With all the cool optics out there for AR rifles, it is really tempting to buy that EOTech, Aimpoint or ACOG as soon as you get a new black rifle. But have you sufficiently practiced shooting the rifle with your backup iron sights?
Many people I know have never shot their rifle with the iron sights on the gun. They mounted an optic right away and haven’t looked back. This is fine if you only intend to use the rifle as a range toy, but if you plan to use the rifle for home or self defense, not practicing with your iron sights is a big mistake.
What happens when you need the rifle for a defense scenario and the battery is dead in the optic? Or in the heat of the fight, the optic is damaged or broken. This is a bad time to pop up your backup site and see if it is sighted in.
Remember to practice with your iron sights as well as the optic you have on the gun. If the sights co-witness, pop up those iron sights and turn the red dot off for a few rounds. If your sights don’t co-witness, take the optic off for practice occasionally. You just may be glad you did.