Preppers: Time to Ditch the Iron Sights-only Builds

AShooting Journal ^ | 11/10/2015 | Bilj

[w1n1]

There's this thread on Reddit that stated:

For as long as I've had my AR, I've kept it equipped with iron sights only, on the theory that I didn't want to rely on a battery-operated sight. That's still true, but I'm rethinking my original choices and considering a scope or fiber optic sight. So, my question is two-fold:

1. Would you recommend iron sights, some form of fiber optic sight, a scope of whatever type, or a combination?
2. For scopes or fiber optic sights, what model do you recommend that performs well between 100 and 300 yards and won't break the bank?

Good for this guy. He seems to have finally woken up to the fact that an iron-sights-only build for TSHTF is suicide.

Let's stop and think about this for a moment — really think about it:

The batteries on many modern red dot sights last for 5 years of continuous use. If you somehow manage to survive for five years in a world that is so collapsed that common batteries are no longer in production, then congratulations, Snake Plissken, you now have your pick of iron sights that are laying around, as well as your pick of pretty much every other product of our once-advanced civilization.

Another thing: five years into TEOTWAWKI your gun is way more likely to be out of ammo than your RDS is to be out of juice. Read the rest of the story here.

[FreedomPoster]

Yeah, a few years after that review, when a really good deal popped up.

[Travis McGee]

Was the radioactive material strong, and is it still strong? I’ve heard that “deals” on tritium-based sights are sometimes when the merchandise is near the “sell-by” date.

[FreedomPoster]

Seems to be. I’ll try to remember to take a close look later and report back. The half-life of tritium 12.3 years, and I assume they design for a least a 15 or maybe 20 year life.

Hmmm, this reminds me that I know the owner of Ameriglo, and the dad of one of their engineers, through some political activities. I really need to check status on my pistols’ sights, make a list of what I need, and work that contact for a deal. Some of those are getting up there, age wise.

[Red in Blue PA]

I have a 2-7X Nikon scope on my 300 Blackout.

Want to add a Nikon 4.5-18X scope for my AR in .308.

And would recommend the American Defense quick release attachment. You can easily remove and attach your scope similar to an EOTech and it will not lose zero.

http://www.midwayusa.com/s?dimensionids=4294845682&newcategorydimensionid=6795

[Jack Black]

I have an aluminum replacement top cover that has a rail. I use a mil spec Aimpoint. I can still flip up the rear site and use it looking thro the Aimpoint. It has held zero perfectly.

I wondered how those worked. I have a scoped AR-10, so I'm content to leave the FAL the way it is (plus, it's a PARA model), but I have been curious about them. Thanks for the info!

[Red in Blue PA]

Get an Eotech holographic sight and a 3x magnifier. Works AWESOMELY

I have this exact setup on my AR in .308, and it just does not have the reach. Want to swap them out for a 4.5-18X scope.

[Lurker]

Thanks for the tip. What’s the brand?

L

[Lurker]

Thanks for that. I’ll check them out.

L

[Lurker]

I am very, very happy with my Aimpoint. A LaRue mount holds it on my M4gery. Pricey but it’s rock solid.

L

[Lurker]

I am very, very happy with my Aimpoint. A LaRue mount holds it on my M4gery. Pricey but it’s rock solid.

L

[RC one]

That is the ticket right there.

[bravo whiskey]

I have a vortex spitfire on my AR.

[CrazyIvan]

Would love to have a PARA. Actually mine is a L1A1 parts gun I assembled. Not super valuable and there’s some finish miss match but is a great shooter.

[Covenantor]

The AA/AAA battery charger I use is the La Crosse Tech BC500. Slighty bigger than a pack of cigarettes it comes with ac adapter and 12v accessory plug. Does a serious battery check with LCD readout showing progress and charge state. Allows for four same size batteries at one time. Weighs, sans power cord, almost nothing, and fits into the pouch of the first gen 10W Instapark folding solar panel. All fits in backpack pouch.

Reliable setup so far. Have used the combo for last two camping seasons mainly for GPS and camera battery backup and recharge. That’s trail cutting type usage. More powerful solar panel in 15-20w range now, but they’re bigger than I need. ipad or tablets do benefit from the larger sizes. Different horses and all that.

[Lurker]

Thanks very much. I appreciate the information.

L

[Moira Davidson]

That’s a great idea (Lasik).

I recently needed to get readers myself (thankfully they are abundant, cheap and easy to stockpile now - much easier than trying to replace prescription glasses or contacts in an emergency situation)

Thanks for sharing!

[piytar]

Makes sense with a .308. Mine is a .223/5.56mm. Projected combat distance in my environment is CQB to 100 yards. Hence, 3x is sufficient. But with a .308 and a larger projected combat distance, I’d want 4.5x to 10.0x. (18x is for true long range sniping. Don’t have the skill for that. JMHO.)

[Redcitizen]

A few years ago, my brother and I were ringing steel targets regularly at 300 yards at our club rifle range. A guy who came over to watch was impressed we were using iron sights as if it were something special.