Irons Sights Vs. Red Dots on a Rifle: Which is Better/Faster?

In this informative video, Reid Henrichs of Valor Ridge discusses the benefits of red dots and iron sights. He demonstrates both speed and accuracy with both and lets the viewer make his/her own decision.
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[@Giovanni-od7if]

Love shooting iron sights. There's just something appealing/pleasing when shooting with them.

[@55Quirll]

They don't require a battery to function. I like old style, my opinion. In the long run, what ever you are most comfortable with and works for you.

[@Giovanni-od7if]

@Eugene Stoner I have and shoot both. Thanks. My setup is very similar to Reid's red dot set-up.

[@MrMrsMGTow]

I have a different take on this topic. I consider 3 factors . 1. Maintenance- Iron wins here as they don't require batteries to operate. 2. Range- Short range no difference, Mid Range Iron has slight edge due to speed. Long Range Red Dot has edge due to optic. 3. Training required to get proficient. Red Dot wins here. Of course you can train with Iron and become proficient it just takes a lot longer. Based on these it would be good to train on Iron for long term SHTF or WROL situation where technology is not available. However preparing for upcoming conflicts with our own government I would air on the side of Red Dot for the learning curve and train-ability.

[@bfairfax8772]

Back in the 80's Infantry soldiers in the Army at least used iron sights first on M16A1's then A2's , you didn't use any kind of optic until or unless you moved into the Special Operations community . Even there you were expected to be proficient with iron sights on your weapons .Also what needs to be remembered is even a small red dot is a 2 MOA circle which isn't really anymore accuracy than you'd get from standard mil-spec irons .

[@lucaswoods1155]

It’s more accurate because you get more leeway and your alignment doesn’t have to be as precise behind the optic that and adjusting the brightness down will make the dot appear smaller and allow you to be more precise

[@thomash8368]

I've got 70 year old eyes (along with the rest of me) and I have a hard time picking up the rear aperture. Red dot helps me quite a bit.

[@MyBacktrail]

I'm 53 but my eyesight isn't what it used to be, and same same. Especially at night. Even with a weapon light that iron sight is not easy to see. Remember when we were young and used to make fun of our older parents for being far-sighted? My dad always said I would regret it. Haha he was right like always.

[@lukequixere7235]

I hear you, Sir, and I can commiserate. You might look into Tech Sights peep hole sights. They'll put that rear aperture MUCH closer to your eyes and clear your sight picture considerably, plus, they never need batteries!

[@bryanshaw4434]

I hear ya. I'm 68 & most days feel like I was shot out of a canon for a living. But it's still fun.

[@Win94ae]

@@MyBacktrail I see 6 to 7 dots, a few will fade in and out, I wonder which one is the real one?

[@stevejames9510]

FRONT SIGHT FRONT SIGHT FRONT SIGHT!! Focus only on the FRONT SIGHT. Thats a FACT.

[@coonhunter1192]

That rifle will be illegal in VA if the governor gets his way, let's all hope he don't.

[@BretAllenStudios]

No it won’t. The 2A is the law. The only way it’s illegal is if you’re willing to give the tyrants the power over you to say so and believe it.

[@heythere4970]

@@BretAllenStudios What's legal and what's constitutional are sadly too often different things.

[@johnniewasr5740]

@@heythere4970 No they aren't. If something isn't Constitutional, it isn't legal...*period*

[@heythere4970]

@@johnniewasr5740 This law in VA is a perfect example. It went through the proper process, is in the books, and is now the law. It's unconstitutional and shouldn't be obeyed, but it's still the law. Hopefully the Supreme Court gets off its ass and fixes that mess. And hopefully we get a constitutionalist justice next term.

[@johnniewasr5740]

@@heythere4970 It may be a law, but it is an illegitimate law. An unconstitutional *law* is not a law at all. At least that is how I feel and how many, many more Patriots feel as well.

[@johnqpublic2718]

This video was so encouraging. I've taken a long time to save up for my rifle as I'm married with Children and I'm always on a budget. I was only able to afford to put backup iron sights on it and have been practicing with those for a while now until I can afford a scope or red dot. Now I'm just going to wait even longer.

