Iron Sights on rifles, why are they disappearing?

[Flashman]

Finn Aagaard did an experiment comparing the speed of getting on target and shooting with a scope versus a ghost ring. Surprisingly the scope won out very slightly. The scope was a 2 1/2 or 4X and was used with both eyes open. It was not a scout scope. He prefered a low power scope on his big game rifle.

I think it is a matter of practice. I can get on target very fast with a 4X scope. I use both eyes which I think makes a very big difference. A ghost ring is the only thing I think comes close in speed--you just point the front at the target. A scope is similar in that you only have one plane to focus but traditional open sights have two planes to line up (including express sights) and are much slower in my experience.

 

[labgrade]

to each his own ....

I learned with iron sights (the proper thing to do - agreed - how would one shoot handguns or shotguns otherwise?) but "graduated" to scopes on rifles right quick - & even at a way early age & with good young eyes, I always preferred glass over iron.

Yes, did take the time (more likely, it was "forced" on me somewhat by default) to use glass quickly. Have even shot quite a few birds on the wing with scoped .22(LR)s ... would still like to, but haven't yet, tried rifle skeet.

Except for a coupla high-mag/mostly varmiteer rigs, all scopes are varible & are left set at lowest mag for quick acquistion of target. As with shouldering a good shotgun, you look at the target, & when the rifle is mounted, sights are aligned naturally, immediately & on target. Usually, for longer distance shots, you'll have the time to dial up to higher magnification, if needed.

My big game-type scopes at lower end are 1.5, 2 & 3X - & I very much prefer the lower end magifications = larger field of view.

Target acquisition, for me, has (most) always been quicker with glass, + greater light transmission, etc.

I do have an extra rifle (or two & at least one w/iron sights) stashed in the event that something does go wrong, but have yet had to resort to the back-up .... hasn't happened to date.

Glass, when used properly, is far superior to iron, IMNSHO. I can't imagine (realistically) working up "that most accurate hand-load" w/iron & properly applied, same-same for hunting/tactical.

I just like glass over iron - it works better for me - YMMV (as always).