Magpul MBUS 3 Front and Rear Sights Review

Affordable, Durable, and User-Friendly Iron Sights for AR Platforms

Not everyone wants to run an optic on their rifle, some prefer the iron sights. If you’re searching for reliable, lightweight, and easy-to-use back-up iron sights for your AR-15 or similar platforms, the Magpul MBUS 3 Front Sights and Magpul MBUS 3 Rear Sights might be the ideal solution. These sights combine the affordability of the original MBUS with the low-profile design and enhanced functionality of the MBUS Pro, making them an appealing choice for shooters looking to upgrade or supplement their firearms.

Our team at Guerrilla Tactical is going to explore all aspects of the Magpul MBUS 3 Front and Rear Sights, including construction, functionality, and how they stand out in a competitive market.

Why Choose Magpul MBUS 3 Sights?

Magpul is known for creating high-quality firearm accessories that provide excellent value, durability, and functionality. The MBUS 3 line was designed to offer an affordable option for shooters while also meeting the demands of rugged use in the field. Available at a competitive price, the MBUS 3 sights are constructed from impact-resistant polymer, giving them the strength and lightweight profile shooters expect from Magpul products.

Additionally, these sights are manufactured in the USA, a significant point for those who prioritize American-made products.

Key Benefits of the Magpul MBUS 3 Sights

Low Profile and Lightweight: The MBUS 3 Front and Rear Sights are significantly reduced in size compared to the original MBUS, offering a lower profile and a more streamlined look. With a folded height of just 0.47 inches for the front sight and 0.55 inches for the rear sight, these sights are designed to remain unobtrusive until needed.
Enhanced Durability: Made from a high-quality impact-resistant polymer, the MBUS 3 sights are exceptionally durable. This polymer construction ensures they can withstand heavy use, including rugged handling and outdoor exposure, without adding excess weight to the firearm. While lightweight, they’re built tough, providing long-lasting reliability in harsh conditions.
Ease of Adjustment: The MBUS 3 sights are designed for quick and easy adjustments without the need for tools. The front sight features tool-free elevation adjustments, allowing users to make rapid changes to suit different shooting distances. The rear sight includes windage adjustment and a rapid-select aperture system, enabling fast, seamless changes to adapt to varying conditions.
Spring-Loaded Deployment: Both the MBUS 3 Front and Rear Sights feature Magpul’s signature spring-loaded technology. This ambidextrous push-button deployment system allows for swift activation, ensuring that your sights are ready when needed. This feature is particularly valuable in high-stress situations where quick sight deployment is crucial.

Magpul MBUS 3 Front Sight – Detailed Breakdown

The Magpul MBUS 3 Front Sight is priced at $40, making it one of the more affordable options in the market for a high-quality back-up sight. This front sight is optimized for the AR-15 and M16 platforms and is compatible with most MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails, making it versatile and easy to install on a wide range of firearms. Here are the key features of the MBUS 3 Front Sight:

Tool-Free Elevation Adjustment: The MBUS 3 Front Sight allows for quick elevation adjustments without any tools. This design makes it simple to zero in on your target, even in dynamic environments. An elevation adjustment tool is included with the front sight, but most aftermarket A2 front sight adjustment tools are also compatible, giving shooters added flexibility.
Compact Design: When folded, the MBUS 3 Front Sight is only 0.47 inches high and 1.38 inches wide at its widest point, making it compact and unobtrusive. When deployed, it sits at a standard AR height, aligning seamlessly with most AR-15 or M16 setups.
Impact-Resistant Construction: Crafted from a robust polymer material, the front sight provides a lightweight yet highly durable structure, built to endure rough handling, impacts, and challenging conditions.
Secure Clamping Mechanism: This sight clamps securely to most Picatinny rails, ensuring it stays in place during shooting sessions. Its design also enables it to fold down flush with the rail, protecting it when not in use.

The MBUS 3 Front Sight’s affordable price and range of features make it an attractive option for anyone in need of a reliable, durable front sight that won’t break the bank.

Magpul MBUS 3 Rear Sight – Detailed Breakdown

The Magpul MBUS 3 Rear Sight, priced at $58, is the perfect companion for the MBUS 3 Front Sight. Built with the same impact-resistant polymer, it’s lightweight and durable, making it well-suited for both professional use and recreational shooting. This sight boasts a range of features that enhance its usability, adaptability, and overall performance.

Windage Adjustment and Rapid-Select Aperture: One of the standout features of the MBUS 3 Rear Sight is its windage-adjustable, rapid-select aperture system. This feature allows users to quickly change the aperture size to adapt to different lighting and shooting distances, making it versatile in a variety of shooting scenarios.
Spring-Loaded Deployment: Similar to the front sight, the MBUS 3 Rear Sight includes Magpul’s ambidextrous push-button deployment system. The spring-loaded mechanism allows for fast deployment when needed, ensuring that the sight is ready for action at a moment’s notice.
Low-Profile Design: Measuring only 0.55 inches high when folded, the rear sight maintains a minimal footprint on the rifle. When deployed, it aligns with the standard AR height, providing a consistent and reliable sight picture.
Lightweight but Sturdy: Weighing just 30 grams with hardware, the MBUS 3 Rear Sight is exceptionally lightweight, allowing for easier handling and reducing overall weapon weight. This low weight does not compromise its resilience, thanks to the high-quality polymer construction.

Magpul MBUS 3 vs. Competitors

The MBUS 3 sights stand out for their unique balance of quality, affordability, and features compared to many competitor sights. The polymer construction makes them lightweight and impact-resistant, while the tool-free adjustments and spring-loaded deployment system give them an edge in terms of usability. While some may prefer metal sights for ultimate durability, the MBUS 3’s polymer offers sufficient strength for most situations and at a fraction of the cost.

Installation and Compatibility

Both the MBUS 3 Front and Rear Sights are designed to fit securely on MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails. Installation is straightforward, requiring no specialized tools, and they are tailored specifically for AR-15 and M16 platforms. The sights clamp firmly to the rail, minimizing the risk of movement or detachment during use.

User Experience and Performance

Owners of the Magpul MBUS 3 Front and Rear Sights report that these sights deliver outstanding performance across various environments. The spring-loaded deployment and rapid-select aperture system make them ideal for quick target acquisition, while the tool-free adjustments ensure that zeroing the sights is efficient and easy. Users appreciate the durability and lightweight design, which makes these sights suitable for extended shooting sessions without adding significant weight to their firearms.

Conclusion

The Magpul MBUS 3 Front and Rear Sights are top-notch back-up sights that excel in quality, affordability, and ease of use. Ideal for AR-15 and M16 platforms, they combine the low-profile design of the MBUS Pro with the original MBUS’s affordability. The polymer construction ensures they are durable yet lightweight, capable of enduring the rigors of rugged outdoor use without adding unnecessary bulk. With features like tool-free adjustments, spring-loaded deployment, and a secure clamping mechanism, the MBUS 3 sights offer excellent value for anyone in need of reliable back-up sights.

Whether you’re a professional, a recreational shooter, or someone looking to add dependable back-up sights to your rifle, the Magpul MBUS 3 sights are an excellent choice that won’t disappoint. With both front and rear sights available at accessible prices, they deliver a balance of durability, functionality, and affordability that is hard to beat.

Check out Guerrilla Tactical for your first aid needs, and be sure to follow us on Instagram!