[@Southernguitar74]

Less is more. You can do a lot with what you have. All the best

[@oak8728]

I got a used AR15 with no name red dot that I don’t want to trust. These videos and this comment helped me tremendously remove it tonight. Range next weekend on iron from here on out until I can buy a nice dot.

[@lucaswoods1155]

@@oak8728 you can get a decent red dot from Holosun that won’t break the bank I know budget is subjective but you can get a decent dot from them for like 200-250

[@steemerxaxon1643]

Train.....Train... Train....!!!!!!! is ALL you need

[@brandonwood3442]

Forgo the optic altogether and instead spend a fraction of the price on a set of high-quality fixed iron sights.

[@BrassStacks]

I mustered on the Lexington Green that morning with the rest of my company. I was determined not to retreat for any reason. When ordered to disperse I remained in place with my flint and ammo on the ground in my hat. I was hit in the second volley and knocked to the ground. As I tried to reload, I was bayoneted by the Redcoats and died on the Green. - Jonas Parker, Lexington. (QS)

[@johnarmstrong1601]

No shit?

[@bretmoore6828]

Real men gave their lives so that we could have the freedoms of a constitutional republic.

[@jhutch1470]

D Rock 75. If he died on the green how did he write the story?

[@michaelpawluk6791]

It's tough keeping up with the Joneses lol everyone has a new optic every year. I have a few myself but I always go back to my irons

[@RickLestrat]

Lets see this comparison under stress in dark/low light on a moving target.

[@blaketamblyn1099]

Hahaha. Good point

[@Masta_E]

Exactly. No doubt I agree with almost anything he's saying about technique but a dot or lpvo is so much easier, especially if you have "technique".

[@toddk1377]

Yup...T-Rex Arms has a good video demonstrating this, it's a pretty good drill to practice if you have the time and place to set it up.

[@satanhunter6092]

Or when rounds are being flung back. (aka Under Stress) However, let's also test this when the dot battery is dead or as diving to prone you bang those sexy red dots on a rock knocking them off zero. Run BOTH, be proficient with BOTH, under ALL circumstances.

[@EchoSigma6]

Regaina Young I’ll probably soil myself.

[@ung427]

I've grown to love the traditional A2 sights.

[@Forgiven.Man.of.GOD.]

I prefer old carry handle irons. Don’t really like red dots or optics. I genuinely enjoy the art and skill of learning the fundamentals of getting good with irons and breathing and holds and just all of it. I’m a new shooter. About 2 years now. But I been hitting decent groups at 200 yards now. Been practicing for 2 years with irons

[@xxCOKERxxPWNxx]

Your shooting is impressive but I feel like this is a flawed argument. The red dot is faster , 9/10 people. Target transitions and rapid fire? Just easier to track a bright red dot. Secondly, red dots are meant to threat focus, irons is front sight focus- two totally different philosophies. I do agree with your idea that skill is better than toys, but I just feel like if you take the same guy and put him on irons vs dot, hes gonna most likely do better with the dot hour per hour behind each. Get good with both, and train the most with what you plan to use. But nice shooting Reed ✌🏼

[@RC-te4mt]

When batteries die, you better have a backup plan! Semper Fi!

[@jonesy2234]

Love that saying "technique over technology "...I need to come to valor ridge for training soon.

[@JS-.-]

Jonesy 22 Just make sure you have a stock factory rifle without modifications.

[@jonesy2234]

@@JS-.- hear that...easy to do when have no money though lmao...I do like the k.i.s.s. method on things anyhow...

[@Minuteman4Jesus]

I keep backup iron sights on my rifles, but I'm older so I really need the optics for FAST sight acquisition!!

[@purpledrink93]

@lane johnson you have an astigmatism very common

[@johnniewasr5740]

@lane johnson Maybe try a prism sight

[@briand4000]

Add another to the "used to love irons but can't see them anymore" club. AR15 sights are too close to me now that I need to wear magnified reading glasses. AK sights...love them, but the red dot on either just works for me now that I'm past 50. It also is more like a star bit I still get hits consistently with less eye strain.

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

I gotta get my old self down to Tennessee and attend one of you carbine classes.

