As Patton 63 I wouldnt expect you to shoot anything else but "the Greatest Battle Implement ever devised"
- Thread starter JoshcBoucher
- Start date
As Patton 63 I wouldnt expect you to shoot anything else but "the Greatest Battle Implement ever devised"
Indeed! It's the first rifle I reach for when I open the safe and the last one I put away.
One of my favorite rifles is a 20 inch FN barreled 5.56 with tube forend, and a TA01 ACOG. It has worked great for many, MANY years.
I agree with the old adage "Don't fix it if it works."
I agree with the old adage "Don't fix it if it works."
Josh,I am 45 also.My eyes are not what they used to be.I had a TA 31 ACOG when i deployed to Iraq in 04 05 time period.I zeroed stateside with m855 ball.When i arrived in Kuwait we confirmed zero.It was still on with different lot of ammo.I carried and fired the rifle frequently for a year in country.It never lost zero.I still have an m4 i built on an A1 upper iron sight only.I use it as a truck gun of sorts.I can still hit 8 in steel plates to 200 about every shot and 300 most of the time.I can scare the shit out of the target at 400.Like i said eyes are starting to fail.My m4 with a TA 01 nsn ACOG is my go to rifle.The 8 in steel at 400 dont stand a chance.What ever works for you is what i would go with.I make my 19 yr old son shoot with irons sometime to keep his skills sharp.He is suprised how well irons shoot.He has good eyes.Needless to say i think Acogs are some of the best sights made.They are just high.Richard
Last edited:
I prefer shooting irons, but acogs are the bee's knees of rugged and versatile optics.
After I got done hanging every bell and whistle on my heavy-barreled Rock River Arms carbine, I could barely manipulated it with one hand. And when I attended a carbine class and saw the rapid manipulation and clearance drills that were necessary, I realized that Rock River Arms wasn't going to cut it. It's fine as entry entry weapon for which it was set up . . . with the EOTech, heavy barrel, the forward grip, and the flashlight. but it's not very wieldy as carbines go.
My favorite AR is my simplest AR. It is a 14.5 inch (pinned and welded flash hider) Noveski upper on a Yankee Hill lower. It has a Midwest industries free float rail and an Aimpoint comp M3 in a Larue QD Mount. It cowitnesses iron sights. So if the optic fails, or if I just don't have time to turn it on, I can always go straight to irons.
But iron sights are getting harder and harder to use as I get older. I can see them fine on my M1A, but on a short carbine they are too close to focus. And even if not for that, they are pretty useless at night.
My favorite AR is my simplest AR. It is a 14.5 inch (pinned and welded flash hider) Noveski upper on a Yankee Hill lower. It has a Midwest industries free float rail and an Aimpoint comp M3 in a Larue QD Mount. It cowitnesses iron sights. So if the optic fails, or if I just don't have time to turn it on, I can always go straight to irons.
But iron sights are getting harder and harder to use as I get older. I can see them fine on my M1A, but on a short carbine they are too close to focus. And even if not for that, they are pretty useless at night.
Funny arguments in this thread. Iron vs. optics; 9mm vs. .45; AR vs. AK; Glock vs. 1911; DI vs. piston. Yawn.
It depends on the situation. I left my first AR KISS. Fixed a2 hbar. I was always a believer in the KISS concept. Fast forward to putting together my patrol rifle....
I like irons, but they are useless at night. An optic with illumination is a must. Same for a flashlight. I can't tell you how many time I've been on containment in a backyard that is pitch black. I absolutely cannot imagine having a patrol weapon without a light. You have to be able to identify your target and know where that round is going. I put a grip pod on it because most of the time I use my AR it's from a PRO position on containment. I don't like vertical foregrips but after a few hours the bipod is nice. I really like a clean AR but a light and an optic are essential if you might use it at night.
I like irons, but they are useless at night. An optic with illumination is a must. Same for a flashlight. I can't tell you how many time I've been on containment in a backyard that is pitch black. I absolutely cannot imagine having a patrol weapon without a light. You have to be able to identify your target and know where that round is going. I put a grip pod on it because most of the time I use my AR it's from a PRO position on containment. I don't like vertical foregrips but after a few hours the bipod is nice. I really like a clean AR but a light and an optic are essential if you might use it at night.
RELIABLE optics have merit.
Irons do as well.
Most important is knowing your weapon, it's strengths and limitations. I was issued an ACOG back in the day. I also qualified expert numerous times with the A2 irons.
The M16A2 still holds a fond place in my memory. Possibly why I built a semi-auto clone.
Oh, and that's not just a parade sling. It's a hell of a shooting aid.
Definitely, I have to say that I never used a sling until I got an AR and got curious and decided to hook it up and try it. And WOW! I never thought it would help that much . Like seriously, every rifle I get from now on will have a sling. Its amazing. After I figured out how to use it.....well Ill just say I cant recommend a sling enough. It is truly the most useful attachment you can put on a AR period.
Noww!!!! That is "one hell of a range!!!!"
Boy, I'd love to have that in my back yard!
Boy, I'd love to have that in my back yard!
JoshcBoucher personally I would not worry about all the add on stuff if you do not have any need for them. Iron sights are good, ACOG's are good too,. and I like shooting both whenever I can. So far keeping a detailed data book for my AR-15 is the best thing I've done for it.
Now I have the other add on stuff like the grip bi pod & Surefire weapon light but I rarely use them. I'm getting a Surefire suppressor and a civi IR laser and maybe a helmet mounted NV setup so I can go hog hunting at night. Other than the suppressor none of that crap is going to be mounted for a casual day plinking at the range.
I may be an odd man out but I don't care for acogs. Don't like the eye relief or the fixed power. I'd prefer a quality 1-4 or 6 scope any day. I have a Pride and Fowler CQLR on my Larue 5.56 and love it.
