The 4 Best AR-15 Front Sights

AR-15 rifles are the type of firearms that are fun to upgrade and accessorize. Iron sights are an example of an accessory that most gun owners like to upgrade. We scoured through the market and made this list of the best AR-15 front sights we could find.

The main thing you’ll want to consider when purchasing a new front sight is if you want a drop insight or one that you would mount onto your top rail. Your drop insights have a better chance of resisting any recoil, but they tend to be more out-of-the-box.

Front sights that attach to a Picatinny / Weaver rail will more often than not stick to the more traditional side of things. However, you’ll then have to pay closer attention to the materials used and how well the bolts lock into place. Whichever style you choose, you should see a definite increase in your shooting accuracy. If you don’t, then it’s time to hit the range and brush up on your skills!

Top Pick	AIM Sports Airsoft AR Low Profile Front Flip-Up Sight	Quick detachable with adjustable A2 square post With Ball bearing pivot detent Uses standard A2 sight post Expensive	$38 Shop NowClick to read my review
	SNIPER Standard Front Sight	Good coverage of the A2 post Durable aluminum construction Has a low profile quick detach system	$13 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Blitzkrieg Components LLC AR-15 Spike Front Sight Post	Glowing strip in day light and low light Never has to be replaced Pointed top for increased accuracy Not visible in dark conditions	$19 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Magpul Gen 2 Front Back Up Sight	Lightweight and durable Easy to activate or suppress Traditional A2 post Not a fixed front sight	$179 Shop NowClick to read my review
	TRUGLO Tritium Front Sight	Tritium lasts for up to 15 years Visible in day or night Easy adjustments Could do with more brightness at night	$39 Shop NowClick to read my review

AIM Sports Airsoft AR Low Profile Front Flip-Up Sight

Materials — The AIM Sports Airsoft AR Low Profile Front Flip-Up Sight from GGD outfits itself with a black anodized aircraft-grade aluminum that comes with an adjustable tool for good elevation. Hence, you’ll be able to mount onto any standard 20mm Weaver rails within seconds. This sight is durable and features a flip-up Posi-lock design to ensure zero. It also has a quick-detachable feature with an adjustable A2 square post. This Auto-Lock Sight is prepared for action anytime.

Performance — This AR-style low-profile sight does not require any tools for installation on the M4 and M16 series AEGs. It features an easy-to-use button/ lock, that is straightforward to install. This low-profile sight is fully adjustable to the side when folded. When the sight is down, it creates an unobstructed view. Consequently, it allows the user to look down through any telescopic sight or low-mount optics. Unlike other folding sights that attach to the barrel. As a result, it is very comfortable to use. This replacement front sight is fully adjustable for maximum precision, and its flat design makes it ideal for your primary weapon.

What we say — This AIM Sports Airsoft Flip-Up Sight is a good quality sight that is available in the online market today. It also offers a good feature and is reasonably priced.

SNIPER Standard Front Sight

Materials — SNIPER constructed its standard front sight from machined aluminum in a matte black finish. It attaches to a Picatinny/ Weaver rail, and it has a single mounting bolt to resist recoil. Turning one simple screw means you’re ready to use your new front sight. It is also designed as a thumb nut, but you may also use the tooling slot if that’s easier. In addition, the A2 square sight post is adjustable during the assembly to make the ideal target acquisition and accurate shooting capabilities for you. This quick detach front sight tower is low profile. Therefore, it won’t interfere with your raised scopes or optics.

Performance — What we like most about this AR-15 fixed front sight is its overall appearance. It’s low profile in height, but it’s also low profile in its look as a whole. There is good coverage of the A2 post. Hence, any exterior elements won’t cause any damage and should balance out well against recoil too. The other thing we like about this option is that it’s made of aluminum, and it’s going to be a little heavier and sound than many other mounted front sights. What good a recoil resist bolt if it’s made of a cheap material that will crack, correct? We are not big fans of the mounting screw, but we can work around it.

What we say — SNIPER’s option here is the best AR-15 fixed front sight for anyone who needs a low-cost option and doesn’t want to divert much from their original sight.

