Just got one of the M&P 15 OR. This is my first AR 15 and I need help with setting it up with accesories such as scope, sights and etc. I would like to have some kind of scope or red dot with some back up iron sights. I dont really want to spend a whole bunch of money on the stuff but I also dont want to be cheap. Im not sure how much I will shoot this gun but just couldnt resist buying it. I would appreciate any suggestions on what you guys have found works or doesnt work.

If it were me...I'd check out the Leatherwood/Hi-lux CMR 1x4x24

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLt1vdVSorE

there's a link to a review on youtube They can be found for around two and a half bills. There's a lot of favorable buzz about this scope.

It's the poor mans Leupold Tactical.

I've been looking at the burris ar-332 prism. Its about $300.

Check out PrimaryArms.com. They have a number of low-cost but reasonably high-quality red-dot scopes available, and I haven't found anyone selling for less. They also have very nice selection of magnified scopes. The Nikon M-223 2-8x32 with BDC reticle is the one I'm considering. It's only $269.

For a red-dot, I chose the Primary Arms MicroDot Gen 3 ($99). It's gotten very favorable reviews and has been shown to be a tough scope (certainly tough enough for a civilian).

As for the Nikon, I'm going to see if I can find a deal at the upcoming local gun show.

Is there a way that I can mount a scope or a red dot and still have iron sights and use both of them without removing one of them ?

Yes. You can do both without removing the iron sights.

For reasonable priced fold down sights, I like the MagPul MBUS. Can pickup a set for less than $100. They are poly, not metal, so I worried a little about them on my M&P15OR's gas block (getting too hot). First time out we shoot it rapid fire enough to smoke all the oil off the barrel, and the front sight looked a little grey (sb black). But it cleaned up fine and has put up with continued abuse. They will co-witness (is that the correct term?) perfectly with my Eotech, when ever I get that (saving for XP2-0 now). I think MagPul MBUS are a great value (note: I have learned that MagPul says do NOT use their MBUS on gas blocks due to the heat).

Now with the metal sights such as Troy, MI, .. your not just getting a battle class sights, but an indestructible work of art. And you pay for that. I secretly have sight envy for Troy sights:-).

On my son's M&P 15-22, we have same MagPul MBUS, and a cheaper Osprey Holo sight. The MBUS and Holo line up perfect, and I think it's a great combination for that gun.

Yes, I used to hate plastic, and am now recommending plastic (polymer really) sights:-) Proof the MagPul folks are evil. Which reminds me, I need more pMags.:-)

The Trijicon RX30 (6.5MOA dot) and the RX34 (4.5MOA dot) are great inside 100 yards, after that the dot grows too big.

I just got an ACOG, very nice but pricey.

Mine is on an M&P 15ORC