MOA of iron sights

[krolden]

I have a question as I am doing a comparison of iron sights vs red dot sights. What is the MOA of standard AR15 iron sights, AK47, and M14/M1A iron sights? Are they roughly 8MOA across the board, or do they vary considerably?

As I've stated, in doing a comparison I'm trying to identify the specific pros and cons of using standard iron sights over current red dot sights. The obvious advantage would be the ability to engage targets in low light conditions, but this is possible using night sights. Also add to the equation, my opinion, that engaging targets at night possess the problem of target identification. But that is another consideration.

Any suggestions and insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sarduy]

well in my experiece...

i find the reddot to be a great tool for quick aim and follow up shots at short range (inside 100 yards) but with standar iron sight you take a little longer to focus but i can get really good shots inside 200 yards with my AK47. Now, there are some reddots better than other? Yes, but iron sight will always be the same, no batteries needed or Reddots covering your target at more than 100 yards.

 

[elmerfudd]

The front sight post on US rifles is supposed to be the width of a human silhouette at 275M. I'm not exactly sure what that would translate to in MOA, but it's around 6. The idea is if you are using a battlefield zero and the target is bigger than your front sight post then you don't need to think about it. Simply line up the sights and pull the trigger. If the enemy is smaller than your front sight post, then you need to figure out the range and your holdover.

 

[Zak Smith]

Shoot both fast and on the move, the differences are obvious.

 

[krolden]

I've heard the argument of "shooting fast" and wondered if there was any truth to that. I mean, should we ever "shoot fast"? It just makes me think about the ability to acquire a target, identify it, then engage. A red dot, to me at least, might seem counterintuitive to that thought process, or it may save time. I'm interested to know your thoughts.

 

[atomd]

I've heard the argument of "shooting fast" and wondered if there was any truth to that. I mean, should we ever "shoot fast"? It just makes me think about the ability to acquire a target, identify it, then engage. A red dot, to me at least, might seem counterintuitive to that thought process, or it may save time. I'm interested to know your thoughts.

It's two totally different things imho. In a situation where you have already decided to shoot something, the red dot will almost always get you on target faster. You shouldn't be pointing rifles around at things you don't want to shoot anyways. Once you have decided to shoot something, usually the faster you can accurately shoot it, the better. The time spent lining up irons isn't the time you should be debating whether or not to pull the trigger, you should be concentrating on getting on target and making a good shot at that point.

 

[Brandon]

The biggest advantage to red dot or anything similar is that everything is on the same plane of focus.
No lining things up between different planes of focus.
since you can get dots in different MOA diameters you can have what you want.

 

[Zak Smith]

Once you've decided to shoot something, a red dot is way faster. Get a timer and try it!

 

[Bwana John]

How many MOA on a dot site after the battrie goes dead or the glass breaks?

 

[Brandon]

How many MOA on an Iron site when it is bent or broken off.

 

[sarduy]

How many MOA on a dot site after the battrie goes dead or the glass breaks?

How many MOA on an Iron site when it is bent or broken off.

hehehe... That's why i use both in my AK.. in case one fails i got the other one ready!