Elcan Specter DR and Trijicon VCOG able to act LIKE a red dot?

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rtracer13

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Wondering with these two optics, are they basically just variable scopes or more? I ask this because the VCOG at least specs that it has constant eye relief (explained no matter if you change your cheek weld with different positions) and The Specter DR claims it has degrees within FOV (which I interpreted would be the degree of angle outside of center to the scope you would be able to aim and fire it at the zero'd point. Is this correct? Basically really like that red dot/holo sights don't need to have the reticle centered to hit aimed at target and wondering if these are the same within the degree of FOV (if that was interpreted correct).

Lastly, any options beyond red dot/holo sight with magnifier that would act as one with the ability to magnify?
 
You are correct, the eyebox on some of the 1x-?? magnified optics is generous and offers greater lateral(FOV) discretion when using them. The reticle does not move to compensate like a lot of reddot optics do, it is simply still visible from less than ideal angles/positions. The margin of error is not as large as you think it is and is nowhere near as generous as that found on reddots. That being said, short of unconventional shooting positions you should have zero issues with mounting the rifle quickly and still having a useable sight picture regardless of the consistency of your cheek weld.

As for optics that offer both reddot speed and magnified advantages. Look at 1x-4/5/6/7/8/10 power optics from reputable brands. Trijicon makes the TR24(as well as the VCOG, which is a big fail as far as most are concerned) which is a 1x-4x with an illuminated reticle. Acts like a reddot at 1x, and like a traditional magnified optic at 4x. Leupold, US Optics, Schmidt and Bender, Nightforce, Zeiss, Sightron, IOR Valdeda, all make what's known as low power variables. Keep in mind some are not true 1x magnification, this means that on the low end there is still some magnification effect which can interfere with rapid shooting.

TDC
 
Have you seen much hate from actual users of the VCOG optic? I've seen lots of armchair quarterbacking on why it would suck, but of the things I've read on it the people that actually used it liked it. That being said, from an armchair quarterback perspective the Specter DR looks more appealing.
 
I have a Specter DR on one of my rifles and while I love it I'm not sure how good it would be if you are not squarely behind the rifle. I find the eye relief is fairly specific distance wise and when you are outside that distance the halo comes quickly. It has excellent glass and the image is extremely crisp. The reticle is great and the ability to illuminate the center dot or the entire reticle separately is really nice. Only bad thing about the illumination on it is the weird battery it uses and the fact it uses a battery at all. I like my ACOG better in that department as the tritium and fiber optic is awesome but the ACOG fixed 4 power isn't as good playing in the house (close quarters).

Have you considered an EoTech with a flip to side magnifier? I have an XPS2-2 on my KSG and it is a great sight for under 75 yards and with the magnifier you could probably use it past 100 yards pretty easily.

Good luck
 
What about the 1.5/6x Specter DR's obviously with some magnification it wouldn't be true, but does it make the red dot any more difficult to pick up? or is the 1/4x the obvious choice?

I think I forgot to mention this would be for a hunting optic for big game/dangerous game. So would want enough magnification to make a humane kill not just a general hit within 300m (but more than likely within 150m).
I have thought about the flip over magnifiers, but have only tried the cheapo screw on magnifiers and found that it effected my field of view too much. Not sure if that's the case with the better eotech/aimpoint magnifiers as I haven't been able to check them out in person.
 
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I would not recommend a flip to side magnifier for hunting. They increase the red dot size and would be difficult for a clean kill (for me anyways). A variable power scope or elcan is your best bet
 
rtracer13 said:
Have you seen much hate from actual users of the VCOG optic? I've seen lots of armchair quarterbacking on why it would suck, but of the things I've read on it the people that actually used it liked it. That being said, from an armchair quarterback perspective the Specter DR looks more appealing.
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Seeing as Canada is a giant void for quality gear, I have yet to hear of anyone in country with the vcog. A couple user reviews I've read from yanks were mediocre. The mag is great, the bdc reticle is great. The integral mount is crap and the lack of fiber optic is a fail. Aside from mag and reticle it offers nothing over a tr24 and the price is simply stupid on the vcog, not to mention the weight.

Tdc
 
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rtracer13 said:
What about the 1.5/6x Specter DR's obviously with some magnification it wouldn't be true, but does it make the red dot any more difficult to pick up? or is the 1/4x the obvious choice?

I think I forgot to mention this would be for a hunting optic for big game/dangerous game. So would want enough magnification to make a humane kill not just a general hit within 300m (but more than likely within 150m).
I have thought about the flip over magnifiers, but have only tried the cheapo screw on magnifiers and found that it effected my field of view too much. Not sure if that's the case with the better eotech/aimpoint magnifiers as I haven't been able to check them out in person.
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I have the 1.5-6x and love this optic for 3-gun matches. I find the 1.5x very good still for close targets and the flip switch to 6x very easy to manipulate (with a little practice). As previously mentioned the SpectreDR does require a pretty consistent cheek weld to avoid the halo effect, but is some great glass in all aspects.

Out to 300 yards you will not have any problems with accuracy - I have shot it to 500 yards with the built in BDR at some US matches on 8-10" plates with no problems in visualization. Aiming on the other hand........ I'm told this is what practice is for ;)

lonedrone
 
I love the clarity, brightness and ergo's of my SpecterDR, and at 1x there's no waviness or distortion as on some 1-4x's... but that's what I expect for that kind of money.

For good "value", another option might be the Burris MTAC 1-4x with PERP mount, and maybe also a Leupold VX-R.
 
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