Optics for a flat top.

[Jscb1b]

What is your opinion on the different types of optics?
#1 I've got a 1X4-24 scope on a cantilever mount. The ocular bell hangs over the charging handle.
#2 is a red dot. You have to turn it on and needs batteries.
#3 is a holographic sight. I've no experience with one.
#4 is an ACOG. I want one!

 

[roostercogburn98]

What caliber and application? Have everything from reflex sights to Elcan Specters on flat top guns. Personally I’m not a fan of ACOGs due to short eye relief I dealt with in the older models. The Elcan is appealing to me since it does have 2 power settings. Mine is also set up with 3 sights so I have choices should I ever “need” it. Red dots are great for quick target acquisition but wasn’t a big fan of putting a 3x magnifier behind it. Seems like if I want that option just go with a 1-x and use it on 1 with the reticle illuminated. I spent over 20 years with a red dot in my hands and depending on it for lives so they will always have a useful spot in my heart but emotional attachments don’t always equal best option.

 

[Jscb1b]

5.56. And SHTF. What I want is something that is idiot proof. Like forgetting to turn your red dot on. Or not being able to operate your charge handle.

 

[nn8734]

On my Block 2 (14.5”) I run a nightforce 2.5-10x24 and aimpoint t1 in a 45 degree offset mount. It’s great for everything, point blank to 500 yards.

if you only want one optic in a jack of all trades set up, I might consider something like the NSX 1-4 or razor 1-6.

If pure speed at close range is the priority but still want some capabilities to ~300 yards, a T1 with a magnifier in a flip mount is a solid configuration. You can leave the aimpoint on damn near indefinitely, given the battery life.

Whichever way you go, don’t cheap out. Buy once, cry once.

 

[The DFC]

What is your opinion on the different types of optics?
#1 I've got a 1X4-24 scope on a cantilever mount. The ocular bell hangs over the charging handle.
#2 is a red dot. You have to turn it on and needs batteries.
#3 is a holographic sight. I've no experience with one.
#4 is an ACOG. I want one!

I've been going through this myself most of this year. I accelerated the purchases of the rifles I wanted due to politics and am now outfitting them how I want.

My needs: Target shooting (400yds at my club) and carbine classes from beg to adv. SHFT too of course.

1-LPVO option is the one I'm currently the biggest fan of. Cameraland is selling Bushnell Elite Tactical 1-8.5x for super cheap and bought one. They throwed in a Steiner 34mm mount for $50-which ended up being perfect for now. I put this set-up on my KAC 16" cl rig. Eyepiece is about flush with ch and covers the BUIS. Will put on Scalarworks mount when I get chance. I liked the Bushnell so much I bought another for my LMT New Zealand rig.

With this option I can hit all steel targets at my club-200-300-400 and am working on low ready/high ready shooting proficiency using the scope at 1x and illumination. Don't think I'll ever be as fast as a dedicated red dot but the benefit of 8.5x magnification is awesome.


2.-I have a couple of 14.5s set up with an Aimpoint Comp M5 and a Trij MRO. This is ideal for 50yds on in, fastest presentation from low/high ready. You can leave them on and co-witness irons.

With this option I am the fastest on target at 50yds and in. I can't shoot 100yd groups worth a crap nor engage any steel on the long range. This is me-I've seen dudes ping steel at ridiculous distances with a RDS that I could never dream of. I'm heading toward the big 50 and like my magnification.


3.-No experience either-my BIL has a Holosun on his Springfield 10mm pistol and it's really hard to get used to. It would take some training no doubt but I really don't like them on pistols.


4.-I have a lot of experience here too. Have ACOG 4x w/ RMR on top. This works well once you train with it. ACOG eye relief sucks but still doable. RDS on top is pretty high up but with training doable although not preferable. This is why I picked up an Elcan 1x/4x. I really really like this option-better eye relief and it's a red dot all in one. Glass is amazing (so is ACOGs though). I really like both of these options but as mentioned before I have a hard time hitting steel at 200-300-400 with them. I can do it but nowhere near as enjoyable as using the 8.5x of the Bushnell.

With this option I can use for close shooting and 100+ yards. I can do decent 100yd groups with and somewhat hit long distance steel on good days.



All in all there are other things to consider-the Bushnell is a heavy tank and would have to be removed to use BUIS although 45deg is an option. My BCM 14.5 with MRO is super light and easy to use-nothing is in the way of using the rifles functions-super simple. ACOG/Elcan option somewhere in between.

