POLL: How many practice with open sights (just in case)

[sgt.rock]

As stated above, how many of you can and do practice with open sights (assuming you own at least 1 hunting rifle with open sights) in the event that your scope copps out on you during a hunt. If you don't own an open sighted rifle, this poll is not for you.

 

[iroc22]

I dont even own a scoped rifle....

 

[pricedo]

Three of my rifles are mounted with Warne quick mount/release "return to zero" scope mounts.

I can take the scope completely off & put the rifle in iron sights mode in seconds for close-in brush shots & then pop the scope back on in a jiffy & it is right back on zero without adjusting anything.

 

[sgt.rock]

I dont even own a scoped rifle....

No one could give a better answer. ....Winner

 

[vicv]

the only rifle i own with a scope is an old cooey .22 and it's a side mount so i still use the irons most of the time. everything else is irons. ticks my shooting buddies off that my groups are usually just as good as with their scoped "commercial" rifles!

 

[mardig88]

i find shooting with open sights more interesting

 

[Levi Garrett]

don't use a red dot, or tang sight, all others yes.

 

[Lefty Dick]

I have a few rifles that are irons only.(5)
I practice with them when the mood hits me.

 

[iroc22]

No one could give a better answer. ....Winner

I have quite a few different setups, none with scopes. I dont know why, but I think it just takes the challenge out of it hunting and/or target shooting.

 

[Moose Masher]

I like hunting with open sighted rifles because of the way they handle. A scope usually adds a pound or more and a lot of bulk to the rifle.

I find I usually have a scoped rifle slung over my shoulder with one hand holding the sling. I like to carry open sighted rifles with my hand wrapped around the receiver.

A gun in the hand is brought into action much quicker and I just find it less awkward when making my way through thick bush or anytime the going is less than easy.

 

[Northman999]

I do, but then I also actually hunt with open sighted rifles as well.

 

[CptnBlues63]

I grew up on iron sights. I see no advantage in the field (or anywhere else for that matter) to iron over optics.

I have two main hunting rifles (both scoped) and should anything happen to my primary, I grab the spare out of the truck and continue without lost time.

I think for most it's a preference issue and what you're comfy with.

Me, I like a scope because it has one advantage over iron sights that can't be argued with........accuracy at greater ranges.

 

[Grizzlypeg]

I can't see iron sights properly during low light conditions. I seem to have the best luck with deer early morning or just after sunset.

 

[pricedo]

I grew up on iron sights. I see no advantage in the field (or anywhere else for that matter) to iron over optics.

I have two main hunting rifles (both scoped) and should anything happen to my primary, I grab the spare out of the truck and continue without lost time.

I think for most it's a preference issue and what you're comfy with.

Me, I like a scope because it has one advantage over iron sights that can't be argued with........accuracy at greater ranges.

I grew up on iron sights.

I also grew up with a pair of eyes that I had full use of for the first 45 years of my life.

Now with three score & counting candles vying for standing room on the birthday cake I can shoot only certain kinds of iron sights.

The world has become a fuzzier, dimmer place.

 

[blargon]

I grew up shooting irons, but now the only one I have that's scopeless is my 11-87 Slug Gun. No problem getting 3" groups with it at 100yds...

I like the ability to shoot 300+ if I want, and I wouldn't try that without a scope...

 

[Crazy.kayaker]

my m88 has both...I used it open sights most of last season. Took my first large game with a scope but I like using either or. When I go hiking I pull the scope...extra weight not required. Only takes 1-3 rounds to get it zeroed again Looking at getting a new rifle odds are it will have no Iron Sights. My .22's are both Iron sight and will never see a scope...peep sights yes..scope no.

 

[Michael J]

I've only ever used open sights on my henry .22 lever for hunting. I didn't put on a decent scope until recently, and will give this whole scope shooting a try next time i go.

 

[fdegurse]

yes, I like open sights on my shotguns and 22,

 

[lucky72]

everything depend on the terrain, if its to dirty i will definitely going to go with the open sight.

 

[Eagleye]

The only rifles I own with iron sights are a couple of rimfires, and they have aperture sights. At 60+ years, my eyes do not favor open sights a lot, and having used scopes for 50+ years now, I have come to the realization that there is no real situation where I cannot use a scope effectively. With proper mounts, I can sight in two scopes for one rifle, and change the scope out in about 2 minutes...one shot to verify, and I am back in business, should one scope fail or be damaged. The other option, as one poster mentioned, is to carry a second rifle as backup on your hunting trip. The last time I had a scope "failure" was in 1963, so I have come to trust optics a lot. Obviously, this means not hunting with s**t optics!! I have made shots with scopes that would have been virtually impossible with any iron sight type, so more reason for me to scope up all my hunting rifles. JMHO, Eagleye.