Cheap Optics or Iron Sights?

[Rekrab]

Hey folks,

I'm building my AR .308 slowly and I'm starting to collect the small bits and pieces as I go along. Currently, I'm debating whether or not I should pick up Iron Sights first until I can afford a nice piece of glass.

The upper I'm buying is the 24" DPMS flat top with gas block rail.

The way I see it, if I go with standard irons I can probably do some decent shooting a fair way out. If I go with a cheap piece of glass I could probably go further but I might have issues keeping it sighted in. I'd rather not buy cheap optics when I know I'm going to replace it down the road, whereas iron sights will always be useful and less expensive.

I was thinking a $120 budget if I go with Irons, $200 if I go cheap optics.

What are your thoughts? If you can recommend anything I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!

[p7m8jg]

Iron sights. At a recent rifle class they had us shooting iron sights on a .223 Colt HBAR out to around 225 yards & hitting a 18" metal target.

I was amazed I could hit it.

[spareparts]

Irons.

I've played the cheep glass game and it just ends up costing you more in the long run.

[Grassninja]

Iron sights. At a recent rifle class they had us shooting iron sights on a .223 Colt HBAR out to around 225 yards & hitting a 18" metal target.

I was amazed I could hit it.

Your son had to qualify firing at a 12'' black circle at 200 and 300 yards in the standing, kneeling, and sitting positions. Many folks will be surprised at just how far out a proper set of irons can reach.

That said, go with irons. Since it sounds like you want some real glass on it eventually, cheap optics would violate the "buy once, cry once" rule.

[Bhobbs]

I say irons. Learn to use them and then get glass later on.

[p7m8jg]

Very true!

But then, he's got "young" eyes and is in good shape and better trained than me............

[Once A Marine]

Get a good set of folding sights, so you can use them as back ups once you can afford a good optic.

[Rekrab]

OK, I'm glad my inner thoughts are coming out in everyone's opinions.

What do you guys think of the Magpul MBUS sights?

Edit: Hmmm, neve rmind. Looks like Magpul on the gas block would be a bad idea.

[Maximusmax51]

Irons all the way! Don't really think you want to go cheap on optics when you'll probably have to upgrade latger. Post ur progress of the build so we can all see!

[aplinker]

A 24" .308 AR needs glass.

There are a number of reliable and worthy options in the $200 range.

[epic4444]

Yap, great advice from everyone, run the irons and get nice glass later, only way to go.

[FMJBT]

Take a look at the YHM QDS sights. They are pretty solid, and fold down to a very low profile (.435") to fit under optics later on. I'd suggest getting the single small aperature rear version of the sights, as the dual aperature version sticks up about another 3/16" when folded.

There are a few decent scopes that fall into your price range as well. The Bushnell Elite 3200 10X40mm mil dot, and the FM Optics 4-14X44 FFP mil dot are both available for under $200.00.

[aplinker]

Are people even reading the OP?

IMHO, unless he uses small aperture match sights, he's wasting money shooting a 24" .308 AR without optics.

[Rekrab]

A 24" .308 AR needs glass.

There are a number of reliable and worthy options in the $200 range.

Now, are you saying this because I'll never realize the full potential of the 24" barrel with irons, or for another reason?

Optics are on the table for the future, but I was thinking of starting with irons. Believe me, a nice piece of glass WILL be put on there in the future. I'd just rather not replace a cheap scope with a nice scope when I can buy functional irons for the short term.

[aplinker]

Now, are you saying this because I'll never realize the full potential of the 24" barrel with irons, or for another reason?

Optics are on the table for the future, but I was thinking of starting with irons. Believe me, a nice piece of glass WILL be put on there in the future. I'd just rather not replace a cheap scope with a nice scope when I can buy functional irons for the short term.

A 24" barrel .308 is capable of sub-MOA and 800yds+

The typical BUIS are going to be minute-of-man at as far as you can see (which may not be much!)

You're limiting the capabilities of the rifle by not using glass.

If you want to learn irons, shoot a .22lr!

It's a bit like buying a nail gun and turning it over to use it as a hammer.