I have a pretty high magnification scope on my upper but I was hoping to mount a set of irons that I could use for very close range shots (less than 100 yards). Does anyone have any suggestions? I was thinking about using a set of 45 degree AR-15 sights and mounting them on the left side so that I could use them without rotating the rifle counterclockwise to get my face over the stock.

I have, but I think that will put the scope very high and I already feel that it is too high as is with my relatively low mount.

Granting that a 50cal may be uncomfortable to hold/fire awkwardly if not simply too heavy, what about a QD scope mount or a piggyback RDS for up close? QD would let you change the role of the rifle in short order and switch back just as quickly if the need arises. Otherwise the piggyback optic has the additional precision-shooting perk of hastening your pointing towards a target in low light and/or while your primary optic is at high magnification. I also regularly use my RDS to help amateurs aim at the correct 50BMG rated target (or at least the berm) without having to boot them off the rifle and get myself settled behind the scope.

Piggyback RDS is what I use. I like it quite well

That is an interesting idea. I do have a 30 or 45 degree angled mount already. Do you think a Bushnell TRS-25 would hold up to the recoil okay? I have one that I don't really want to use for anything else anyways. I find the recoil of the SHFT 50 to be quite manageable due to the weight, muzzle break and bipod.

I’ve only used a TRS-25 on a cheap AR build, so not sure on durability on a .50, but one way to find out
At least it’s cheap

ask bushnell

I put a 2 to 12 VX6 on mine. It works perfect for up close out to a thousand bustang rocks and what not