Electric sights for combat and self defense

[Badgersmilk]

I have my own opinions on their use, but will try to refrain from sharing in the thread.   I see MANY of our troops currently in service oversea's using Eotech's, and half a dozen other battery powered sights.  I'm very curious what other people's opinions are on using these oposed to iron sights in life threatening situations would be.  Moderators please share your input as I respect your opinions as those of experience.

Do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks / risks?  Validate your opinions (dont vote one way or the other simply based on a purchase you've made)

[Ping]

Eotech's are nice, but I prefer being able to use iron sights. What matters is hitting the intended target with what you are afforded. I cannot afford an Eotech but would probably love to own one but am currently stuck with iron sights and am able to utilize them rather well.

[fightingquaker13]

Why not? The entire army is battery powered now. GPS, tactical radios, range finders, night vision etc., if someone were to deploy an emp weapon we'd have a lot of confused grunts. I don't see why sights are any different. I don't know how mil spec M4s are configured but I hope they come with those nifty little pop-up iron sights you see on a lot of civilian flat tops. If they do than I wouldn't worry about it. As far as the batteries, carrying a spare weighs nothing, and if you don't a spare, that selector switch is there for a reason.
fightingquaker13

[Solus]

That you see them on weapons used by soldiers in active combat is a statement.

While our troops do not always get the most effective tools for the job the electronic sights are optional.

If they were not doing the job, they would be removed or "accidentially" damaged and replaced with iron sights.

That they are still on the weapon says the troops find them effective.

[Rob Pincus]

I believe that the benefits far outweigh any detriments/risks.... The devices have proven their value time and time again in the hands of the guys who are using them.

Does this make them perfect for a guy who keeps his rifle in case in a closet and only checks on it once a year?  maybe not....

Used as intended and with proper set-up & maintenance, they are the way to go.

-RJP

[Sponsor]

[L.E. Keeney]

I was dubious until I realized that my M4, with a surefire and an aimpoint thusly attached, could even get the hits in the darkest of dark nights.

[USSA-1]

Electronic scopes (primarily the EOTech and Aimpoint) are one of the greatest and most effective force multipliers in our Military.

The speed and range at which the average soldier can effectively hit an enemy target has increased dramatically.  The few concerns that one may have (Batteries, durablilty, weight) are all relativley minor compared to the benefits.

When coupled with a good pair of Back-Up Iron Sights (BUIS), I can think of no reason for not employing these type sights on any rifle being considered for serious social work.

USSA-1

[John McCreery]

USSA hit it on the head.  The speed for target aqusition is incredible.  Even if the batter goes, if the site is co-witnessed with your iron sites, doesn't matter as long as you've put in the time to learn the iron sites.

[Sc0rp10n3]

OK, first of all I know I'm going a little out of the core subject here but as a FNG I thought I'd share another view.  While they are not the same type of sights being discussed here since they are basically not for shoulder-fired weapons, ALL of my carry guns have Crimson Trace Lasergrips on them for a couple of reasons.  First, I'm getting a bit older and starting to have a little trouble seeing some things as clearly as I used to.  Second, in a defense situation, just the sight of the red dot may give the bad guy a little pause or possibly even cause him to change his mind. 

I do practice with them so that I can place the hole where the red dot is consistently and quickly.  Especially in a limited light situation, I can't think of a better way of hitting my target.  It's also possible to use them in a situation where your gun is not right in front of your face so the other guy can't use that as an aiming point for a head shot.

Just my 2 cents worth, but I have them on my Ruger P89 9mm & P90 .45, my Charter Arms Mag Pug .357 and my Taurus 85 .38 Special.  So no matter what I am carrying (mostly the P89, but occasionally the Mag Pug or the P90), I think I have a little better advantage than I would have with only iron sights.

[fullautovalmet76]

I believe they are great for combat and self defense, though I believe one should learn to shoot off the iron sights first....