To Co-witness or Independent w/Red Dot

[Kyle1886]

I've mentioned before that I'm an old iron sights guy and know little or nothing about optics other than what I've read on this forum and others.

I'm getting a micro red dot (Primary Arms) for my AR with co-witness in the lower 1/3.

As is, the irons are dead on at 25/50+yds, even in off hand---if I do my part.

The question:
Should I just zero the red dot as an independent sight or attempt to co-witness. I've read blurbs touting both approaches. I assume you can bore sight a red dot the same as irons.

Local range = Ironsights 25yd max.
Rifle platform AR: 5.56
Fixed sight front, LMT rear fixed.

Your opinion?

Thanks
Respectfully,
Kyle

[Eldraque]

Comes down to personal preference. I think absolute co witness is pointless. I use my Eotech with lower 1/3 so i can use the optic as intended, and have my irons as backup

[DannyInSoCal]

"LOLIPOP" - Zero it with the red dot resting just on top of the front post

[as_rocketman]

Comes down to personal preference. I think absolute co witness is pointless. I use my Eotech with lower 1/3 so i can use the optic as intended, and have my irons as backup

Yup, it's personal preference...

Mine is for absolute co-witness. This way your head position, and thus your cheek weld, is exactly the same for both sights.

Another advantage -- one I've used when it "counted" -- was to use the irons to re-zero the red dot when it drifted during a friendly competition.

Anyway, pick whichever feels right, try it, if it doesn't work for you then try something else.

[Gawernator]

Totally independent... flip up 45 degree canted iron sights with a close range optic and fixed ones with a real scope

[sunborder]

I prefer flip-up sights absolute co-witness. When you don't want them, keep them flipped down.

With a larger/magnified optic, you can do 45 deg sights, flip ups with a QD mount for the optic, or what I'm currently doing to my DMR: QD magnified optic, flip ups, 45 degree Reflex sight. Why? Optic for Mk-262 clone load, Iron sights for M193, 45 deg reflex for either at point blank.

Oh, and a little orange nail polish on the front sight post makes aiming at dark colored targets much easier with irons.

[Kyle1886]

Thanks for the responses/opinions. It came today, so I'll play with it and see what is the best way to use the tool, for me.

Any other insight/opinion welcome.

Respectfully
Kyle

Note: Primary Arms is speedy, ordered Friday about 10:00 and in my hot little fist this AM about 10:00.