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View Full Version : The Mako Group FAB Defense Back Up Sights



Eric
27 June 2014, 00:26
The Mako Group had the FAB Defense Back Up Sights on display at SHOT this year and now I have a set that I've been using on a 16” carbine with a Rainier Arms Samson Evolution rail.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5303.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5303.jpg.html)

Available as a front and rear set (https://www.themakogroup.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=1042633) or separately. Lightweight polymer material is used in the dual-aperture sight.
Color options include black, FDE and OD green. Front sight weight: .88 oz. Rear sight weight: 1 oz.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5321-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5321-1.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5322-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5322-1.jpg.html)

Any weapon that relies on a battery powered optic needs to have back up sights available, regardless of how reliable you think they are. I've had to send several in for service and had one fail during a critical moment. Stuff happens.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5342.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5342.jpg.html)

Installation was straight forward, but both sights attach with a screw requiring a 1.5mm hex wrench, which is not included. I'd prefer to see a standard slotted screw instead of the less common metric hex. A drop of Loctite 242 or similar to keep the screws secure is always recommended on backup sights.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5344.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5344.jpg.html)

The sights remain securely folded down until needed and they're easy to deploy to the upright position. They do not have a locking mechanism, but they are under spring tension and won't inadvertently fold down since they require a decent amount of pressure to overcome the spring. The rear sight easily adjusts for windage via a drum on the left side.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5338.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5338.jpg.html)

The front sight post is adjustable for elevation by way of a rotating wheel that is finger-adjustable. However, there is a bit of confusion involved here. There's an arrow and “UP” indicator that leads one to believe that moving the wheel would move the point of impact up, as in the M4/M16/AR15, but the opposite is true. The post is moved up, which moves the point of impact down. The front sight post itself is round, with the tip having a very slight dome. My eye is a bit more accustomed to seeing a squared off A2 sight, but this worked okay.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5340.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5340.jpg.html)

Pricing is about $93 for the set and it's inevitable that this will be compared to the Magpul MBUS, which is at a similar price point.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v503/AR15forme/Mako/IMG_5330.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/AR15forme/media/Mako/IMG_5330.jpg.html)

The FAB Defense Back Up Sight it another option to check out, especially if trying to safe a few bucks over some of the more expensive sets.