Posted by on 11/22/2021 to
To use an AR-15 optimally you need to be able to aim it. If you want to aim it well, with the best of technology aiding you, you’re going to want Optics. But which Optic do you want? As with most things, there are strengths and weaknesses to your different basic Optic options.
Iron sights: technically an optic? I mean you are using it to look and aim at your target. It is an aiming option. If it is an optic it’s at the low end of the Optics spectrum. You line up the vertical line in the curve and then position it so that it is straight and not at the wrong angle. And remember that back in the day people were making amazing shots at long distances with iron sights. They can be quite effective if you properly train with them. There is little reason not to have iron sights, if only as a backup for your more advanced aiming options. Trinity Force Polymer Flip-Up Sights are a good example of this.
Next, you got your low powered fixed magnification optics otherwise known as Red Dot’s. These are great because they are very straightforward, easy to use, and very accurate within their range. They can be found for not too high a price these days as they’ve been around long enough for them to get cheaper and better. They are probably more fun to use than iron sights, at least for most people. This is because they are so easy to use, just position the dot over where you want the bullet to go and squeeze the trigger. Easy as can be. A great example of this is the best selling TacFire 1x30 Dual-Illuminated Red Dot Sight w/ Cantilever Mount.
Then there are low power variable magnification optics. These are extremely popular since they combine the best of a few things. You got the ease of the red dot with the adjustability of changing the magnification. They are very good at short ranges as well as longer ranges. This variability makes them a worthwhile addition to your rifle, especially if you are planning on using it for different things. This type of optic can be a little heavy, which may not be surprising given what it can do. We focused on this in another blog about LPVO’s and the Swampfox Tomahawk is a great product to look at in this category.
A way to get much of the same benefits as an LPVO without actually having one is to combine a red dot optic with a magnifying optic. They can be a little heavier and are two items instead of one, but they are much less expensive, so the trade off can be worth it. We have a few combos designed exactly for this. Check out This Custom Deal Flip to Side 3x Magnifier + TacFire 1x30 Dual Illuminated Red Dot - Black.
Mid to high magnification is for longer distances only, but they excel at it. This optic works well on that long range hunting rifle or on a military sniper rifle. These do not work well at shorter ranges, instead focusing all of their technology on aiming at long distances. If you are planning on using your rifle specifically for long range, and not much else, it would be a great idea to have a dedicated mid to high magnification optic on it. For a great long distance scope check out the Swampfox Optics Patriot FFP Precision Riflescope Series 4-16X44 Sharpshooter Grid Reticle.
