I just got an AR 15 and I'm fairly new to them. It's a gas piston set up and it has a quad rail gas block and flat top upper with a rail. I've been told you can put on an optic (I've been thinking of either an ACOG type or a holographic sight) and flip up iron sights. I don't understand though how the flip up sights, even while flipped down, are not in the way of the holographic sight? And for the ACOG, wouldn't it be in the way of the sights if they were flipped up? Any help would be great.
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AR sights/scope
- Thread starter tanda10506
- Start date
Re: AR sights/scope
BUIS = Back-up Iron Sights
Most BUIS fold down low enough to be out of the way of optics (whether they be your typical rifle scopes or non-conventional scopes like the ACOG, Aimpoints, etc.). You can co-witness BUIS with optics like the Aimpoint scopes, EoTech sights, and similar 1x sights. You can NOT use BUIS with a standard optical sight or ACOG because of the magnification of these setups. The scope has to be removed to deploy and use the BUIS...this is why many people running AR-type rifles mount with a QD setup like the Larue, etc.
With a red dot or holographic sight, you simply flip up the BUIS and they will give you a 1/3 co-witness (front sight post/iron sight picture is visible in the lower 1/3 of the reticle while the red dot remains in the middle) or an absolute co-witness (the front sight post/iron sight picture is even with the red dot in the middle of the reticle).
BUIS = Back-up Iron Sights
Most BUIS fold down low enough to be out of the way of optics (whether they be your typical rifle scopes or non-conventional scopes like the ACOG, Aimpoints, etc.). You can co-witness BUIS with optics like the Aimpoint scopes, EoTech sights, and similar 1x sights. You can NOT use BUIS with a standard optical sight or ACOG because of the magnification of these setups. The scope has to be removed to deploy and use the BUIS...this is why many people running AR-type rifles mount with a QD setup like the Larue, etc.
With a red dot or holographic sight, you simply flip up the BUIS and they will give you a 1/3 co-witness (front sight post/iron sight picture is visible in the lower 1/3 of the reticle while the red dot remains in the middle) or an absolute co-witness (the front sight post/iron sight picture is even with the red dot in the middle of the reticle).
Re: AR sights/scope
This thread covers the optics discussion. Figure out what you will use the AR for and go from there.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...110#Post1813110
ORD covered the BUIS situation nicely. They are back-up sights. For most, they will only be used if their main optic fails.
This thread covers the optics discussion. Figure out what you will use the AR for and go from there.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...110#Post1813110
ORD covered the BUIS situation nicely. They are back-up sights. For most, they will only be used if their main optic fails.
Re: AR sights/scope
Good read, that did help. What do you guys think of this scope:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-trophy-1x32-riflescope-730132p.html
I'm sure it's not a Trijicon but Bushnell makes pretty good products, and it looks like it's designed for the same purposes.
Good read, that did help. What do you guys think of this scope:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-trophy-1x32-riflescope-730132p.html
I'm sure it's not a Trijicon but Bushnell makes pretty good products, and it looks like it's designed for the same purposes.
Re: AR sights/scope
I would personally get a better scope. I mean you can find a used EOTech for 250 or so if you look. Or even a Millett DMS-1 for 200 bucks if that is your price range. SWFA (a sponsor here) sells them with a mount even for a really good price. And they are 1-4x. I think there are better options out there if you are willing/able to spend a little more. But if that's what you can get, then get it and shoot the hell out of it!
I would personally get a better scope. I mean you can find a used EOTech for 250 or so if you look. Or even a Millett DMS-1 for 200 bucks if that is your price range. SWFA (a sponsor here) sells them with a mount even for a really good price. And they are 1-4x. I think there are better options out there if you are willing/able to spend a little more. But if that's what you can get, then get it and shoot the hell out of it!
Re: AR sights/scope
Its only $20 more than this one...
http://www.opticsplanet.net/barska-1x30-ir-m16-electro-sight-riflescope-ac10806.html but i see the bushnell has some sort of BUIS on top of it...