[@mariomarez2223]

I suck at rifles and jealous. Photographers say "it's not the brand of camera, it's the photographer" Nice shooting!

[@dannyh982]

Im a iron sight guy, but not at 200 yards. I can't see 200 yards, I have to use magnification to even make out the target. Guess I need to go back to the eye Dr.

[@mafistowaltz4857]

Dude. I have 20/20 vision and cant see well at 200 yards. Open sights haha

[@dbmail545]

Take my word for it, the price of a decent optic is less than the co-pay to get your eyes done.

[@dannyh982]

@Manos Pequeñitas I actually run a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8 on my main rifle.

[@toddk1377]

I like irons a lot too, but I don't care for the A1 style irons. Once you go past 300 meters, it makes it makes hitting the target much more difficult. I prefer to run the A2 style sights and use the drum as intended. For optics I prefer a fixed power scope, I find them more rugged and less things to worry about vs a variable ffp/sfp optic. But use what works for you, everyone has different preferences and what works best for them.

[@jeremyjeremy8795]

I remember hitting the big target at Parris Island (iirc 24”x36”) about the size of the avg man’s torso at 500m with just peep sights. Same target standing freehand at 200m...the good ole days

[@kayakdan48]

I dropped EoTech two or three years ago when they admitted their sights were subject to a drift caused by weather temps. I shoot from MN to AZ and had always thought I must have bumped it somehow to lose zero over the years. At least they bought it back from me...that was cool. I switched to Aimpoint PRO and like it even better...I use a Vortex flip up magnifier at distance shooting. Good combination. For all those geezers with poor eyesight...get checked for cataracts and have the surgery done. It's absolutely life changing!

[@Tier1Citizen]

Preach the truth Reid. When I attended Rifleman 1 there were a couple of new shooters (husband & wife) who ran a basic AR-15 and an AK-47. Both had iron sights and both were ringing steel way out there. It's doable within the confines of a two day class like Rifleman 1. Get on it y'all.

[@peepochill]

I think the main argument with red dots vs irons is the overall ability and ease use of the red dot. Obviously you can be just as fast with irons at 7 yards, Even at distance on a range day. But in a stressful life threatening situation, optics are always going to be better. At night, optics are going to be better. Shooting in anything other than a perfect position, a red dot is definitely going to be better. Not arguing against the fact that proper technique does definitely matter. Just giving my 2 cents and from use and experience is all.

[@aliman3229]

I prefer my iron, carry handle sights. It feels more natural to me.

[@lucaswoods1155]

The advantage of a red dot over irons simply comes down to science because you don’t have to shift your focus back and forth from as many different focal plains it allows you to get on target faster that’s not to say you can’t get fast with irons but if your fast with those imagine how much quicker you can be with a red dot especially if you train with it

[@carlray4809]

THANKS REID, IM AN OLD SCHOOL IRON SIGHT GUY. IM SURE LEARNING STUFF FROM YOU BROTHER. GOD BLESS

[@RobbySk8erBoi]

Random comment to help analytics.

[@Namesi]

Top notch name and pfp. "Could you do me a favor? Could you have a great day? Thanks."

[@michaelpurifoy9558]

Training over technology

[@navajorezathlete1202]

I love iron sights. I've never owned a fancy scope or optic. Just iron and I've put several thousand rounds through my rifles. Teaching my young one the same.

[@thebackyardairgunner8776]

Nice shooting as always! And iron sights don't need batteries. I'm an iron sight kinda guy.

[@kevinyoubi3756]

Same here

[@katafrakt33]

I do practice with iron sights more but I noticed my vision is getting worse with age. It's not terrible yet but noticeably worse than used to be so using iron sights is getting more difficult especially in low light conditions. Red dots makes this easier. But - this makes me practice with irons even more as I think one can train his eyes to some extent and slow down vision decline.

[@imij101]

Reid rocks

[@krisguntner4805]

"A tenth of a second is nothing to write home about".....famous last words. :P

[@toddk1377]

I love all the sighting systems. That's why I have 3 AR's, open sight, red dot that cowitness with irons, and the other with a fixed power optic. Now I need to build another so I can have a lpvo, lol.

