Iron sights or red dot

[Wazimu]

I am new to long guns and recently purchased a DPMS AR and it does not have sights. I do have a Bushnell red dot that I could mount and just forget the iron sights for a while as real AR sights ain't cheap.

I use iron sights on my 10/22 but don't want to pick up bad habits with my first AR by going directly to a red dot. I'm just plinking, by the way. Are the iron sights essential or just forget about it and shoot the thing with what I already own?

 

[Reno_Morris]

Get iron sights first for fundamentals. Once you are comfortable with that then go with a red dot if you want. I would have BUIS still though.

 

[chilly2477]

That is entirely up to you, I personally would have fun with the red dot, but buy the sights as well. You never have to change the batteries on Iron sights. I have a red dot on a quick release mount for my AK but ultimately count on my iron sights.

 

[CQB]

As a plinking rifle - whatever makes you happy. As a defense/survival rifle - both. something like Magpul flip up BUIS for around $80. Cowittness the iron sights through the red dot. My

 

[Bikerdad61]

Get iron sights first for fundamentals. Once you are comfortable with that then go with a red dot if you want. I would have BUIS still though.

+1

 

[nipprdog]

Get iron sights first for fundamentals. Once you are comfortable with that then go with a red dot if you want. I would have BUIS still though.

+1

+2

Reno_Morris nailed it.

 

[FordMan79]

Get both. No reason you have to choose between the two.

 

[mattritchie238]

+1 for co-witness!

 

[canav844]

Both can fail, redundancy is a good thing, co-witness is better, and if you get flip up BUIS then you can co witness and if it's too clutter a sight picture fold them down.

 

[imp22b]

Both can fail, redundancy is a good thing, co-witness is better, and if you get flip up BUIS then you can co witness and if it's too clutter a sight picture fold them down.

same

 

[leftsock]

[ame]http://youtu.be/ziavHvTlfKo[/ame]

 

[rhino]

You need both.

 

[horsehaulin]

Like others have said, flip up front and rear. Familiarize yourself with your rifle, then step up to a nice red dot for primary shooting. Just remember when buying the front sight that the gas block on a DPMS is shorter than most and you will need a sight that compensates for that difference in height compared to the upper receiver.

 

[singlesix]

Get iron sights first for fundamentals. Once you are comfortable with that then go with a red dot if you want. I would have BUIS still though.

What fundamentals can't be taught using a reddot? Breathing, trigger control, body position or natural point of aim?

 

[jmiller676]

What fundamentals can't be taught using a reddot? Breathing, trigger control, body position or natural point of aim?

If the OP is new to long guns then they need to learn to use the peep sight. Provided it is a "duty" rifle.

 

[Reno_Morris]

What fundamentals can't be taught using a reddot? Breathing, trigger control, body position or natural point of aim?

Just saying he should learn to use iron sights first. Electronics can fail and if he isn't comfortable switching to iron sights then the rifle won't be much use to him.

 

[Wazimu]

Front sight

Please recommend a front sight. I understand it must be gas block height but there are many from which to choose. The Magpul rear appears to be a good cheap option. Thanks.

 

[tradertator]

You need both. The Magpul sights are alright, but won't work on a gas block (polymer + heat = trouble). I'd say buy the best set you can afford, ultimately Troy if you can swing it.

 

[Irukanji]

Iron until your shooting skill is excellent. If you go with the red dot odds are you will never circles back and become skilled. Someday you may need to shoot with an iron sight and wouldn't have the skill. A Red dot won't be an issue if you are good with iron. Plus, you save a few hundred bucks!!!

 

[Nmathew24]

Remember technology will fail you. Never forget where you started