Elcan SpecterDR or Aimpoint CompM4 w/3x magnifier

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CanAR15

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Elcan SpecterDR or Aimpoint CompM4 (Larue mount) w/Aimpoint 3x magnifier (Larue mount)....

Each setup will be about the same weight and same price.....opinions and experiences would be appreciated, Thanks.

This will be on a 14.5" barrel w/A2 fsb, carbine M4gery. Options already in use- Aimpoint Micro, Vortex Viper PST 1-4 and eventually ACOG 4x32.

edit- Yes, I am fully aware that either setup is overkill for a range queen.
 
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I loved my Elcan. Awesome glass.
It was heavy though.

At least with the Aimpoint setup you can always remove the multiplier and cut down on the weight. Or use the point on a shotgun if you felt so inclined. (Meaning you have more options with that setup IMHO)
 
I think it really comes down to your setup and what you do day to day.
If you run with lights, fore grips/vertical grips, lasers etc. and don't usually need a magnified optic adding the Elcan can add some extra heft to your set up that is already loaded up. This upsets the balance of your M4 and it will not handle as nice as it did with just a red dot. Depending on what type of shooter you are it may not matter but if you are doing courses or something where you are handling your DD all day it may start to wear on you and you really start to notice that you have to put more effort into what you are doing.
If you run a red dot and magnifier set up you have to make sure you have no issues with your eye's (i.e. astigmatism) since the red dot will look like a fire ball, the Elcan has fantastic glass and you won't have this same problem with it. You will be able to pull the magnifier off when ever you want if you don't need it or flip it to the side which is handy.
I have had a few Elcans, red dots, magnifiers etc. and I feel even though the Elcan is a beautiful piece of kit and I have one on my MK18, depending on what carbine/rifle I've tried it on it really upsets the balance and puts a much larger footprint that will bang into more stuff, get caught on more stuff etc. Because of this I only install it on certain setups.
The Elcan is also a much larger investment than a good red dot/magnifier combo but again the quality is second to none with the Elcan, but if you really don't need it or don't want to spend the money then the red dot/mag combo will work just fine and give you some flexibility.
My best advice is to ask your local firearms supplier, friend or someone at your range to have a look at their set up or if able try it on your M4. This will tell you right away how it feels and if it is for you. Each of these set ups aren't for everyone as you can see the shear number of 1-4 Elcans and red dot optics/magnifiers for sale on the EE so it is best to window shop before buying.
Just because it works for someone else doesn't mean it will work for you. Don't take peoples word for what's best, try and find out for your self what's best for you and your setup.
 
I own a few Spectre DR's and Aimpoints with magnifiers.... first off, if i was to go the Aimpoint route, i would do a T1 or H1 before a comp M4... The Elcan is better in my opinion and here's why... awesome glass, damn near indestructible, has built in irons on top, etched crosshair that will work even if there is a battery failure, of the 8 that i own/have owned i have never had a return to zero issue, very little difference in weight when compared to a T1/magnifier set up....For all my CQB rifles however, i only use T1's for the simple fact that they are super reliable and have a great battery life.
 
Thanks for the input so far! There are pros and cons to each setup so it's down to figuring out which one will work best. I am really liking the Elcan and seem to keep coming back to it no matter how many times I change my mind.
 
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Elcan Specter is hard to beat if you want the magnification. I much, much prefer it to a red dot/magnifier combo.
I really love my Aimpoints too. I keep them just as stand alone sights.
 
For $1900 you can buy a 1-4 NXS Nightforce and an ADM mount, a few hundred more puts you into a 2.5-10 NXS

If you are willing to spend DR money you have lots of options (options with internal adjustments).
 
Gunnerlove said:
For $1900 you can buy a 1-4 NXS Nightforce and an ADM mount, a few hundred more puts you into a 2.5-10 NXS

If you are willing to spend DR money you have lots of options (options with internal adjustments).
Click to expand...

As nice as this set up is, I already have a 1-4x optic. Are the external adjustments on the Elcan that bad?
 
Gunnerlove said:
For $1900 you can buy a 1-4 NXS Nightforce and an ADM mount, a few hundred more puts you into a 2.5-10 NXS

If you are willing to spend DR money you have lots of options (options with internal adjustments).
Click to expand...

my shv 10x was 2300$ with the ultralight mount not sure how an nxs can be that price (unless used?), more like 4000$
 
Personally, the weight has always kept me away from the Elcan...that and the ARMS throw levers. I'm sure the glass is great, but it sure is nice to be able to pop off your magnification, and save the weight when doing close range work.
 
angryeyebrows said:
Personally, the weight has always kept me away from the Elcan...that and the ARMS throw levers. I'm sure the glass is great, but it sure is nice to be able to pop off your magnification, and save the weight when doing close range work.
Click to expand...

I agree somewhat but if I'm #####ing about .5-1lbs (for magnifier) then I need to hit the gym a bit more. If I had the red dot and 3x magnifier I'd most likely never take off the 3x, negating the weight savings from the Elcan.
 
Flipping a lever is faster than turning a magnification ring.

A lot of these 1-4/6/8X scopes are not true "1X", including NF 1-4 NXS. Aim point is a better choice for a lot of close range works.
 
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