Sight, Iron

“Iron sights” is a common term for an aiming system used on guns that has the shooter align a series of geometric shapes with the desired point of impact. The name is derived from the from the simple fact that traditionally these sights have been made from metal. Sighting systems referred to as “iron sights” exclude the use of optic (reflex, holographic, or telescopic) elements.1

related:

gunsmithing notes:

      • Unless otherwise specified, remove dovetailed iron sights from left to right2
      • Unless otherwise specified, install dovetailed iron sights from right to left3
      • When adjusting iron sights (point of aim vs point of impact), move the rear sight in the direction you want the point of impact to move.4
      • When adjusting iron sights (point of aim vs point of impact), move the front sight in the opposite direction you want the point of impact to move.5
      • …

 

footnotes/sources:

  1. The author is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Gunsmithing School’s Master Gunsmithing Program.
  2. The author is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Gunsmithing School’s Master Gunsmithing Program.
  3. The author is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Gunsmithing School’s Master Gunsmithing Program.
  4. The author is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Gunsmithing School’s Master Gunsmithing Program.
  5. The author is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Gunsmithing School’s Master Gunsmithing Program.