So here's my problem with optics on an AR-15.

[DMK]

The ACOG sure seems to be a scope, from all I can tell. It's just a nice one, and a durable one

Can't the ACOG also be used as a reflex sight with both eyes open like a red dot?

That would be an advantage over a traditional magnified optic.

this is a situation where you simply flip up your BUIS and get back into the fight.

Or even better, just leave it up. Then you merely just change your focus to the front sight when you wish to shoot with irons. I have practiced this failure mode and have actually had the red dot batteries die while shooting. It is a seamless transition.

 

[Maverick223]

What branch are you in. Bushmaster does not produce M4s for the Military and ARMS #40s are not standard issue either.

I am also curious as I didn't think that any model Bushy could meet mil-spec. standards...the contract with Colt just ran out too IIRC. Is this an M-16? I can't fathom how it could be a M-4...but don't recall any Bushmaster (of any length/design) being issued. Tell me more.

 

[taliv]

guys, there are lots of people in Afghanistan that aren't in the military.

and furthermore, being in afghanistan does not confer any mystical knowledge or make one an expert on red dots

 

[kwelz]

I know there are a lot of PMCs over there. One of the guys over on M4C.net is an armorer for one of them and they use a lot of Bushmasters (a fact he is not happy about)

I was not trying to accuse cottonmouth or not being over there I just asked for clarification.

 

[Maverick223]

guys, there are lots of people in Afghanistan that aren't in the military.

That is true but is something I hadn't thought of.

I was not trying to accuse cottonmouth or not being over there I just asked for clarification.

+1, I am no expert (nor do I claim to be) and meant no disrespect whatsoever. I just wanted to hear more...so do they make a model that meets mil standards or not? I really am curious, and want to know more about it as I had never heard any mention of it.

 

[coloradokevin]

I'm not sure why this is even an argument. You don't really have to make a choice. I have a number of rifles that have both iron sights and optics (some red dots, some magnified). When I shoot the rifle, I shoot with both sights, about 50/50 split between them. It would not be prudent to only practice with an optic.

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New recruits are given basic skills training. One should definitely master iron sights before shooting with optics. You have to learn to crawl and walk before you can run.

I agree completely with both of those statements. My duty rifle has an Eotech on it, and a set of flip-up iron sights that will cowitness with the Eotech. The red dot of the Eotech is a better all-around choice for me to use in my operating environment, even though I did just fine with iron sights for many years. Nevertheless, despite my preference to run with the Eotech, I shoot every qualification with each sighting system (individually) just to make sure I retain proficiency with either option.

I also agree that looking towards basic recruit training doesn't really give us a "big picture" answer on this question. I will also tell new shooters to master iron sights before moving to red dots and the like. Even if you never plan to use the iron sights, I still think it is a useful skill of basic marksmanship that every shooter should learn!