile, streamlined design. It minimizes obstruction of the primary optic. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction and hard coat anodizing provide a robust and durable finish. The sights weigh very little, adding minimal weight to the rifle.
The manual deployment system is simple and reliable, though it does require a bit of practice to master. The sights are relatively user-friendly. There is no significant learning curve for anyone familiar with AR-15 iron sights.
Durability & Maintenance
The Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight is built to last. The rugged construction and durable finish ensure that it can withstand the rigors of field use.
Maintenance is simple and straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The sights should last for many years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight comes with standard mounting hardware. It accepts all aftermarket front sight post replacements with MIL-SPEC dimensions. This allows for some degree of customization.
The sights are compatible with most AR-15 accessories, including various rail systems and optics. There are no proprietary accessories required for the Samson sights to function properly.
Pros and Cons of Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight
Pros
- Extremely durable construction using 6061-T6 Aluminum. This ensures the sight can withstand harsh conditions and heavy use.
- Low-profile design minimizes interference with primary optics. This allows for seamless transition between optics and iron sights.
- Precise windage adjustments for accurate zeroing. Fine-tuning your accuracy is simple.
- Accepts aftermarket MIL-SPEC front sight posts for customization. Allows the user to tailor the front sight to their specific needs and preferences.
- Perfect M4 co-witness height. Easy transition from optics to iron sights, providing a familiar sight picture.
Cons
- Manual deployment requires practice and is slower than spring-assisted designs.
- Windage adjustments require a tool (bullet tip or similar), which may not always be readily available.
Who Should Buy Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight?
The Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight is perfect for AR-15 owners who prioritize reliability and durability in a backup sighting system. This includes law enforcement officers, military personnel, and serious recreational shooters who demand gear that can withstand hard use. It’s also ideal for anyone looking for a low-profile BUIS solution that won’t interfere with their primary optic.
Those who prioritize rapid deployment above all else might want to consider spring-assisted sights instead. Anyone unwilling to carry a tool for windage adjustments may find it inconvenient.
A must-have accessory would be a small multi-tool or even a dedicated front sight adjustment tool.
Conclusion on Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight
The Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight is a well-built, reliable, and low-profile BUIS that offers excellent value for the price. While the manual deployment and tool-dependent windage adjustments may not be for everyone, the overall durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment.
At around $132, the price is justified considering the quality of materials and construction. You get a solid and dependable backup sighting system without breaking the bank.
I would definitely recommend the Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight to anyone looking for a robust and reliable BUIS for their AR-15. Don’t wait until your optic fails to discover the importance of a good backup sight. Get yourself a set of Samson True Back Up Top Mounted Deployable Front and Rear Sight and be prepared.