Hey all. First off I'm new here, and new to this gun.

I really like using the iron sights for close range but want to put a scope on it for the long shots.

I've talked to a few people, they suggest get the 45 degree mounts for the iron sights and then just a regular mounted scope on top. Another option they also suggested getting smaller iron sights...?

If I had it my way, I would like to keep the iron sights on the top as well as the scope.


Ideas/Suggestions?


Thanks

I had pretty much the same dilemma with an AR. If you leave the BUS on the top rail, your scope must be mounted higher which puts your head out of the normal line of sight to view the scope. I found that the 45 degree mounts for the BUS to work perfectly and allows the scope to be mounted in the normal line of sight.

On my ARs I use the A.R.M.S. Low Profile folding Irons. With a Larue scope mount all my scopes clear the folded rear sight.
But these are .223, .308, and .458 Socom rifles.
For the .22 cal. ARs, I don't feel the need for that kind of expense. But that's just me.

Somewhat depends on what your looking to do.
I use a low power (2x Truglo 42mm) red dot and cam co witness the sights through the optic.
For higher powered scopes, I've mounted them on quick disconnect High bases and it's worked fine. You can actually look right through the front sight and fold down the rear.

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Dave

Keeping the irons where they are is a good idea.

I don't know what type of shooting you are doing but here are a couple options.

Red dot sight with a magnifier. Magnifier mount swings to the side so you can use your irons or red dot without magnification on the fly.

A conventional magnified scope with a QD (quick disconnect) mount. Just pop it on and off as needed.

Forget about the irons and just use a 1-4 or 1-6x scope.

Thanks for all the replies.

I'm looking to do some long range shooting target practice...see how far I can reliably hit targets (wonder whats the standard, 150-200 yards???) Anyways so I'll need a scope not a red dot. Looks like the 45 degree angle + high power scope is the best option in my situation?

Well put. Any recommendations on 45 degree mounts?

I understand the want to have buis on the rifle but let's be honest...it's not a battle rifle and that kind of philosophy goes out the window as such. My $.02 is get a 1-6x scope and take the irons off. You can do you short range shooting at 1x. If you just want the coolness factor, with less hassle and have the cash, then go with the 45's. Quality offset sights from magpul will run a pretty penny. I'd rather put that towards a higher quality scope. That's what I did but went a Nikon 3-9. My 'close' range starts at 25 yards and suits my needs.

Here's another solution which does not require Iron sights.

It's a 2.5x scope with etched lighted reticle. It will function kinda like a red dot, yet if the batteries die, you can still use it as a 2.5x scope.

Shopping

Rick

Either as jagular suggests or with a limited range for the .22lr, a decent red dot with an optional flip style 3x magnifier would allow you to keep the hard sights. Then you need to decide if you want a 1/3 or absolute co-witness or no witness. One of the Vortex red dot optics along with their swing-mounted (optional) 3x magnifiers makes for a nice combo. Vortex Optics - VMX3 Magnifier VMX3 Combo

I don't shoot over 100 yards, but I use a Burris 3x Prism. Excellent scope, but I can't run the original MagPul sites, they are polymer to boot.

See Through (See-Thru) Mounts. They are made so you can use the scope or the iron sights . You can see through the openings in the scope mount bases and use the iron's .
I have a few made by Weaver but I'm sure others make them also.
They were all the rage in the 1960's and 1970's on our sporterized deer rifles !
Gary