AR15 RECCE Upper .. best optics

Shazam

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 99.6%
225   1   0
Location
Canada
Just finished my last AR15 upper build RECCE 16" mid-length with FF rail and tango down front and rear BUIS.

I want to dedicate optics for this upper. Im an ACOG fan but have seen the short dot type optics as a best fit. Any opinions guys? Maybe an Eotech for general purpose?

The 16"" is a great overall (especially the middy)

RECCEProject004.jpg
 
Last edited:
Hello Shazam,

I'm using the IOR Valdada 1.1-4x26mm CQB on my 16" midlength.. and I love it. It's currently selling at 995$ from Peter Dobson, here on the CGN dealer forum. I've put it in a LaRue SPR 1.5 mount, which is also a great piece of kit. The S&B Short Dot is certainly an excellent scope, but the IOR is 1500$ less... which helped me pay the mortgage on my new house and a few boxes of diapers for my baby.

2007_0721_171101AA.jpg

2007_0815_213300AA.jpg
 
So - is the illuminated reticle visible in full daylight?

Yes it is. Also, like an ACOG, the reticule has built-in bullet drop compensation marks, calculated for 62gr., up to 800m, IIRC. The middle of the reticule is a dot inside a "donut". this donut does not illuminate, so it contrasts well with the red-dot. Plus, it becomes greyish when sighting on dark objects. I'll post a picture of the reticule if i find the time. So when illuminated, you get rapid target acquisition, just like an aimpoint, and this reticule gives similar features as an ACOG, so its a really great concept. For military application, the only thing this scope would need is a secondary self-powered illuminated source, ex. tritium.
 
So - is the illuminated reticle visible in full daylight?
Not on mine, not in direct sunlight anyways. Very visible in more shaded conditions or in an indoor urban environment, which is where I'd need the illumination most. Of course I have the older model where the reticle is in mils, much better than than the new reticle IMO.

Get a good low power variable like the IOR, S&B short dot, whatever fits your budget. Good enough for close up work, but the magnification is there for ranges out to 500m or so.
 
Definitely cheaper then a S&B Short Dot. I think it's an awesome sight for the money. I guess it's on the "No go" list for export from the U.S.


Look on the EE, there is some on sale, sold mine there. Also, you can get them in Canada, got mine from Wolverine back in the day..
 
What about the Leupold Mk4 C/QT....They are 1-3 power variable (illuminated reticle) and tough as nails. Just throwing that out there.

Not on the KevinB approved list (sorry, I can't remember why), but I am currently trying one out on one of my AR15's. So far, I am liking it very much, but bear in mind that my use is sporting only.

IIRC, KevinB did have some nice things to say about one of the lower powered Leupold MRT scopes, so you may want to look in that direction as well.

My impressions so far:

1. It will likely slow me down slightly in CQB stages, but it will be very helpful in picking off smaller targets at 40 yards distance or greater.

2. Eye relief is a bit of an issue. I'd prefer more than what this sight provides.

3. Clarity of sight is very good. Reticle is similar to EOTech (dot within a circle), but not quite as easy to pick up as the bright red reticle of the EO. OTOH, there is a standard black reticle for use in bright light or should your batteries fail. At this point I'd likely only use the lit reticle in lower light conditions anyway.

4. The change from 1x to 3x is easy enough, if somewhat stiff. A toggle, button or switch might have been nicer, but the twist up/down system it has won't get accidentally tripped.

5. Due to the eye relief issue, the temptation will be to mount the sight further back on the receiver. This will interfere somewhat with the use of the cocking handle on an AR15. I solved the problem by mounting the sight on an AR which has a built in 1" raised rail on the upper. The same effect could be achieved by mounting a detachable riser on your upper.

6. I can now shoot bug sized groups with my AR15 at 50 yards. I haven't tried it out at 100 yards yet.

Overall, I'm liking it so far, but there are some shortcomings which may require sorting out. I'll know better when I shoot some CQB stages with it.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom