How Flip-Up Backup Iron Sights Work
Flip-up backup iron sights sit folded flat on a Picatinny rail behind your optic and only stand up when you need them. One example is the Ozark Armament flip up sights
The Basics, Step by Step
What to know before you mount, zero and rely on a folding sight.
Where does the sight sit day to day?
The sight clamps onto a Picatinny rail, usually behind or in front of a red dot or scope. In its stowed position it lies folded down and out of the way, so it does not clutter the view through the optic. Mounting it is a matter of seating the clamp in a rail slot and tightening it to the maker's spec.
What happens if the optic fails?
You flip the rear and front sights up until they lock, then aim through their aperture and post the same way you would with any fixed iron sight. It takes a second or two and needs no batteries.
Why zero it, and how often?
Iron sights need to be zeroed once after mounting so the point of aim matches the point of impact at your chosen distance. After that, recheck the zero whenever you move the sight or change the optic, and confirm the rail clamp is still snug.
Pairing with a red dot
A red dot sight is the most common primary optic paired with folding irons. Check co-witness after mounting both: with the irons up, see where the front post lands relative to the dot through the glass, and note whether you have an absolute or lower-third setup.