Black Rifle - Optics

[DMCakhunter]

The earlier question about black rifles brought up some comments on optics, so I though I would ask what people like and are using.
I have variable power scopes on all of my hunting rifles, from low power models to high power, depending on purpose of the rifle. For my ACR, I started off with an aimpoint, believing in all of the hype. Also tried an Eotech as well. All was fine until I started wearing glasses. My vision is not bad but at distance I need a little correction to count the tines on a buck at more than 100 yards. I also hate to hunt while wearing glasses, they are worthless in the rain or mist. Anyways, with glasses on the red dots work fine for close (100 yrds or less) but grow less precise as the distance grows, as would be expected. Without glasses, the dot is distorted and not precise.
So my solution has been to move away from red dots and use variable power scopes (1-6x or 2-10/12x) that have diopter adjustment on them. Glasses on, diopter is set to zero, glasses off and it is a quarter turn to the right (or there-abouts). I do like scopes that have battery powered dots like a Leupy VX-6, but they are not cheap and the dot could be brighter in bright daylight. Also, if the battery dies or there are no batteries, the scope is still usable and not a paper weight like a red dot would be.

[Grudgie]

I am using the Marine Corps Trijicon model exactly like this one.



It isn't cheap. It's a 4x fixed power scope with a lit red chevron and ballistic reticle. It is powered by tritium and solar power so it is always on, and always visible regardless of darkness or extreme sunlight. It is designed to be looked through with the Bindon aiming Concept with both eyes open so it can be used as an unmagnified red dot, or a precise 4x scope on the fly. It requires some getting used to if you are used to iron sights and conventional scopes. Tough as hell too.   

I do love red dots thoguh. Before I switched to the Trijicon I was using an Aimpoint with a flip to the side 3x magnife like this one:



But the extra 3x magnification wasn't worth it to me for the added bulk and weight.

[CJS06]

DM,

I use a couple of different types of Optics set upon my rifles.  I wear glasses as well so that does skew some of my input. For closer range work out to 2-250 yards I use just an EOtech EXPS-3 on both my 11" and 16" uppers,  Intermediate ranges out to about 450-500 yds I shoot a VX6 1-6 on one rifle and a VX4 1.5-5 on another.  On a 300BLK that I have been getting some time on I have been shooting a VX-R Patrol 1.25-4.  I really prefer variable power glass over a magnifier. I love the CMR reticle on my VX6 and VX 4.  For a relatively "affordable" the VX-r Patrol does a good job.  I have a couple of 3 and 4x ACOGs as well but dont really use them very much any more. On my MWS I have a VX6 with CMR for the .308 that has been great though I am toying with putting a NightForce NXS 2.5-10 on top. On all of my magnified optics I use KAC 45deg offset irons as well. 

I found that when shooting in the rain the biggest issue with an RDS is keeping the lense clear of water, more than my glasses. maybe it is because I spend much of my time on or around the water and I have had to get used to my glasses having dots. I used to shoot mainly Aimpoints (which are without a doubt fantastic) but have found that I an faster in close and can be more accurate out farther with the EOTech.  I have one RMR on a 45deg offset that I have been using but am abandoning and going back to my irons.  The RMR will go back onto an M&P9.

I hope this is what you were looking for.
Chris

[JohnyMac]

Great report CJS!

As I have reported on a other post - MrsMac is bugging the hell out of me for a red dot of some sort. I really don't want to drop the coin for another EoTech as she will use it under 100 yards. So as I have posted before I am leaning towards the Burris 332 for my AR and give her the Xps2. That extra 4x can be a help for older eyes. 

I was chatting with Max Velocity awhile back and his thoughts were that magnification is good as you have a better opportunity for hitting what ever is showing, e.g. foot, arm, knee, etc. in a fire fight. And how often will you find yourself in a basic CQB scenario.

Just thinking out loud here.

[DMCakhunter]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. There are lots of choices out there and I will continue upgrading to variable scopes with quick diopter adjustments.

CJS06, my girlfriend and youngest son have Night Force 2.5-10X32 compacts on steyr scouts and love them.

[CrystalHunter1989]

I had to shop around for a long time before I found an old Aimpoint Comp M2 I could afford. If there was more open space in my AO besides farmland I might consider making the investment.

[JohnyMac]

I hear ya' Crystal. I would give my left nut for Grudgie's 4x Trijicon ACOG. 

[CJS06]

JohnyMac  let me know the budget you want to stay in. I have a TA33RCO on a Larue mount that I have been thinking about parting ways with.  Now that I have found that I prefer variables like my Leupold Mk4 1-5 and Mk6 1-6 am not using the ACOG.

[JohnyMac]

Thx buddy we should chat off line. 

[Reaver]

You need to talk with technique.


I use irons. :-)

[JohnyMac]

Yeah I hear ya' RvR but technique has not joined our little band of brothers and sisters here on UP. I have sent him several invites but to no avail. :-)