Iron Sights important for a hunting rifle?

[Silent-Snail]

What about young shooters with bad eyes?

 

[scbair]

If all shots at deer in SC were in broad daylight, I'd really not even bother with a scope; a good aperture sight is all I'd want. Unfortunately, the whitetails seem most active in low light conditions, so . . .

If I were "on safari," a long way from home, having spent a considerable sum to hunt Alsakan or African game, I'd not only want iron sights as back-up to the scope, I'd want a second rifle as back-up to my primary! As a typical hunting trip for me is approx. 15 - 20 miles via road, then a 20-30 minute hike to my hunting area, if I suffer a scope malfunction, big deal! I'll mutter, go home, rectify the problem, and return to the field after all's been fixed.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

Even though a quality scope is very rugged, I like to have iron sights as a backup option in case the scope is broken or becomes useless for some reason. Make sure to have whatever tools you will need for removing the scope in case it becomes necessary.

 

[MechAg94]

I have always used iron sights myself. I have one good scope and one rifle with a scope. My favorite rifles use irons. My Dad likes iron sights also, but he is learning to like good scopes as his eyesight get poorer. I just think iron sights are faster, easier, and more versatile in more conditions. Again, it depends on the use. If all you want is a deer hunting gun, then you are probably fine with just a scope.

I do agree that all young shooters should learn to shoot with iron sights. If you can do that well, shooting with a scope is easy.