Optics advice for my first AR

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Originally Posted by LaAngler

Just got my first AR, a S & W MP 15.

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Congrats!

What mystifies me is the fact that this question even needs to be asked... Selling a rifle without sights is akin to selling a car without wheels. Both are useless without them.

As others have stated, the basics will provide a good foundation, and training is an excellent suggestion. I'd suggest that you hold off on a purchase until you can actually try some options while in training. Then, based upon what you've had a chance to use, either buy or save up for what works for you.

thanks everyone. I am very open minded and will look further into every option suggested, i would rather build the rifle right slowly than wrong quickly. sorry i posted this in the general section at first and didn't see the stickies in the optics folder yet......

in regard to the gun not coming with sights, selection in my area was very limited because most every AR is sold out, i just had to take what i could get and be happy with it :)

as far as classes go in my area, I will have to check into it, from what i've seen out of the guys at my local police/tactical store/range. i would learn more watching the new "rambo" movie :rolleyes:

so from what i'm reading so far it would not be insane to put a 2-7X scope on it.......?? also is there any front/rear iron sight sets or packages???

If you are only using this for plinking, hogs and deer, I would submit there's no need for irons. None.

But if you are set on equipping yourself with irons, the only way you could use them, assuming you go with any scope, would be to mount the scope on a QR base (LaRue, ADM). That's because before you could user your irons, you'd need a way to ditch the scope. This type of QR base will run $175-200, depending on who you go with. With a QR base, you would still need to plunk down $175+ for the scope, $125+ for a folding rear BUIS (a fixed BUIS will not work with a scope) and another $125-150 for a folding front BUIS/or somewhat less for a fixed, clamp-on BUIS.

My experience is, that with my 2-7X scope, my fixed FSB is not visible in my FOV when looking through the scope, so don't assume you require a front folding BUIS. But you would need a rear folding BUIS, I don't see any way around that.

If your sighting system budget is really $200-300, I don't see how you're going to be able to equip yourself with any decent optic and irons. At that budget level you are going to have to pick one or the other. Seeing as how you didn't mention SD as a usage of your carbine, I'd go the optic route myself. JMHO.

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Originally Posted by Dave L.

If it's your first AR, and you have NO prior experience or training with an AR. Skip buying an optic. Buy some Training, Ammo, Mags, and it looks like you need a front & rear sight.
Optics are overrated. Nobody in the Military gets an Aimpoint/Eotech on their first day of boot camp.

LaRue Rear Sight
LMT Front Sight.

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Good advice but I am partial to the Troy sights myself.
Pat

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Originally Posted by jmart

If you are only using this for plinking, hogs and deer, I would submit there's no need for irons. None.

But if you are set on equipping yourself with irons, the only way you could use them, assuming you go with any scope, would be to mount the scope on a QR base (LaRue, ADM). That's because before you could user your irons, you'd need a way to ditch the scope. This type of QR base will run $175-200, depending on who you go with. With a QR base, you would still need to plunk down $175+ for the scope, $125+ for a folding rear BUIS (a fixed BUIS will not work with a scope) and another $125-150 for a folding front BUIS/or somewhat less for a fixed, clamp-on BUIS.

My experience is, that with my 2-7X scope, my fixed FSB is not visible in my FOV when looking through the scope, so don't assume you require a front folding BUIS. But you would need a rear folding BUIS, I don't see any way around that.

If your sighting system budget is really $200-300, I don't see how you're going to be able to equip yourself with any decent optic and irons. At that budget level you are going to have to pick one or the other. Seeing as how you didn't mention SD as a usage of your carbine, I'd go the optic route myself. JMHO.

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For 200 to 300 is not enough for a good optic and mount unless you get a good deal on a used Eotech. I say skip the optic for now get a set of irons and save for a good optic.
Pat

Get irons first, "good ones", don't skimp. Resist the temptation of buying cheap stuff. Put some $$ together each pay period and before you know it you will be ready to purchase. For red dot down the road, same deal. I personally like aimpoints.

Like everyone here has already suggested, get some good irons.

You should be able to hit what you need to, while you save up for a quality optic.

Don't skimp on sights! It's worth the wait for good irons or some good glass.

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Originally Posted by jmart

If you are only using this for plinking, hogs and deer, I would submit there's no need for irons. None.

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I actually skipped over that part of the OPs post when I was writing my reply.
You have a good point here. While I disagree with the limitation of purpose, the need/want is better addressed by a magnified optic. However, I cannot recommend any optic and mount in that price range. The low-end 1-4s and 3-9s all come in around $200, but AR usable mounts (that I know of- ADM, LaRue) are in the same price range, resulting in a near $400 price-tag.

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Originally Posted by Submariner

Buy good training: Pat Rogers, LAV or equivalent.

Then you will find out why optics are not over-rated.

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I love optics but if I only had 300 to spend I would stick with a good set of Irons and save for the optics. Its better to have top quality irons vs crappy low end optics.
Pat

A few observations.

1. First and foremost your rifle/carbine should be considered a self-defense weapon. Everything else is secondary.

2. I would buy a good front and rear BUIS and then I would seek some good training. Someone suggested that it may not be necessary since you are not planning on using it in a "combat scenario". That is stupid advice.

3. Save money and buy ammo and good mags.

4. Worry about the cool guy optic down the road. They will always be available.