Optics vs Irons

X

xcross

New member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Okay, so I realize that this topic must come up fairly often and I apologize if it's one of those 'once a month' topics but the search function failed me.

For a beginner, completely new to shooting, never picked up a firearm before, completely green in every which way, what would you recommend he (or she) starts to learn on: Optics or Irons?

I've generally heard that one should start on irons, grasp the fundamentals and then graduate up to optics. I've also heard that generally, if you'll always be using optics for what you're doing say, hunting, target shooting, whatever, then why bother learning the irons. And further, it becomes a question of personal preference and/or opinion, eyesight of the shooter, and a feeling of one being more rewarding than the other.

Can you guys help add a little insight? Hope to hear everyone's input.

Thanks
 
Start with a shot gun.If iron sights were so wonderful there would not be as many companies trying to get your optics dollars.
 
IMO it is totally personal preference with a little of personal ability (eyesight) factoring in.

I enjoy my irons on my AR, shotguns, pistols/revolvers and sometimes on my 10/22. But I don't shoot these for groups or at serious distance. And I know my father and uncle have a hard time picking up or focusing on iron sights.

At the same time, I enjoy my scope on my target/hunting rifles to help me see at distance and park bullets precisely where I want them.

There's lots to learn using either one. It's more important that you enjoy shooting what you shoot so that you're encouraged to shoot more, learn and improve.
 
It is my opinion that a shooter should start with irons, learn to be a good shooter with them at medium distances, say 100 yards or so. After becoming good with irons then go to optics. You will find that you will adapt quickly to scopes. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you must resort to irons you will be able to do so no matter how many years have gone by since you last used em. My dad taught me to shoot with irons and he was a professional M/sgt in the US Army infantry. I guess he must have taught thousands of young men to shoot and they all learned on irons.
I have become interested in shooting flintlocks and of course they come with primitive irons sights. I can tell you that after a winter of shooting my 18th century rock lock my shooting is dead accurate with a scope when hunting seasons starts.
Cheers & Tighter Groups: Eaglesnester
 
Do as you please. Your rifle of choice may or may not even come with iron sights these days. I enjoy shooting both, but I can't see iron sights worth a darn in low light conditions, and that's typically when the best deer hunting is.
 
Learning to use irons is a pretty straight forward idea....after that, its all preference.

I ran my AR with irons for a little while, quick target acquisition and accurate enough for CQB type shooting. I recently upgraded to an Aimpoint and will have to see how that goes.

By no means should you feel obligated to start with irons...I didn't and its no big deal.
 
Start with both.

Set your irons and do some practice, then set your optic and continue. It doesn't matter what type of sight it is, the main thing is to practice with what you have. Even in the matter of iron sights, there are different types and the target shooter just has to gain proficiency with what is given to him or her. Shooting isn't about following a book method of training, but rather the goal is to be able to hit the target within all parameters.
 
There is a huge difference between the iron or open sights on a hunting rifle, iron battle sights like on an FN, M14, C7 (without Elcan) and Vernier type iron sights like on a target.
Target rifle iron sights are very accurate and shooting at ranges to 1200 yards is not unheard off. (see match rifle UK) In Canada target rifle is shot from 300 yds/m to 900m/1000 yards.
 
Irons are natural to me. I have limited experience with optics, so I want to play with them some more.

I want to put a 2moa aimpoint on my m14 on a scout rail.
 
Different tools for different jobs.
If you're a casual shooter do what you want but most learn to shoot with the irons and then try optics later.
If you're in a military role you won't have a choice anyway :p
 
Iron sights are better for a new shooter, when you will be in controll with, the transit to shoot handguns will be easier. It's my humble opinion.
Judes
 
Depends what kind of hunting you are doing. Generaly most guys dont put nothing on a shotgun, and usually put a scope on a rifle for Moose and Deer hunting. If you are bushwacking in some tight bush, then go for iron sights to get a quick target when you dont have much time.
 
4 words, "train how you fight" meaning, if you're going to go into something after you've trained on irons, use irons, if you've trained on optics, then use the optics. i like optics best but that's purely because i had my first experiences with optics.

it's never a bad thing to learn how to use irons though because you just never know when you might need them and they might save your life.

i know this is more for the tactical minded and the people who actually go into firefights, but it holds true for hunters as well, you might drop your rifle and break your optics while you're about to shoot a record setting "insert game here" and it's a once in a lifetime thing that you can't pass up...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom