Learn me about practicality here

Tactical Gear Optics & Mounts
1

Hey guys,

I’ve been going back and forth for a month now in figuring out optics and want I want to put on my kit.

As of now, the choice is sitting squarely between an Aimpoint, with the probably addition of the 3X mag in the Larue mount, or a Trijicon TA33G-H. I’ve handled a few weapons with both (minus the 3X on the Aimpoint), and I really really like both.

I understand that the reality of the situation is that the conditions I use my rifle in should dictate which optic to use. However, I simply don’t have that much experience with the situations I have in mind.

A few facts about me:

I live in a fairly rural part of the country, where varmint hunting year round is perfectly acceptable, and there is lots of flat land between me and just about anything else.

I will use this rifle for home defense, should the need arise.

I read through a very good account of the social results of the economic collapse of Argentina, and have been thinking quite a bit about actual engagement distances for defense use (all usually very close), and am trying to take that into account.

This is my only AR (for now), and will probably be used for competition as well, and I like to keep things down to a minimum of optics for simplicity sake.

All that said, I think the aimpoint with the 3x is probably the best choice. However, how practical would the TA33 be with an offset RMR for these situations?

For those of you using offset RDS, how well do they perform for close quarter roles, and how quick is the transition from one to the other?

If you all ahve any other input, I am all ears.

I have considered the variable options like the TR24, or the upcoming Vortex PST 1-4, and I really like them. However, I feel that if I’m going to use a 1X, I want it to be parallax free, and if I want to use magnified- well then I want it to be tough as nails. The variables seem to be an intermediary between the two, and I just don’t know if I’m willing to make those sacrifices.

2

Here’s what I did for my M6A3 in 6.8

I bought both an Aimpoint and an ACOG and put them both on LaRue mounts and zeroed them at the appropriate distance.

The Aimpoint sits on my rifle most of the time, and when precision shooting happens the ACOG comes out, both will hold their precise zero regardless of how many times I take them off of the rail, just as long as I put them back in the same place.

The transition takes literally under 10 seconds, if I’m kinda hauling ass.

If you have to pick one.

Go with the Aimpoint, it’s a bit more practical for home defence.

You probably wont even need the magnifier, unless you have bad eyes.

The point I was getting at with the QD Aimpoint, ACOG set up was the the Magnifier was useless are there are better means of magnification, if you save your money.

3

So…in other words…

Get the aimpoint now for most uses I may have, and then save up for an ACOG. Then, when needed, I can switch between the two quickly?

Seems like a good long-term option. Thanks!

4

Absolutely. Sorry the post was so long, and a bit obscure.

I do it, and I love it. :slight_smile:

5

I’ve been a great lover of the ACOG RCO for a long time, and many of the other Trijicon offerings. Still am, though my tastes have turned more towards those models with a more forgiving eye relief, of which the TA33 is such, and green reticles.

That said, the optic that spends the most time mounted to my rifle (80% of the time) is an Aimpoint Comp ML3 w/2MOA dot. With a 50yd zero, it’s no great trouble smacking a 12"x12" gong out to 400m with a one-dot hold, standing, with no particular need to rush. If that level of precision comes close to what you’re looking for, that optic will do that, and can be enhanced with a magnifier. If you’re paying much more than, say, $450-500 for optic and mount, balls-out retail, you’re not looking very hard.

Particularly, the Comp C3, if you’re not worried about diving with it or using NVGs. It’s honestly what I SHOULD have gotten, now that I’m not playing around on boats any more: http://www.aimpoint.com/o.o.i.s?id=47&prev_id=47&product_id=112

If close target observation is as important to you as target reduction, the fixed or variable magnification is the way to go. Otherwise, cart around a decent set of binos. As it is, you have some good options already in your head for that path.

I honestly think that the Comp series optics are about the best starting point for most shooters out there, especially if you look at it from the standpoint of being able to trade the thing in to defray costs on another optic if you want to try something else. They’re a known quantity and get snapped up by folks in the same position your are in right now. Check the board marketplace optics subforum.

6

Hello friend. I’m pretty inexperienced with ARs but looking for same thing you are.

First I tried a regular aimpoint T1 which gave fast close range acquisition but nothing really accurate past 100 yards. I found it fine for man sized targets a little past that range but no target shooting.

