All that real estate on the rails of your AR15 means one thing. You need to make some decisions about what AR15 sights or optics to mount, and you certainly have no shortage of choices.
This post will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
AR15 Iron Sights
AR15 iron sights are a staple and iron sights were around long before modern optics like scopes and battery-powered red dot sights.
This being the case, there are tons of advantages associated with AR15 iron sights:
- AR15 iron sights need no batteries or other power. They are operable in all conditions, all the time.
- AR15 iron sights are fogproof, waterproof and dustproof.
- While they might not be fully shock proof, they are far more durable than red dot sights and scopes.
- You can get night sights that are useful in the dark, but which still keep your position concealed.
- With training, iron sights can be effective at all ranges except extreme long ranges.
There are offset iron sights that can be run in tandem with a red dot sight or scope as a redundant backup.
Now for the downsides of AR15 iron sights:
- Iron sights are tougher to learn to use proficiently and shooting accurately over irons requires extensive training.
- With an improper mount, or if the sight alignment is not good, accuracy will be adversely affected when shooting over irons.
- They’re not as effective at shooting at extended ranges as red dot sights or scopes.
- They can be ineffective in the dark.
- Obviously, they offer no magnification.
AR15 Red Dot Sights
In contrast to AR15 iron sights, AR15 red dot sights consist of a plate of glass onto which a red dot is projected, hence the name. When the red dot is calibrated so that the point of aim corresponds to the point of impact, red dot sights can be highly effective for executing accurate shot placement.
Like other AR15 sights, there are numerous advantages to AR15 red dot sights.
- Red dot sights only consist of a single red dot; as a result there are no sights to align, eliminating the problem of sight radius.
- This same condition makes shooting with a red dot sight effective, even with a bad mount.
- Because the red dot is illuminated, a red dot sight can be highly effective for shooting accurately in the dark.
- Red dot sights enable quick, reflexive shooting.
- You can keep a clearer sight picture and potentially better situational awareness when shooting over a red dot sight.
- It is easier to learn to shoot proficiently and accurately with a red dot sight than it is to shoot over irons.
With this being said, there are disadvantages to red dot sights:
- They are generally considerably more expensive than iron sights.
- They are more fragile than iron sights.
- They are battery powered, which means the batteries can die.
- Fog and dust on the glass (or glare) can make it difficult to shoot over a red dot, or even incapacitate it.
AR15 Scopes
AR15 scopes are another type of AR optic that can be highly useful in a wide range of situations. Some of the biggest advantages to AR15 scopes are that:
- Scopes offer the best solution when shooting at extended ranges. For intermediate and long-range shooting, they are the best option.
- Many scopes offer magnification (and some offer variable magnification) making it easier to identify targets at greater ranges.
- Unlike red dot sights, scopes don’t require batteries (except in some rare cases).
- Some scopes have reticles that account for bullet drop at specific ranges, making them even more serviceable for long-range shooting.
With this being said, there are some downsides to AR15 scopes as compared to other AR15 sights and optics:
- Scopes, like red dot sights, can be fragile.
- Also like red dots, the lenses of a scope can be obstructed or incapacitated by dust, fog, or glare.
- They are not generally effective in low light or in the dark.
- With a bad mount, you may experience a phenomenon called parallax distortion, in which the reticle or sight picture appears to shift, which can complicate accurate shot placement.
- AR15 scopes, especially high-end scopes, can be very expensive.
- Unlike red dots and AR15 iron sights, scopes don’t allow you to keep the same degree of situational awareness, or a sight picture that’s as unobstructed.
Explore AR15 Sights and Optics Here
As you can see, as with bolt carrier groups, buffer weights, and muzzle devices, it’s not that there’s one or the other type of AR15 sight that’s better than the other. Each of them offers its own distinct advantages.
Regardless of why you landed here, if you’re looking for backup, offset AR15 sights, a new red dot sight, or a long-distance scope for your AR15, we have you covered. Explore our collection of sights and optics here and if you have any questions about specifications, sight-in, or something else, get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com and we will be more than happy to help.