TFB Review: Meprolight FABS Self-Illuminated Metal Flip Backup Sights
Let’s dive into something that every rifle needs but doesn’t always get enough attention – backup iron sights. Today we’re looking at the Meprolight FABS, a set of flip-up sights that promise durability and low-light capability. I’ve spent some time with these on the range, and while they definitely have some strong points, there are also a few things you should know before dropping your hard-earned cash on them.
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Specifications: Meprolight FABS
The FABS (Folding-Adjustable-Back-up-Sights) system is specifically designed to work with taller optic setups, compatible with both 1.5″ and 1.93″ optic heights. This flexibility makes them particularly interesting for users running elevated optics who need a reliable backup solution. They’re built for durability with an all-metal construction, and Meprolight backs the tritium illumination with a solid 12-year warranty.
Material: All-metal constructionOptic Height Compatibility: 1.5″ and 1.93″Front Sight: Green Swiss Tritium illuminationRear Sight: Non-illuminatedAdjustments: 1 MOA per click (both windage and elevation)Rail Mount: PicatinnyInstallation Tool Required: TORX T20 keyColor: BlackWarranty: 12 years on tritium illuminationWeight: 3.8 oz
Coming in at $209.99, these sights aren’t exactly budget-friendly. The durability factor of the all-metal construction and the tritium integration in the front sight are the main justifications for the cost, though the lack of tritium in the rear sight might make some shooters question the value proposition.
“The all-metal FABS are tritium-enhanced, self-illuminated front and rear Folding— Adjustable —Back-up — Sights flip into place in case the primary optics go down. Designed for military and LE shooters running a taller optic.”
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First Impressions: Meprolight FABS
The retail packaging is probably great for store displays, but it’s about as user-friendly as a cactus handshake – and good luck finding any instructions in there. Once I finally liberated the sights from their plastic prison, things started looking up. The build quality is immediately apparent when you get these in your hands, with solid metal construction that feels like it could take a beating and keep on ticking.
The transition from this initial frustration to actually handling the sights themselves was like night and day. Installation was refreshingly straightforward, requiring no special tools or YouTube tutorials to figure out. The tritium front sight immediately caught my attention when I checked them in low light, giving off that reassuring green glow that you want in your night sights. The flip-up mechanism feels positive and secure, exactly what you’d expect from a quality backup sight system.
Range Time: Meprolight FABS
Working with these sights at the range revealed their true character. The all-metal construction definitely inspires confidence – there’s no feeling of cheap plastic parts that might give way under stress. The positive flip-up and flip-down action is crisp and decisive, giving you that tactical feedback that lets you know things are working as they should. Their slim profile keeps them out of the way when not in use, and when deployed, they present a clear, precise sight picture that makes target acquisition straightforward.
The front sight’s tritium element performs admirably in low-light conditions, though this highlights a significant oversight – the rear sight’s lack of any illumination makes the system somewhat less effective than it could be in true low-light situations.
While the price point of $209.99 positions these in the premium category, they don’t quite deliver the complete package you might expect at this price point. The lack of rear-sight illumination feels like a missed opportunity. That said, they absolutely get the job done as backup iron sights. During testing, accuracy was perfectly acceptable – I was consistently hitting what I aimed at, which is really what matters most.
It should be mentioned that Meprolight does offer illuminated sight pieces for replacing ordinary sight posts and apertures as well as adding to that pesky rear sight I am so stuck on.
Conclusion: Meprolight FABS
The Meprolight FABS are solid, functional backup sights that will serve their purpose reliably, particularly for users running taller optics. While the price point might seem steep given the lack of rear illumination, the quality construction and front tritium sight with its 12-year warranty add value for those who prioritize durability. They’re not game-changing, but they’re dependable – and sometimes that’s exactly what you need in a backup sight system.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Meprolight for allowing TFB and myself the opportunity to try out one of their FABS packages! That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that this sight setup is something worth spending your money on? Would you run to the range with this piece of illuminated flip-up goodness? Would this be on your go-to fun gun at the range? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.