Its only $20 more than this one...
http://www.opticsplanet.net/barska-1x30-ir-m16-electro-sight-riflescope-ac10806.html but i see the bushnell has some sort of BUIS on top of it...
Re: AR sights/scope
I have used a Bushnell 1x Trophy briefly on a friend's M4 and wouldn't waste my money on one. The glass was not great having a sort of yellowish tint to it.
If you want a budget-minded red-dot optic, take a look at the Vortex Strikefire.
I have used a Bushnell 1x Trophy briefly on a friend's M4 and wouldn't waste my money on one. The glass was not great having a sort of yellowish tint to it.
If you want a budget-minded red-dot optic, take a look at the Vortex Strikefire.
Re: AR sights/scope
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tanda10506</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good read, that did help. What do you guys think of this scope:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-trophy-1x32-riflescope-730132p.html
I'm sure it's not a Trijicon but Bushnell makes pretty good products, and it looks like it's designed for the same purposes. </div></div>
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...709#Post1119709
I got rid of mine, reasons in that thread.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tanda10506</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good read, that did help. What do you guys think of this scope:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-trophy-1x32-riflescope-730132p.html
I'm sure it's not a Trijicon but Bushnell makes pretty good products, and it looks like it's designed for the same purposes. </div></div>
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...709#Post1119709
I got rid of mine, reasons in that thread.
Re: AR sights/scope
Get a better scope. PM me if you want a millett DMS-1, i've got one that i'm considering selling because I want to go to higher magnification for "rodent control" in nearby pastures. I'll even throw in a one-piece mount.
As far as red dots go, for the price I say buy the vortex. That company has top notch customer service and the price beats aimpoint/eotech with a stick.
Get a better scope. PM me if you want a millett DMS-1, i've got one that i'm considering selling because I want to go to higher magnification for "rodent control" in nearby pastures. I'll even throw in a one-piece mount.
As far as red dots go, for the price I say buy the vortex. That company has top notch customer service and the price beats aimpoint/eotech with a stick.
Re: AR sights/scope
I'll stay away from that Bushnell then I guess. I just know Bushnell usually makes pretty quality stuff and the price was pretty low. I'm leaning more towards a holographic sight like an EOtech. I should have been specific about what I'm looking for: I want a sight for quick aiming for shorter 50-150 yards, but that I can take out further if I need to. The Millet DMS doesn't look like it would be good for that but I could be wrong. I've been recommended the Aimpoint, but which model?
I'll stay away from that Bushnell then I guess. I just know Bushnell usually makes pretty quality stuff and the price was pretty low. I'm leaning more towards a holographic sight like an EOtech. I should have been specific about what I'm looking for: I want a sight for quick aiming for shorter 50-150 yards, but that I can take out further if I need to. The Millet DMS doesn't look like it would be good for that but I could be wrong. I've been recommended the Aimpoint, but which model?
Re: AR sights/scope
That is what the Millett was designed for. It has a "donut" reticle (think EOTech) for 50-150m or so. And it has a dot inside of the donut for further out. I have owned 2 and they are great. I have never used an Aimpoint so I can't advise on that. I think an EOTech would be good though because you can always save up and get a 3x magnifier at some point down the road. And your BUIS will co-witness.
That is what the Millett was designed for. It has a "donut" reticle (think EOTech) for 50-150m or so. And it has a dot inside of the donut for further out. I have owned 2 and they are great. I have never used an Aimpoint so I can't advise on that. I think an EOTech would be good though because you can always save up and get a 3x magnifier at some point down the road. And your BUIS will co-witness.
Re: AR sights/scope
I've been doing a lot of searching and you guys have provided great info, thanks. I think I'm going to go with this set up here:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/eotech-holographic-sight-557-w-3x-fts-magnifier-weapon-sight-system.html
I've been doing a lot of searching and you guys have provided great info, thanks. I think I'm going to go with this set up here:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/eotech-holographic-sight-557-w-3x-fts-magnifier-weapon-sight-system.html
Re: AR sights/scope
You might want to try a 557 before you buy.
I had that same setup on my AR and I sold it to buy a USO 1.5-6.
The holdover dots are tiny and I was having a hard time seeing them, had double-dots showing up and had a hard time differentiating between the dots.
