I have had shooting sessions where I didn’t need a scope, so I just used my iron sights.
And honestly, contrary to what some might think, I can see why sticking to iron sights is quite beneficial!
However, that doesn’t take away the fact that scopes are extremely helpful and useful as well.
I’m here to distinguish TWO SIMILAR TARGET ACQUISITION hunting devices for you.
Learn more about why someone would prefer an iron sight over an optic, and vice versa!
Iron Sights
Iron sights are a system of shaped alignment markers. They are usually composed of rear sights and front sight for easy adjustment of your firearm’s elevation and windage.
Simply, these are meant to ASSIST YOUR AIM.
Advantages of Using Iron Sights
There are quite a few reasons for WHY you should prefer iron sights… and when compared to optics, iron sights provide the following KEY FEATURES as pros:
- Affordability
- Stability and durability
- Lightweight
- Ease of cleaning
- Fast target sighting for rapidly moving targets
- Effective for close-range encounter
- Quality of sight picture
You can get CHEAP, LIGHTWEIGHT, DURABLE, AND HIGH-QUALITY APERTURE iron sights for just around $100.
Iron sights have been a HUGE help for me, especially when I use long-distance rifles.
While most people worry about a baggage handler damaging their scope, the GUARANTEED DURABILITY in irons effectively airs out such concerns!
I can also vouch for the user-friendliness of iron sights because of these distinguishable features that SEPARATE it from scopes entirely:
- They do NOT require batteries
- They do NOT easily fog up due to temperamental weather
- They do NOT pose the problems of water intrusion
These are the features that provide irons with a MORE DESIRED BUILD.
More importantly, irons offer a decent point shooting reference through its PEEP SIGHT.
For you to visualize it better, the process of targeting and sighting system would be like this:
- The human eye centers FRONT SIGHT through the REAR APERTURE
- The shooter can then focus on the FRONT SIGHT while aligning it WITH THE TARGET
The peep sight makes the process of target acquisition in relatively close confines FAST and INTUITIVE.
Disadvantages of Iron Sights
There are definitely drawbacks that could break the deal for you.
This type of sighting system cannot gather as much light as a scope does, making aiming with iron sights difficult under low-light conditions (especially when hunting in moderately thick woods).
I tried taking my rifle with iron sights out on a late afternoon, but I could barely see anything.
True enough, I didn’t really have anything to illuminate my surroundings. You simply will not be able to be a proper hunter with LESS shooting light.
You simply will not be able to be a proper hunter with LESS shooting light.
Simply, this also limits your maximum hunting range.
Target shooters may be trained to make accurate and precise SHOTS from far distances, yes. However, GAME HUNTS requires the cooperation of your equipment’s features for an enhanced experience.
Other people can SHOOT from as far as 1000 yards, but you can only HUNT comfortably with irons from at most 300 yards.
Optic Rifle Scopes
An optic scope is a more complex device that is generally equipped with a RETICLE.
In fact, the accuracy of shots depends on how well reticles are mounted onto their respective firearms such as the AR-15.
Advantages of Using Optic Rifles
Rather, it is the complexity in its BUILD and DESIGN that eases a shooter during your hunts.
Almost all rifle sights have these key features that are guaranteed positives for both shooters and hunters alike:
- Better wind and range estimation, making accurate shots more achievable
- Addresses parallax error
- Magnification for better targeting and long-range shots
- Low light condition performance
- Fast acquisition even at a long distance
An optic scope has SETTINGS and appropriate knobs to account for any variables within your environment: wind, range, and parallax.
One of the reasons why I like using scopes is their customizability. My settings are completely adjustable depending on what I need!
Likewise, it is easier to account for eye relief when hunting with a scope. Remember: eye relief is important for proper MARKSMANSHIP.
Additionally, as hunting is usually done during DUSK OR DAWN, an optic rifle needs to have GREAT LIGHT GATHERING ABILITIES.
Here’s why:
- Productive hunts see more game during the first and last lighting hour of the day
- An optic scope provides extra minutes of shooting light which benefits game sighting
- Better visibility for the specifics and figures of an animal is also guaranteed
A first-rate scope with a large objective lens will gather much more light than irons will.
More importantly, this feature also goes hand in hand with INCREASED MAGNIFICATION.
- You are able to SEE distant targets better
- Less-than-ideal environments can also be overlooked thanks to the CLARITY of an optic
If you’re a shooter with POOR EYESIGHT, optics are definitely the right choice for you.
It also helps that with an optic scope: you intuitively FOCUS ON THE TARGETS and not the sight itself.
Disadvantages of Optic Rifle
Simply, an optic scope is MORE EXPENSIVE and generally HARDER TO SET UP.
- If you’re on budget hunts, an optic scope might be too much than what you’re bargaining for
- They are also heavy to lug around if you are NOT on a deer stand
However, these are NECESSARY disadvantages as they guarantee a better hunting experience.
If there’s anything you should keep in mind while on a hunt, it is to NEVER SACRIFICE EQUIPMENT QUALITY… this choice can make or break your role as a hunter.
Consider This Too: Red Dot Sights vs. Scopes
If you’re still WARY about the decision, a ghost ring aperture sight or red dot sight provides an option for a decent job bridging between iron sights and scopes.
I prefer a red dot sight over a scope because of these features:
- Faster target acquisition than a peep sight
- High precision at short to medium ranges
- Ability to be paired with an external magnifier
- Spectrum of prices, builds, and feature
- Widest field of view among sights and scopes
An aperture sight or red dot sight is ideal if you are after BETTER VISIBILITY. It’s especially great for beginners!
However, the device does come with its own share of disadvantages as well:
- Red dot sights weigh more than irons. They are nonetheless still LIGHTWEIGHT.
- They are usually battery-powered. Make sure these are charged before a long hunt.
- Red dot sights are expensive. Some models are even more expensive than traditional scopes!
You should also consider that these factors (weight, battery life, and price) will cause more problems for every type of EXTERNAL ACCESSORY you will use with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Red Dots Better Than Iron Sights?
Red dot sights and irons are better than the others based on specific features.
However, what red dots are guaranteed to be better at is TARGETING ABILITY.
It provides a clearer and more specific sight picture during less than ideal circumstances.
Can I Hunt With Iron Sights?
Yes, you can definitely go hunting with irons!
You just need to pay attention to your range and lighting condition a little bit more than usual.
Be extra careful with dangerous game hunts when using iron sights!
For versatility and better results, I recommend co-witnessing sights instead.
Does the Military Use Optics or Iron Sights?
The Military uses BOTH optics and iron sights.
The traditional sights are part of training used for ease and familiarity, while optics are something used for military branches that require more advanced targeting.
My Verdict
While both offer their own sets of arguments with pros and cons, I recommend a QUALITY OPTIC if you have the budget for it.
- Choose IRON SIGHTS if you want an affordable, classic, and easy-to-operate accessory
- Choose OPTICS if you have a little more to spend for more advanced and targeted hunts
- Choose a RED DOT SIGHT if you have more budget to spend for an even more precise hunt
If you’re worried about settling less for irons, DON’T.
You can definitely still find quality irons at a generally cheaper price without worrying about their life cycle as they age, either!
In the end, you may always consult professionals for their recommendations.
Just remember to NEVER spend on something cheap for any less of a quality device.
