Ar 15 Old vs New irons vs optic? πŸ”« πŸ”«

Published on October 16, 2025
Duration: 33:24

This video demonstrates a speed drill comparing the performance of an AR-15 equipped with iron sights versus an AR-15 with an optic. The drill involves engaging multiple targets at varying distances, highlighting the time differences and accuracy achieved with each sighting system. The content provides practical insights into the advantages of optics for faster target acquisition and engagement, particularly in dynamic shooting scenarios.

Quick Summary

AR-15 optics significantly improve speed in dynamic shooting drills compared to iron sights, often reducing target acquisition and transition times by over a second. While iron sights can be accurate, optics enable faster engagement, especially under time pressure, making them advantageous for speed-focused shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Old School vs. New School AR-15s
  2. 01:56Drill Setup and Rules
  3. 02:01Gravy Train Shoots First (Optic)
  4. 03:48Gravy's First Run Results
  5. 04:08Smokewagon's Turn (Iron Sights)
  6. 05:51Smokewagon's First Run Results
  7. 07:07Second Drill Round
  8. 07:39Smokewagon's Second Run (Iron Sights)
  9. 09:29Smokewagon's Second Run Results
  10. 10:16Gravy's Second Run (Optic)
  11. 11:13Gravy's Second Run Results
  12. 12:26Smokewagon's Third Run (Iron Sights)
  13. 13:16Smokewagon's Third Run Results
  14. 13:59Rifle Swap: Gravy with Dissipator
  15. 15:31Gravy's First Run with Iron Sights
  16. 16:23Gravy's Iron Sight Results
  17. 16:48Smokewagon with Optic (Troy Defense)
  18. 17:32Smokewagon's Optic Run Results
  19. 18:46Smokewagon's Second Optic Run
  20. 19:13Smokewagon's Second Optic Run Results
  21. 19:33Rifle Swap: Smokewagon with BCM
  22. 22:59Smokewagon's BCM Run
  23. 23:14Smokewagon's BCM Run Results
  24. 24:53Gravy's BCM Run
  25. 25:05Gravy's BCM Run Results
  26. 27:06Final Comparison: Gravy's Better Shooter?
  27. 27:38Sudden Death Round: Battle Rifles
  28. 28:25Smokewagon's Sudden Death Run (BCM)
  29. 30:03Smokewagon's Sudden Death Results
  30. 31:00Gravy's Sudden Death Run (Troy)
  31. 31:33Gravy's Sudden Death Results & Winner
  32. 32:19Conclusion and Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference in speed between AR-15 iron sights and optics in a shooting drill?

In dynamic shooting drills, AR-15 optics significantly reduce target acquisition and transition times compared to iron sights. For example, one drill showed optic users completing the task over a second faster than those using iron sights, highlighting the optic's advantage in speed.

How does an AR-15 optic affect accuracy compared to iron sights?

While iron sights can achieve good accuracy with careful aiming, optics like red dots or holographic sights allow for faster and often more precise engagement, especially under time pressure. The video shows tight groupings with both, but optics enable quicker follow-up shots.

What are common mistakes when using AR-15 iron sights?

Common mistakes include not properly accounting for height over bore on closer targets, leading to misses, and poor trigger control which can cause shots to go wide. Rushing transitions without proper sight alignment also contributes to errors.

Which AR-15 platform is considered the softest shooting?

The BCM rifle is highlighted in the video for its exceptionally soft shooting characteristics and 'laser-like' performance. It's described as having superior recoil mitigation compared to other AR-15 platforms tested.

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