Need ideas on tangible reasons to own and outfit an AR15

[Alexcritter]

I am happy to hear all the kind jabbering going on here at the forum.  Back to the original question. Examples:

Rabid animal comes to mind.
Someone approaching and threatening in the property
Someone approaching and threatening in the home

I don't mean to put you all on the spot for specifics that may include legalities...but based on your above insights.....

I think I am leaning to a system that allows the iron sights in case of failure of anything else.  A red dot sight for quick target acquisition (that may also help in the case I do not have my glasses) and a surefire (which I have already mounted.)

I cannot imagine scenarios more than the length of my property.....unless you correct me.
 

[Daeglan]

I am happy to hear all the kind jabbering going on here at the forum.  Back to the original question. Examples:

Rabid animal comes to mind.
Someone approaching and threatening in the property
Someone approaching and threatening in the home

I don't mean to put you all on the spot for specifics that may include legalities...but based on your above insights.....

I think I am leaning to a system that allows the iron sights in case of failure of anything else.  A red dot sight for quick target acquisition (that may also help in the case I do not have my glasses) and a surefire (which I have already mounted.)

I cannot imagine scenarios more than the length of my property.....unless you correct me.
 

One thing to keep in mind is the use of force Latter.as or Chris can quote it. I know the criteria is the person you shoot needs to have Opportunity, Ability, and something that escapes me.

IE you can't shoot a guy with a knife 50 yards from you. but if they are 22 feet from you and moving closer in a threatening manner you can.

[Chris]

Alexcritter,
I think you mentioned that you had a A3 AR (A2 front sight and removable carry handle sight). If you want a red dot, and the ability to use the iron sights, go with the Aimpoint Comp 4. Same sight the military uses. It co-indexes with the iron sights. That means you can see through the Comp 4 and see the iron sights, with or without the Comp 4 being turned on. The Comp 4 uses a 2 MOA red dot (covers 2 inches at 100 yards). The battery life is awesome... five years at mid power... three years at high power. I have one... it's good... my first choice for a co-index red dot sight on a A2 or A3 platform.
They're not cheap. But, they work awesomely well.
As far as scenarios for the use of deadly force on your part...I can't comment beyond the following.... if the potential aggressor has the means to cause you death or serious bodily injury... is within a proximity to you that would allow them to do it... and has indicated by their words or actions that they are going to do it... you have (in most jurisdictons) the right to use deadly for to defend yourself if "a reasonable man" would find no other options available to them.
That's as good as I can, or will, go here. Situations differ. You might consider Mas Ayoob's LFI 1 course. Been there, it's top notch training.
Chis Christian   

[flop-shank]

Chris is right. Get training that covers the legalities of self defense. Also, If you haven't been trained to shoot a rifle properly, that is a must also. I shot a three shot group with my M16-A1 clone that can be covered entirely with a dime at fifty yards with it's iron sights. I've never shot a group that good with a govt rifle and am really only average at that kind of shooting. Trained properly, you could very likely shoot better than I do. Don't forget the Red Ryder. BBs are cheap and you don't have to clean the thing.