In a world where so many options exist for your AR rifle, where does one even begin when choosing an optic? Iron sights vs red dot? LVPO vs iron sights? It is an exhausting subject, and while we won’t pretend this article is even close to comprehensive, let’s at least try to narrow it down to a few basic options, so we can help you outfit your favorite AR! Read on!

Who invented the first rifle optic?

Well, this is something that is hard to actually nail down. The first telescopic sight is usually attributed to a Dutch fellow named Hans Lippershey. Good Ol’ Hans submitted the patent for the telescope to the Netherlands government in 1608 and before that, he made spectacles. The first modern telescope was built by Sir Isaac Newton, the apple guy, in 1668, and of course Galileo had something similar etc. One cool thing I found whilst researching this history is that one of the deadliest snipers in history, Simo “White Death” Hayha of Finland, always used iron sights. I guess he was a glutton for punishment, in more ways than one!

The first recorded telescopic rifle sight was in 1776 (best year ever wouldn’t you say?) by a guy named Charles Wilson Peale, but it kept smacking the shooter in the eye when it recoiled. The first truly successful attempt at a telescopic scope for a rifle though, is attributed to Morgan James in the 1830s. After that, a fellow named William Malcolm, who was also from New York, began building what later became the modern rifle scope, utilizing controls and achromatic lenses. All that led us to where we are today, trying to sort out which optic is best for the most popular sporting rifle in the USA - the AR-15. That being said, you didn’t click here for a history lesson so let’s get after it.

What kind of sights or optic should I get for my AR-15?

This is a very subjective subject that enthusiasts love to argue about but in reality, this comes down to the uses of your AR Rifle and the ranges that you will be shooting in each situation. Home defense? Plinking? 3-gun shooting? Long range? While you consider that, let’s take a look at an overview of the effective ranges for AR style rifles and pistols.

Close Ranges (0-100 yards)

An example of flip up back-up iron sights. Source: The Armory Life H-3 Medium Ranges (0-400 yards)

Exactly as it sounds, close range will usually be a weapon used at shorter ranges, in situations such as home defense or a potential bugout situation. The AR-15 is an excellent close quarters weapon, in fact, this is where the AR-15 excels! In a situation under 100 yards, we would recommend a red dot, Iron sights or something with a 1-4x power magnification. It is important to consider the fact that too much magnification in short distances can make your optic almost useless. These red dot optics or “reflex” optics on an AR-15 are very fast as well with target acquisition - a necessity for close quarters. Iron sights are, in essence, what you will find on most pistols. 

Speaking of iron sights, many shooters prefer to run flip up iron sights, front and rear. The reason for this is very simple: if a battery dies or an optic goes down in the field, in a matter of moments, the shooter can be back on target. Companies like Magpul have created incredibly popular iron sights that may be mounted to co-witness through an optic, or at the push of a button, may be folded downwards and stowed away. It’s always a great idea to have rock-solid sights on your rifle, just in case. One great option for a red dot in this range comes from Trijicon, the MRO, check it out here.

Medium Ranges (100-400 yards)

LVPO optics are the ideal choice for medium-longer ranges. Source: Practically Tactical

While the AR-15 isn’t necessarily built for these ranges, (something more suitable might be the AR-10, chambered in .308), It still is doable in a pinch, or even off of a bench rest. This is where you will need some serious magnification. LVPO scopes are going to be the optic of choice at these ranges, making sure you can get enough magnification to put shots on target. Despite LVPO scopes being mainly used for long distances, there are options for utilizing different types of red dot reflex options AS WELL as LVPO optics. Check out one of them in the next section. Recommend at minimum, 9x magnification and up from there.

Why not both?

A flip-to-side magnifier in use with an EoTech holographic sight. 

One possible option for your AR is to use a close range red dot, and then add a flip-to-side magnifier. This is a device that increases magnification on your existing red dot sight may be flipped to the side when that level of magnification is not necessary. Flip-to-side magnification might be a great pair for you to look into, if you are going to have a single AR-15 that needs to work for many applications. Another popular option is a side mount, where you are able to mount a red dot on the side of your AR-15, at a 45 degree angle. Doing this, allows you to cant the rifle to the side and have the option for a close range optic, as well as retaining your main LVPO or reflex sight on the top of your rifle. Keep in mind, every little bit of weight you add to the AR-15 is more to carry around, and will change your speed, as well as how you shoot the weapon. Check out a flip-to-side magnifier above to get an idea.

Should I put a scope or red dot on my AR?

That really just depends on your uses and ranges of the weapon, as stated above. A red dot might be all you really need in a home defense or short range situation. You might opt for an LVPO scope if you need more magnification provided by your optic than a red dot. One thing I would highly recommend, either way, for your AR is to invest in a nice set of flip up iron sights. It’s nice to know you always have an option, rather than shooting blindly, should a red dot or LVPO scope have some kind of an issue. Remember, don’t overdo it on magnification if you do not need it. Be certain to buy an optic that will work for your intended uses. Otherwise, you could be throwing good money away essentially!

Get your next AR15 optic from Modulus Arms!

Hopefully we've made your hunt for a new optic a less daunting task to outfit your AR-15 but if you need any advice feel free to reach out to customer service team! With so many options available for the discerning shooter, we here at Modulus Arms want to help arm you with the knowledge and great product options of which we have already done the legwork and research on your behalf. There are plenty of great upgrades for your AR-15 are available here! Check back for our upcoming new inventory of weapon grade optics. Until then, consider our unique AR-15 80 lowers for your next AR build!