Then I got a 3x mag clone with larue mount. The clone is terrible or maybe all 3x’s are but very slow to focus with poor exit pupil and eye relief. Plus it’s a PITA to move it back and forth. Takes about 2 seconds but you still have to do it and may not be in correct mode (magnified or not) when need arises.

Today I went to a local gun store/range which has ACOG’s and 1-4x scopes and tried them all. Let me just say ACOG with RMR up top is my next optic. Even the ACOG is very fast unlike the 1-4x’s to target. I would feel comfortable using a ACOG by itself. Then the RMR is huge dot for easy instant close range all with a slight 1/2 inch head adjustment. Bigger dot 9 MOA vs. 3 MOA on T1 is much faster.

The 1-4x’s I found too much like looking through a hunting rifle scope they were slower than ACOG. And again, you have to fiddle like with t1 3x setup to gain proper perspective (mag or not) which is time consuming… perhaps dangerous?

I recommend going to trijicons web site and find a ACOG dealer and to try thier different optics options out because everyone will have a different opinion. It’s really amazing how different… I tried lots of stuff praised here and hate some of them like all the 1-4x’s and T1’s

Dealer didnt have exact model I wanted so i have an order in for TA11F-G

9 MOA dot w/ adaptor

NO BATTERIES EVER is nice too…

7

Why don’t you get an RMR now this way you can plug it into your ACOG later?

If you insist on Aimpoint I’ll have a T1 with larue mount for sale shortly in for sale forums.

8

I actually really like the idea of the offset RMR. My concern is the practicality of tilting the rifle and comfortably holding it there in a home defense situation. While most shooting will be done at the range or courses, I can’t discount the downside of the fiber optics indoors at night, especially when used in conjunction with a light.

I’ve pretty much decided on the aimpoint with an ACOG down the line. More than likely, I’ll be building another AR sooner or later where it can live.

And…my M1A still needs an optic as well, hehe :slight_smile:

Thanks for the help, guys.

9

TDT: You should keep your T1 and buy the offset mount for it through larue. Pair it up with the acog of your choice. IMO a better setup than the rmr. The T1 has a smaller dot, so would be more accurate. Also, guys have noted that they do not care for the rmr on top of the acog because you have to break your cheek weld to get to it.

Here is a link to show what I am talking about. Scroll down to the post by alaskapopo.

http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=50807

10

I used to be a Supervisor in the Trijicon ACOG Department. Now I’m a Military and Law Enforcement Equipment Retailer.

When people are talking options I always ask “What is your normal engagement range”?

Here’s what the optics are best for:
Aimpoint 0-200 meters (0-300 meters with the added 3x Magnifier)
EOTech 0-200 meters (0-300 meters with the added 3x Magnifier)
Trijicon 50-600 meters (0-600 meters with the added RMR sight)
Leupold 200-4000 meters

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a product line, then you can start talking specifics.

For the Trijicon ACOGs you want to select a 5.56mm version if you have a 5.56mm AR rifle. Choice of reticle pattern is an individual preference, but the most popular in order are: Chevron, Crosshair, Horseshoe Dot (with 90% of all sales falling into one of these).

The RMR sights do ride a little high on the ACOG, but it’s something you get used to. I had a TA31TRD on my rifle in Iraq and I was able to use the Trijicon Red Dot on top just fine for CQB (urban warfare) situations. Instead of having a “cheek weld” on the rifle, you end up having a “chin weld”. You just practice where your chin should be when you’re using the RMR and it will be all good.

If you don’t find an ACOG+RMR combo that comes with all the options you want…you can also “add” a RMR to any of the TA33 series, TA01 series, or TA31 series ACOGs. You don’t “need” to buy the RMR up front. You can always buy your ACOG and then see if you “want” a RMR later. There are even new dual illumination RMR sights that have fiber optics and tritium just like the ACOG scopes.

Overall Trijicon scopes are a very good choice for general shooting and home defense applications. Nothing beats having a scope that doesn’t have electronics or need batteries. With the fiber optics and tritium in a Trijicon ACOG you’ll never have to worry about that.

If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to ask. I will be monitoring this topic and you can always email us by checking out our profile.