Iron Sight for AR-15

[HoosierQ]

Ok based on what I'm seeing here it sounds like I've already got a pretty good sight and might be better off spending my money on a better (as in smaller and lighter) red dot instead?

I don't know if I can come up with several hundred dollars for something like an aimpoint though. Wonder if something like the Bushnell TRS25 would work well for me. This will be my "SHTF" rifle but the odds of me ever needing it for that role are prettly slim. So in reality I'll probably just be shooting at pop cans with this thing. I just like knowing that whatever I go with will be at least somewhat strong so if I were to need the rifle in event of emergency I don't have to worry about my gear failing on me...

Sorry if these are dumb questions I'm somewhat new to AR-15s.

David, you got a great iron sight on there...the one most people ditch to get. So yes, spend your money on something else. If it were me, I'd stick with your setup as-is, see how it shoots, and buy ammo. But since that was not your question: Stick with you sight as is and find another accessory to spend your money on.

 

[AverajeJo]

I would recommend Troy.

 

[David4516]

Thanks everybody for your input, I think I'll stick with what I have and call it good, at least for irons. I do like this Matech rear sight and it sounds like it will be pretty durable based on your experiences. I'll have to either upgrade or just totally ditch the red dot though, I don't have much confidence in the one I've got now.

Heck maybe even a small scope would work (no battery is a big plus in my mind)... not sure if they make one small and light enough for what I'd want though. I want to keep the weight and bulk of this rifle in check (seen alot of ARs with 30 gizmos attached that look like they'd be a pain to actually carry or shoot, and probably weigh 15 pounds).

 

[Inebriated]

What sort of shooting do you do, and what's your ideal budget for the optic (including mounts)?

 

[David4516]

What sort of shooting do you do, and what's your ideal budget for the optic (including mounts)?

Mostly plinking 100 yards or less honestly, but I like the idea of having the ability to take longer shoots. I wonder if like a 1-4X scope would work? If I kept it at 1X power I think I could use it with both eyes open for up close, and increase the magnification if I needed to shoot at greater distance. I'm not looking for crazy accuracy either just "minute of bad guy", although I wouldn't complain if I got crazy good accuracy.

A solid red dot would be OK too. I'm totally open to ideas at this point. I'd like to balance the follow requirements:

Light weight / minimal bulk

Durability

Expense

So yeah I want something light and at least somewhat strong, for the least amount of money. Probably asking for too much LOL

No set budget but I have two kids and a house payment to consider, so money is somewhat tight. I'm thinking $250-ish max, and even that would take a little time to save up for...

 

[Inebriated]

For 100 yard plinking, and with great back up irons, I would say to get a decent red dot.

The Vortex SPARC I is still in stock in many places, it comes with the riser you'd need, and is about $130, $140. Good dot for the money. Also, there's PA. They have several offerings around $70-$130. Their 30mm dot comes with a free mount now, so you'd only be out $70. PA and Vortex both have good customer service, should you ever have an issue. The PA would probably be the biggest bang for your buck, and leave you with some money should you decide that you want to start throwing pennies in a bucket for something else.

 

[itsa pain]

Get an Aimpoint if you want the peace of mind. $360 for a new PRO most of the time, $325 is not unheard of for a used Micro, and even cheaper for a used Comp M2. They have the strength and the battery life.

Nothing wrong with a TRS25, PA Micro/30mm, or Vortex SPARC or Strikefire, but they lack the durability and battery life that make Aimpoint the standard. If you are realistic in your expectations, and only see yourself plinking, the Vortex Strikefire I or II, SPARC I or II, or PA Micro would be the three that I'd recommend.

Personally, I think you've got a good quality AR and good quality sights, so it makes sense to put a good quality optic. I'd start dropping some spare change in a jar for a used Aimpoint. Nothing wrong with using irons until then.

TRS 25 has 3000 hrs of battery use. not bad at all

 

[Thedeserttortoise]

I had the same problem...

I started with a Sightron red dot and started looking for some decent backup iron sights... Geez.. Almost as expensive as my Sightron... Just bought another Sightron and called it all even. Its crazy when an plain Jane iron sight gets as expensive as my last 22 rifle... But heck, accessorize we must! And hi all. I'm new to your forum here and just joined up after lurking for quite some time. You all do a fine job and I hope I can equal your efforts..... tortoise

 

[JeeperCreeper]

I like the ones you have. Use it til you break it!!

My vote though, is a detachable carry handle, if you're only gonna use irons. But I am an iron sight addict...

 

[chicharrones]

And hi all. I'm new to your forum here and just joined up after lurking for quite some time. ..... tortoise

Welcome to the forum, tortoise.

 

[David4516]

What about something like this?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/18...es-rifle-scope-1-3x-20mm-dual-x-reticle-matte

Looks lighter than most other scopes, and cheaper than an Aimpoint...