Backup Iron Sights in Modern Military Rifles: An Essential Convenience or a Necessity?
Military personnel often rely on a combination of mechanical and optical sights for the most accurate and efficient targeting. However, the discussion about whether soldiers should equip their rifles with backup iron sights, especially in case their primary optic gets damaged, has been a topic of debate. This article explores the relevance and necessity of backup iron sights in modern military rifles.
Understanding Iron Sights: BUIS (Back Up Iron Sights)
The terminology used in the military often refers to Back Up Iron Sights (BUIS) as the primary form of backup. These are integrated iron sights that are designed to complement the main optical sights. The BRAD (Basic Rifle Adjustable Diopter) sight is one such example, designed to be sturdy and reliable for backup use.
In many situations, the main rifle comes with built-in iron sights to serve as a secondary set of sights. For instance, when a soldier installs a scope (such as an ACOG) on a rifle, the iron sights are often left in place, unless they specifically interfere with the optics. The front sight, often elevated on the gas port, is typically focused on due to its close proximity to the front optic, and the back-up iron sights may go unnoticed. This dual system ensures that soldiers always have a reliable method to engage targets, even if their primary optic fails.
The Role of Backup Iron Sights in Combat
Backup iron sights are nearly always present on military weapons. They serve as a crucial backup in situations where optical sights may fail or be obstructed. Integrating iron sights into optical sights is a common practice as well, as seen in the ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight). These integrated iron sights provide a secondary aiming point in case the primary optic malfunctions.
Furthermore, some backup iron sights are designed to fold down to avoid interfering with the main optic. These sights can be quickly flipped up if the primary optic is compromised, providing a reliable backup. This design keeps the iron sights out of the way during normal operations while ensuring they are always available when needed. For example, in scenarios where the weather conditions or target distance require fine targeting, backup iron sights can be flipped up without any hassle.
The Importance of Having Back Up Sights
In a combat situation, the reliability of equipment is paramount. Soldiers often cannot choose their equipment, and are issued rifles with either mechanical sights, optical sights, or both, depending on the specific weapon. However, the vast majority of rifles carried by front-line soldiers are equipped with at least a rear iron sight, as the front sight post is already present, making additional iron sights redundant.
Modern advancements in red dot sights have made them reliable enough to be used as a primary sighting mechanism. As such, some soldiers opt to use only a red dot sight, as it requires less space on the rifle and is easier to install. However, this is still the exception rather than the norm, as the reliability and versatility of backup iron sights cannot be underestimated. In many high-stress combat situations, a pilot may not be able to replace or repair a broken optic, making backup iron sights a lifesaver.
Having backup iron sights on weapons is part of the degraded mode procedures. If primary optical sights fail, soldiers can switch to their backup iron sights, maintaining the ability to engage targets. While not as accurate or quick as the main sights, backup iron sights are still a critical part of the combat system. It is essential for soldiers to have access to backup iron sights, as their lives may depend on them in critical situations.
Conclusion
In summary, backup iron sights are not just an additional feature but a necessary safety measure in modern military rifles. They provide a reliable backup in case of optic failure, ensuring that soldiers are never left without a way to target and engage their enemies. While modern technology has made red dot sights more reliable, the integration and reliability of backup iron sights cannot be overlooked in combat scenarios. As long as the military prioritizes the safety and versatility of its equipment, backup iron sights will remain a crucial component of the arsenal.