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.
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.