Ever wondered why some shooters tilt their guns just like in the picture above before shooting? This is because they make use of sights that are offset by an angle of 45°. This is why they have to tilt their weapon to 45° to use the sight.
As they are called, offset sights are sometimes used as backup sights, but they can also serve as the main/only sight depending on what you need. Also, being a backup in this scenario does not mean they are only used when the main sight is bad. They are also useful in particular situations where their strengths are maximized.
Offset sights are perfect for short-distance shooting. They will also save you a lot of time as you do not have to readjust your scope before taking a shot. If fast shooting between long and short distances is your thing, adding an offset sight is a no-brainer. It is also useful in 3-gun competitions, home defense and general tactical shooting.
If you have made your decision to add an offset sight to your collection or completely switch to using offset sights, you’ll need to select the best offset sights for you. Here you’ll see a collection of top offset sights to use on your weapon. Offset sights can be used on shotguns, handguns, and even rifles.
Table of Contents
Best Offset Iron Sights
Do you want to know the best-offset iron sights in the market in 2023? Stick around as we go through the offset sights that stood tall above the rest after our tests.
These sights cut across different price ranges, optics brands, and styles. This is a good thing as all your peculiar needs are taken care of.
At a Glance: Our top picks for Best Offset Iron Sights
- TACTICON 45 Degrees Offset Flip Up Iron Sights – Our top pick
- Magpul MBUS Pro Offset Sight
- Ozark Armament 45 Degree Offset Backup Iron Sight
- Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sight
- Stinger Novelty Finger Offset Sight
- SOUFORCE Aluminum Flip Up Iron Sight
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | TACTICON 45 Degrees | • Good eye relief • Tremor 3 reticle • Extremely durable | View Price |
 | Magpul MBUS | • Affordable • Multi-coated lens • Magnification range of 4-16x | View Price |
 | Ozark Armament | • Zero set feature attached • Multi-coated lens • Magnification range of 4-14x | View Price |
 | Dueck Defense | • Magnification range of 4-14x • Wide objective lens of 44mm • Affordable scope | View Price |
 | Stinger Novelty | • One-piece body • Multi-coated lenses • Magnification range of 3-9x | View Price |
 | SOUFORCE | • Magnification range of 6-24x • Wide objective lens of 50mm • Durable scope | View Price |
1. TACTICON 45 Degrees Offset Flip Up Iron Sights
If you’re looking for a study and robust sight, you’ll hardly do better than one made by Tacticon. They are known for their properly built sights that can withstand the toughest of scenarios. This Tacticon offset iron sight is no different as it is made from hardened aircraft-grade aluminum. It won’t break when you mistakenly drop it or from rifle recoil pressure.
It is angled at 45 degrees. Even though an offset sight can serve you without being foldable, this Tacticon offset sight is foldable and comes with a push button to make everything easier and quicker.
Inside its package are a front sight adjustment tool to move its elevation and an Allen mounting wrench. To put this into context, you’ll struggle to find another sight that gives you these two additional gadgets for free. I mean, the front sight adjustment tool sells for at least $10 on Amazon. You can see the absolute bargain you’ll be getting with this offset sight. You’ll also get a wooden case that’ll house all these additional gadgets and even your ammunition.
This sight design and usage are typical of the regular two-sight aperture you may already be used to if you’ve used any before. This means the learning curve is quick and easy. It also sports a great sight that is less of an M4 and more of an Enfield.
A tactile turret on the rear sight controls the windage while the front sight controls the elevation. The front sight elevation is tool adjustable.
Pros
- Foldable sight
- Push button to flip up sight
- Sturdy build and durability
- Allen wrench and front sight adjustment tool attached
- Easy to understand and use
Cons
- Not ambidextrous
2. Magpul MBUS Pro Offset Sight
The ever-dependable MBUS sight is available in offset style for shooters who prefer using these sights both as the main sight for short-distance shooting or as a backup to use when their main sight fails.
If you have used MBUS inline sight before, you wouldn’t have any problem using this sight as they are exactly alike, just the angle difference. But even if you haven’t used any from MBUS, this sight is made like the regular two aperture sights to make it easier for their users to adapt to it.
This offset is also more affordable than some of the top offset sights available while still boasting amazing quality and durability. All its body is made of steel which protects it from damage. Surprisingly, it is not heavy considering its steel build. It is also coated with melonite QPQ to prevent corrosion.
You do not need tools to adjust the elevation BN and windage of this offset iron sight, which means you get to do your adjustments faster and easier. They are easy to mount on various weapons, all you need is a Picatinny rail, and you’re good to go. MBUS pro offset also has a low profile, making it possible to use it on rifles with many other accessories. And it weighs just 6.4 ounces.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sturdy and dependable
- Easy to mount on most rifles
- Low profile
- Coated with melonite QPQ
- Finger adjustable elevation and windage turrets
- All steel body
Cons
- Basic features
- Does not lock firmly in place
3. Ozark Armament 45 Degree Offset Backup Iron Sight
You can get both a fixed and a flip-up version of this Ozark offset sight. Depending on your preference, you get to choose which to purchase and they are all sold at the same price. The flip-up version has a low profile and would allow you to use it even on weapons with many other accessories attached to it. The fixed version on the other hand cannot be folded when not in use but that shouldn’t be much of a problem as offset sights are designed to not interface too much with your shooting activities when you choose to use an inline sight.
