Fake Troy Sights: Identifying a Counterfeit BUIS

[@Lottahops]

It is hard to believe, and I am extremely happy I watched your video. I recently ordered a front and rear sight each from different sources. Front sight came first and I gave it the inspection. It had the fine detail and all that is expected from Troy. I just received the second and unbelievably it has the crude blotchy logo as specified in your video, exactly the same. I was pretty upset seeing this, though have taken action and will pursue again to get a genuine one. Thanks for posting this video. Anyone interested in Troy products should watch this.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

+V Sternberg Good to here that the video is doing some good. I was completely surprised when my front "Troy" sight fell apart. I am shocked that such close copies are legal.

[@marclar2]

I thank you also for posting this. I just purchased an AR and am shopping around now for accessories. Ordered a pair from Amazon that were indeed fake, and will be returning. I don't think this is Amazon's fault though. Just think their people don't necessarily know how to spot counterfeits.

[@camojoe83]

Amazon doesnt screen the products, idiot. They also don't discourage fakes.

[@smitty4699]

in other words, dont buy them on ebay

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

+smitty4699 Yea, I'm not sure. I do not deal with Ebay much. If they come with a money back warranty then that is OK. Just make sure you are getting the real deal unless you are putting them on an airsoft gun.

[@Palo_Duro]

Just got my pair from amazon and did not know of this video until after they arrived. Still very glad I saw it, in case I had fakes and needed to return them. Everything indicates mine are genuine. The packaging was from Troy (made in the USA), the print and logos are clear (says made in the USA), there are no tooling marks, the rear sight has that snap in it when you rotate, etc. Thanks for the video.

[@twinth]

I'm going to go buy a fake now, thanks.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

You get what you pay for.

[@Heisenbrick]

Great for airsoft but not my life.

[@WolfTheMadMan]

man this had me meticulously inspecting my troy buis, and fortunately I dont have fakes.

[@jlac2box]

I have troys folding di-optic rear sight on the way...hopefully it's not a counterfeit.

[@jeffsgsxr1000]

I'm glad I noticed this video when I subscribed to your page. I had never heard about counterfeit Troy sights before your video! I will surely check them in the future.

[@KnifeCursed]

I hate counterfeiters. Thanks for the heads up.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

+Derek Cb You're welcome

[@KnifeCursed]

+Deandalapanda You're not forced to buy sights at that price. You could always get a different manufacturers sights, wait for a sale, buy used, etc. Or you could support largely foreign, illegal, counterfeiting thieves.

[@KnifeCursed]

+Deandalapanda Lol. Nice try

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

I would like to think that producing quality products and taking pride in craftsmanship is the American way.

[@jamesstephenson2346]

@@MichaelBellmbell556 that's laughably wrong

[@sfla4x4molonlabe66]

Michael, thanks for making this video. I ran in to your video while looking for info on proper zeroing and after viewing your video I realized that the sights that were on my rifle were indeed fake. The specific giveaways were the wear marks on the moving parts, finish; also, the loose tolerances in a few areas. This was the first Troy type sights I have purchased, so I had no basis for comparison until I reviewed your video. I would warn everyone to make sure you are purchasing from reputable vendors online and at gun shows. Thanks again!

[@mastodonxrp5314]

I had to go check all of my Troy rear flip up sights because of your video. They all have Cage Code 3EZ11 on the front, slightly rounded edges, no tool marks, and resistance when I flip the big/small aperture. I do have about 1/8" of wobble when flipped up, but I think that is okay since it only moves if I fidget with it.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Thanks for watching!

[@erichenz08]

story time was painfully long, but otherwise good to know.

[@chuckmiller5763]

The $8.49 price should have said something.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

If it sounds too good to be true......

[@DAIadvisor]

Hey, at least you can buy couple of them to use for parts when one breaks!

[@superluigikoopagaming5337]

Very good video I was on the process of buying a pair of Troy sigth but after watching your video I found out those are fake it have the red flag you mention and also the price is a big difference 31 dlls. For a pair thank you for the head up

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

You are welcome.

[@esquiredalegunn]

Great video. I love Troy products. I have the diamond aperture.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Thanks. I think Troy is the gold standard for BUISs.

[@Hidden_Destinations]

Starts at 2:30 Good video, thanks

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

There is always a backstory!! LOL Thanks for watching.