 

[hlee]

What's the battery life on your red dot? Most are stupid long. Change the battery 2x per year and drive on. Or get a charging handle with an extended latch. Or, move the scope further forward, adjusting your LoP for proper eye relief. My AR rifles are all set up as precision rigs and I've never had an issue using the charging handle with a 6-24x50 scope hanging over it.

 

[308pirate]

What is your opinion on the different types of optics?
#1 I've got a 1X4-24 scope on a cantilever mount. The ocular bell hangs over the charging handle. Then it's mounted incorrectly or it's a piece of shit with ridiculously short eye relief.. It's 1-4X24, not 1x4-24, BTW.
#2 is a red dot. You have to turn it on and needs batteries. The correct name is reflex sight. Mine instantly turn on by themselves at the slightest movement and turn themselves off when you leave the rifle sit for more than 2 min. Even if I left them in constant on mode, the battery would last 50,000 hours in medium setting.
#3 is a holographic sight. I've no experience with one. Battery life on all of them suck
#4 is an ACOG. I want one! How do you know this? Ever looked through one?

Answers in yellow

 

[nn8734]

#1 I've got a 1X4-24 scope on a cantilever mount. The ocular bell hangs over the charging handle.

#4 is an ACOG. I want one!

Reread your op and Im curious as to how the 1-4 is hanging over the charging handle when in a cantilever mount..

> What optic is it?
> How are you setting your length of pull?
> What’s the eye relief like?

I have a leupold mk4 3.5-10x40 in a cantilever mount on my 16” AR and the ocular is in line with the charging handle but doesn’t hang over beyond that (has never prevented me from operating the handle). I would think you’d have plenty of room to avoid the ocular with a 1-4 in a cantilevered type mount.

Also agree with @308pirate - if you haven’t looked through one on an AR, you should before laying down cash.

 

[Docsherm]

5.56. And SHTF. What I want is something that is idiot proof. Like forgetting to turn your red dot on. Or not being able to operate your charge handle.

What optic do you have?

If it is a POS, get a 1-4 optic. Something like the Steiner. It is tbe most versatile and it has an etched retical so it works without the illumination on.

 

[Jscb1b]

The 1-4X24 is a POS that I pulled off my SKS. The red dot is a bushnell TRS 25. The TRS 25 works. You just have to remember to turn it on.

 

[clcustom1911]

What is your opinion on the different types of optics?
#1 I've got a 1X4-24 scope on a cantilever mount. The ocular bell hangs over the charging handle.
#2 is a red dot. You have to turn it on and needs batteries.
#3 is a holographic sight. I've no experience with one.
#4 is an ACOG. I want one!

Get all 4. Next question.

 

[Jscb1b]

That is a no run around answer right there. Two down two to go.

 

[clcustom1911]

That is a no run around answer right there. Two down two to go.

The only one I'm missing is an EOTech. I use them at work and they are pretty bitchin.

I already got a red dot, Leupold Mark AR Mod1 1.5-4x with green firedot SPR reticle (LOVE IT. Best scope everyone hates leupoldthough LOL), and Trijicon TA31RCOM4.

 

[Jscb1b]

What are your thoughts about the ACOG? Is the eye relief to short?

 

[Jscb1b]

I've got a Burris 3X9 and some high rings I'm going to try.

 

[nn8734]

What are your thoughts about the ACOG? Is the eye relief to short?

not sure if you only want answers from clcustom1911 but fuck it, I’ll answer anyway since this is a discussion forum and you’re asking.....I owned the same ACOG (TA31RCO M4) for 2 years on my 6.8 AR and sold it because I couldn’t get past the short eye relief. Glass was great and otherwise tough as nails.

Whether its eye relief is too short for you is only a question you can answer so if you really want it, buy it and see for yourself.

If it works for you, add an RMR (or something like 45 degree offset sights) and you’re done. If not sell it and buy something else or run your 3-9...I see ACOGs all the time in the PX.

 

[Jscb1b]

Thanks for the reply. I looked up the specs on the eye relief, 1.5 inches. Damn, that is short. Why would the military run it? You would have to be really hunched up to use it.

 

[nn8734]

You would have to be really hunched up to use it.

Yep, hence my reason for selling the one I had. Lots of really good options out there for you. I’m prob going to put a NSX 1-4 on my 6.8 AR.