[@Brett235]

I recently purchased a rifle and I really want to learn the iron sights first before I out an optic on it. I have hunted game all my life, I'm 44 years old, and I'm just getting in to the AR-15 platform. I have ordered some ammunition and plan on learning the platform as best I can.

[@TimberTramp]

Keep “em light! Keep “em right!

[@danvondrasek]

I got a DPMS Oracle for 390 during a 4th of July sale at a local gun shop. I beat the fuck out of that rifle. That's the one the family gets to mag dump from when they visit from the city, gets thrown in the back of the pickup with no case, etc. But that rifle will shoot anything, from cheap tula, surplus 5.56, bulk federal, anything and still group 1-1.5 moa at most distances, once I subtract my flyers. But I'm no expert or marksman of any sorts, and I always send 1 or 2 off somewhere else on the paper

[@johngaltman]

I have both on my guns, they are coincident and both up and on all the time. works great for me...

[@SuperJuiceman11]

How many Shooters on the three gun competition circuit use iron sights over red dot?

[@UncleDanBand64]

none and for good reason

[@JoshBenware]

Exactly

[@wildrangeringreen]

In my experience, gun-games on a manicured range aren't the same thing as practical shooting in the real world. go over to inrangetv, their comps are fairly realistic, and you see that the difference between "Open" an "Classic" type classes isn't that much (with plenty of "open" competitors placing below the classic guys). shoot, in one of the comps, Karl runs a Win 1873 and a ww1 1911 and places well in the overall standings vs guys with tricked out ar's. it should also be noted that those guys (Ian and Karl) are not world class shooters (and don't claim to be), just guys that really like to shoot.

[@Tbowie13]

Hey Reed. I think as far as a red dot goes, the advantage comes with situational awareness. I understand take your shot then ho back to ready, but at distance, especially with aging eyes (I'm 50 now) it seems easier to have situational awareness with a red dot superimposed so I don't have to stare at a front sight, and can watch what I'm shooting at. I do agree with you about staying fresh with irons. It just seems easier for my aging eyes to use a red dot.

[@rulzofegagement1929]

Right on time Reid! I just picked up a new AR today and vowed to run irons for a while! Thanks for cosigning my plan!!

[@iamsam369]

Now do them both moving, fire 6 rounds with .15 splits, do them around corners, go from standing to prone On the clock and engage a 200 yrd target. Red dot will win 10/10 times and probably by alot

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

The biggest advantage of red-dot and reflex sights is that they require only the indexing of one point - the dot or aiming point itself - with the target. With irons, you are looking at 3-4 discrete movements - indexing your eye to the rear sight aperture or notch, lining up with and indexing the front sight, and then aligning them on target. There are people who run 3-gun competitions with irons and score very highly. Not many, but they are out there. Usually older guys used to using iron sights since they were young, and in the service, that kind of thing.

[@Coal-Creek-Rider]

Happy to see I am close by in West Knox. Will hit you up about a class or two

[@johnhudak3829]

Thank you for this video. I absolutely HATE the AR platform as I grew up shooting bolt action and lever action rifles. This video is encouraging because I now feel empowered to do what works for me and not what everyone says I “should” do. So...the optic is coming off, as well as that uncomfortable-ass cheese grater hand guard, and I’m ditching the single point sling. Now if I can just find a decent stock for this thing I might actually enjoy shooting it a little bit....

[@julianbanning2308]

The beauty of the AR platform is that you can make it into what ever you’re comfortable with.

[@gordonhoward606]

Stand tall on 2nd amendment

[@glorybound7599]

M&P’s are selling now for between $1500 and $2500 on GunBroker. Insane where we’ve gone in just one year. For me, I no longer possess my 20/10 eye site and at 63 years of age, I now have multiple sites on my weapons to afford me a variety of options, all of which are effective. I even have one setup with all three site options - scope, red dot and iron sites. Interestingly, I have the scope on top with the iron sites at a right 45 degree offset and the red dot 🔴 on the left at a 45 degree offset. While looking through the scope down range with my dominant right eye 👁, it is an easy transition to the red dot with my left eye for closer shots.

