Magpul has long offered Polymer Backup Sights for emergency use, and has since introduced the MBUS Pro Sights, a budget-friendly iron sight (common iron sights cost 200 euros and up). They have also introduced an offset version of the Pro Sights, which we have tested for you. The sport and the military often have similar requirements. It soon became clear in IPSC or 3Gun shooting that with the vast differences in distances, it was necessary to use an adjustable optics device to make shooting faster. Whether it was an EOTech or an Aimpoint with a magnifier, or a scope and a red dot at 45°, it all came down to the shooter’s preference. So it wasn’t long before the first 45° iron sights became available. These sights had the advantage, especially for the military, that they were not as fragile as red dots when in the illuminated position and that they did not require batteries. However, the downside of the first ones was that the sights were fixed, meaning they could not be folded down and of course could easily get caught on something, especially the front sight.
Knights Armament was the first company to introduce the Offset Backup Sights system, but in Germany, they are very difficult to find and are also very expensive.
Other manufacturers followed suit, and Magpul finally released the MBUS Pro Offset Sights, which are designed for right-handed shooters only and are quick to install. When folded, both halves fit into the rifle and have a very low profile. When attaching the front sight, you have the freedom to choose where to mount it, either on the front sight or on the handguard, depending on personal preference. The rear sight does not offer much flexibility, so especially for uppers with a forward assist, it is important to check that the sight fits properly.
Once the sights are installed, it's time to adjust them, which is done in the same way you would with any backup sight, except that you'll need to rotate the rifle 45°. Both the open sights and the front sight are tool-free adjustable using large screws that hold them in place.
The MBUS Pro Offset sight is easy and straightforward to handle. If you need to install it, you have to do so by hand. There is no spring like the polymer sights from Magpul. The advantage is that the sight can easily be folded down if it catches on something, helping to prevent damage. When the sight is folded up, there is a clear locking point at the end that can easily withstand .308 caliber ammunition. The sight has two sizes of eye holes that can be selected by folding down the insert plate.
The transition between primary and offset sights is intuitive. When you look through the primary and your cheek is against the buttstock, you can rotate the rifle 45° and instantly see the peep sights and front sight. You don't need to look up to maintain a stable firing position.
Our tester is a right-handed, left-eyed shooter, which makes aiming the red dot at 45° significantly more difficult and time-consuming. Iron sights, on the other hand, are virtually line of sight, and in this application, were the only sensible option.
Bottom line: When using adjustable optics with an AR, you will most likely have a BUIS installed. However, it is rarely used. Opting for an offset BUIS will allow you to cover a wide range of distances quickly. It is also common for the primary sight to fog up and you cannot see anything. The Magpul MBUS Pro offset sight is well-crafted, works perfectly, and is also very affordable.
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