Blitzkrieg Components LLC AR-15 Spike Front Sight Post

Materials — This screw-in front sight post for your AR-15 is machined from billet 416 stainless steel and finished in black melonite. It is a direct replacement for the standard A2 sight post with a simple drop-in installation. A bright green luminescent stripe faces the shooter, for easy target acquisition, even in lower lighting. During daylight, the strip will glow a bright yellow, which is accessible to the eyes. The top of the post is pointed to enhance the accuracy without distracting you from the glowing strip. To charge the strip, simply leave it in the sunlight or shine a flashlight on it. Never worry about replacing it.

Performance — If the name Blitzkrieg doesn’t get you excited for this AR-15 front sight post, then we don’t know what will. This unique design is beneficial for increasing accuracy, but it’s not for everyone. The glowing strip is highly visible in most light situations, but it’s not the best for a straight night. It’s a little weird that you have to recharge the strip with a light source, but, at the same time, that means you never have to replace it. That’s money saved down the line. The drop-in installation is quick and easy, and the pointed top is highly unique as well.

What we say — The spike front sight post is the best option for anyone who needs a unique way to better their target acquisition but also doesn’t want to spend the money on a tritium insert. You get the best of both worlds.

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Magpul Gen 2 Front Back Up Sight

Materials — Magpul’s back up front sight is constructed from impact-resistant polymer. It is lightweight but durable against recoil. The flip-up activation is spring-loaded. Simply push it up from either side or press the top to activate. After using it, press it back down into place until it locks. This front sight comes with a tool for making elevation adjustments. In addition, protective wings on either side of the sight shield the A2 post from damage. It attaches to any standard Picatinny rail for installation and has a single screw and recoil-resistant lock bolt. You can also purchase the Gen 2 backup sight in different color options: black, flat dark earth, or foliage green.

Performance — Something you’ll see a little more commonly is a backup sight. This front sight from Magpul works excellent on an AR-15. It’s lightweight and straightforward to install or move as needed. With a traditional A2 post in the center, it won’t mess up your focus or distract from your rifle’s setup. Of course, spring action activation is helpful. You can quickly switch between using your front sight or using an optic without losing your target. If you need to be camouflaged, you have multiple colors to choose from too. The only downside here is that it’s not a fixed sight. You’ll have to snap it down in place when it’s not in use.

What we say — Magpul’s back-up front sight is the best choice for gun owners who aren’t sure if they need a fixed sight. You will still have a traditional A2 post with a little more versatility.

TRUGLO Tritium Front Sight 

Materials — This is another drop-in front sight replacement, offered by Meprolight. Simply screw it into place. Should the tritium insert not be facing you, just squeeze the detent locking piece and rotate it into the correct position. This also makes installing or uninstalling much quicker. The tritium insert glows bright green at all times, and it can last for up to 15 years without fading. The sight post is more narrow than the traditional A2 post on AR-15s. Now, you can see even in the dead of night without giving yourself away with a flashlight or glowing optic.

Performance — If you need a night sight, here you go! With the tritium insert lasting for up to 15 years, you’re really getting your money’s worth. We also love the system for adjusting. Instead of unscrewing and re-screwing you post into the correct position, the installation time has been cut down with the nifty detent locking piece. You can be totally incognito without your target noticing you first. Plus, the tritium is still highly visible and effective during the day. The incredibly slim post will give you pinpoint precision. The Meprolight Tru-Dot night sight is the most expensive option, but it will make a world of difference in your shooting abilities.

What we say — Quite simply, this is the best AR-15 front sight post for anyone who needs a night sight! Long-lasting tritium is very worth the investment.

Our Favorite AR-15 Front Sight

Our favorite AR-15 front sight is the AIM Sports Airsoft AR Low Profile Front Flip-Up Sight. It comes at an affordable price with complete tools for adjustment. Plus, it’s easy to install and has many great features like the flip-up Posi lock design, auto-lock sight, and an adjustable A2 square post. For beginners and experienced gun enthusiasts, this front sight is an ideal option.

You might also like to read:

• Best AR 15 Scopes
• The Best AR-15 Tool Kits
• Best AR-15 Laser Sight [2021]

Featured image by Section_Eight