Avotähtäimet

Avotähtäimet, also known as iron sights, are a type of non-magnifying aiming device commonly found on firearms. They consist of two components: a front sight post and a rear sight. The rear sight is typically a notch or a U-shaped aperture, while the front sight is a post or bead. The shooter aligns the front sight post within the notch or aperture of the rear sight, and then brings the aligned sights onto the target. This creates a visual reference point for accurate aiming.

Iron sights are known for their simplicity, durability, and reliability. They do not require batteries and are generally less expensive than optical sights. However, their effectiveness can be limited by poor lighting conditions, distance, and the shooter's eyesight. The aiming process with iron sights involves a degree of skill and practice to achieve consistent accuracy. Different configurations of iron sights exist, including adjustable versions that allow for windage and elevation corrections. Many modern firearms come equipped with iron sights as a standard feature, often serving as a backup sighting system for firearms equipped with optical or electronic sights.