I chose to post in this forum rather than the optics forum because i’m not specifically looking for optics suggestions, but rather what type of optic (if any) is best suited or appropriate for a particular rifle’s purpose.
If you have a single rifle, it serves all purposes - some better than others, depending upon set-up. But if you have three rifles, you can be more specific in the set-up and purpose of each. So, i have an SBR with a 1x red-dot. This is for close-up purposes, with an emphasis on portability and ease of use in tight quarters. I have an SPR-type set-up as well, which will carry a magnified optic (variable starting at 3x or 4x).
But what about the middle ground, the rifle that is more of an all-purpose, many uses (practice, defense, range fun) AR which will see the greatest amount of rounds fired? When it was the only AR, it had a 1x-3x scope, but that doesn’t seem to be the best fit now. I’m considering the use of a 1x red dot type optic. In general, is the prevailing wisdom for such a rifle to use a non-magnified scope, or only iron sights?
I have an SPR type and I put a 1.1-4x26 with BDC for longer range, but it will work in a pinch across a room at 1 power.
Then a short CQB carbine 14.5" I went with a red dot and a general purpose 16" with the same red dot.
I have an LMT 10.5" with an aimpoint M4 and I’m real pleased with it for 100 yards in. My old eyes don’t do well past 100 without magnification, so I put a Larue Po Boy special on the SBR. It gives 2.5X and really helps.
The Po Boy Special is an awesome deal if you want a flip mount magnifier. You get a LT mount and converted magnifier (tank ranging reticle removed). The Hensoldt glass is very clear and you end up getting the magnifier for $45. LT does not warranty the magnifier, but for $45, take the chance.
13.7/KX3/aimpoint - works great close and very well out to 100 (my vision is terrible past that)
14.5/aimpoint - same as above
14.5/IOR 1.1x4 - works good close and as far as my local range goes, 440 yards
Thank you. I did read those threads and got lots of great information, but they seemed geared more towards deciding which optic to use within the type (red dot, low magnification, high magnification). So the comments from people in this thread have been very helpful.
Check out the Swarovski Z6i 1x-6x CD-I. The CD-I reticule looks like an Eotech reticule and is visible in bright daylight. It also has fine cross hairs for precision work.
The Swarovski, unlike the short dot, is a true 1x and is therefore more easily usable with both eyes open and you get magnification all the way up to 6x when you need it.
The S & B CQB reticle almost disappears at 1.1 giving you a red dot. As you dial above 2X you get a nice cross hair for more precision work. In daylight you can shoot without the red dot if the batteries went dead or the dot failed for some other reason, however unlikely.
I don’t think the mil hash marks are necessary, but they are there. They may be good for holdover but since a 50 yard zero will hit to 200, I’m not sure how useful they are. I’ll be shooting it at Randy Cain’s Carbine 1 class next week and should get to stretch it out past 200. Only ranges around here are 100 yards.
This setup has been my take on the “general purpose carbine” concept. I chose the Trijicon Accupoint TR21R and am very pleased.
So far – and it’s early to make a definitive judgement – I think it fills the role nicely. At 1.25x, it handles much like an 1x red-dot optic when shooting with both eyes open. I chose the red over the amber. This is partially personal preference. I also like that it provides essentially the same sight picture as my Aimpoint. There’s lots of dead grass and pastures in OK depending on the time of year and I just wasn’t confident the amber would contrast well enough.
At 4x, it greatly improves my ability to see what I’m shooting at. And to be honest in my limited informal testing, I find I can run it at 4x using the BAC feature pretty well.
The recticle does wash out to black indoors when using a weaponlight. I don’t think its a huge problem as you still have a large black post contrasted against whatever is lit up, but I’ve not used it in a real “social” situation, and those who have (Like USMC03) didn’t like that, if I remember correctly. I’d default to their judgement. In my case, I don’t consider this a big drawback as it is not a dedicated in-house fighting weapon.
Just a M&P15T with Magpul CTR stock, Pmag, low-profile ladder rail protectors, JP 4lb. tactical springs, LMT H buffer, LaRue 4XDOS ACOG mount (not shown, it’s off right now getting re-finished), ACOG 4x32 TA01NSN w/ Pride Fowler Special Ops Mini-Red dot w/ Pride Fowler ACOG mount, and LaRue bipod adpater… and yeah, the skull is on my kitchen table for my favorite holiday of the year
P.S. - Kudos to Magpul for including the rubber buttpad with the CTR mil-spec stocks! Before, they only came with the “commercial” size CTR, IIRC?? Saved me from having to spend another $20. I have to say something about this stock, this is the first CTR I’ve really got to mess with up close, and it’s a sweet little unit. I could’ve saved $40 and got the cheaper MOE version, and it still would be a rock-solid fit, but I’m glad I got the regular one, just wish they had OD in stock… but, as soon as I work up the courage, I’m going to attempt to camo this rifle - I hope… But anyways, Kudos Magpul!
H2O Man, be advised that the 3X30 ACOG TA33 is available with a 7.62 reticle. I have one on my M1A in a Smith mount. It is calibrated to M118 ammo but works fine with 186 grain match bullets. Nice optic; good eye relief and FOV.
