The vast majority of the AR’s I’ve bought/built as well as other long guns I’ve purchased have had open sights or red dot optics. The simple reasoning behind this is a longstanding belief that red dots provide faster target acquisition and typically the ranges which I may acquire targets are 100 yards or less.
I’m changing my thoughts on this…..just a bit.
I’ve taken numerous tactical carbine classes over the years and all have been completed using open sights and red dots. Frequently I find when I go to the range it takes longer to focus when shooting pistols(I do NOT focus on the front sight as most suggest). The eyes are aging. It’s just the way it is. Red dots have been an immense help in faster target acquisition and sending multiple rounds down range accurately. While the movies may portray close-quarter combat(CQB) as a romantic and adventurous means by which to conduct yourself in an apocalyptic event – I’ll pass if possible. No…..I’d rather avoid any contact and if engagement is necessary I’d rather perform at distance utilizing a magnified optic from cover(over concealment).
Rambo would likely disagree…….but he’s fictional….remember?
I recently saw a comment on a social media platform that said anyone who uses magnified optics is a “dead man waiting to die”. This is post-SHTF I assume. I really don’t understand this thinking. The world is full of nut-cases and I’ll rank this assclown right up there with the best of them.
My next build – starting shortly – will be a carbine with a magnified optic. I’m thinking of a fixed 3X power but I’m open to suggestions. I’ll tell you the Recce Rifle I built a while back continues to impress and I absolutely love it. The only thing I really need to do with it is try some 77-grain premium ammo, and some 62-grain as well – and see what it can do. Those MidState Firearms uppers just continue to impress. Hell – I think I’ve built 6-7 AR’s with their uppers thus far.
Anything that will assist me to place rounds on target in the most expedient manner possible at any given range sounds good to me.
#pewpew
Take care all –
Rourke
Speaking of optics, saw this earlier. Dude says these are good quality scopes at nowhere the cost. Vortex StrikeFire is pretty good too, but not on that list.
https://scopesfield.com/best-acog-clones/
Thanks Dave!
Go with a Low power variable optic on your next build, that way you get best of both worlds. Vortex Strike Eagle maybe in your price range for an LPVO. Then again there is always the Trijicon VCOG.
Love Strike Eagle on my Recce Rifle. Great optic and had one in 1-4X a ways back.
As an avid 3 gunner in NM we shoot natural terrain stages and targets vary. We shoot paper at point blank to 600 yds (not often). The 1-8 and 1-10 Strike Eagle are prominent. I too am getting older and my eyes are fading also so I feel your pain. I shoot a FN-FAL in .308 as my primary, but sometimes use an AR in an A2 configuration. Most of us use 45 degree offset irons for up-close and personal. Hope this helps
Good info BorderReiver – appreciate it. I’ve always wanted a COlt HBAR or basic A2 clone. I keep getting AR-variant carbines and “pistols” LOL.
And now the bad news JR. I had cataracts removed last year, both eyes. At first, my post surgery eyes were 20-20. I was highly impressed. Now, I’m not so sure. I have to put lubricant drops in my eyes before I attempt to shoot now. Otherwise, the vision is blurry. I’m told by my doctor that this is one of the failings. So I guess I’m supposed to carry the drops at all times and just before I shoot put the drops in. Danged if you do, and danged if you don’t.
Sorry to hear that Oren. I guess it could be worse you could be completely blind, but I get it. That sucks. Stock up on those drops! Appreciate you sharing.