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So I've been playing around with different optics and sighting systems for AR's for a while now. Each one is a compromise, but here are my thoughts on paper:
-Irons rule. Whether I was shooting a scope or a red dot, EoTech to Bushnell to expensive glass, they start to lose their luster in less than ideal conditions. When shooting in the rain, they quickly become tough to see through clearly, even though they are waterproof, they still have the weakness of having water spots on the lenses....Irons don't rely on batteries and are far less likely to fail in a bad situation.
-Red dots are definately faster than irons at close range and give the shooter an advantage over someone without them, as long as the conditions don't hinder the use of the red dot (see above comment).
-Scopes are far better dedicated to long range shooting than red dots. You can use a red dot for long range without magnification, or with, but the scope will always rule this arena.
-Red dots are far better dedicated to CQB. If you want to reach out and touch something, use a scope. Don't try to use a scope for CQB application if you can avoid it.
-Red dots with iron co-witness are a good combo. If you want flexibility of CQB with some long range ability, a red dot with magnifier will be a decent setup. Flip the magnifier to the side or take it off, and you are setup for CQB. Flip it back or put it back on, and you are given some extended range within the envelope of effective range for the AR-15platform. The reticle may not be as clear, but it will do.
-Irons rule all. I remember a (formerly known as) Blackwater instructor in a video on youtube (can't find it now, but if you do, please post) saying he instructs the Spec Ops students that come through there to take all that stuff off their rifles and use irons, because halfway through the course, they will be anyways when their equipment fails. Apparently they run 'em hard there....
In conclusion, for the SHTF Rifle, a red dot with a magnifier is the most practical tool set, complimented with a BUIS, just in case....
-Irons rule. Whether I was shooting a scope or a red dot, EoTech to Bushnell to expensive glass, they start to lose their luster in less than ideal conditions. When shooting in the rain, they quickly become tough to see through clearly, even though they are waterproof, they still have the weakness of having water spots on the lenses....Irons don't rely on batteries and are far less likely to fail in a bad situation.
-Red dots are definately faster than irons at close range and give the shooter an advantage over someone without them, as long as the conditions don't hinder the use of the red dot (see above comment).
-Scopes are far better dedicated to long range shooting than red dots. You can use a red dot for long range without magnification, or with, but the scope will always rule this arena.
-Red dots are far better dedicated to CQB. If you want to reach out and touch something, use a scope. Don't try to use a scope for CQB application if you can avoid it.
-Red dots with iron co-witness are a good combo. If you want flexibility of CQB with some long range ability, a red dot with magnifier will be a decent setup. Flip the magnifier to the side or take it off, and you are setup for CQB. Flip it back or put it back on, and you are given some extended range within the envelope of effective range for the AR-15platform. The reticle may not be as clear, but it will do.
-Irons rule all. I remember a (formerly known as) Blackwater instructor in a video on youtube (can't find it now, but if you do, please post) saying he instructs the Spec Ops students that come through there to take all that stuff off their rifles and use irons, because halfway through the course, they will be anyways when their equipment fails. Apparently they run 'em hard there....
In conclusion, for the SHTF Rifle, a red dot with a magnifier is the most practical tool set, complimented with a BUIS, just in case....