Re: Backup Iron Sights on AR style sniper platform?
I would personally say that it comes down to usage. In the SPR role, if the rifle is purely a long range sniper platform, then the iron sights aren't needed. The Rifle would be useless if the optics failed.
It goes without saying that a rifle with BUIS would need a quick-release mounting system, like an ARMS #35 or a Larue SPR mount. You'd need some way to remove the scope to effectively use the BUIS.
If the rifle is sniper-oriented, but may possibly see usage in CQB or short-range engagement (between say...15-100yds?), then it may not be a bad idea. A patrol officer keeping an SPR in a patrol car may use the rifle in various roles, and may need BUIS in case the Fit hits the Shan and the optics go 10-7. Alternatively, a SWAT sniper utilizing an M110 or AR10 SASS variant would probably be out of commission if their optics went 10-7. Snipers-especially LEO snipers-require extreme pin-point accuracy that I don't think I personally would want to trust to a set of spring-loaded backup sights. But that's just me.
I'm working on testing this methodology in a LE setting, but I remember from my days in the Army that no matter how much I tried, it took insane amounts of skill to have accurate sub-MOA shot placement at greater than 100m. I accomplished this task very rarely with my issued M16A2s and M4s. Most of the time, you're just happy with center mass hits.
Of course, YMMV.
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