[@Carl_Black]

I got stuck with a set of Magpul MBUS counterfeit sights. definitely buy from a reputable dealer. Gun show deal was too good to be true.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

+Stroller X Agreed, that is your best insurance.

[@apexaustriae9973]

I have encountered fake Magpul MBUS Pro ones some time ago. They were much more easy to discern. However, these fake TROY sights are much more difficult to discern.

[@spankervideo]

Michael, I think you missed the most obvious flaw. The genuine article has the US Gov't GSA (General Services Administration) cage code 3EZ11 stamped on it whereas the fakes do not. This unique cage code is assigned to all contractor-supplied materials and equipment authorized for procurement by Uncle Sam. My suspicions are confirmed by observation of the real deal on the Troy Industries web site.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

+spankervideo Most of the Troy's have a cage code but I have a few that have a part # instead. They may be the older ones. Unfortunately it seams that the counterfeit producers can print what ever they want to. The one set I have uses P/N but I do not know if some print a fake Cage code. I do not know if there are fakes with fake cage codes but I do have some real Troys with P/N instead of cage codes.

[@spankervideo]

10-4, I concur. These sights are pricey and its infuriating that people are getting ripped off. Incidentally, the packaging that I saw includes a GSA stamp or logo on the packaging.

[@Ghost-gw2ue]

Thanks for this video , I just ordered Troy sights off of eBay , they are modified. I should have them in a few days . And will Wright another comment when I get them .

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Please do post about what you receive.

[@aznazguy]

Good information. I also noticed that the axle on the rear sight is closer to the base and there is less light visible underneath it on the authentic. Also you mentioned parkerization but that's a process for steel and I believe these are aluminum so it would probably be anodization.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

You are correct.

[@18B_Porta-Poty_PTSD]

It is sad the people that take advantage of others, especially in the firearms community. This is why when I purchase something expensive or important, I buy directly from the distributor. I wouldn't even trust Amazon and especially Ebay etc. To many thieves and hustlers. Glad you caught it and hopefully it all worked out best on your end.

[@vic721]

thanks for the video very useful and informative. I just got some troy 45 Degree Offset Folding Battle Sights set. and about to put them on your sig sauer 556xi. my scope was a little to big so I decided to use troy backup sight

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

You're welcome.

[@Trashman702]

I just got a Troy HK from Amazon today. As soon as I took it out of the box I knew it was a fake from the weight and feel.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

How much did you pay?

[@briankittle3088]

thanks for the video I've always suspected mine was fake and now I know for sure

[@Hogheadsforbreakfast]

It's getting harder to wade thru the fake everythings, I'm waiting on the day china figures out how to clone entire vehicles... "hey man, why does your Chevy say 71z instead of z71 ?"

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Yep.

[@teamkaioken6759]

Just bought a rear tritium sight from optic planet and haven't received it yet but you got me worried now. I spent over 100$ so I'm praying mine are real.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Optics Planet would not sell fakes. You should be fine.

[@CHEVYK10]

If you are worried you should buy from manufacturers direct Sometimes saving a buck isn't worth it

[@keyboardcommando5146]

Michael Bell optics planet is legit!

[@Trashman702]

OP is Legit

[@nickx8411]

thank you for doing this vid... i had no idea, but now I do.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Glad I could help!

[@stwings98]

Thanks for the info! Sorry you got duped.

[@DeadDrop6109]

That is over $1k worth of irons

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Check out the background in my channel introduction video. I have been collecting and investing for 30 years.

[@brushylake4606]

Buy from a reputable retailer like Brownells, Midway, or Sportsman's Guide. If you buy them from Ebay or Amazon, you might get counterfeits.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

That is the best advice. If the price seems too good to be true, it is.

[@hoopie_304]

Thank you very informative.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

You are welcome.

[@CHEVYK10]

Straight off the boat from China brought to by Amazon

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

yep

[@worrdogg]

Another way to tell is that an authentic Troy uses a spring coil type roll pin

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

+worrdogg Good information, thanks!

[@roguefive512]

Wow. thanks for this info I was thinking of getting one too. Just not sure where to buy a real one at a good price.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Around $180 for a pair is about the best I have found. They go on sale at Primary Arms from time to time.

