New AR-556

[Hivoltage]

Been off the forum for a couple years, but I just bought a new AR 556 rifle. I know very little about the AR rifle but my wife said to get one . My question is do I need optics or are the stock sights good enough. If so which optics. Anything else this gun needs? I will shoot it today!!! Thanks...all and any advice truly appreciated.

 

[DGW1949]

Beings how you say that you don't know much about the AR, the first money that I'd recommend spending would be for a case of ammo, a couple of spare mags, and some training on how to use your new gun.
Decent FMJ ammo can be bought relatively cheap online, as can AR mags...often from the same vendor. The NRA can help with the training part...or find an Appleseed shoot somewhere close...or it could be that you've got a range close by that teaches some sort of rifle craft.

If that sounds expensive, it's 'cause it is....but hey, better that than spending money on fluff and crutches, which in the end, aint going to teach you much relative to becoming a good shooter.

Leastways, that's how I see it.

DGW

 

[Hivoltage]

Thankls DGW, good advice. I also bought a case of ammo and a spare mag, and can shoot on my property. I did not mean to make it sound like I have no gun experience because I do. Just not much on the AR platform. So my question was on the stock sights. Are they good enough for just sport shooting? When I was researching this gun the sights were a weak point.

 

[Aqualung]

Oh, boy...be prepared to customize...not because you have to, but because it's fun.

I've had mine less than 2 years and it's on its third configuration.

The stock rear sight is more than adequate, though it is plastic (sorry, "polymer") for shooting accurately.

My advice would be to shoot it a bit in its stock configuration and keep doing research on options. That way, you'll determine what you want and need.

More advice, before you take it to the range, take it all apart and CLEAN it. That gunk on it is a preservative and not a lubricant. More than a few folks have taken them out of the box, loaded them up, shot them, and experienced problems. The problems arose from the "gunk".

Tearing it down also gets you familiar with how the rifle works.

Good luck with the new rifle.

Aqualung

 

[DGW1949]

Thankls DGW, good advice. I also bought a case of ammo and a spare mag, and can shoot on my property. I did not mean to make it sound like I have no gun experience because I do. Just not much on the AR platform. So my question was on the stock sights. Are they good enough for just sport shooting? When I was researching this gun the sights were a weak point.

I have to admit that I haven't closely-examined the "as issued" Ruger AR sights. That said though, if I thought that they looked to be sturdy enough to withstand some rough handling, I'd probably leave 'em be. After all, what we're talking about here is basically the same "post and a hole" sight picture that's been with us since the 03-A3 days, meaning that as long as the sights which came on the gun are sturdy and securely mounted, it's perty-much six of one/half-dozen of the other relative to which brand might be better for "sport shooting".

On the other hand, it aint a big secret that flimsy and/or poorly-attached sights are a common shortcoming relative to some of Ruger's guns. But hey, if that turns out to be the case with your new AR, you'll know it perty-quick. :lol: .

DGW

 

[Aqualung]

I will admit, however, that I haven't used the stock sights for very long.

First configuration of my AR556 had a scope mounted. I sighted in with the stock sights so I could pop the scope off if needed.

On the second and now, current configurations, I replaced the rear sight with a carry-handle sight.

Aqualung

 

[Hivoltage]

Aqualung My Friend.....I just had to do it. I will try the iron sights and see what I think, but I think I will want something a tad better!!!!

 

[pisgah]

One small but not inconsiderable bit of info is missing from your post -- what do you intend to use it for? The standard sights are more than adequate for most applications. For hunting, a scope is a nice addition. For home defense, you might consider a red dot. But before you consider adding or subtracting anything from your rifle, shoot it and get thoroughly familiarized with it. It may well be perfect for your uses as-is.

 

[ditto1958]

Shoot it a lot before you do anything to it. That way you will know what, if anything, you want to change.

Mine is over a year old, and is still stock. If and when I do make any changes, the trigger will be the first upgrade, followed by either a metal rear sight, and/or some type of scope or red dot.

The stock rifle is very capable, though, of shooting extremely accurately.

 

[Hivoltage]

All I will be using it for is target practice at 100 yards at the most.

 

[pisgah]

All I will be using it for is target practice at 100 yards at the most.

Well, this is just me, but the issue sights would be just about ideal for that exercise. Give 'er a try and see what you think. :wink:

 

[jstanfield103]

Also depends on age. My eye's are not equal to a youths (younger mans) eye's. I have a scope on mine for longer shots and the scope has quick release levers so it can be removed and replaced very quickly. That way I can use the iron sights at closer ranges.