Optics or irons?

[Jambo]

As an Appleseed instructor I love irons, and I currently run them well, for irons. However, my "go to" carbine has an Aimpoint. I'm faster on Target, and I can (and have) shot it out to 500 yards. It still wears back up sights, in metal, because electronics can fail and batteries can die.

However, I'm currently in the market for a low power variable scope with illuminated retical for this rifle. I think I won't be significantly slower at closer ranges, and the available magnification will allow me to identify targets better. It was either this or always carry binoculars.

Once the rifle gets her scope I'll likely remove the sights. Most modern "tactical" scopes with etched radicals are probably about as durable as irons. Yes, I know that glass can be broken; but I believe anything that would damage a modern scope would probably also damage sights, or render the rifle inoperable.

I do think you should learn on irons and train as often as possible with irons. Going from irons to scope is much easier than scope to irons.

 

[mattmatt300]

I'd say it partially depends on budget. If I had only $100 to spend I'd rather have a nice set of irons than a cheap scope or red dot. Go with whatever fits your situation best.

 

[Radar363]

I have AR's set up with both but with a red dot I like an FSB up front and a fixed rear sight; folding back-ups with a magnified optic.

I do have a removable carry handle on an upper cause I'm old school like that.

 

[Nob0dy]

I have an optic on all my rifles but, still have back up irons too. Just in case my optic fails.

 

[jcountry]

I'm curious to the public view, which do you prefer and why optics red dot or magnification or trusty iron. I use irons as my current go to is a A2 with a permanent carry handle. My reasoning and comfort is night or day my sights are there and not easily nocked off. At the range my buddies red dot was useless BC the battery died and even cowitness buis are not as clear in my experience. I see the beauty of the red dot as I used his with multiple rapid hits out to 100yds. I'm not asking what's better because that depends on who you are, I'm just curious who uses what and why. I will always use irons or a scope a dot to me is irons that will fail, but that's me.

Optics.

Good glass draws in lights in far less light than irons will become completely useless in.

Plus, you will need a scope one day. Eagle eyes don't last forever.

 

[biker_bill]

Optics.

Good glass draws in lights in far less light than irons will become completely useless in.

Plus, you will need a scope one day. Eagle eyes don't last forever.

You will DEFINITELY need a scope one day....

 

[Bear44]

Optics on all rifles. Tactical semi auto rifles all have irons as back up. Some are co-witnessed, others have QD optics and the M1a has a see through mount.

Way to many advantages with optics to ignore.

 

[cmshoot]

For my carbines, a good RDS (I prefer the Aimpoint Micro series) with a good set of BUIS. I'm quicker with RDS sights, and they work much better in lowlight situations than irons do.

 

[TapcoFan]

irons all day baby

 

[NewLeaf]

Both, Reflex dot that lines up with irons. Did it with an m&p2 , AWESOME just set the dot a top the pin. Really liked that set up no jiving