Changing optics on my AR. (photos added)

[Swift]

My AR has primarily had a pou of long range duty. A Nikon Monarch 4-16 currently sits in a PEPR on top of it. I want to change directions a bit and go with a smaller optic, maybe none at all. This is gonna be my lightweight inside 1-200 yard fun gun.

The two options I'm considering are iron sights and a compact, DMS-style scope. Shockingly I've never used either on an AR so this is new ground for me. As soon as I got it the glass got mounted.

Both have their pros and cons so I'm looking for some input. Who makes a good DMS type scope? Preferably 1-4x, don't want to break the bank.


Update: Took a couple quick photos.

 

[Dtarget]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

For 200 yards, I would stick with irons. Cheap and tough.

 

[FALex]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

a Leupold Rifleman 1-7x32 oughtta' be perfect for your needs.

 

[Swift]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

This thread didn't go over to well but I decided to get both. Magpul Gen II BUIS in FDE and a Leatherwood HiLux CMR 1-4x24 in an American Defense Recon QD mount. If anyone's interested I'll post some photos.

 

[nfoley]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

Personally I just have never praciced much with iron sights on a rifle - my first air gun as a kid had a cheap scope! I would much prefer a red dot or low power scope to iron sights. I love the red dot sights for close range.

 

[Swift]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nfoley</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Personally I just have never praciced much with iron sights on a rifle - my first air gun as a kid had a cheap scope! I would much prefer a red dot or low power scope to iron sights. I love the red dot sights for close range. </div></div>

We're not so different. The only iron sights I've ever used were on my Mosin and that's clearly in a totally different class. After training with em for a few days I have come to appreciate their simplicity. There's minimal zeroing, no dials, no dope, no horsing around between shots, no fancy reticles, no worries about eye relief or clarity, no magnification issues. Just point and shoot. It's hard to explain but I just really like it. Carefree isn't a good word to use in this instance but it's more like set it and forget it.

All I can say is don't knock it till you try it. I'm a big fan and I'm only running a cheap set of Magpuls. Now I want to try a high end aluminum/steel set like a YHM or DD.

 

[RockSteady]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

I split my range time in half with shooting irons and my T-1. The red dot makes things simplified, out to 300+ yards even. But if it gets knocked around or the batteries fail, I just use the good old iron sights. I might be a tad slower, but do just fine.

 

[Swift]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RockSteady</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I split my range time in half with shooting irons and my T-1. The red dot makes things simplified, out to 300+ yards even. But if it gets knocked around or the batteries fail, I just use the good old iron sights. I might be a tad slower, but do just fine. </div></div>

Now that I've had some more time to train with it, I've learned that the key to this system is a good QD mount. If your primary optic fails, you can have your BUIS deployed in less than 5 seconds. Another plus is that the Leatherwood has a glass etched reticle and is only partially illuminated so it will work even if the batteries fail.

So far, I'm 100% satisfied with this system. It offers every option I need while not gaining any noticeable weight. I'll try to get a couple photos up ASAP.

 

[Patriot Prepper]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

I was stubborn and bull headed and stuck with iron sights for about the last 3 years; until about a month ago.

In my humble opinion, it is hard to beat glass and optics at any range. I also find it more fun to shoot, and more satisfying to actually see what you are shooting.

However, I will also practice with iron sights. You never know, a scope might get damaged or simply malfunction.

I have not used one, but Millet makes a DMS that is reasonable - a few hundred bucks. I have shot with people who have used Millet 1-4 and also some of the higher magnification scopes, and they seem to be pretty decent for the money. Leopold AR scopes are pretty high priced.

 

[neeley205]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

I have had iron sights on my A2 style AR for over 10 years. Have yet to ever mount an optic on it. I like to bring it out for fun and to show people how accurate you actually can be with them if you understand and practice with them a little.

People always have a great time shooting it and often surprise themselves once they get used to looking through the peep hole again.

 

[jakhamr81]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

I grew up with irons, we had to shoot out 500 meters with them. It can be done with a pretty reasonable amount of accuracy. It was not until a few years ago that I got into using magnification. I still run a set of irons on everything I own, and they are always the first thing that I zero. You have to have something to fall back on when your technology fails you.

I am often surprised at my groups with my irons as they are usually tighter than when I am using any glass, but when it comes to shooting anything past 200 I need to have a little magnification; my eyesight just isn't what it use to be.

 

[Swift]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jakhamr81</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I grew up with irons, we had to shoot out 500 meters with them. It can be done with a pretty reasonable amount of accuracy. It was not until a few years ago that I got into using magnification. I still run a set of irons on everything I own, and they are always the first thing that I zero. You have to have something to fall back on when your technology fails you.

I am often surprised at my groups with my irons as they are usually tighter than when I am using any glass, but when it comes to shooting anything past 200 I need to have a little magnification; my eyesight just isn't what it use to be. </div></div>

That seems to be the consensus. I think there's good merit to training with iron sights. Everyone nowadays wants to jump straight into optics but I don't see an issue with starting from the ground up. Gives you a good no-excuses foundation to work on fundamentals.

 

[tactic-als]

Re: Changing optics on my AR. Iron sights or DMS?

Glad I read this...at first I was just hoping to see some pics of a rifle with optics. Having read it, I think I need to spend more time practicing with the BUIS on my two rifles. For the AR I bought a red dot and always use that never giving a thought that it could get damaged. The REPR is so new and figure once I get a scope for that no need to use the BUIS that came with it. I think I will incorporate some practice time with the BUIS on my rifes, Thanks guys!