Re: PWS MK114
DD7:
In regards to optics... I have been contemplating adding my thoughts on this subject. Over the past two years, I have had the opportunity to have several in my possession, from up close fighting optics all the way to distance precision optics. For the MK114 / MK116 I have a few that I would like to highlight.
AIMPOINT PRO: We all know it is a fantastic red dot sight, affordable, and Sherman Tank Tough. The 2 MOA dot can get small enough to be precise, yet bright enough to be seen on a very sunny day. I for one, own two of the PRO's, and it's my favorite red dot sight. They are easy to use, and HOLD ZERO like no other.
EOTech: I don't bash on EOTech, but I will say this. I used to LOVE the EOTech, have even carried one in both theaters of operation, as well as on my duty rifle, and several personal rifles. However, at work, we have a lot of students come through and I have seen this optic fail so often, that I have gotten rid of all of my EOTechs but one. I have not used any of the newer XPS2's, but have seen them in my classes. In the end, I know that EOTech has a great warranty, and makes it right with the end user. After using the Aimpoint PRO's... I find that the EOTech reticle is somewhat "busy". Just my own personal preference. It is a TRUE HOLO sight, and I like that you do not have to have the rifle "mounted" on your shoulder to acquire hits in crazy shooting positions. This is a strong selling point for the EOTech / Aimpoint in a CQB style battle sight.
ACOG: I have two Trijicon TA-31F ACOG's, and have also used this optic overseas. It is a very robust, lightweight optic, that can be used effectively out to 400-500 yards (or meters), as well as up close. I teach an ACOG class, to teach how to properly zero the sight, how to use it's BDC reticle, and how to run it close in. This sight is nice and light... does not require batteries, but I find the zero procedures a bit technical, and I have never been able to get over the whole "tap" thing, on an optic at this price point. For the money, there are WAY more efficient optics out there. However, using a good mount, and zeroed properly... this thing is one tough optic that can do most anything you need it to do with the limitations of the 5.56 / .223 cartridge.
Now, let's talk about variable optics. You stated you want Porsche Performance on a Volkswagen Budget... I totally understand that. So, let me go over a few of the variable powered optics that I have, and have used... I will list the pros and cons of each. Again, this is my own experience, and your mileage may vary.
The most important of ALL to remember, is to use a very high quality mount. I have used the Burris P.E.P.R. and the SWFA S.A.L.T. mounts and find that they are "good enough" for the money. At that price point, make sure to lap the rings, for sometimes they are not concentric. Good quality glass deserves good quality mounts, just like good pistols deserve good leather.
LaRue / American Defense RECON / Nightforce / A.R.M.S. / Vortex / and Alamo Four Square are ALL top notch mounts. I have become a HUGE fan of the Alamo Foursquare one piece billet mounts, and I've also had great use out of the American Defense Recon mounts. Buy once, cry once. All of these mentioned mounts, will HOLD zero if you need to remove the optic. I have the LaRue hand stop on a few of my rifles. They come with these little individual rail covers... thin, and fill the gap of one rail slot. I use this as an index point at the leading edge of all of my mounts, that way I can remove and re-install on the same rail every time, quickly and effortlessly. Just make sure, before you tighten down the mount, you push forward... toward the muzzle and then lock the mount down. This will ensure that your mount stays put under recoil... just food for thought.
Now, optics...
Millet DMS-1: I wrote about this optic a little bit... I used it on my MK114 for a while, and I was very impressed with it for what it costs. I did run it in an American Defense RECON mount, which cost more that the optic itself. I contribute the success of the optic, to the mount. The reticle is nice... but, it has limits. The glass is not high quality, but was usable in bright sunlight... When moving up from one to four power, the optic darkened a bit, which is expected on this price point. The illumination is NOT daylight visible, and it eats batteries quickly. The optic held zero very well, and I was able to make hits onto steel out to 500 yards once I figured my holds out. Bottom line is this... it's a $200 optic, that is adequate. Not great, not crappy. It will do the job. The eye relief is forgiving, but the field of view is not as wide as some of the other optics I have. Here is a link to CTD for this optic:
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/53649-34.html Trijicon 1-4 Accupoint TR-24: I am running this on my GPI SAR-15 right now, and I really like the glass in it. I'm not a huge fan of the reticle, but it works. I have it zeroed at 50 yards, and basically use the tip of the triangle as the aiming reference point, and the ballistic arc is the same as if shooting a red dot or holo sight zeroed at 50 yards. I have the Green triangle, and I find it easy to pick up on one power, as well as when it's on four power. It is a SFP optic, with no graduated scale on the elevation stadia. There are also no wind holds on the reticle... so, effectively, it's a variable powered ACOG, without the BDC reticle. I believe though, that it is a more versatile optic than the ACOG. There is parallax if you are engaging closer than 50 yards though, but it is not terrible. The glass clarity is to be expected... and the power knob is rubberized for ease of grip. The fiber optic window is also turnable, so you can vary the brightness of the reticle. On the ACOG, it is common place to put tape over the fiber optic "rod" to adjust intensity of the reticle. This optic is NOT my favorite, but the more I shoot it, the more I like it. Like anything, you have to train it to be good with it. Still, at this price point, there are more efficient optics in my opinion. Here is a link to it:
http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product3.php?pid=TR24
