Knock Off Magpul MBUS flip up sights

I needed two sets of the MBUS sights but just couldn't bring myself to buy them @ $115 a set ($76 rear/$37 front) x2 so I started looking around. Found an exact copy of the magpul sights for $22 a set. These sights appear to be identical to the Magpul sights. I'll know more after shooting them.

Yoana Generation II MB-US Flip Up Sights Front & Rear Folding Back Up Sight Set https://a.co/d/7DW6Wqa

Magpur

That’s just wrong. Counterfeit stuff is bad juju.

CZfool68 said:

That’s just wrong. Counterfeit stuff is bad juju.

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Ya. I get it. I always try to buy American stuff from American companies but I'm disabled and on a limited budget. I'd be glad to buy Magpul brand if they didn't cost 400% more than these exact same sights.

I bought them because I can't afford the REAL ones with all these "BIDENOMICS" making our economy the strongest its ever been. Maybe once Brandon is out of the white house I can go back to buying "REAL" stuff again.

Hmmm, I understand your status but keep an eye out during sales, they definitely go for less than retail box store prices and pretty often. I usually buy this deal just about anytime it pops up, I've had enough knock off flip sights cause grief to last a life time.

TriggerMan said:

Ya. I get it. I always try to buy American stuff from American companies but I'm disabled and on a limited budget. I'd be glad to buy Magpul brand if they didn't cost 400% more than these exact same sights.

I bought them because I can't afford the REAL ones with all these "BIDENOMICS" making our economy the strongest its ever been. Maybe once Brandon is out of the white house I can go back to buying "REAL" stuff again.

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I have no problem with anyone buying cheap foreign crap. Your dollars, your call. But counterfeit crap is not right, and in many cases not legal. Years ago there was counterfeit Leviton ground fault surge suppressors caught at the Long Beach Port in CA. Those could have killed people. So there is a difference between cheap crap and fraudulent crap,

Hunter600rr said:

Hmmm, I understand your status but keep an eye out during sales, they definitely go for less than retail box store prices and pretty often. I usually buy this deal just about anytime it pops up, I've had enough knock off flip sights cause grief to last a life time.

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Is that a single set (front & rear) or is that 2 complete sets (2 front & 2 rear) for $119? Where is that from?

TriggerMan said:

Is that a single set (front & rear) or is that 2 complete sets (2 front & 2 rear) for $119? Where is that from?

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https://ar15discounts.com/search-results/?q=mbus

That is $119.99 for x2 front and x2 rear, I also got a set of the gen 3 for $69.99 from this same site during a sale.

They are not currently at such a discounted price, but that order was fulfilled 04/25/2023, so they will randomly put all magpul products on a significant discount. I'd wager around the holidays we will see them around that price again.

I bet you can get a set from Optics Planet for less than $60. Just tell them you want a 25% discount. I’ve never been denied. It’s also with free shipping

Crankbait said:

I bet you can get a set from Optics Planet for less than $60. Just tell them you want a 25% discount. I’ve never been denied. It’s also with free shipping

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tell me more...
if they have what i want, and they don't backorder it to death, this could be interesting

Just a comment on your pricing… if you wait for sales, street price on MBUS have been around $60/set as long as I can remember. I’ve bought and sold a couple around $50. Pretty sure PSA has sold them for $50 during big sales. $110 is more like MBUS Pro pricing.

I love a deal and getting the most bang for my buck but I wouldn’t bother with $22 knock offs when I can get known quality originals for $50-60. My $.02.

Amazon product ASIN B06XKTQVG5
Full set $77 with free shipping. Still not $22 but I don’t think it is worth the savings

Best deal I can find right now but Brownells is rarely the best price so I’m sure there’s better out there.

Gen3
2 for $130

$75

They’re all over Arfcom for $45-55 Gen2 and Gen3, some new, some lightly used.

I've got a few sets these for shotguns and. 22, fiber optic too.

I have a question, which comes from not understanding back up sights.

What is the point of cheapo (Magpul OR knockoff) plastic MBUS? Does anyone use them on “real” go-to-danger guns?


If not, aren’t these just range-toys?


If I needed a go-to-danger rifle (I don’t and never will, so I have no good perspective here) my backup-sights would need to be tougher than my primary sight. Because whatever broke my primary happened, so something bad is going on.

I‘ve had (and still have one) set of MBUS, and I’m confident I would snap that front sight right off (or damage it irreparably) if I hit it hard (While in the up position).



Back to “range toy”. If my primary optic breaks, I just go home. Or grab a different gun. But… I don’t compete. If I did compete, I still feel like I’d want something “better”.



My question is, are the plastic MBUS just “toys”?

Plastic vs metal is just another way to do it, polymer frame pistols for an example.

I don't mean to say the MBUS is "bad" because they are plastic. The "plastic -vs- metal" thing is long since settled when it comes to guns.

I just think that even the "real" MBUS seems like toys.

Me. said:

I have a question, which comes from not understanding back up sights.

What is the point of cheapo (Magpul OR knockoff) plastic MBUS? Does anyone use them on “real” go-to-danger guns?


