Just ordered a DD v5 lightweight 16"… with no sights.
Being a newbie, not sure if I should have gone sightless for starters.
I’d like a quick acquisition “red dot” type sight… one that is small, durable, holds a zero with good battery life.
I also want back up iron sights of some sort.
So, any suggestions on good designs?
I want to somehow be able to easily go from iron sights to the red dot… so if I want to use iron sights, would I have to physically remove the red dot with a quick release type thing?..or is there a way that they can co-exist very nicely.
Alright… so any tips or links would be helpful on this.
Thanks!
BFskinnerPunk
P.S.
Being new to this, I do get the feeling that I will bloat this rifle with cool gadgets… defeated the “lightweight” idea. The ultimate gadget would be nightvision that can be flipped into position.
You literally just described the Aimpoint T1/H1. Do a search on them.
As far as iron sights go, you can’t go wrong with Troy. I would get a fixed front, and a folding rear.
And as for a mount, I would look into Larue and American Defense Manufacturing. Even though you can use iron sights in conjunction with a red dot, there is really no reason not to go with a QD mount.
I would resist that urge. Your money is put to much better use with ammo and training.
I was in the same spot not long ago. New to AR and wanting to buy everything for it.
The best way is to try them before you buy. I wasted a lot of money just thinking that it will work perfectly. You really just happen to like something and not like others. Even tho you will find alot of similar recommendations, I honestly suggest you find it on a gun show, range that have them for rental, or someone whose nice enough to let you shoot theirs and have your first hand experience before dropping money on them.
Honestly, I have got 0 rejects at the range, just have to ask nicely.
My setup for my DD lightweight carbine is
Aimpoint H-1 on ADM mount
KAC micro BUIS
Scout lights
I put troy folders on my v5 along with an aimpoint R1 and a hensoldt magnifier. It was ok.
I’ve since changed out to a leatherwood cmr 1-4x and I like it better on this rifle.
I like my DD A1.5 rear BUIS. It’s light, simple, and always up. If you do a lower 1/3rd co-witness, it doesn’t get in the way at all. I have an LMT rear BUIS, and I don’t think I really gain anything for the extra weight, and it costs more than the A1.5.
I’m pro-RDS, so give a look to anything by Aimpoint and the EOTech XPS/EXPS holo sight. Try to shoot someone’s, and buy what you like.
My DD LW V5 wears flip-up sights, though I’ve ran it with the DD Fixed Iron sights.
I would recommend the Aimpoint H1 for the optic - it’s not the highest end model, but unless you need to run PVS14’s behind it or take it down to depth, it’s actually the more capable model, and can be had in very affordable packages with quality mounts like the DD, LT, ADM.
Low cost option (but still very good) would be the Aimpoint PRO and a pair of MBUS sights.
As far as lights, my suggestions are going to fall under the Surefire Scout lights (6v/3v), the Surefire X300, or taking the Surefire/VTAC V4 (modified Executive lights in 6v and 3v) and installing them in IWC, Danger Close, 03DG, or GearScout mounts.