[@roguefive512]

Michael Bell Do you recommend any other type that is comparable as far as quality?

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Magpul Pro, LWRC Skirmish are both top notch.

[@roguefive512]

Michael Bell I ended up going to a local reputable gun shop and picked the Troy. I could have gone with the others you mentioned or online. But your advice helped a lot Thanks again.

[@roguefive512]

Michael Bell I noticed on the underside on mine the logo is not a large Trojan Horse but something like a Horses head. Did Troy go with a different logo? Also What does CAGE stand for?

[@georgeyin3321]

that's why you never buy anything from private seller

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Good point.

[@hayesdlhs]

The wedge on my sight looks metal. But everything else looks good. Payed alot of money and now I'm concerned.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Troy told me theirs are polymer.

[@stevenrichards3699]

Where did you get those rail covers ? Those are MINT !

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Which ones?

[@stevenrichards3699]

@@MichaelBellmbell556 The ones at 3:37 !

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

@@stevenrichards3699 Noveske

[@stevenrichards3699]

@@MichaelBellmbell556 Thanks !

[@KingOfTheLosers13]

​@@MichaelBellmbell556the Noveske shop is a couple miles away from me. I knew John, he was a great guy. He didn't let anything go out that wasn't up to his insanely high standards. I believe his wife and boys run the business now, they still produce great guns, but not like the ones they made when John was around.

[@Venom_LSX]

Great video! Thanks for sharing! Cheers

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Thanks for watching!

[@ernestr1327]

I see genuine Troy’s going for 80-150 used

[@troybond5426]

I made a not so good choice ordering Troy sites threw Amazon.

[@actorsanonymous6946]

Did you notice difference in packaging?

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

I don't remember. Probably not in typical package.

[@wonkachocolates6133]

AirSoft crap gets passed off as genuine equipment at many gun shows...suckers for a deal are the easiest to dupe.

[@specialk5070]

shop wit da big boy places midway, brownells ect.. never have a problem folks. u better not have a problem or get a lawyer quick!! for sellin crap!

[@dxpvxo711]

Great video thanks

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Thanks for watching.

[@darkspectrum2920]

just purchased two of their di-optic from grabagun and they were 90 a piece and at first i got a little freaked out but i will just have to wait and see. the rifle i also bought from them better not be counterfeit

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

The real things have come down in price.

[@darkspectrum2920]

@@MichaelBellmbell556 thank you for the information sir.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

@@darkspectrum2920 thanks for watching!

[@darkspectrum2920]

@@MichaelBellmbell556 after reviewing my dioptic troy folding sights, they are genuine. when you compare them to the ones you have and the fake ones there is a clear difference. I am quite impressed with the fit and finish of the sights and cannot wait to dial them in, thanks again for the advice. everything you said to look for was there, or not there .

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

@@darkspectrum2920 You are welcome.

[@brianjulian5230]

Thanks

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Thanks for watching!

[@Trevorasu]

none of this was really conclusive. i was almost positive mine were fake up until you pulled another front iron and it was completely different and identical to my "fake" i dont really see how we can actually verify if they're really troy irons. the only useful part was about at the end which is always true, buy them from reputable places....

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

The details of the markings and metal wedge are giveaways.

[@AriesGeneral]

where do you think you bought them from? let's shut them down!

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

+AriesGeneral I wish I knew. Probable an individual off of one of the boards. Could have been with a used upper I bought or a group of used parts. Who knows. When I first found out I thought it was from my last purchase of Troy sight's when I bought 10 sets. I was afraid I was going to find 20 fake Troy's. But only found one more, so it was probably from an individual. I have just accumulated a bunch of toys over the years and these just slipped through.

[@davidbeane9130]

Bought a fake set rings steel at 100 yards with them right out of the box. They are legit enough for a range toy. Probably not Service rifle tho

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

They might break like mine did.

[@Shadowdancer777]

Is optic planet a good place to buy these from?

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

OK but sometimes they list things that are not in stock. They will not sell you a knock off though.

[@Shadowdancer777]

@@MichaelBellmbell556 just received my sights. Thanks to you, I can tell that they are indeed real. Thanks for the informative video.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

@@Shadowdancer777 Thanks

[@ethanhicks6103]

Just buy straight from the source.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Good advice.

