Different sights on an AR rifle

There are two kinds of sight options available on some AR rifles. This particular Smith and Wesson M&P 15T I have been using for the blog photos has a dual-aperture sight on the rear battle sight. This photo blog will illustrate the difference in the two sight apertures and how to best utilize each one for sighting a target.

Apertures on this particular model of AR rifle makes acquiring targets much easier. The photo below is a closeup of a rear battlesight on a Smith and Wesson M&P 15T with the larger aperture up and in place.


You can change the aperture to a smaller focus fairly easy.

To change between large or small apertures, just pivot the rear battlesight by pressing up or down, depending on the aperture you require. In the photo below, by pressing down on the large aperture, I am bringing the smaller aperture up into use.


It is pretty straightforward. The next photo is a photo of the rear battlesight with the smaller aperture in place.


Now the smaller aperture is up and in place. So what exactly do you use the small and large apertures for? By themselves, the apertures are useless. But using them in combination with the front sights on your rifle (or handgun), you will hit your target no matter if it is moving or standing still.

This next photo and the bounced flash off the front sight was a complete accident, but it illustrates perfectly how to use a battlesight (or for that matter, any iron or "fixed" sights.)


You want to look THROUGH the rear sight (the one closest to you) and look AT the front sight (the one farthest away from you.) In the photo above, the front sight is white because of the bright flash. Your focus should be on the front sight and placing that front sight on your target. The rear sight is used to help focus your front sight targeting, just as it appears in the photo above.

This next photo is the view through the smaller aperture through the battlesight. You will notice your eye is more focused on one specific area.. right on the target.


This aperture setting is useful for aiming at stationary targets and also best for use in "long range" firing. Your eye is pulled into the immediate sight area and is more attuned to the target and not so much to the distractions of the surrounding area.

This next photo is the view through the larger aperture through the battlesight. You will notice your eye is more open to the surrounding areas of the target, and not so focused on one specific area.


This aperture setting is useful for aiming at moving targets and for use in "normal" range firing. Your eye is free to look at the surrounding areas, pick up movement as it is coming into the firing range, and adjust your position or the rifle's direction accordingly.

Remember, to switch to the large aperture, push down on the front portion of the rear battlesight to pivot the large aperture up into position. To switch to the small aperture, push down on the rear portion of the rear battlesight to pivot the small aperture up and into position. The following diagram illustrates this procedure as the battlesights are in-between transition.


Battlesights alone will not hit the target, though. You must practice with your rifle at the range to see where the sight falls on certain distances and adjust your aim accordingly. Like the old saying goes, practice makes perfect!

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