REVIEW: Magpul MBUS Pro Offset Sights

Magpul has been offering the Polymer Backup Sights as emergency sights for a long time and subsequently also introduced an affordable steel sight (regular steel sights cost 200 euros and up), the MBUS Pro Sights. As a logical specialization, an offset version of the Pro Sights was also introduced, which we have tested for you.

Sports and military often have the same requirements. It quickly became clear in IPSC or 3Gun shooting that with the many distance differences, variable optics are also needed to be able to act more quickly. Whether it's an EOTech or Aimpoint with Magnifier, or a scope and a red dot at 45°, it all depends on the shooter's preferences. So it didn't take long for the first 45° iron sights to become available. These have the advantage especially for the military that they are not as delicate as a red dot in an exposed position and do not require a battery. However, the disadvantage of the first models was that the sights were fixed, meaning they could not be folded down, and of course, they could easily catch on something, especially the front sight.

Knights Armament was the first company to introduce folding Offset Backup Sights, but they are extremely difficult to obtain in Germany and at an absolutely overpriced price.

Other manufacturers followed, and eventually Magpul also released the MBUS Pro Offset Sights. These are only intended for right-handed shooters and are quickly mounted. When folded, both parts conform to the rifle and have a very low profile. When mounting the front sight, you can freely choose the point of attachment - either all the way to the front or somewhere on the handguard - it all depends on personal preference. The rear sight does not offer much flexibility, so especially for uppers with a forward assist, it's important to check if the sight fits at all.

Once the sights are mounted, it's time to adjust them. This is done in the same way as you would with regular backup sights, except you turn the rifle by 45°. Both the peep sight and the front sight can be adjusted without tools using a large, grippy screw.

The handling of the MBUS Pro Offset Sights is easy and straightforward. If you want to deploy them, you have to do it manually, there is no spring like with the polymer sights from Magpul. The advantage is that the sight folds down easily if it hits something, preventing damage. When the sight is folded up, there is a clear locking point at the end, which can easily withstand .308. The peep sight has two hole sizes that can be selected by folding down an insert.

The transition between the primary optic and the offset sights is intuitive. When looking through your primary optic and your cheek is against the stock, you turn the rifle by 45° and immediately have the peep sight and front sight in view. You don't have to lift your head and thus maintain a consistent shooting position.

Our tester is a right-handed shooter with left eye dominance, which makes acquiring a red dot at 45° significantly more difficult and time-consuming. The iron sights, on the other hand, are practically in the line of sight and in this application the only sensible option.

CONCLUSION: When using a variable optic on an AR, you usually also have BUIS installed. However, these are hardly ever used. By opting for Offset BUIS, you have the opportunity to quickly cover multiple distances. It also often happens that the primary sight fogs up and you can't see anything. The Magpul MBUS Pro Offset Sights are impeccably crafted, function perfectly, and are also available at an affordable price.

They are available, for example, at spartac for 180€

The Magpul video for the product