Optics or no optics on my AR-15?

[scott2820]

Im just wondering what you guys think about optics on AR? I know it might look cool but how effective would they be for an assault rifle and firing at not so far away targets in rapid succession. Its fine for a deer or sniper rifle but an AR? What do you think?

[RobertJ]

My thoughts are...
1. learn Iron sites first. Out to 300 yards.
2. Depending on your skill. Red dots work close as well as at distance.
3. magnification is your friend... Target ID,etc. It also depends on your age and eye site. The older you get and the worse your eyesite gets... magnification is your friend.

I give scopes a big thumbs up with a big "BUT!!!" you need to master irons first, then its may be mission specific as well.

[Lowdown3]

I've watched more than a few people totally disregard the basics of BRM, then convince themselves it was "their eyes", "I'm old" etc. and get an optic. By habit stance, their shooting got slightly better, but their fundamentals still sucked.

If you jerk the trigger and have no follow through, don't listen to training on that, and then buy an optic, your still going to jerk your trigger just with an expensive optic on your rifle. Can't tell you how many times I've seen that happen. Basic Amerikan mindset- BUY something to fix the problem.

[Lowdown3]

If after the basics are mastered as Robert and I both mentioned already and your ready for an optic for an assault type rifle, then you should consider the following:

1. Do you need magnification and how much? Is it really necessary?
2. How much are you willing to spend?
3. Electronic or not?
4. Consider the ruggedness of the sight.

Essentially you will likely be getting out of the "scope" of standard rifle scopes and into the realm of reflex type sights, i.e, Aimpoint, Trijicon ACOG, Eotech, that sort of thing.

Only in the last year have I put an optic on my son's AK. He's been shooting regularly for about 4 years now and was doing well with iron sights at 100 and 200 yards. We went with an Aimpoint PRO (see ad top of page) for him and he's done really well with it. It has helped the most with quicker follow up hits at 100 on the steel targets. Easily has took 2 seconds off the time of the 2nd shot when shooting multiples quickly. Also has helped in making faster switches between targets.

A big aspect people overlook is night shooting WITHOUT NV. While it's not impossible without optics, it's a heckuva lot easier with some sort of illuminated sight. I've taken people to just 15 yards in the dark with iron sights shooting cyalume sticks taped to targets who laughed "this is gonna be easy hahaha" only to see zero hits out of 30 rounds afterwards. Complete with the DUH! look of astonishment in their eyes after the fact. Sometimes people have to fail at something before they shut up and listen to the instruction ;)

Teach them to hit the target at 50 yards 50% of the time in PITCH DARKNESS with ZERO light input. Sounds easy- TRY IT. No light, no optics, TRY IT. After that, allow an illuminated scope.

All the sudden an illuminated sight becomes worthwhile to them :) Amazing what a little training will show you.

In training you have to work backwards sometimes- start with near nothing and work up from that, master the fundamentals. Their is really no "quick fix" to that, it takes work.

[cpt_sfc]

I use C-mores on 2 of AR's doctors on 2 and various red dots on a lot of others, They work. So unless you need magnification red dots are great. Hell in 1970 I had a sterling aircraft red dot occlusion sight on my XM 177. Had to get used to it but it sold me on em. I wish I could find that after all these years it might be worth something.

[Machrism82]

Like others have said. Learn open sights first. From there. It depends on the range you are wanting. In my opinion. Shooting to 200 yards. I'd have open sights and a holographic site of some kind. Want to push it to 300? Just add a 3x magnifier. Shooting to 500yards I'd add actually go to a dependable scope. Probable a 4-12x40. On a budget. I prefer Vortex and Nikon. Want to spend more? I like Eotec and Aim Point. When I shoot 600 yards or more with a specific gun. I usually won't add open sights. I will also state that I wear glasses and have a stigmatism. Still a pretty dam good shoot though. Especially with a rifle.

[scott2820]

Thank you all for the awesome responses. I mounted optics the other day to try it out and one thing bothers me. It makes it much harder to pull the charging handle back. I had to put on finger on each side of the scope and pull back. I guess I could look into red dot optics. Theyre smaller and probably wont be in the way.

[Lowdown3]

Scott- not sure I follow. Got a pic?

To post a pic hit reply, then "go advanced" and the little paperclip symbol attaches files.

[RobertJ]

Without a picture, sounds like your eye relief is too far to the rear.

[Machrism82]

I agree with RobertJ. Regardless of what scope you got. Cheap or expensive. You are going to have to adjust and zero the scope. What did you get anyway?

[ssonb]

Nikon makes a superb scope for the ARs The M-223 and P-223. a word of advice ..Use the Nikon mounts!

[cpt_sfc]

They do make a special charging handle that is tougher/stronger and works from the left side for scopes I have one in my rock river target upper.

[MustangGal]

If you are still taking votes, my preference is open sights. However, I live in an area where the really long shots aren't happening and if needed there is another rifle that can take over and do a better job.