Midwest Industries SPLP Flip Up Sights

There's a plethora of options for putting sights on an AR-15. The flooded market for just about every type of component allows us black rifle lovers to choose what style, function, and bottom dollar for each part. If you are shopping for iron sights, specifically models that collapse when not it use, and flip up into postion when needed, the options are pretty bountiful. When looking for some low profile back up irons that wouldn't look obtrusive on my Lone Wolf Distributors G9 Pistol, I picked up a set from Midwest Industries that fit the build and my budget fairly well.

The Midwest Industries SPLP Flip Up Sights (SPLP = Same Plane Low Profile) fall into what I would call the middle ground of the marketplace. While not the most expensive, but above the mid range, the MI SPLP sights certainly are designed and engineered better that lower cost flip up sets. The pivoting of the front sight tower/rear sight housing is certainly smooth, with a positive detent lock that can be heard with an audible 'click.' There is no side movement when I tried to wobble them.  They both do rock rearward in their detent about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch, however the mechanism's tension forces them back forward to the correct position. The button to release the detent lock on both sights is pretty small, smaller than a safety button on a Remington 870 or Ruger 10/22. While they are difficult to unlock and collapse only by feel and muscle memory, its not impossible (and you are unlikely to be in a dire hurry to fold them down to begin with).

The front sight I chose is handguard height, and perfectly cowitness with a Vortex Sparc II. I specifically wanted an absolute cowitness, as well as a circular hooded front sight, which is sometimes marketed as the "HK style." To me these really made shooting a short, light recoiling 9mm carbine a dream. For most modern rifle owners, their red dot optic is their primary while their flip up sights are purely for back up. For me, the sight picture through these SPLP sights makes shooting even more enjoyable than the red dot itself. I would imagine that a carbine or rifle length firearm with these sights would still feel the same.

 Overall I would say that while these sights don't feel quite as solid and robust as their Troy Industries counterpart by only a narrow margin, the Midwest Industries SPLP sights are very exceptional and I'm satisfied with my purchase.

Firearms Insider Reviews – 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:  Extremely low profile, battle-proven design

Target Market:  AR-15 rifle / pistol owners

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Rear Sight:

• Same plane (absolute co-witness)
• Low profile, sits only .4375 folded
• Dual aperture design
• Micro style windage knob featuring the same MOA adjustments as standard A2

Front Sight:

• Uses standard A2 front sight post
• Super smooth ball bearing pivot detent
• 6061 aluminum, hard coat anodized
• Handguard or Gas Block Height

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black, Flat Dark Earth, or OD Green anodizing

What others are saying?:

"Low profile allows for install under optics such as ACOG or magnification for aimpoints and eotechs. Rugged enough to withstand field use. Locks into place easily and smoothly. Comparable to Troy Industries. I give it a 4 stars only because it not Troy Industries. Highly recommended for price and durability." Brownells Review

Price point:

• MSRP = $209.95 set
• Front Separate: $99.95
• Rear Separate: $129.95

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available online at Midwest Industries or locally.

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Low Profile, co-witness looks and shoots great
• Installation screw is flush / no snag
• Smaller windage knob works well and smaller to keep overall profile low

Cons:

• Anodizing will wear over time/use
• Front sight tower / rear sight housing rock backwards slightly with force (but returned when released)
• Release button is small/minute

Score: 7.5 Good

Featured FFL:

For FFL services I choose Promised Land Firearms in Toulon, IL.

Ryan's Links:

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Hunter of Design

Midwest Industries Gen 2 SS FF Handguard

By Agent 95

As I began to think about building my next precision rifle, I realized I wanted something lightweight and reliable.  A rifle that I can run around with (If ever needed to) without carrying too much weight. With this in mind, I knew it would be nearly impossible to have a lightweight 20” rifle, but I would try to make it as light as possible while keeping the sexy look of the AR-15.  This is when I came across the Midwest Industries Gen 2 SS FF Handguard.

I’m sure most of you readers know or have heard about Midwest Industries and their customer service. With their reputation, I decided to pull the trigger on their handguard. One thing that really attracted me to this product was the price, the design and its weight. At the time of purchase, I knew this rail would fit the bill.

MI offers this rail in various lengths to fit the look you want for your AR-15. The lengths and weight of the rails they offer are 7” (7.1oz), 9” (8.3oz), 10” (8.6oz), 12” (9.3oz) and 15” (10.9oz).

The rail will come in a sealed hard plastic cover that includes the rail itself, three (3) modular rail sections including a bipod stud, MI barrel nut wrench and a MI proprietary barrel nut. The rail has 2 studs, which fits perfectly with the barrel nut to prevent any rotation. The barrel nut also has a checkered cut design that is designed to prevent rotation of the handguard.

Overall, the Midwest industries really hit the spot on this handguard. It’s lightweight, durable and easy to handle. Who wouldn’t want to get their hands on a piece like this?

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 key points

Claim to Fame:  Lightweight and tough build.

Target Market:  3 gun shooters, run and gun shooters, recreational shooting.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

Key Features:

• 6061 Aluminum.
• Hard Coat Anodizing.
• 1.5” outside diameter.
• Free floating.
• Lightweight.
• Great length selection for all builds.

What aesthetic options or finishes are available? It comes in Black, Flat Dark Earth and Olive Drab Green. Weights and Lengths are listed in my description above.

What others are saying?

• Tactical Gun Review
• Colddeadhands.us

Price point

• MSRP = $139.95-$189.95 (Special Pricing from MI at the moment)
• Retail  = $139.95-$189.95

I need it now! Availability

Brownells, and many other locations.

Our Rating +Very comfortable to hold. +Extremely lightweight. +One piece free float design. +Great value for what you get.

-Since the rail’s diameter is so small, it is more prone to heat after rapid fire.

Score = 9.0