If not, aren’t these just range-toys?


If I needed a go-to-danger rifle (I don’t and never will, so I have no good perspective here) my backup-sights would need to be tougher than my primary sight. Because whatever broke my primary happened, so something bad is going on.

I‘ve had (and still have one) set of MBUS, and I’m confident I would snap that front sight right off (or damage it irreparably) if I hit it hard (While in the up position).



Back to “range toy”. If my primary optic breaks, I just go home. Or grab a different gun. But… I don’t compete. If I did compete, I still feel like I’d want something “better”.



My question is, are the plastic MBUS just “toys”?

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BUS (Back up sights) used to be called BUIS (Back up iron sights). They came into play when dot sights and optics began to be the norm. They are intended to be back ups in case of a malfunction to the electronic Primary. Whether that comes from physical damage, electronic malfunction or just a dead battery, low-tech iron sights are there so that you at least have some way to aim your rifle until you can fix or replace the primary sight. They aren't intended as back ups to primary iron sights. Whether you are out on the woods, in the middle of a training run or in an actual emergency situation, just grabbing another rifle probably isn't an option. As tough as the Holosun I have on my AK is, I still regularly practice with the my iron sights to keep my skills sharp.

Me. said:

I don't mean to say the MBUS is "bad" because they are plastic. The "plastic -vs- metal" thing is long since settled when it comes to guns.

I just think that even the "real" MBUS seems like toys.

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It's the belt AND suspenders approach. Better to have and not need, than to need and not have.

Warhammer said:

BUS (Back up sights) used to be called BUIS (Back up iron sights).

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I’m specifically talking about the MBUS. The Magpul plastic backup sights.

I think BUIS are useful.

Warhammer said:

Whether you are out on the woods, in the middle of a training run or in an actual emergency situation

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It‘s that third option I’m talking about. Are people setting up guns (that they think might actually be used for something serious) with plastic flip-up Magpul sights?

Me. said:

I’m specifically talking about the MBUS. The Magpul plastic backup sights.

I think BUIS are useful.



It‘s that third option I’m talking about. Are people setting up guns (that they think might actually be used for something serious) with plastic flip-up Magpul sights?

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I exclusively use $20 metal ones from amazon. they're just as good.

As I get more troy/midwest/etc metal ones they tend to go on my nicer rifles, with the reject cheaper sites getting moved down to a gun i don't like quite as much.
but it would be silly to say that plastic sights aren't to be trusted - a numbe of manufacturers are putting them on new rifles from the factory.

Back on topic…
I could make peace with the Chinesium by scraping off the Magpul logo. Especially if these were for something other than my boogaloo gun.

I don’t care about the brand name and I wouldn’t have a reason to pretend. No idea why this makes it better in my mind, but it computes.

I'm in the same camp as those who are okay with cheaper options when they work, but not really okay with blatant forgery. I don't need to buy name brands, but I also don't want to support infringement by companies who fake the logos. The more fakes out there, the more likely you might get a fake when paying for the real thing.

Me. said:

I’m specifically talking about the MBUS. The Magpul plastic backup sights.

I think BUIS are useful.



It‘s that third option I’m talking about. Are people setting up guns (that they think might actually be used for something serious) with plastic flip-up Magpul sights?

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I don't have any MBUS right now, but I wouldn't be shy to use them. Magpul's plastic is really tough, and I've seen MBUS put through much harsher use than I would every experience with my guns. That said, my personal preference would be for non-folding metal BUIS. If they can co-witness with my optic, even better! YMMV.

Me. said:

That’s especially true for items that don’t have a huge internet resource of “how to spot a fake”.

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you can get burned. As an example, I have a fake SBA3 brace. Now that I know what to look for, I can’t spot the difference. But until I did the research, I’d think the brace I have is legit, even holding it next to a real one.


Which one is a counterfeit?
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A lot of people end up paying more solely for the name stamped on the product. In reality, a lot of identical products are made in the same factory by the same people but packaged differently for different end companies.

I have 2 sets of the actual name brand Magpul MBUS sights I paid full Magpul retail for. They are identical in every detail to the ones I just bought for $20 a set. Kind of makes me wonder if Magpul isn't the real crook here marking their product up 500% just for their name. Why can't they make their sights for $20 a set if someone else can.

American Italian Pasta Co makes 95% of the store bought pasta in America. Fettuccine is Fettuccine to them. Do you think Muellers has a different recipie than Wal Marts brand? Nope. Machine keeps running 100% speed while they change the box from WalMart to Muellers and add about $3 price per for the same exact product.

@TriggerMan, would you put a set of Magpuls side-by-side with your counterfeits, and take closeup pics front and back?

We’d be interested to see the similarities and differences.

I have polymer Magpul and also Tippmann MBUS.

The Tippmanns are most probably chinesium and are a fraction of the cost and in some ways are better.
They are now sold as aftermarket options, even carried in some local LGSs ... I'd give those a look over random other options.

Me. said:

@TriggerMan, would you put a set of Magpuls side-by-side with your counterfeits, and take closeup pics front and back?

We’d be interested to see the similarities and differences.

