Author Topic: Iron Sights- How often do you use 'em? (Read 559 times)

OregonBoy · « **on:** April 05, 2004, 03:24:14 PM »

I was wondering what the general opinion on iron sights is on this board. As someone who until recently only shot using iron sights (I know, it's hard to believe), I have noticed that, with the exception of rimfire and brush/dangerous game guns, many iron sights today seem to be mostly for aesthetics. Thankfully, my Encore in 30-06 groups well with iron sights at 100 yards, even with the cheapo Remington Core-Lokts. It's about 4" from the bench, and I'm sure it can do much better if I can get some type of peep sight mounted. I probably will end up using a scope for elk this year, but on quick-detach rings in case I want to use the factory sights. So, what's your opinion on iron sights?

Runs with Scissors · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2004, 03:35:02 PM »

I prefer iron sights, and I've been using them successfully for years.
I'm 51, wear bifocals, and have had a few bad shots lately. It's time for a scope if I want to keep hunting. As for the range and competition, I'm still shooting creedmore, but not as well as a few years ago.
"Scopes are for weenies"... but all of a sudden I'm becoming one :cry:

Bill

PS.... don't give up. Somehow the settler's of yesteryear fed their families without scopes.
Check out William's stuff. It still works quite well.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #2 on:** April 05, 2004, 04:04:18 PM »

Open sights work great, apeature sights are better and scopes make up for failing eyesight. Unfortunatly the scope is pretty much the only option I am facing anymore that not just sort of guessing on either the sight alignment or the target.

savageT · « **Reply #3 on:** April 05, 2004, 04:08:20 PM »

Try my old trick....place a 3/4" black patch made from electrical tape over your glass lens that you sight through. Place a pin-hole in the center of the patch and you can now focus on those open sights! Works for these old eyes!

Jim

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2004, 04:13:35 PM »

Thanks for the tip Jim, but used that one about 20+ years ago back with I was still competing with service rifle.

Now I seldom shoot at a formal range anymore, mostly hunt and just make my own range out in the desert when the mood suits and I have to work up or test something.

Bullseye · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2004, 05:36:57 PM »

I am using open sights more and more. Last year I took the scope off my 209x50. Got good groups all summer long and shot 2 deer and it is much easier to clean. I have currently went back to open sights on two Contender pistol barrels and have been shooting them better than I ever did in the past with open sights. Also have been fooling around with 3 revolvers and a lever action with open sights, though I must say I like the Contender sights much better.

Both open sights and scopes have a place with me right now and I enjoy them both.

smoky · « **Reply #6 on:** April 06, 2004, 08:42:11 AM »

I can't shoot with them very well so I remove them from all of my firearms. I feel as though I owe it to the critter to do the very best shooting available, and iron doesn't allow me to do that, so its Leupold all the way.

Smoky

Questor · « **Reply #7 on:** April 06, 2004, 08:50:47 AM »

Scopes are just a better sight for most hunting, so that's what I use.

mikej · « **Reply #8 on:** April 06, 2004, 07:24:11 PM »

I use irons on my service rifle in highpower comp., and on my revolvers and autos for self defense/carry. On most of my hunting rifles I use a scope because it gives me a better picture of what the animal is, especially during the antlerless deer season. If you shoot a button buck in my club it's a terminatable offense, and we have to shoot 4 point or better. Binoculars would probably work as well, but once I see the deer, I don't want to move around alot to avoid spooking the critter.