It might just be a problem with my eyes....but I grew to dislike it. I have used a circle-dot version and it was much easier to use. I was not crazy about the external mag setup either.
Add a few hundred and you can have a USO with a Mil or MOA reticle. I believe it is much more versatile.....for me at least.
See if you can try one at the range.....before you sink all that cash into it.
You might want to try a 557 before you buy.
I had that same setup on my AR and I sold it to buy a USO 1.5-6.
The holdover dots are tiny and I was having a hard time seeing them, had double-dots showing up and had a hard time differentiating between the dots.
It might just be a problem with my eyes....but I grew to dislike it. I have used a circle-dot version and it was much easier to use. I was not crazy about the external mag setup either.
Add a few hundred and you can have a USO with a Mil or MOA reticle. I believe it is much more versatile.....for me at least.
See if you can try one at the range.....before you sink all that cash into it.
Re: AR sights/scope
Also, remember that the vortex dot comes with a magnifier that screws right onto it, no external anything. But, it's not a reticle, just a dot.
That's alot of money for an eotech setup, IMHO if you have to have that i'd get the eotech and then just get a cheapo aftermarket magnifier. I don't think a magnifier is worth several hundred dollars, I just don't buy that BS.
I still say get a 1-4 or similar scope. I like mine alot, I only offered it up because I want more power on my 20" AR for varmints. I still have a 1-4 on my m4 and it will probably stay that way, cause it WORKS.
Also, remember that the vortex dot comes with a magnifier that screws right onto it, no external anything. But, it's not a reticle, just a dot.
That's alot of money for an eotech setup, IMHO if you have to have that i'd get the eotech and then just get a cheapo aftermarket magnifier. I don't think a magnifier is worth several hundred dollars, I just don't buy that BS.
I still say get a 1-4 or similar scope. I like mine alot, I only offered it up because I want more power on my 20" AR for varmints. I still have a 1-4 on my m4 and it will probably stay that way, cause it WORKS.
Re: AR sights/scope
I have 2 4X ACOG's on my Colt AR's. You will not see the front sight as it's out of the focal plane of the sight. Using an EoTech or an Aimpoint the BUIS if left in the vertical position create a very busy sight picture. I always leave mine folded down. That said I would get a good quality 1-4X scope rather than the choices I made.
I have 2 4X ACOG's on my Colt AR's. You will not see the front sight as it's out of the focal plane of the sight. Using an EoTech or an Aimpoint the BUIS if left in the vertical position create a very busy sight picture. I always leave mine folded down. That said I would get a good quality 1-4X scope rather than the choices I made.
Re: AR sights/scope
It depends on the use. For quick target acquisition with both eyes open for full peripheral vision and ranges shorter than 100yds get an EoTech. For anything else, if your AR is in an M4 configuration I'd get whatever 4X scope you like best. The 16" AR's are rarely sub-MOA so a higher power scope isn't necessary IMO. Just my $0.02... FWIW
It depends on the use. For quick target acquisition with both eyes open for full peripheral vision and ranges shorter than 100yds get an EoTech. For anything else, if your AR is in an M4 configuration I'd get whatever 4X scope you like best. The 16" AR's are rarely sub-MOA so a higher power scope isn't necessary IMO. Just my $0.02... FWIW
Re: AR sights/scope
Did you consider the Schmidt Bender Short Dot? I have one, it is really a dual use scope, red dot and 1.1 magnification up close, 4x and it will shoot out to 400 or so easily.
Did you consider the Schmidt Bender Short Dot? I have one, it is really a dual use scope, red dot and 1.1 magnification up close, 4x and it will shoot out to 400 or so easily.
Re: AR sights/scope
Depending on how patient you are you can find WAY better deals than opticsplanet on swfa.com (one of the sponsors here)they have a "sample list" which has a TON of products at a discounted price. And they have great CS as well.............
Depending on how patient you are you can find WAY better deals than opticsplanet on swfa.com (one of the sponsors here)they have a "sample list" which has a TON of products at a discounted price. And they have great CS as well.............
