what kind of accuracy with ar15 with iron sights?

[Ian's Dad]

I'm working on my first ar15. really wanting to go with iron sights.. let's assume I'm an average shot (whatever that means). what kind of accuracy could i expect at 100 and 200 yards with iron sights? i really don't think i want optics.. at least not at first...

also, looking for recommendations for good iron sights...

 

[Z-Michigan]

No such thing as an average shot.

A quality rifle, non-free-float, with ordinary commercial ammo would probably do about 2" at 100 yards, maybe 1.5" if you get lucky. The shooter must be equally good, however it is not unreasonable to think that someone who practiced a lot could pretty much produce 2" groups at 100 yards.

Stock iron sights on an A2 model are quite good.

 

[highorder]

My 16" Del-ton HB managed 3" groups @100m on the day I set my zero.

I was shooting 55gr. Brown Bear thru a 1 in 9" twist.

 

[atblis]

I can do 2" on a good day (rested) at 100 yards. have no problems hitting clay pigeons at 100 to 200 yards. What more could you want?

If you're wanting to play with irons, build yourself a 20" rifle.

 

[Zerodefect]

Yup, learn with the irons. A man sized target is an easy shot at 100y if you take your time. A paper plate is a decent practice target for irons at 100.

But an Aimpoint Ml3 in a Larue Lt129 is a game changer for speed and accuracy.

 

[Al LaVodka]

Better, i.e. fine competition, iron sights are easily capable of 1/2" minute of angle. Service rifle is shot with iron sights up to 1,000 yards. The stock adjustable battle sights are good for at least a MOA accuracy. This is how accurate they are: as you flip the sights from short/battle to long range on the screw they are attached with the sight moves 1/4 of a thread-turn on that fine screw and the peep-holes between the two distance sights are drilled 1/4 of a thread-length differently to make up for that change! The gun, ammo, and shooter make up the rest of the accuracy.
Al

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

My AR-15 shoots minute of clanger target at 100 and 200 yards no problem. The target is 10" in diameter and I generally shoot offhand.

 

[nathan]

My lowly Yugo M 59/66 SKS with its heavy barrel is a 2 inch grper at 100 yds using Yugo surplus FMJs.

 

[Ian's Dad]

exactly what i needed to know...

thanks to everyone!!! so what iron sights do you recommend?

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

try what you got, when I was in basic training, I didnt get much choice of what M16 I got thrust in my hands. shoot what you got, go with the basic aiming/shooting procedures and practice, practice practice. back in the early 70's we shot up to 300 yards with the combat sight, you learn to shoot, your life depended on it.

 

[Al LaVodka]

+1

The AR ain't an AK! That precise sight I mentioned is STOCK.

If you eventually choose there are finer aperature rears and assorted fine front sights (that are round and thinner and with 5 notches, for example for more precise height adjustment than the original 4 notch, a step so you can estimate the target size/distance better, etc.)

Al

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

My AR-15 is an old fashioned carry handle upper receiver and a fixed front sight gas block. Very basic setup but it works. Do you have a flat top or carry handle receiver?

 

[Ian's Dad]

it's a flattop

flat top.. would love some recommendations.. no sights on the gun at this point.

 

[Al LaVodka]

Oh...

I know some are better than others (with some actually being made for SOft-Air is it and sold as "real"). I have seen folding ones that I thought were a good idea as the can act as backup to other optics but stay on all the time...

Al

 

[ms6852]

Back in the days of when I was in the army we shot 400 yds targets with the m16 using iron sights. Part of the the qualifying process every month in my unit. Never shot it for groups other than when zeroing at 25 yds.

 

[DougW]

My A2 will hold 2" or less @ 100 all day long. I keep it in condition yellow ready to go.

 

[Welding Rod]

If you get an A2 style AR like a Rock River Standard model or a National Match model, you should be able to rely on the gun being able to do sub MOA with match ammo. Both of these come standard with a heavy barrel. How close you get to that, or go under, will depend on your eye sight and shooting skill.

A NM model should have sights that are a little more conducive to precise shooting.

 

[Bass Ackwardz]

You should look at Troy Ind. BUIS sights, Magpul makes a decent set. There are several different makers, just buy a good quality set the first time so you wont have to buy twice.

Bass

 

[smokey262]

Based soley on what I see at the range you will get groups around 4" at 100 yards, and embarass yourself at 200. Get a scope.

 

[tju1973]

I had a beat up shiney A2 in the Fleet (USMC) and never had an issue qualifying with it-- we shot the KD course at 200, 300, and 500-- I usually only dropped a point or 2 (and often going "possible" 50 pts out of 50) at the 500..of course this was usually with a loop sling (later hasty sling) and always in the prone....

 

[Zerodefect]

If you have no sights, then look at the Troy flip up/down sights on Larue tactical. That way when your done learning your irons, you can flip down the rear sight to make room for your Aimpoint.