New To Optics

[Armed&Loaded]

I'm considering buying an Eotech to use as a primary for my stock Bushmaster Carbine. I've only used standard iron sights in the past because I never really considered otherwise, and I don't know anyone who uses anything other than scopes. Basically my question is do standard iron sights interfere with your field of vision using a red-dot or holosight? My gut instinct would be that standard sights may slightly hurt target acquisition time (in terms of CQC). I know it's a matter of opinion, but I don't have enough knowledge of optics to base an opinion of my own. Co-witnessing with standard irons...using flip-ups...what are your opinions?

[cheaptrick]

http://ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=3&f=18

[Omnivore]

It scarcely matters because you have both eyes open and you're concentrating on the red dot and the target. You can actually use a reflex sight with the front lens cover closed, so a fixed front sight, visible in the lower portion of your sight's viewing area, is certainly no problem.

Also see my article on electronic sights, under the heading "Occlusion":
http://www.ultimak.com/UnderstandingE-Sights.htm#occ

[striker3]

I use an Eotech 553 with LaRue backup iron sights (http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=29) and a standard frontsight base.

The 553 has a built in A.R.M.S. mount which makes the irons cowitness in the lower third of the Eotech. When shooting, I do not notice the irons at all. At the bottom of this page is a good illustration of what the two types of cowitnessing are:

http://groups.msn.com/TheMarylandAR15ShootersSite/sightsopticsfaq.msnw

The reason that I went with non flip up sights is that it just makes for one less variable. I have found that the times I find out something is broken is right about the time that I need to use it. With the setup that I have now, If I shoulder my rifle and see that for whatever reason, my optic is not operable, I just shift my cheek weld down a fraction of an inch and I still have usable sights.