I currently have an ACOG, and Eotech and I would like to consolidate where possible.
Is it possible to replace both with one Elcan SpecterDR 1x-4x.
Shooters with first hand experience please give me your opinion
PRO:
Fantastically durable, somewhat moreso than the ACOG, whole orders of magnitude moreso than the EODeadBattery.
Easy-to-use reticle, close enough to the ACOG setup that it’s intuitive. Related, if you ever go 7.62, that variant uses the same pattern reticle, so yet another easy transition…because it isn’t a transition.
Good glass.
CON:
Heavy as balls.
Unless they’ve managed to get away from the ARMS mounting (don’t think so, judging by the ones recently purchased by MARSOC), it has issues holding zero. One shouldn’t have to put tin-foil or other types of shim on a rail to get something to stick.
Expensive, but if you’re looking at it from the standpoint of replacing two optics in such a way that you’re willing to pay what is essentially the price of two optics, you may not see it as overpriced like I do.
MY READ: If you start missing with it because of zero shift, at least you can take it off the gun, put it in a sock instead of $25 of nickels and use it as a really expensive blunt-trauma implement.
Honestly, there’s a whole sticky thread with equal-or-lesser cost/equal-or-greater-capability variable-magnification optics to look at, at the top of the optics subforum.
So far it is the best optic I have used for what it is designed to do (CQB and out to 200 yards). Durable, great glass and a lot of options make this sight one of my favorites (it is on my STG-556 patrol rifle).
Some of the first gen’s Elcans did have problems holding zero but they fixed the issues and mine has yet to loose it’s zero (I understand they fixed the throw lever which was causing the loss of zero).
Had this optic on my gun for over a year of heavy use (I shoot a lot in training and competative shooting). Only issue I had was loosing the rear BUIS on the optic which isn’t too critical for me.
We had a couple.
Broke mounts, variable zeroes, and poor battery life.
We wouldn’t even keep the free ones.
Maybe they have gotten better in the past couple of years.
I like the reticle and the clarity, won’t even consider buying one until they ditch the ARMS mount.
I consolidated with an eotech 557 and a 4x mag. Even that was to heavy for my taste, I switched to two rifles one with an aimpoint T-1 and the other with a TA33. FMJs-of-Freedom
Once Trijicon rolls out a TR24G with BDC Reticle, or if the Viper PST 1-4x lives up to expectations…
It think it will look overpriced and underspecced by comparison.
Any word on how the newest Elcan SpecterDR 1-4x is faring? I understand Raytheon upgraded the ARMS levers but I haven’t been able to find any reviews or information on how the levers are holding up and if the zero shift issue has been corrected. Any info?
Ok here is my two cents. Looks like it should be the tits. Shot one for two drills at a class, way high CDI. I have a couple of acquaintances who have used, been issued or supervise folks who use them. Not great feed back, some zero wander / shift when throw leaver is used. And they have all said the mounts suck and will not stay tight. The external adjustments for the optic like the earlier elcan can be prone to jamming in high dust environments For the active duty folks they have gone back to ACOGS in Larue mounts. Yeah its all hearsay.
I still want one
Regards
Matt
FWIW, I saw one that was 1.5x6 power in a flyer from Botach, but they gotta cut weight down before I’d consider one.
I think the concept is great. I have looked through one and they are awesome! I read somewhere too that they might be getting rid of the arms mounts in the future. I emailed them on this and have yet to get a reply. So as of now that is a myth, but would be nice if it came true.
I think it’s a great idea, though expensive. Without ffp, the intermediate magnifications on a variable are more of a hinderance than anything else. With ffp, they simply aren’t of much use in my view, within this magnification range: one uses 1x (must be a true 1x to be useful) or the 4 x for some range. So, a switch between 1 and 4 seemed like a good idea to me even before I heard about it being available.
I’m too poor as an individual to afford one of those but I do have a Specter OS3 which is fixed mag - I like things simple. Has what I’d call a modified Russian reticle which I find handy. The only thing that keeps it from being a nearly perfect optic is the glass isn’t as clear as a US Optics 1-4 I have. But, it certainly is good enough. Let’s remember the effective range of the ammo to be used (talking 5.56 not 7.62). In the latter case, I’d want m ore magnification than 4x.
Greetings gentlemen! Long time listener, first time caller so simple question. I see in ads for these optics that the FDE scopes are supposed to be sold to military, law enforcement only. So, is it just the color that makes the difference, or are both made to the same standard? Im sure I’m WAY over thinking this, but dang it, I want one! I mean, if it was reliable. And if I could afford it. But in concept, I want one.
From what I have seen the FDE (military) models have a slightly different reticle than the black versions.
Rick
Actually the FFP principal may prove to be the answer to the search for a dual purpose optic. Forget about the mildots remaining constant at any magnification and think of FFP as a “switch” like the Elcan or IOR Pitbull. It can be used to “switch” the size of the reticule to perform two different functions. One function is “red dot” the other is is mildot.
At 1X illuminated
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At 4X no illumination
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This is what SWFA has done with their new SS1-4 HD. I posted a field report on it eariler today.