Rifle Scopes Optics for deploying soldier

[Cpl. Jarreau]

My son is leaving for deployment, his standard issue for his new M4 is an Acog. He said a lot of guys that came back recommend Eo tech with the magnifier. But there are a lot of different kinds. Need help to pick the right one. He is in infantry so he will be using it alot. Also if there are any one here that has been there, what type of gloves is best for his situation.
Thanks
A worried Dad.

 

[Km22]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

I believe the 552 is/was the one the military was using on their weapons.

 

[aziator]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

Personally, with the right training the ACOG is a great optic. You don't have to worry about flipping anything to get the magnification yet it can be used with both eyes open at close range with no issues. The Army used to issue the 552 Eotech, I believe they are migrating to 553 more. Last year when I was over there the most prevalent was still the Aimpoint CCO, be it a M2 or M4.

 

[Km22]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

My bad. I meant 553. I even own one and got it wrong...

 

[Cpl. Jarreau]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

Thanks for the info guys, my son does like the Acog but was just going with what the other guys were saying. I guess it is a personal preference

 

[Commander Shepard]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

Unit level EOTech 552 purchases have been made in the past, but the standardized issue red dot sight in the regular Army is the M68 CCO (current model is Aimpoint M4). EOTech 553 is part of the SOF SOPMOD kit.

What your son chooses to run on his rifle should be determined by his mission, MOS, duty position etc. That said, if he decides to buy an EOTech I suggest one of the new EXPS 3-0 models. 553 is overly bulky, tends to exhibit battery contact issues, and has the sucky non adjustable ARMS levers. I'd strongly advise against it when there are significantly improved models available.

 

[Shooter45]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

I've deployed multiple times to Afgahn and Iraq and used the ACOG. I used the EOTech once and was more satisfied with the abilities with the magnification of the ACOG. Using the Bindon Aiming Concept, both eyes open, the ACOG is a great optic both up close for CQB and also at range.

With the ACOG, there is no need to worry about batteries going dead then having to resort to back up irons, if he has them. With the ACOG it is always on, doesn't go dead.

My recommendation to your son is to use the ACOG and fall back on what they are taught and how to use it. Best of luck to him.

 

[phillip61]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

dumb question, "can a person just take what ever kind of civilian bought scope they want to back over seas with them"? If so, thats kind of cool. I just didn't know you could do that. All the best to your son.

 

[jdr724]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

The other point not mentioned yet is that when you pair an eotech with the magnifier, it's a heavy combination.

 

[mlh29]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

I have 5 tours to OEF, been about anywhere I care to go in that country. Have used the m68, eotech, acog, various mk4 leupolds(dmr) and a 1.5x5 vari x leupold. Batteries are hard to come by when you need them now, gear breaks gets destroyed etc Issued acogs are a 1 for 1 exchange in most units, not gonna get your eotech fixed or replaced in country, and chances are if not every weapon in the unit has an acog and you give it up you wont get one back.
I vote run what was issued, acogs are great for over there. He wont have to worry about taking the acog off, accounting for it, or finding time to zero the eotech.

Good luck

 

[42N8 1]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

Been to OEF in the Pech use the ACOG and save your personal money.

 

[Cpl. Jarreau]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

Well being the worried dad that I am, I went ahead and bought the Eo Tech Exps3-4 with the G33 magnifier. So now he can chose which ever he wants for the specific mission. He is home on leave for a while so we gonna mount it on our M4 and let's him shoot to see how he likes it. Worst case is that I have a new eotech for my M4 at home.
Thanks for all the help guys
Semper Fi

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

as others have said, eotech and magnifier are heavy, just take the acog, for a stand alone red dot optic, the eotech 553 would be a good option, or one of the new exps series. an aimpoint micro t1 would be an awesome optic as well, that is probably what i would want in that position.

 

[frankythefly]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: recondo84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dumb question, "can a person just take what ever kind of civilian bought scope they want to back over seas with them"? If so, thats kind of cool. I just didn't know you could do that. All the best to your son. </div></div>

Depends on the unit. Not sure if units still get GWOT funds like they used to but my last deployment we had every optic imaginable. My guys most opted for acogs, I used an eo-tech and gunners used either M145, MGO acog, M68, and the special m2 bdc eo-tech.

 

[Victory]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

Not sure why anyone would want to run a setup with less magnification in astan, he is going to need all the magnification he can get. EOTECH with a magnifier is a heavier combo and doesn't offer any advantages over the ACOG. In my scout platoon we used 1x6 Elcans, EOTECHS with magnifiers, ACOGS, Aimpoints with magnifiers, and I used a CQBSS on an 18' Noveske upper. Most ended up with ACOGs or the Elcans on by the end of it. If I was using a standard M4 it would have had an ACOG on it.

Line guys don't usually do a lot of research on what works. They see something and follow suit because it looks cool. It doesn't matter if it is boots, packs, or optics. If they see ODA guys using it, it will be the new fad.

I did a lot of research and ended up with my CQBSS, it offered everything I needed and wanted for what I was doing, and it worked out perfectly. If I was doing valley clearing instead of sitting in overwatch positions like I was, it wouldn't have been something I looked at. The ACOG covers it all very well, door kicking and engaging targets at distance.

Hope this helps.

 

[mission_fail]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

I only used an ACOG on my deployments but from using regular red dot sights and friend's eotech sights, the ACOG wins hands down. It is the perfect optic for issue m4's and m16's. This is my personal preference but if your son is on the fence about it, he should stick with the ACOG. A lot of guys in my unit wanted eotechs just because it was different than our issue m4's not necessarily because it was better suited to our mission.

 

[0V3RC10CK3D]

Re: Optics for deploying soldier

I've tried the eotech, aimpoint micro and acog 4x and the ACOG is the best in my opinion. (just practice at the range) the aimpoint micro would be a close second.

EOtechs are handy for extremely close quarters but honestly iron sights are just as good in that situation.

(i play with boomsticks at the gun-range, no military experience)