[@jessarellanes6648]

I just got a rear sight from BCM

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

You are good to go then.

[@ATP360]

What do they call them “backup”.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Not intended to be primary. They fold out of the way of your primary red dot or telescopic sight.

[@ATP360]

I just received my first AR15. I have been going back and forth on what kind of sight to get . Red dot or Iron sites. So many to pick from. I want something now. The wait on almost everything is back ordered. There are some Aimpoints available on one site. Any suggestions?

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

@@ATP360 Aimpoint is top tier. If you only have 1 AR then go with the best and spring for the Aimpoint if you want a red dot.

[@YeuLaKho]

Good video. Why the fakes Troy won't copy the exact logo after went through copy all other stuff? We'll never know. LOLz.. There are always something different in counterfeit compare to the real ones.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Always.

[@ARC928]

Are these aluminum or steel ?

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Aluminum

[@Five_Seven7]

what rail cover panels you are using?

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Noveske keymod covers.

[@Five_Seven7]

Michael Bell thanks

[@MrNiceKnife]

Bad luck. It’s unfortunate that the U.S. consumer drives that industry. I don’t understand how someone would put something like that on a rifle that could potentially save their life. I have a set of low pro HK style troys on my SHTF rifle, definitely wouldn’t put a counterfeit.

[@EvanLax95]

But will the fakes still hold zero?

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Until they fall apart like mine did.

[@chadhaire1711]

This video doesn't say much.....odd we are never shown the packaging the sights went sent in.....real troy sights should be packed in sturdy containers with factory information. Why isn't this discussed and why is the package not shown? Seems pointless without it. You also didn't show us if the front sights are tight or has any wobble. I have not been happy with TROY sights, as the front is too lose in my opinion.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

The fake sights were on the rifle for some time before they broke. I do not keep all of my old packaging. I don't remember how they were packed so I can't discuss that aspect.

[@chadhaire1711]

@@MichaelBellmbell556 Well I just bought some REAL Troy sights from Troy, and am sending then back,,,,,the sights are way too lose and wobble. They say that is normal so the sights can fold up and down...I say for $180 retail they are no better than the cheap plastic ones i took off. NO WAY these are going to hold zero.

[@ronm7833]

I just saw the video because i bought some micro troy tactics i would like to send you some pictures and listen to your opinion. They will arrive on the 22 of this month. i feel they will be fake :(

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

What vendor did you buy them from, and at what price?

[@ronm7833]

Bought at ebay paid 91$ :( ...... got my answer i hope i find a diamond

[@Sigkeeper1]

Troy sights are way overpriced and that accounts why there are counterfeiters out there. I would never, ever pay the kind of money for Troy backup sights that they are asking !

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

The prices have been coming down recently. I have seen front and rear sets on sale for $120 recently. Competition is good!!

[@markmitchezee2728]