This sight is fully adjustable for both elevation and windage. It is also made from premium aluminum alloy that keeps it durable and prevents it from getting damaged from recoil pressure or impact from falls.
It allows for a quick transition between other sights. The flip-up variant of this offset sight most especially gives you room to use other sights and quickly switch between it and others in the field without losing time. It also holds zero well.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Fully adjustable windage and elevation directions
- Finger adjustable turrets
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not am ambidextrous
4. Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sight
If you’re a 3-gun enthusiast, you must have heard of Barry Dueck. Barry has won the 3 gun championship multiple times, has military experience, and is a designer in the firearms industry. All this makes this company’s offset sight more interesting. The Dueck defense rapid transition sight lives up to the billing pretty well.
This offset sight is angled 45 degrees on the axis of the bore, not on the rail, and this makes it special. It is made from 7075 aluminum, and its body is hard anodized. This combination keeps its body durable and the scope in good condition even if it bumps on a hard surface.
Dueck’s RTS is fixed and cannot be folded, but it is designed with a low-profile rail section. It uses slotted screws to hold the sight unto the mount. Another good point to this sight is that it uses the same aiming and zeroing principles as other sights and you do not need a learning process before you can start using it as long as you know how to use other sights. Its windage adjustment system on the rear sight is A2 style. The A2 style system is also prominent on its front sight’s elevation adjustment.
The adjustment turrets for the elevation and windage are both on the rear sight of the offset sight. They are also finger adjustable without the need for tools.
While you may not need to start learning from afresh before using this sight, you need a bit of practice before you can get used to it. This will help you enjoy one of its major uses – speed.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Simple and firm mounting system
- Low profile sight
- Fully adjustable for elevation and windage
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
- Fixed sight
5. Stinger Novelty Finger Offset Sight
The unique design is an understatement when it comes to this Stinger offset sight. Instead of the regular offset sight design, Stinger decided to take creativity up a notch by making a finger-like design for both the rear and front sight. The front sight is the shape of the middle finger, while the rear sight, the ok sign.
You’re sure to turn heads when you whip this sight out at a range. Design is at the forefront of this sight’s powers, made for shooters who want to turn heads and make a statement.
Even though its design is the most noticeable feature on this sight, it is not just about an appealing build. It is made from aluminum alloy for durability when in use and if it bumps on a hard surface or falls to the ground.
The mounting system is firm and uses hexagonal screws and an Allen wrench to hold the sight firmly. They can be used on regular mounting rails like the Picatinny rails, so you do not need to buy a special rail for it. It has a low profile, so it will not obstruct your view when using it with an inline sight.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Firm on the mount
- Can be used on most popular mounting systems
- Amazing design
- Durable
- Low profile design
Cons
- The fingers can break
6. SOUFORCE Aluminum Flip Up Iron Sight
This souforce 45 degrees sight is low profile which means it can be used on weapons with other accessories without obstructing you. It also uses popular mounting rails like the Picatinny and Weaver rails. Most shooters already have these in their arsenal and so wouldn’t need to purchase another rail for this sight.
Not only is it low profile when in use, but it can also be folded when not in use to give you more room and protect it from damage if it falls. They are made from high-density aircraft-grade aluminum alloys and finished with a matte black design. This will keep it durable even in the toughest conditions and also prevent it from producing glare when used under bright light.
Its easy-to-use design involves a flip-up button that controls the folding of the sight. This way you can quickly switch between this offset sight and other inline sights you may be using. Its ambidextrous design makes it easy for both left and right-handed users to use this sight without issues.
It also has a fully adjustable rear sight that controls the windage with quick and better target apertures.
Pros
- Ambidextrous design
- Low profile sight
- Foldable
- Sturdy and durable
- Uses the regular railing system
Cons
- The elevation is not fully adjustable
What to Consider Before Buying an Offset Sight?
If you want to purchase an offset sight, these factors will guide you and lead you to the best sight for your needs. It is also how we came about this list of the best offset sights for you.
- Fixed or Folded Sights
First of all, fixed sights are firm in place with no movable parts. Once you mount them, they remain in the same position. This is particularly helpful to shooters who use their offset sights frequently.
Folded sights can be folded when not in use. They are perfect for shooters who use this sight sparingly. The foldable offset sight allows you to have more room when using your main sight.
You can decide on the type of sight you want to get.
- Durability
Because of its position, it’ll bump on hard surfaces more times than normal. You want to buy an offset sight that can withstand this pressure without breaking.
The material it is made of, its finish, and its design are some of the things that can affect the durability of an offset sight. You want to get an offset sight that is made from durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum alloys. You also want a sight that is hard anodized, or it’s equivalent.
- Price
How much are you willing to spend? Start from this position before looking for a matching offset sight to purchase.
There are several offset sights with varying prices in the market. You can get the best sight in your budget without breaking a sweat. You should also know that price doesn’t necessarily mean quality, even though most of the best sights are at the higher price spectrum.
- Ambidextrous
Are you right or left-handed? Ensure to check the offset sight’s position to know if it’ll match your dominant hand before buying. You can also save yourself stress by purchasing ambidextrous sights that both left and right-handed shooters can use.
Summary
Offset sights angled at 45 degrees help you shoot at short-distance targets quickly and effectively. They can also serve and back up sights to the main inline sight since they hardly obstruct the inline sight’s view.
This collection of some of the best offset sights will make your buying decision easier.
