Anyone use irons?

[robtattoo]

Does anyone still use iron sights on a moderately high powered rifle? Not levergun powered, but something bolt actioney?
For arguments sake, say a .35 whelan power scale.

What's your comfortable maximum range on something elk sized?

Yes, i have an ulterior motive....

 

[TREE ‘EM]

I have and use backup irons on 2 of my .270's, 375 Ruger and 7x57. My .243 truck gun (1936 Mexican military conversion) and my 30/06 (Ruger 77 MK II) both wear peep sights exclusively.

I have no trouble making consistent hits on the 10" gong at 200 yards with the irons on the 270,375 & 7x57 and 300 yards with the peep sights as long as there is decent light.

 

[Oldffemt]

I’ve got springfield a303 with the military sights on it. I don’t hunt with it but I could put lead in the boiler room at 200yds without issue. Never shot any farther than that with that rifle.

 

[Rich M]

Military used to shoot 300 yards with irons. 200 is very doable. So let's say with practice you can make it work at 300. Depends on your eyes and the sight itself - an elk is a big critter so you have a big target.

 

[Wapiti1]

Original peep on my Springfield 03A3. I'm good to 200 yards with that setup in good light. Dim light, and 150 is about it on deer. If I changed out the front sight, I could stretch those numbers 50-100 yards.

I have several other rifles with backup iron sights and they will all work to 200 yards without fuss.

Jeremy

 

[WCB]

I have a .243 model 99 that I just have the iron sights on. Not that I'd be comfortable shooting a .243 on an elk that far but 300 yards I'd take that shot.

 

[gbflyer]

I have a .338WM with XO peep. Kind of a brush gun, short and maneuverable. I’m good keeping them in the vital zone off hand at 100. Amazing is the consistency that can be achieved with irons and a little practice.

 

[SkunkCabbage]

Sako Kodiak and a Kimber Talkeetna.

 

[Jim Flint]

Somewhere around 100 yards with a 375 Ruger wearing irons with a shallow V rear. I've never had a peep on it.