The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post

Woody55 · August 30, 2012, 03:59 PM

I agree with a poster above who said you should use the iron sights first. And it sounds like your budget, if nothing else, will make that happen.

Unless you have a heavy barrel target shooting rifle, I wouldn't recommend any magnification at all. Your run of the mill AR-15 is designed to be a 300 m rifle. That means - even with iron sights - you ought to be able to hit a man sized target somewhere by aiming dead center if the target is within 300 m. You don't need a magnified sight to do that - you just need to get a good zero and practice.

When you have the money, I suggest you buy a red dot sight of reasonable quality within your budget. You won't shoot any more accurately, but it will take much less time to acquire the target, re-engage the target, engage multiple targets etc.

But to be fair, I don't know what you intend to use the rifle for. For sure a scope would be better for sniping at pop cans.

August 30, 2012, 03:59 PM	#16
Woody55 Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: East Texas Posts: 407	I agree with a poster above who said you should use the iron sights first. And it sounds like your budget, if nothing else, will make that happen. Unless you have a heavy barrel target shooting rifle, I wouldn't recommend any magnification at all. Your run of the mill AR-15 is designed to be a 300 m rifle. That means - even with iron sights - you ought to be able to hit a man sized target somewhere by aiming dead center if the target is within 300 m. You don't need a magnified sight to do that - you just need to get a good zero and practice. When you have the money, I suggest you buy a red dot sight of reasonable quality within your budget. You won't shoot any more accurately, but it will take much less time to acquire the target, re-engage the target, engage multiple targets etc. But to be fair, I don't know what you intend to use the rifle for. For sure a scope would be better for sniping at pop cans.