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On the way to see the wonderful things Bidenomics is doing for me at the grocery store at the moment. I'll post some comparison pics later tonight when I get home.

Me. said:

It‘s that third option I’m talking about. Are people setting up guns (that they think might actually be used for something serious) with plastic flip-up Magpul sights?

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Yes. I've had optics fail in a variety of ways, so I'll always have a backup on a serious fighting tool. The plastic flip-up magpuls have been riding on the rifles with these same optics and are fine (so far) so I'm willing to risk they'll be there if needed.

Would I use rando knock-off sights on a serious fighting tool? No. I'm sure they're 'just the same!' in the same way fake glocks are 'just as good as real glocks' yet seem to have a crazy high failure rate in real life matches. Everything works on the internet.

This thread got me headed down a dark path where I watched videos on how to tell real from fake. The easiest “tell” is Magpul uses yellow loctite.

While I was looking, I found no-name BUS. Like Magpul, but no counterfeit name. $8.54 shipped.


I’m tempted to buy a set just to compare.


EDIT: Yes, that is a legit site. When I’m looking at really cheapo crap on Amazon, I can usually find the same junk on Temu for half the price.

TriggerMan said:

A lot of people end up paying more solely for the name stamped on the product. In reality, a lot of identical products are made in the same factory by the same people but packaged differently for different end companies.

I have 2 sets of the actual name brand Magpul MBUS sights I paid full Magpul retail for. They are identical in every detail to the ones I just bought for $20 a set. Kind of makes me wonder if Magpul isn't the real crook here marking their product up 500% just for their name. Why can't they make their sights for $20 a set if someone else can.

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Labor laws are pretty much nonexistent in China so anything made there is by default cheaper than if it was made here by adults with rights. That said, yes Magpul can jack up the price to whatever they want without real competition.

Even with serious competitive options costing significantly less some people will still buy based on name alone. Those same people buy Yeti tumblers when Rtic and others do the exact same for <1/2 the price.

Flashpoint said:

Even with serious competitive options costing significantly less some people will still buy based on name alone. Those same people buy Yeti tumblers when Rtic and others do the exact same for <1/2 the price

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*mfw I'm sitting at my dining room table, looking at the counter holding an Rtic cooler, with Magpul Helix glasses sitting on top, knowing I have a safe full of magpul products and not a single Yeti product*

Me. said:

This thread got me headed down a dark path where I watched videos on how to tell real from fake. The easiest “tell” is Magpul uses yellow loctite.

While I was looking, I found no-name BUS. Like Magpul, but no counterfeit name. $8.54 shipped.

This item was discontinued - Temu

flip up backup sights black rear sight front flip sight linen material nylon at the lowest price at Temu.

www.temu.com

I’m tempted to buy a set just to compare.


EDIT: Yes, that is a legit site. When I’m looking at really cheapo crap on Amazon, I can usually find the same junk on Temu for half the price.

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Probably the best way to be sure something is real is to buy it from a reputable local dealer.

Hunter600rr said:

*mfw I'm sitting at my dining room table, looking at the counter holding an Rtic cooler, with Magpul Helix glasses sitting on top, knowing I have a safe full of magpul products and not a single Yeti product*

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Exactly! You buy RTIC or Ozark Trail in favor of Yeti in order to afford the Magpul product where it might actually matter.

I have 2 yetis but both were work gifts/bonuses, so I have even more money to buy the Magpul stuff. 😁

The idea that Magpul and the counterfeits, or even knock offs, are made in the same factory is not plausible in this case. Magpul MBUS are made in the US whereas the counterfeits and knock offs are surely made in China in order to hit the price point. Magpul sells a “mass-premium” product and the price matches that.

Jerzsubbie said:

Exactly! You buy RTIC or Ozark Trail in favor of Yeti in order to afford the Magpul product where it might actually matter.

I have 2 yetis but both were work gifts/bonuses, so I have even more money to buy the Magpul stuff. 😁

The idea that Magpul and the counterfeits, or even knock offs, are made in the same factory is not plausible in this case. Magpul MBUS are made in the US whereas the counterfeits and knock offs are surely made in China in order to hit the price point. Magpul sells a “mass-premium” product and the price matches that.

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I'm really only a firm believer in buying the brand where it matters. I also believe in living with in your means.

My pantry is full of Aldi and Lidl carbs, but my beverage chest is ripe with name brand spirits.

Spent the cost of one good set of mbus sights on 3 sets of cheapo's, I have only one remaining set that didn't fail and that set hasn't been mounted on anything.

Granted, these were Persma flip sights, not magpul clone so mmv. But it will always remain $60 down the drain, vs any set of $60 mbus sights I have that are still here.

Would be fair to say it's far fetched I will ever need to rely on some plastic flip sights, and I wouldn't argue with anyone buying knock off for a 22lr range toy. But let's be honest with our sevels when referring to the "just as good" reality of a brand. It's usually worth the extra scratch in the long run.

Real Magpul.....

Knock offs....

Wow. As shown in the video @Button Pusher posted, the only clear difference is the yellow loctite.

How are the springs and the locking mechanisms?