Some rifles don't easily accommodate the installation of scopes and optics. For instance my FN-FAL is probably the most reliable detachable box magazine fed weapon I own. No provision was made by the designers for installing optics, but the iron sights are excellent.
When I used to shoot it a lot I was able to hit 20 out of 20 rounds on a 500 yard gong at the local long distance range.
I think this would be much more difficult with an Eotech than with iron sights.
And of course at shorter ranges iron sights are fast to acquire, and can also be used with both eyes open for those who prefer that aiming style.
The point of your article seems to be that battery powered aiming devices (which are, admittedly very nice for many scenarios) now have batteries that last a long time. OK, fair enough. I think they are a great choice for mounting on some rifles.
Something like a simple 2.5X fixed power scope doesn't require any batteries at all (unless equipped with illuminated reticle), and would be another excellent choice for a defense oriented rifle.
And, at the other extreme, for night work some night vision scope would be ideal, regardless of how many batteries you need.
Still: if you need sights that work in rain or sun, night or day, close or far and are extremely robust iron sights might still be your device of choice. Albeit they do require a little more practice time than an Eotech, so not a great choice for the "wife rifle" unless she's an avid shooter herself.
“No provision was made by the designers for installing optics, but the iron sights are excellent.”
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.
FN FAL, AK-47, SKS, and AR-15 with iron sights are fine for what most of us civilian types would ever get into. Making 600 yard shots on human beings can be extremely problematic for obvious reasons.
My AR has a relatively cheap but well made Vortex Strikefire Red/Green Dot co-witnessed with flip-up Magpuls. The Vortex gives you an edge in close combat at 100 yards or less but you won’t cry if you damage it in transport, or in the field, or if lack of batteries render it useless.
By all means though, if you can afford it get an ACOG.
Ahh,an FN-FAL.What an elegant weapon.