[@dalephillips8250]

You brought 1 thing to my attention for myself. I put the buttstock on different area's of my shoulder when I wear body armor. After seeing this I'm going to try and correct that but the armor seems to get in my way when I wear it.

[@johnarmstrong1601]

Love your show Patriot ...but at that distance my double barrel coach gun and my revolver should suffice...if not I am taking down (at least) 2 Socialist Zombies with me

[@psy7251]

Shot iron sights on the M16A2 in the Singapore army in the 1980s. No problems hitting a man-sized target out to 300 m. I think the best sights are those you can comfortably and reliably use. My younger buddies in the army are now using a bullpup rifle, with an optical sight. What can I say? I'll choose my M16A2 with iron sights and the young ones can use their bullpup with optical sights. We'll both do well when we put in enough training.

[@austinhall5933]

On a man sized target, sure. But you'll never have a man sized target in real life.

[@dooleyknoted5951]

When father time comes calling and you have painted your fore iron sight white; you're going to appreciate a red dot.😑😁

[@richardfriend5438]

It’s why I run LPVO. Astigmatism and near-sightedness is a pain. I like modern LPV’s as I can use them when I get older and eyes get even worse.

[@asleepinthealley]

Ahh I had to laugh reading your post. I'm in my 60s and have switched to red dots and have canted 45 degree sights painted white.

[@stinkbaitdawelder2964]

I just close my eyes and spray and pray....lol I run a aimpoint micro. But when I shoot anything over 100yds I look through my back sight and use my red dot, it sharpens up the dot and crips it up... I have bad astigmatism try it out it works!

[@ssearl3231]

Red dots are good but in a rugged combat situation where you have to throw your weapon around they can be knocked off zero pretty damn easy. It’s best to rely on your battle sights

[@Excalibur01]

You have never owned an Aimpoint. Those things are bomb proof. You'd need to drop a tank on it for it to affect the zero.

[@Self-EsteemandHowtoImprove]

Which irons should I get Mr Reid? I'd love to do a basic pistol or rifle course soon!

[@schatzishomestead8427]

It is so awesome what you are teaching people in your country.

[@ganon602]

What's that funky little barrel wag after the shot?

[@glorybound7599]

Also what you have the most confidence in will produce better results. Sorta like fishing 🎣.

[@JanO209]

With an AK you can use the caveman eotech technique and it's even faster due to the design of the front sight.

[@mattmanbrownbro]

I brained a doe at 70 or so yards with irons, standing, and with a handheld spotlight in my offhand with the rifle resting on my forearm. Y'all'll be alright.

[@mightylaidlow1]

So you poached a doe?

[@mattmanbrownbro]

@Eugene Stoner I know. SD will usually be much closer than seventy yards.

[@Fudmottin]

I learned on irons. 25-300 meters, irons are perfectly good. And if you want to run out to 600 meters, well, the irons can do that. Plane red dots, I don't think so. A proper scope, sure. Just dope it out with your ammo. BTW, I like your sling setups.

[@larrylucas5731]

I'm with you. Don't need them expensive red dots.

[@UncleDanBand64]

While I agree that you can get the job done with irons and in some controlled scenarios irons can be about as effective. That being said no way and I mean no way are irons as effective as a red dot or a 1x optic. Less than ideal stance, poor light, tracking moving targets....etc! Iron sights are just not as versatile and when crap goes nuts a red dot is just going to be your best bet👍🇺🇸

[@BretAllenStudios]

I agree. In tactical we always used red dots. Target acquisition is way faster, especially when engaging multiple targets. That’s why popups are backup sights. They’ll work in a pinch, but if your point of aim is changing quickly, red dot all the way.

[@UncleDanBand64]

@@BretAllenStudios you are right on sir👍🇺🇸

[@Masta_E]

This is the true. No doubt irons can get the job done but it's been more then proven that a dot is all around easier, faster on anything that's not stationary.

[@UncleDanBand64]

@@Masta_E yes sir and it is faster on a still target too.

[@UncleDanBand64]

@John Doe yeah I agree it will work just not quiet as fast or accurate👍🇺🇸

[@rjh1900]

The cheap Smith&Wesson is a great rifle...I have two and they never fail to deliver rounds.

