Your preference-Open sight or Scope for AR

[Basu]

I have been haunted by this question since the time I scoped my SDB45 with a 3-9x40 .
As per my opinion , scope makes the gun heavier by 350 grms more.
When I try to operate it in earlier way,I can not...it requires gentle handling.
To set far targets right on cross hair , takes more time and by the time I pull the trigger , I become breathless.
I found it quite good while shooting bench rested.
Open sight on the other allow me to see reaction of the target very well.
I wish to know from fellow members as to how they view it from their experience.

Basu

[estousandy]

Once the scope was added onto my IHP35, the ease of use ceased to exist. It's a full size scope. Added 500gms to the bulk. I'm using a 3-point tactical sling so it's seriously better now.

The weight offset from scope makes it feel very delicate, so can't fling it around anymore. Can go upto five freehand shots before needing benchrest, for both parties.

It's really fun to see the cans pop upclose through the scope, but 4kg nett ain't a joke to field all day.

It's better to keep two guns: one open-sight for short range casual plinking & another scoped for long range.

[Ultimate Sniper]

It totally depends on the intended used of the AR.
If you want to shoot 10meter to 15meter, handheld, then open sight is the best option.
The moment you add scope, the overall weight of the AR setup would go high, making it difficult to use handheld for 20meters or above, throwing the pellet off the bullseye (not impossible, but difficult).
So my principle is, if I want to shoot 10 to 15meter, I go with my IHP, with open sight and for long range shots (above 50 feet) I'll pickup the Scorpius paired with my CP 3-9X32 scope and will opt the bench/ chair rested position.
This provides me with best satisfying results.

-Arvind S.

[Big Daddy]

Well,for me it was a mater of getting used to. At first it was a little "odd". Having scoped two of my rifles (RWS and Canon) and shot over the years, i find it more convenient. Now with my new SDB - SE (Special edition) i'v ordered one more scope (thanks to Basu). It's like when i got my first samsung note... It was like holding a tab to my face. As the days went by, "it shrunk".

BTW Basu, SDB- SE sure deserves a scope


BD

[brihacharan]

Its obvious that mounting a scope on to the AR will increase its weight
Why a scope?
The answer is simple....Its meant for long range shooting...anything beyond 35 to 40 yds, a distance wherein open sights tend to lose clarity in sight alignment...
Up to 20 / 25 yds...open sights are good....but for longer distances & perfect shot placement a scope is any day better!
Agreed that free hand holding is easier with open sights, but for a scoped AR a bench rest / sand bag / bipod is both recommended & necessary.
Remember that beyond 30 yds the visibility of the target is not all that clear (even if one has a 20/20 vision)...
This where a scope scores over the open sight
Ever asked yourself as to why a 'sniper' uses a scope & not an open sight????
Briha

[toughsurvivor]

well for me it depends on the distance of target ,for sure scope adds a extra weight to AR ,but it has its own benefits when you are shooting at more than 20 yards (say 35 or 50 yards), but for 10 m i prefer open sights.

[Basu]

Having gone through all opinions , I need to wait for some times more till I get used to it.
I learn that most of you do use scope with rest.
But still I find that I get breathless while zeroing on Target which is not there with open sight.
BD....SDB SE (special edition) expected to be most powerful gun in their stable.Long range shooting is possible....so why not opt for a scope.

Basu

[brihacharan]

A) I need to wait for some times more till I get used to it.
B) I learn that most of you do use scope with rest.
C) I get breathless while zeroing on Target which is not there with open sight.
Basu

Basu - The points you made go well with a 'first time' scope shooter

A) Yes! It takes time to get used to shooting with a scope, especially for someone who has been using open sights all along.
B) Because of the added weight with the scope, a bench rest / bi-pod is necessary....although its not mandatory, it helps a lot.
C) The breathlessness you get is because of the 'anxiety' you face (not being used to a scope earlier)....this can be overcome with practice....Try breathing exercises (regulated breathing)
Briha
PS: Its all a matter of getting used to some new practices - a change from what you are normally used to...
eg: When changing from 'floor gear' to 'steering wheel gear' while driving a car

[moulindu]

Hi
Nice to see Basuda using a scope who advocates iron sights all along.
I was onto iron sights, but not for long before i moved to scopes. And with TX without iron sights scope is a mandatory.Once i took off the scope from ihp35 it was like a stick to play with....very easy to handle, aim & shoot. But with my poor eye sight could not see a 1 inch target beyond 15 mts. I would prefer ironsights for casual/fun plinking at short distances as there is no need of parallax adjustment but when on to impress/surprise thyself i opt for scope. When I am "pestiminator" i use scoped TX with Night Vision which makes it one hell of a lump. But i found that spring ARs are benefited with extra weight as it dampens the vibration.

I learn that most of you do use scope with rest.

Occasionally i use rest, mostly FT position. I found that barrel heavy ARs compensate/distributes the added weight because of scope. There is a initial problem i faced using a scope, when the magnification is dialed high the target seems to move up & down with breathing & how far you control your breathing or slow your heart rate there will be a wobble. In years of experience i found that there is a pattern of that wobble I try to use that pattern. The calmer/steadier you are the lesser will be the wobble.

But still I find that I get breathless while zeroing on Target which is not there with open sight.

The breathlessness you get is because of the 'anxiety' you face (not being used to a scope earlier)....this can be overcome with practice....Try breathing exercises (regulated breathing)

Once you fire a coupe of hundred shots it will be involuntary, you will know exactly to squeeze the trigger within wobble.
Regards Moulindu

[shirodkar4]

I have been haunted by this question since the time I scoped my SDB45 with a 3-9x40 .
As per my opinion , scope makes the gun heavier by 350 grms more.
When I try to operate it in earlier way,I can not...it requires gentle handling.
To set far targets right on cross hair , takes more time and by the time I pull the trigger , I become breathless.
I found it quite good while shooting bench rested.
Open sight on the other allow me to see reaction of the target very well.
I wish to know from fellow members as to how they view it from their experience.

Basu

These are the same problems I faced Initially. Still trying to get used to shooting in standing position. One thing i found out after doing some reading and practicing myself is keeping both eyes open while looking through the scope helps in sighting the target faster at longer distances. It gives a more relaxed feel and doesn't strain the brain. Once the target has been sighted you can squint the left eye to do the final sight adjustments before pulling the trigger. Once the final sighting is done and if i cant take the shot within 5-6 secs i generally backoff and start again as after those 5-6 seconds the brain tends to get restless and the shot goes haywire. Also one important aspect is the scope shadow which needs to be accounted while sighting in through the scope.

Regards,
SS