Optic For The Sandbox

QOR

QOR

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So the purpose of this thread is to stimulate some discussion on my selection for an optic for Afghanistan. I'm looking for a milspec optic, either fixed or variable magnification. I like the idea of changing the magnification with one unit, I've also become interested in BDC's. Please keep in mind that I'll be looking at the 300-400m range by both day and night. I'll be using standard Canadian issue 5.56mm (can't remember the grain) out of a Colt Canada C8HB. It must also be capable of taking a mount with some sort of quick release for the use of BUIS. So far I have been VERY impressed with the S&B short dot but am a little thrown off by the price.....maybe someone can talk me into it.

Keep it civil and keep the following in mind;

1. I DO NOT wish to re-open the whole C-79 issue…..most of us hate it….PERIOD.

2. While I'm open to ideas from everyone I would like to hear from soldiers or police marksman. By all means everyone chime in but keep in mind I'm not going into a 3-gun match.

3. And please no "if they let you use it" comments, I can assure you that I have permission.

Let's hear it:50cal:
 
I googled the optic you are interested in... $2000+ US????

I own a Trijicon TAO1. It is a 4x with tritium (illuminates red in low light) has a BDC which is easy to use. I own 2 Trijicon scopes and love them for the clear optics and the Bindon Aiming Concept which encourages you to keep both eyes open. I have a flat top adaptor for it and it seems pretty quick to remove. I also have a G&G flip up rear sight. It is on backwards so it is as far back as possible. I tried having it at the rear but then the eye relief on the scope was screwed up. The BUIS is fine where it is. I just have to remember the adjustments are opposite. ;) ACOGs are available through Police Ordnance.



 
You have two real choices in my book.

1). If you're okay with more batteries (like one extra, tops) go fo the Elcan Spectre DR. 1/4x mag with the flip of a switch, ranged reticle/red dot scope all in one. The sight is a bit heavier than the ACOGs but it is rugged and is really able to perform multiple roles on the fly. It mounts to the top of the current issue C7/C8 right out of the box and is a pretty good sight.

The draw back can be too many switches and no HOTAS capability. Remember, fight using your kit not fight with your kit and all that.

2) Any ACOG (I'd pick one with a chevron reticle with fibre optic illumination myself) will be pretty good. A decent unit in 4x magnification is a nice simple, yet effective way to sight in.

No messing about with various settings for various light levels and flipping a lever hoping it ain't one that holds the sight on the rifle. The fibre optic illuminator is self adjusting to the current light level and most of the modles available are NVG compatable.

Keep your stick on the ice, your head up and your ass down. See you on the other side of the spin cycle.
 
Yeah I've been thinking of ACOG as well but I'm not yet sold on fixed magnification. I like the idea of the Spectre DR but is it not external adjustment like it's retarded step brother?
 
How much $$ do you want to flog at this?

PM1.1-4x20ShortDot.jpg
 
I have a TA31F. While it does have a fixed 4x zoom, the nice thing about it is that you can train your eye to use the optic like a CQB red dot without any issues.

That said, if at all possible, you should try out some of the optics and see what you like best.
 
KevB trusts his S&B Short Dot. He's had much exposure to many variations of optics, a big voice of experience there.

There are some other options on the table that I've seen guys take over that haven't been mentioned:

Eotech with magnifier
Leupold CQ/T

I'm a sailor, so I don't have the first-hand experience of others here, but there's options out there for you.

Good luck in the sandbox.

NS
 
Reaper (1RCR) did the TA11 dual illum (Trit and Fiber ) with the Doughnut of death reticle and BDC.

I can say he loved it.

Its sweet simple and gathers LOTS of light.
 
IOR makes a "CRT" 1-4 scope that also may be worth looking at - it would fit your requirements BUT I have not used it.

I have used 1 S&B scope (12x fixed) that has been very satisfactory. Optically they will all look the same with the inevitable dust covering on the lens. I think the key quality to look for is durability. All will claim it - but user field experience is more reliable as you identify.

FWIW most optical advantage these days comes from high tech multi-coating...which don't last long under field conditions on exterior surfaces.

If you expect to spend a lot of time in helicopters - loctite/stake any fasteners that you can...vibration from rotary wing aircraft seems to play havoc on fasteners. A 2000 dollar scope with loose mounts is less helpful than a 200 dollar scope in tight mounts. I know this sounds obvious but the little things seem to count more than the big things
 
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I vote for the ACOG TA31RCO. It's built like a brick sh#$ house and half the price of a Short Dot (first choice if money is no object). It's never let me down yet. Also, no batteries to worry about and it has internal adjustments unlike the Elcan types :D
 
QOR said:
Anyone have any experience with the TA 31?
Click to expand...

I had a TA01NSN on my Stag. The tritium was plenty of illumination to the point where you couldn't see what you were shooting at.

The BDC worked AWSOME out to 500m for me.

Just civilian range use though, can't speak to deployed military use or issue ammo...

EDIT: OOPS, IT WAS A TA01NSN THAT I HAD, SORRY.
 
Why not just choke it up for a short dot? You'll be able to recover a good chunk of your change afterwards, and why cut corners on something so potentially crucial?
 
rifleman on this CGN board is back from TF01-08 with 2VP. He took along an ACOG TA31F with chevron reticle. He loved it through all of Bravo Coy's adventures. He said he would take it back over there if he had another chance to augment with 1VP this Sep Rotation. :D Dunno if this helps, but we'll try!
 
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