[@cbrabb]

Hi Reid... great video. I just read your American Rifleman book in about 4 days!!

[@louiemorris9598]

Iron sights are the lifeblood of a rifle. Reflex sights are just a luxury.

[@gagenelson4735]

What kind of light mount is that on the iron sight rifle???

[@tommyroberts867]

Good video. Virginia just passed gun free zone where they're meeting on the 20th. How ridiculous.

[@tommyroberts867]

@Eugene Stoner I like your name 🔫 lol 😁

[@Ulfstigandr]

Dont be surprised if they bus antifa in to start fights in their “gun free zone” either.

[@zman459]

Iron sights , but nothing against red dot...

[@GOBRAGH2]

Looks like a great range!

[@WhiteDwarfVR4]

I'll have to concur with many of the comments, I like both. But I think it's important to start with iron sights, that way you learn the basic principles, and hopefully keep a set of irons on your rifle just in case.

[@cal1776]

You're little left/right muzzle swing after the shot is pointless. Not to be critical I like your channel.

[@charliefoxtrot5001]

I know where it comes from (team tactics), but I agree it is pointless. I like John Lovell's method: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3eZgnSsoqqpjdE. This one by Pat McNamara is good too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHiUqZacq5Zmrqc

[@scinto23]

Most likely engrained from prior training. Scan left, right, and rear, always looking for threats/work. Just pointing out most likely why he does it.

[@dangerdoberman]

It's special because it's a S&W. I've had my Sport since 2012. Love it. Depends what you train with the most. I've always used iron sights and always will >:0

[@jljackson1983]

Iron sights dont need batteries either

[@stevek343]

He keeps looking behind his back

[@leanit5756]

I have found best accuracy results just weren't realized with the mag on the ground. Where the dot is likely to really show its stuff is in lower light, especially for older shooters.

[@tims708]

Up close a bit faster with irons. Moving back RDS start to shine. Nice vid

[@nate11681]

Reid...I know you’ve probably answered this question a thousand times in previous videos, but what do you recommend for a flash light mount for standard hand guards? I can’t justify a quad rail for just one attachment.

[@user-gs6bi3pm5c]

I realize that you are not asking for my opinion or a parts list but... I can't resist butting in since I can't recommend this combination of parts enough. (#1)"Midwest Industries Tactical Light Mount #MCTAR-01G2" (#2)"Vltor Scout Mount 1 Inch SM-1" (#3)"Surefire G2X Tactical"

[@nate11681]

Fantastic. Thank you very much.

[@user-gs6bi3pm5c]

Hey, I found the mount displayed in the video; It's a lot slicker. www.impactweaponscomponents.com/product/tmc-1-light-mount-n-slot/

[@toddk1377]

A Magpul MOE guard has Mlok so that makes it pretty easy to mount almost anything. I did the quad rail on a rifle and while it did work just fine, the biggest advantage is the ability to use real rubber rail covers that protect your hands from the heat much better than any keymod or Mlok covers.

[@tomjjackson21]

Idgaf to be honest; neither does he. Reid is a beast with irons though. I remember a vid he did years ago with HOSS grouping with irons on an AK at distance.

[@prepperpov5852]

Thanks, sir

[@chrishill1286]

Nice shooting brother. For me at 64 I need a dot. I can't see the sights clearly with my distance correction anymore or I would be running a clean setup. I was gonna get some old man shooting glasses and play with those. Don't let the age fool ya, I still outwork the powder blue crowd on wild land fires:-) But your eyes age no matter what.

[@AZMarine513]

When you get older and focus range changes, red dots can be very beneficial. I moved away from red dots to optics that run true 1X up to 6X or 8X. Gives a great amount of flexibility.

[@JohnW-yv6yp]

Excellent demonstration Reid.

[@hunterman600cc]

KEY POINT!!! If it's raining sideways (or snowing this time of year) red dot has lenses that get obstructed. Irons just need a quick blow and they're good to go.

[@ExplosiveFetus]

Irons can get caked in snow or mud just as easily.

[@davem4193]

I'm 46 and still using carry handle irons. Maybe someday I'll have to switch to a red dot but until then...

[@smittysmith6173]

Dave M Yep I’m 54 this year and same for me.

