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Backup SightsValue Tier

Magpul

Magpul MBUS Gen 2

Polymer backup iron sights with spring-loaded design

Quick Specs

Price
$99
Weight
2.5 oz
Brand
Magpul
Category
buis

Features

  • Polymer construction
  • Spring-loaded flip-up
  • Protective wings
  • Front and rear set

Capability Boosts

Reliability+1

Compatibility Tags

family: ar-patterninterface: picatinny-top

Overview

The Magpul MBUS Gen 2 backup sights have earned their place as the default choice for AR-15 builders seeking reliable backup iron sights at an affordable price point. The impact-resistant polymer construction keeps weight minimal while surviving the bumps, drops, and general abuse of regular use. For shooters who need functional backup sights without breaking the bank, the MBUS Gen 2 delivers proven performance trusted by millions of users.

The spring-loaded deployment mechanism allows rapid sight activation from either side of the rear sight or by pressing the top - critical when you need irons fast. The dual-aperture rear sight includes a protected aperture with protective wings and a windage adjustment wheel for tool-free zeroing. The front sight provides elevation adjustment with a standard A2-height sight post that works with tritium upgrade inserts if desired.

While some question the durability of polymer sights, the MBUS Gen 2 has proven remarkably robust in real-world use. The sights may flex under extreme impact rather than breaking, and the polymer construction eliminates concerns about rust or corrosion. For budget-conscious builds, training rifles, or any application where lightweight backup sights are needed, the MBUS Gen 2 remains the industry standard that other polymer sights are measured against.

Key Features

  • Impact-resistant polymer construction
  • Spring-loaded deployment from either side or top
  • Dual-aperture rear with protected aperture
  • Tool-free windage adjustment on rear sight
  • Standard A2 sight height for proper co-witness
  • Mounts to MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails
  • Compatible with aftermarket tritium inserts

Pros

  • +Excellent value - functional irons at budget pricing
  • +Extremely lightweight (1.2-1.3 oz each)
  • +Spring-loaded deployment is fast and intuitive
  • +Impact-resistant polymer survives drops and abuse
  • +Dual apertures for CQB and precision shooting
  • +No corrosion concerns with polymer construction

Cons

  • Cannot be mounted on gas blocks (heat damage)
  • Bulkier profile than steel alternatives when stowed
  • Aperture switching mechanism can be stiff
  • Not as durable as metal sights under extreme abuse
  • Polymer can become brittle in extreme cold

Detailed Specifications

Material
Impact-resistant polymer
frontWeight
1.2 oz with hardware
rearWeight
1.3 oz with hardware
stowedHeight
0.51 inches above rail
deployedHeight
1.42 inches (center of aperture)
stowedLength
2.6 inches
deployedLength
1.5 inches
apertures
Dual (close/low-light and distance)
colors
Black, FDE, OD Green, Gray
countryOfOrigin
USA

Compatible Platforms

+18 more

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