AR-15 Optics, Iron sights needed?

[EraserXIV]

Hey for my new AR-15 set-up I'm trying to decide between three optics configurations:

1. Iron sights only; front A2 sight and back flip up sight. Basically like this picture,

2. No Iron sights at all and only a Clonedot. I'm not sure if I've seen many people with only a scope on, so I'm not as sure about this one. Are Iron sights usually a MUST HAVE? If I were to get this set up, and I attached it to a set-up like this with only a flat top, would I need to get a high mount?


3. Or I can splurge and get both Iron sights and clonedots. Is this typically done? Having both Iron sights and a clonedot on at the same time? I know the back sight can be flipped down so it's not in the way, but would the front A2 sight get in the way?

Thanks for your help.

 

[RP88]

it is considered 'normal'. the military will have BUIS, an optic, and a front post sight (usually your traditional A2) on alot of their rifles.

However, you aren't the military. You won't really need BUIS unless you want the extra co-witnessing.

However, if you're trying to make a rifle that can be configured in any style, get the second option, and get BUIS and a flip-up front post. That way you can do whatever you want.

 

[3pairs12]

I am currently running A2 front flip up Matech rear and saving for an Eotech and riser to get 1/3 co-witness.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

If it is strictly for range use/fun only, then you can make do with only an optic, but if you intend to be able to use your rifle defensively/for serious work, it would be wise to have a set of irons to fall back on in case the optics fail.

If you are using a magnified optic the front sight tower might not even be visible, but if you have a 1x scope and the front sight in your field of you bothers you, you can always get folding front sights.

 

[mgregg85]

If you are thinking about keeping this thing around for defense then I would recommend good ironsights first and worry about the optics after that. Unless it is a dedicated long range rifle it should have some iron sights for those murphy's law moments.

 

[H2O MAN]

I like the A2 with a TROY B.U.I.S or a monolithic rail with TROY flip up battle sights front and rear.
I also like a Micro optic from Aimpoint on a LaRue mount - the EOTech is my 2nd favorite AR optic.

 

[Rshooter]

Man, it is amazing what us range warriors carry now a days.

I would recommend that you first start with and learn iron sights. Optics are nice and can enhance your shooting ability but I believe in first becoming a rifleman. A twenty inch A2 can bite at 500 yards if you know what you are doing. Once you learn that kind of shooting an optic is just to make your shots quicker, not a must have that you are lost without.

 

[Gungnir]

Eotech 553 optic with MI ERS Rear/MI Front rail pop-ups. BUIS is for when the Eotech is non-functioning (off, damaged, outta juice)

My personal favorites.

 

[H2O MAN]

Rshooter Man, it is amazing what us range warriors carry now a days

Amazing indeed

 

[cbrgator]

BUIS are a must have. Optics are optional. Just get a flattop AR with irons, and you can add/remove whatever optics you choose. Always want BUIS on there though.

 

[browningguy]

Sorry to disagree. BUIS are absolutely not required, if you're out fighting every day then maybe, but the great majority of internet warriors surely don't need them. If it's a serious home defense rifle then a light or laser should be on it. You'll be a whole lot faster with a red dot than irons, and in gun fighting slow can get you dead.

At close range you don't even need to turn it on, just look through it and pull the trigger, I shoot both an AR and SKS like this at 25 yards with no problem at all on man size targets. Even my scoped AR's would be faster than irons, I have 1.5-4.5, 2-7, 3-9 and 2.5-10 mounted on AR's and SU16's. Set on the lowest power setting I can shoot them very quickly with both eye's open.

 

[DarkCharisma]

You don't really 'need' irons, so if you don't like them, don't mount them. I plan to co-witness with my current irons on my flat-top, once I have money for a good optic and I am confident using the irons.

 

[A square 10]

i wont disagree that under recreational target shooting conditions you probably dont need the buis , but its something you can have [add later] and forget till you 'want them'

i went option one on my two main rifles -

my standard 20 has an TRIJ ACOG



and my shorter 16 has the EOTECH



both have BUIS , and i have a removeable carry handle for the 20 if i need it - i bought them later as accessorie ,

my LR308 - is for punching paper and it only has the leupold



i put an aimpoint on my FN-FAL but the irons are still there



and my M1A retains its irons - the scope is mounted with QD rings

 

[EraserXIV]

Hmm interesting. Wait, aren't the iron sights on your FN-FAL basically rendered useless? At the height you have your scope at, you can't even co-witness with them if you tried. However, on your 16" EOTech you can cowitness, same for your 20" as well.

 

[A square 10]

yes - didnt say they were useable without optic removal , but excelent observation and my original info was deficient ,

the FAL has a QD aimpoint mount as well - then there is a groove in the ARMS mount that allows use of the irons ,

the EOTECH is cowitnessed lower third , its not even registered mentaly when lit up ,

the ACOG has its own irons above the bbl - but the carry handle is QD and so is the ACOG , so quickly switchable in eather case ,

the M1A is QD and the arms mount does allow use of the irons ,

but the LR308 even tho it has QD rings - has no back up irons to fall back on , and i doubt ill ever invest in those for that rifle , its rails will alow it if i decide to ,

my point would be , start with the flatop and optic you like , then as you get the cash and after checking out the ones available pick up your BUIS [have the wife and kids give them to you for christmass or birthday ] there are some very nice flip-up versions that present no sight problem

last but not least - im old - eyes are not what they were when i was young , i need a scope these days , so ive added them to everything i shoot on any kind of regularity ,



this retro is fitted with a ceinar 22LR conversion , seeing the tiny 22 targets is too dificult with the peep sights of my A1

 

[Vaulter98c]

the EOTech is great and all that, but if you want to save a few, get a Bushnell, still over 200 but I love mine. Used a bud's EO for a while, then bought a Bushnell, must say I'm very happy.

As for BUIS, to each their own, but you wouldn't catch me without it, I was reluctant to mount my HOLO sight as my BUIS was shipped late, but now I have both and I'm happy. I will say tho, the laser is my preference for home defense.

 

[franconialocal]

Bushmaster ORC (Optics Ready Carbine) No iron sights

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=91499&d=1232726511