Thank you but I must share a different experience of my own. Now ... I want to say a few things up front. #1 ) I certainly understand the importance of this video for anyone that ends up receiving a set of iron sights that is of this poor of quality. Basically sights like these that under the most extreme circumstances could get you killed by not remaining anywhere near Zero. The fact that these are literally falling apart from the relatively low recoil & abusive energy of the .556/.223 cartridge is ridiculous ! Even if it was used on Full Auto. NO iron sight should dismantle itself under those conditions like these POS have. Also, I think the Chinese government is pretty damn Evil so i am not a big fan of putting any US dollars in their counterfeit hands. So, now the part where i completely contradict myself and sound pretty bad. I think it is ridiculous that these Troy Iron sights are as obscenely priced as they are. I mean ... $200+ ( typically ) for iron sights that are of exceptional quality, Yes ! But that is ridiculous and puts them,out of reach price wise for Many AR owners. So naturally when people see what looks like Troy sights for ( 90% OFF ) they are enticed. Even if they know they are fake they are willing to take the chance. So, I'm not ssying its right but Troy has to understand & expect that they are going to be targeted by Clone manufactures in China. Now .... with that said. I have been working as an importer for years and am very famikiar with the Chinese market. So when i need back up sights and managed to pick myself off the floor after seeing "Troy's" price I noticed the obvious to me "Troy clones" on a Chinese website and took a chance. The "Fake" or "Clone's" Troy sights that I purchased for roughly ( $25/set ) were of exceptional quality and displayed none of the defects or even the same inferior parts that the Fake Troy's that Michael demonstrated on this video. The Fake's thst i received were made very well and were solid. The metal piece or "detent" bar inside my sights that differs from the polymer type on the Real Troys had been replaced with 2 encapsulated ball bearings and function perfectly. No wobbling or anything. The aperture rotation on the rear remained in place & "clicked" when adjusted. So i was blown away with exceptional quality of the Fake Troy sights i received. The only issue i had was when i installed them,on my ( .50 Caliber ) Beowulf AR the heavy recoil would on occasion fold the front sight back down which only happened roughly 10% of the time and only with the ( .50 ). They ran completely trouble free & perfect with my ( .556/.223 & 7.62x39 ) AR's. I did modify the front sight a bit to ensure that it would remain locked under heavy recoil by using a dremel -w- a pointed grinding stone to create a greater depression that forlt the ball bearings in the channel that they are designed to sit when the sights are up. This did not require and disassembly and only took roughly 10 mins. and the issue was solved. The onky thing to pay attention to,is your accuracy on where & how to grind. I created a spherical intention in the shape & size of roughly the first ( 25% ) of the ball bearing detent into the narrow stock trench. Unlike in years past "Some" of the New Chinese clone folks will listen to feedback from unhappy customers and will modify & improve their products if they hear of any quality issues. Sometimes ! I purchased my Fake Troy's roughly 2 years ago which was 2 years after this video and Michael said he had "had them for a while" already so I am figuring that mine are the updated versions. So make up your own mind. If you want the Real Deal Troy's be prepared to drop ( $200 ). Maybe less now a days but dont expect too much off that price. If your not willing to do tge China thing then i would go for the Magpul's. They are good quality, cheap & light weight. Just my 2 cents if they help. Good Luck !

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Thanks for the input.

[@markmitchezee2728]

@@MichaelBellmbell556 Of course ! Just my experience. I really enjoy your channel. Your extremely in depth video on the Superlative Arms piston kit was the reason I ended up purchasing it. So thank you ! The more i get into the AR-15 the more options I realize that are available in a multitude of calibers, suppressors, barrel lengths etc.. and the never ending tuning options & problems required for each. ( Buffer weight, flat wire buffer spring vs round vs braided, gas system length, dwell time vs barrel length give & takes. etc.... Hopefully you can do more videos addressing those differing systems and variables & the positives & negatives involved. Thank You

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

@@markmitchezee2728 Thanks for watching and adding your experience.

[@srephenmathisen9108]

Here's a thought, don't try to save $10 Just buy from troy direct.

[@davidsayreii3555]

Is there a gas leak in your shop your camera is waiving

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

No, that was the result of youtube saying the video was shaky and would I like them to fix it. I have learned to just say no.

[@jessarellanes6648]

Interesting

[@KNOCKOUT-CREW]

The Fake ones are for AIRSOFT use. U get the look without paying full price, no need to waste money on name brand furniture ie: iron Sights & Red dots etc.. I bought a fake Leupold for an airsoft I use for some drills. I set this trainer up exactly like my real rifle platform, I’m not gonna put a genuine Leupold because it’s an airsoft.

[@steveofrontino6727]

Only buy my optics from opticplanet

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Buy from a reputable vendor, not ebay.

[@DET_C0RD]

Do you have any real ones with the P/N 1614001 codes on them? I just bought a combo set of Troy sights from aimsurplus.com and it has the P/N 1614001 codes on them. Everywhere else Iv looked has CAGE CODE 3EZ11 but the ones I got seem to be real when I compare them to other photos

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

I'll have to check.

[@DET_C0RD]

Michael Bell much appreciated

[@esquiredalegunn]

Cage code on genuine sights.

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

There is a fake cage code present but illegible on the fakes.

[@esquiredalegunn]

3EZ11 is authentic, I hope 🤞.

[@esquiredalegunn]

According to uscontractor registration.com it is Troy Industries, Inc.

[@rfcdgaf]

$300 or $50 for "fake ones". Don't really care that they look slightly different. Goes to show you how overpriced these things are

[@MichaelBellmbell556]

Not made as well though Prices for real ones have come down.