I have a SOCOM 16 with a Troy MCS and I’m looking for ideas for optics. I’m thinking of something with a variable 1-4x but it isn’t a “must have”. If anyone has any suggestions/questions please let me know. Thanks.
If you want magnification, you might look at some of the long - intermediate eye relief scopes from Leupold, Burris, etc.
If you want an electronic red dot, go with an Aimpoint.
If you’re willing to mount the scope back at the receiver, and use a cheek pad, I’d consider an ACOG mounted with a Smith Enterprises base.
Boomer,
Good choices all around. I use a EoTech 553 as I prefer them to Aimpoints. The set up of the MCS takes care of the heat issues (which are for real I know). The pic below was just a quick and sloppy set up when the rifle was first finished. I now have a set of Troy sights on it and the 553 is mounted much farther forward. You can co-witness the bottom 1/3 and the cheekweld is fine.
If you are really committed to that SOCOM, shitcan the factory “rail” and replace it with one made by UltiMAK, then put an Aimpoint Micro on it using the low factory mount. You might even get a co-witness out of it.
He doesn’t have the ‘factory rail’ - That’s a SOCOMII. He’s using a stripped version- the SOCOM16 as a base (probably for the shorter barrel) with a TROY MCS flattop quad rail aluminum chassis.There’s no need to get the Ultimak & standard AP mounts should suffice, depending on his preference for eye relief. Unless you’re referring to the small top rail proveded, either way it’s removed & inaccessible when using the MCS stock. I’m sure it comes across as such Thekatar, but please believe me, I’m not trying to sound condescending in any way. 
I would like to go 3.5x ACOG (TA11E) on mine (it’s the same setup as yours), but the AP will probably give you more options whether you wanna go magnified or not. Not to mention you’ll save about half the price with th AP solution (w/ 3x Mag, it’s still cheaper than ACOG, too!) A variable scope would suit this setup real well, but may not be as ‘drop-friendly’ as other solutions in case you wanna get rough w/ it.
Hope this helps.
If you have a C&R with MidwayUSA, you can score a Leupold MR/T M2 1x-5x SPR reticle illuminated optic for a song.
I like it on my AR10 carbine.
If he has the standard SOCOM 16, then he has a little bit of Weaver rail attached to the barrel. I believe that’s what Katar is referring to.
Thanks for all of the ideas. I did search the other thread about optics for a SOCOM but I figured this was different enough to justify a new thread.
Templar - if I go electronic red dot I’ll probably stick with Eotechs since I’m a fan of them. I’ve used Aimpoints on ARs, but I just prefer Eotechs.
Cohiba - Nice rifle, I’ve got a Magpul PRS stock on it right now but have been considering getting the E-Mod stock. How do you like the E-Mod on the M1A so far?
Thekatar - My rifle looks very similar to Cohibas, except that it is black. Since it has the long, continuous rail up top it opens up any restrictions for optics. Also, the Aimpoint Micro is not really what I’m looking for.
Shivan - the MR/T M2 1x-5x is very similar to what I had in mind (for this and one of my ARs).
Thanks again everyone.
Boomer,
Thanks. I think the E-Mod is perfect for this rifle. Rubber butt pad comes in handy.