The TA33 ACOG is a nice optic. Only time will tell if the optic fits your needs.
I read your posts and several points stood-out.
Range/ distance- close range to 200 yards
Light weight barrel/ rifle (weight is a consideration)
Magnified RDS without distortion/ clear aiming-point (fast-sharp)
Generous eyebox/ forgiving head position
In my opinion, factoring those points, from your statements I would have recommended the Trijicon TR24 with a Red triangle. Because it would be the closest to meeting some of the requirements you desire at around or under $1K.
So, if the ACOG does not meet your needs, then it may be an option to consider. Another suggestion that I would second is to consider purchasing a optic used, attending a 3-gun shooting match, or visiting a large range where you may encounter some of the optics discussed.
Finally, I would state that in my limited experience I believe that for a mid- range [5-400 yards] optic it is difficult to rival the Schmidt and Bender Short Dot 1-4 and the Swarovski 1-6 variable scopes. I have used the Swarovski and purchased a S&B SD 1-4.
I wish you well in your search.
SkiDevil
P.S. One observation I have made is many choose to purchase several optics before finding the right one. It would seem to me that waiting and buying exactly what you want the first time is more prudent. Yes, finances will always be a factor but spending money on something that doesn’t meet ones needs or is an inferior product is false economy. There are some things in life that are just expensive.
Using myself as an example, I waited 2 years to purchase a Short Dot after initially believing I could find something similar for a thousand dollars or less. I have no regrets.
Have you had a chance to try your set-up yet? If so, how did you like it or what did you not like?
I’m in a similar situation searching for the right optic, and my needs (as far as the purpose that my rifle serves) are similar to yours. I had contemplated this exact setup and am looking forward to hearing any feedback you have.
I wish. Because of the Pro-deal I’m getting, my order is being filled directly from Trijicon. I entered the order on 4/4. On 4/10 Trijicon acknowledged the order at a 12 week ship date. Oh well, I guess that’s the price I pay for getting the hookup.
Well since you are getting a good deal, I guess the wait is worth it. If you would, could you post results whenever it is that you get to try it out? I’m very interested to hear your experience.
I’d run this setup right now, but the lingering thought of needing a 1x sight when shooting support side is still bothering me. I can get behind an offset optic like that, but not with proper recoil control positioning behind the carbine, so it’s at this point I’m just waiting.
A TA31 and KAC/Dueck offsets are extremely light, give a better FOV at high magnification, and I know I can shoot that zoom optic really well even at close distance with the BAC, but the lower mag better eyebox ACOGs, and how well I really shoot with offset irons are just nagging questions.
I keep finding myself back to looking at used S&B Short Dots and waiting on the Leupold Mk6 to see if that’s the answer for my do-all carbine, since nothing else seems to offer any substantial improvement over my current TR24RT/LT104/Cattail setup.