I’m considering buying an Aimpoint M4s and 3X magnifier to put on my M4,I’m using Troy folding front and rear BUIS. I can’t decide whether to go with absolute co-witness (Middle of optic) or go with a SOCOM height mount (lower third) co-witness. The absolute co-witness is a slightly lower mount (1/4"). Both will have QD mounts. what are the benifits and deficiencies for either.
All a matter of personal preference. I only use folding BUIS so I go with absolute co-witness. Plus, I prefer my optic mounted as low as possible.
I prefer lower 1/3 co-witness.
The lower 1/3 co-witness has definite benefits over the absolute co-witness in my view.
Lower third gives you more of a “heads-up” view when looking through your optic, which in-turn helps eliminate “tunnel vision” and keeps your peripheral vision intact. This translates into faster target acquisition, especially when engaging multiple targets.
Absolute co-witness requires you to obtain a cheek weld nearly identical to shooting with your iron sights, which contributes to tunnel vision.
Yep, same here!
i run an absolute cowitness with fixed irons. i zero my irons, split the dot on the top of the FSP and i’m done. i don’t use the dot for anything past 100-150m, so this lets me transition between the two with as little effort as possible.
aimpoints make me fast, but they don’t make me a “better” shot.
I prefer a lower 1/3 cowitness with fixed front and rear irons.
I want to try out an absolute cowitness with a folded rear though- seems to be a viable solution when dedicated to a 100 meter and under role since the front sight won’t be blocking anything during hold-over and offers an instant front sight/tube expedient BUIS if immediately needed without any head shift. IIRC The_Katar was going to give this setup a run, so he will hopefully have some more info.
I have had to use absolute cowitness with fixed irons for a long time, and the world was a better place once I was able to get a lower 1/3 cowitness.
Thanks for the informative replies, I picked up an M4s at the local “Toy Store” yesterday. After mounting & “playing” with the sight, I’m going to go with a SOCOM height mount for 1/3 co-witness, I ordered an AD Mfg QD mount last night. I do like the heads up aspect of that height mount and my peripheral vision is much better.
I also like to set up my red dot sights with an absolute cowitness with the rear BUIS folded.
The nice thing about the American Defense mount, I can order the full co-witness spacer should I decide to swing both ways.