Thinking about Offset Sights

[.Scarecrow.]

Would offset sights be an option for a rifle with a 1-4 optic? This is a defensive carbine just so we're clear. I'm looking at the Magpul MBUS offset sights. They are very low profile when folded. This is how I currently see it.

Pros

Able to be used without removal of optic (if optic became damaged or lenses became full of snow/mud)

Able to get lower when prone (Minor perk)

Less obstruction in the optic FOV (Minor perk)

Cons

Harder to hold the rifle one handed if something happens to the left arm, which in that case my optic would have to be ruined at the same time.

Shooting left hand barricade appears to be harder of course, but not impossible.


That's all I can think of for now, I know some of those things sound kinda crazy, but I'm a certified overthinker.

 

[243winxb]

Sights off Axis

Should work if you cant the rifle so that the iron sights are straight up and down over the axis of the bore when sighting in. Holding the rifle like in the photo, bullet impact should be very different when comparing 25 yds to 100 yds. Much like a 30-30 lever action with a side mount. Here you sight in at 100 yds. Then just remember where bullet impact is at 25 yards or what ever distance your going to shoot at. On larger target, may work just fine. http://www.accurateshooter.com/optics/canting-effect-on-point-of-impact/

 

[.Scarecrow.]

I plan on canting the rifle so that the sights are straight up and down. For a second I thought you meant that even if I did cant the rifle that I would experience this divergence in my impact.

 

[Jackal]

Yuck. Standard flip up sights are far superior with a cheek weld and proper head placement. Offset canted sight are a solution to a problem that never existed. You'd be better off using a Q/D mount on your optic. That way if it did fail, a flip of the lever and your irons are in use.

 

[justin22885]

agreed with the QD mount, or a mount that has a window to see your sights.. also, which rifle is this for?

 

[bangswitch]

Yuck. Standard flip up sights are far superior with a cheek weld and proper head placement. Offset canted sight are a solution to a problem that never existed. You'd be better off using a Q/D mount on your optic. That way if it did fail, a flip of the lever and your irons are in use.

Canted sights do work, and take no extra time to bring into use. Angling the rifle so the sights are vertical is how they are designed to be used. I have them on my AR, because any standard iron sight (even flip-ups) block the laser sight I have, which sits just below the red-dot sight. For me, BUIS are for close-range use anyway, I have my rear set on the large ring. Target acquisition is immediate with them, just as quick as the red dot. The angled hold is quick and natural.

Try shooting left barricade this way: stock on left shoulder, using right hand grip and left eye at the sights. Having the gun tilted isn't quite as ungainly this way, you're still concealed behind the barricade, and once you're off the barricade, you immediately can return to right side shooting without shifting your hands.

 

[243winxb]

My old M16A1 worked with scope and sights just fine.

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[.Scarecrow.]

I have a LaRue mount, but the key feature I see is not removing the optic whatsoever.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I tried 45 degree offset sights, couldn't ever get the lined up and on target. Granted, it may have been a problem with the shooter, not the sights or the rifle.

I dumped them since I don't really see much use for them, personally. I don't foresee having to switch between long and short range targets quickly, and I'm good with irons out to 300, give or take 50 yards depending on conditions. My AR just isn't set up for anything longer ranged than that.