The flip ups give the option to stow the sights when not needed/wanted. Fixed offsets can be a significant snag-hazard in a place that frequently has stuff going on. Just like traditional flip-ups, you can run them in the “up” position all the time if that’s what you want and they will still protect themselves from impact by flipping down instead of bearing the brunt of the damage.
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I was just going to ask your opinion on this very issue, but you beat me to it. Thanks for this bit of info. I had not considered the problem of being a snag hazard.
I did a brief explanation about 2 seconds before you posted. If you want more info, just let me know.
ETA: that sounds harsh, not my intent. I assume that you were writing your post as I hit submit.
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I’m running the off-set KAC flip-up BUIS right now and I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I need them they’re easy to deploy. When I’m running drills they’re going to be deployed anyway. If I don’t need them I can flip them down and they’re out of the way. A lot of benefits to having off-set flip-up irons.
No I’m good, but thank you. I think we were posting at the same time and I changed my post after seeing that you had already addressed my question.
ETA: And I didn’t take it as being harsh at all.
I’m curious if there are any special considerations to take into account when zeroing offset irons or is it just like zeroing any regular set of sights? Do you still zero at 100 meters or something closer?
And OP I hope you don’t feel like I’m trying to take over your thread. That’s not my intent. By the time this discussion’s over we both might be using offset irons.
Good discussion, Surefire set looks nice, but the KAC offsets perhaps seem like a better option even yet. I too am curious now that I woke up and the discussion has gotten to this point, what is the general consensus on what range to zero offset irons?
Personally, I like a 200 meter (or 2"-3" high at 100 meters) zero for irons. Especially for the ones that have the ability to be dialed for distance, as they tend to bottom out at 200.
It can be a bit difficult getting the gun in a solid position since it will be canted 45ish degrees. Bipods help (might only be able to use one leg), or you can use a front rest (my preference).
Thanks for the write up, Jack. You definitely cleared up my concerns about running offset, flip up irons. I feel silly for thinking I had to get fixed BUIS.
So do the KAC offset sights lock in the up and down position using a spring loaded detent, or do you have to depress a button to fold them up or down ?
OP, how are your eyes? I am running a TR24, with a micro Aimpoint on a Larue offset as a backup. My eyes are at the point where I can choose to see either the iron sights, or the target, but not see both very well. The red dot being in the same focal plane as the target solves that problem. I figured that if things had already gone badly enough that my primary sight was down and I needed to go to backup, I didn’t also need to turn into Mr. Magoo at the same time. Certainly not as robust as iron sights for backup, and relies on a battery. I’m going to try the iron sight option one of these days to see if it will at least get me out of trouble at CQB range. My experience is limited, so I defer to the SMEs but it’s something to consider.
Fairly robust detent.
Here is a pretty good pic of the affair:
That long bar is the detent.
I think I’m going to go with the offset irons, probably the KACS. Thing is, I am in south Florida and 1/2 the year it’s very humid, so optics fogging up at an inopportune is a real possibility. I’d rather have irons I could depend on if I needed something quickly in a pinch.
Thanks for the follow-up. All your help has been very informative.
How do they attach to the rail? I’ve been trying to figure it out for a while now lol
I can see there are pros and cons to both types of sights, but for me and having 20/40 corrected vision in my shooting eye, an offset Aimpoint micro would win out in target acquisition speed and in the accuracy department. As for optics fogging up, are there any anti-fog products for optics out there that work ?
A screw from the right side that snugs them up against the starboard side of the receiver (the underside of the rail area) - just takes an allen wrench and some loctite and they’re solid.
I’m partial to the offset irons, especially paired with variable optics that are 1-Nx zoom. With the low powered variables, they function like fixed BUIS when I’m using the low powered variable at night (a backup if needed), and in the daytime when I’m at higher zoom they’re just a flip-away 1x sighting option. Yes, I realize that the offset irons haven’t changed the function in any way, but they’re providing different handy utility in both configurations of the scope I’m using them alongside, and that’s why to me the irons are the better option when using a low powered variable.
On a higher zoom rifle (e.g. .308 AR with a 2.5-10x optic) I see a much better case for an offset red dot, since there isn’t such a readily available option for it to have a quick reflex sighting capability.
No need to depress any buttons to deploy or stow them. Positive lock when engaged and will easily flip down if inadvertently bumped. The way they’re attached to the rail, from the underside, makes for a seemless integration and strealined appearance. Bottom line is these irons are the shit.
Hey OP,
Apologies for my useless initial reply. I was just trying to get a laugh.
But like F2S said, offset flip-up irons are a good option.
I had a set of Troy’s, so instead of getting KAC offsets, I just put the Troy’s on a JP Rail Offset mount. Tighten it down, Loctite it and it’s good to go. I flip down the Troy when in storage or transport. Works pretty well.
Although, I have been thinking about adding a very small and light red dot if I can fit it under my optic somehow.
I had a friend who is a very good shooter try what you made a comment about. But he found that you could not get consistent ejection with a scope mounted off to the side over the ejection port and the angle of the bore to the scope becomes an issue at longer ranges.
Pat