I am considering purchasing a M&P15 ORC. It comes without any kind of sights. The dealer did not have any iron sights but believed they could be gotten cheaply at shows or online. I have looked online and see they can run over $200 - only a little bit less than the EOTech holographic sight he was suggesting. Am I looking in the wrong place? How much should I spend on simple sights?

I purchased an M&P15 "VTAC" in July and was uncertain about the scope.

I bought through MidwayUSA.com a Barska Red Dot 1x30mm for $139 just as a starting point. Fulfills my current needs as most of my shooting is less 100 yards.

MidwayUSA item #678529

I love the "VTAC version"...Viking Tactics "upgrades" that come with the rifle is well worth the money. VTAC is still difficult to locate...best spot to find is on GunBroker.com

Troy and Midwest make great flip sights but they are pricey as you are discovering. Magpul has a great reputation for their products. They offer less expensive polymer flip sights. You can get both for around a 100.

Be prepared for sticker shock. It is not uncommon to have more invested in optics and sights than the initial cost of the rifle. EOTech is top of the line along with Aimpoint. There are lots of lower end optics but they quite often disappoint.

A polymer front sight like the Magpul MBUS won't last long mounted on the gas block.

I have a GG&G MAD rear BUIS and it serves me well..IIRC they can be had for ~$100. As for a front sight, GG&G may have something to match (I have the standard fixed front sight).

i got the magpuls for my ORC and they seem to work well so far. i paid 82 dollars for mine, i think, but i bought them off a guy on a different forum.

Just hang a honey bucket from the barrel to catch the dripping polymer... all is well.

All joking aside, I have read some claims of the possibility that heat could distort the polymer. While I have never seen or heard of a specific instance of polymer form failure, I suspect that such would be under extreme conditions with fully automatic weapons.

What do you consider "won't last long", and under what conditions?

On a side thought... I happend to witness a fellow reach out with his hand and 'flip' his front BUIS after quite a few rounds. A polymer sight may not have left the smell of burned flesh in the air. (grin)

If all your going to do is shoot 50 rounds slow fire....you *should* be fine. If you are going to shoot a carbine match or training course you *may* have problems.

I agree....I have the M&P15T and it came with the Troy BUIS. You know the old saying "sometimes you get what you pay for" if you decide to go with something cheaper due to price and quality. IMO

I say that in reference to Optics and Sights. I have an EoTech 512 and do not regret it. With it, I have no problem hitting a range target out to 500yds with it.

My impression of the OR was that it was intended for people who did not want to have iron sights. If someone only wanted to use some sort of optics, then why pay the extra money for the Troy sights? But since they offer other models with iron sights already on them, I would say go for one of those. It'll likely be cheaper in the long run.