[@Southernguitar74]

I love carry handle irons.

[@davem4193]

@Eugene Stoner I'm not a boomer but feel free to talk shit for no good reason anyway.

[@smittysmith6173]

Eugene Stoner I’m not a boomer dickhead that would be my parents. Lighten up Eugene.

[@toddk1377]

@Eugene Stoner Baby boomers were born between 1944 and 1964. They're currently between 55-75 years old. So no, the guy isn't a boomer if he's 54. Glad to see how well you graduated math, typical for most millennials.

[@Predalien195]

Something I tell a lot of people as it's come with the time and experience is that the fundamentals of Red Dot/Reflex/Holographic Sights and Iron Sight are the same. The concept is for short range, quick target acquisition. Most Red Dots tend to have a more open objective which means a wider FOV when looking down the sight. The principle is also to shoot with both eyes open and it's usually much quicker for my eyes as well as others to find that dot than to find sight alignment. There's plenty of application for iron sights and they arent useless or anything, but for any situation you can use irons at, the Red Dot will work just as well as your time trial showed, but at longer distances it will work more to your advantage as long as you have chosen the right size dot. If you're running a 5 MOA dot on a red dot and shooting at 100 yards or beyond, it can be done but you'll be a lot less precise than running say a 3 MOA or 1 MOA dot. Likewise, a smaller dot like that up close will be harder to pick up than a larger one. But this is no different than say iron sights with a dual position sight for close/long range. In general, I prefer the Red Dot for a variety of reasons but I also believe having a pair of back up sights would be wise. There are plenty of good iron sight options out there too which fundamentally function as most Red Dots do such as XS Sights with their Big Dot line and the likes. There are plenty of other good examples but that's one of the easiest to make. End of the day though, use what you got, use it well, and I dont think you'll go wrong.

[@mikeogden5256]

I learned on iron

[@halfdollar86]

The smith and Wesson m&p 15 sport 2 is a dang good rifle. It’s a steal at the prices they sell for.

[@dalepress1581]

Need to factor in people who wear prescription glasses or even no line bifocals. Probably an advantage for them to use a red dot. That said, everyone should have iron sights on their weapon and train with them regularly. Just my opinion.

[@danrolli3576]

Was also thinking it takes Time to turn the read that one

[@scottwest2069]

I I can’t wait to read your rifleman book I just bought it. I couldn’t put your pistol craft book down it was really good

[@frankortiz5008]

💯. Iron Sights. ALL day (my preference)

[@noncompliant209cali]

I'm still learning iron sights but once I learn I would like to get a red dot to see which I prefer. But I'd like to know how to use iron sights before anything I think it will help me more to learn that first

[@orangeairsoft7292]

Its better to learn iron sights before going to an optic anyway.

[@markharrison6785]

Great video. Thanks Reid.

[@stj386]

I've been watching from Honolulu for years and did get hyped when you threw up the shaka.

[@nco_gets_it]

use both, but the red dot really helps at short ranges..not due to any technique difference, but because i find that as i get older, sight picture at close targets is getting harder.

[@FortnersFrontierLeather]

Yuuuut!!! Parris Island.....500m....iron sights. Its about the training, not the gear.

[@johnny30806]

👍

[@AOMartialArts]

Look at that.... classic A2 with plastic handguard. Not free float. Not mlok. No Magpul. Milspec stock... Still spits projectiles at 3,000ft /sec

[@scinto23]

Iron sights and a good weapon light, keep it siimple.

[@Devin82m]

Hey Reid, what do you think of LPVOs that most of KZbin is raving about? I bought a 1x6 Primary Arms, it's alright, but I feel like it's too big and bulky and I'm not paying $2k for a Vortex Razor. Do you think they are very practical?

[@nickboutin857]

Looking to get a nice set of irons, any recommendations? Right now im thinking the daniel defense fixed sights are the ones to get (~150) or the fixed scalarworks peak sights (~260). Anything helps!

[@bucket415]

Just ordered the book. Next up, take a class.

[@TripleAAA53]

OUTSTANDING Reid !! THANK YOU !! Excellent read on BOTH books !! Semper Fidelis