ELCAN SpecterDR

Sudsy15

Sudsy15

Regular
Rating - 100%
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Location
British Columbia
I have perused this forum and others for opinions, results and critiques of the ELCAN SpecterDR. It would seem that many people agree that it is a good optic, with a few drawbacks, like any other optic system.

My research suggests that the general opinion is an amazing sight picture, good reticle, easy to switch magnification, and overall quality are good points. Drawbacks include price, mount based adjustments, and an alleged (I say that because my research suggests that some people make this claim, and others deny it at length. As always I take anything learned on the internet with a grain of salt) inability to hold zero during rough use and removal from the rifle.

What I'm looking for is an honest assessment of whether this optic is worth the money, and a good match for my purpose. I intend to use the sight (with .308 reticle) on an M14 with the M14.ca sight rail. I do most of my shooting at close and medium ranges (< or = to 600m). The reason I'm interested in this sight is commonality with the C79, which I have used at length and have never had a problem with, and the fact that it is made in Canada (I'm a shameless patriot). The main sticking points for me on this purchase are price and how high above the bore the sight will sit.

Does anybody have experience with this particular optic/rifle combination, and if so what are your specific pros and cons? Anybody with other experience with the optic I'd be happy to hear from you as well.

If you have suggestions on alternate optics that have a similar functionality/designed purpose those are welcome as well.

Regards,
Sudsy15
 
Having one calibrated to 5.56 and one in .308 (on two very different platforms) the answer is clear. Get one and you will not be disappointed.

Enjoy.
 
I bought my buddies that got beat up overseas, and it always held zero for me, and I took it off frequently to use the irons on my rifle. Great optic, get one if it doesn't hurt your wallet too bad.
 
Great sight, well worth the money. I had no problem with zero retention.
But the height over bore always stoped me from mounting it on a M14. As you know the Elcan mount is made to mount on the AR platform where the cheekrest is about .5" below the rail. With the M14 you can't really get that without a chassis like the Troy..
If you use a conventional stock you should probably use a conventional scope with low rings.
 
Having one in 5.56 a can't give it enough praise. These sights are absolutely gorgeous. I was concerned about the "zero issue" as well and looked intensly for answers. My findings were that only the very early models actually had any problems.

Go for it. You will not regret it.
 
I've been having trouble finding the relevent information, but it would be nice to know what barrel length and loading the BDC is calibrated to for both 5.56 and 7.62.
 
Very high quality optics, made in Canada and a life time warranty. What's not to like?

I have personally seen people throwing rifles into the back of trucks like pulp wood, then complaining that their Elcan doesn't hold zero. My experience with all the Elcan products has been very positive.

The .223 calibration is set for a standard 20'' inch AR with 62g green tip ammo.(Canadian issue C7), and the .308 would be similarly based on the Canadian military issue AR10 I suspect.
 
NavyCuda said:
I've been having trouble finding the relevent information, but it would be nice to know what barrel length and loading the BDC is calibrated to for both 5.56 and 7.62.
Click to expand...

IIRC the 5.56 reticle is calibrated for an M4 (so 14.5") using M855 (62gr FMJ)

I believe the 7.62 is calibrated using M80 (147gr bullet).

I used the 300m hold over the other day while shooting at 50m (zeroed at 100m) and it worked well even with a Tavor.
 
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I agree with Wildphil, I have tried it on my M14 and it is not optimum but it has an awesome field of view and is easy to use both eyes open. It would be best if you can try it out first.

For the money you may want to try a Leupold AR scope.

They use them on 7.62 cal machine guns and they pass the military drop tests so they are mil spec tough. Never had a zero problem either.
 
Great optic with no problem holding zero as far as I've experienced... Looks pretty badass, too (if that's your bag). Only personal drawback is the size of the reticle dot. It's a little too large for distance shooting, but, this isn't a real long-range scope. Beautiful bright, distortion-free, Leica glass. Here's a pretty in-depth review: http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=184

You may want to hold off for this, though: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2014/01/17/elcan-specter-tr-1-3-9x-shot-show-optic-preview/

It will be my next major purchase.
 
I should probably clarify that my M14 sits in an M14.ca stock which has higher stock level than the Norinco plastic one. Anybody know if this makes any meaningful difference?

Thanks for the comments here guys you've given me more to consider.
 
Sudsy15 said:
I should probably clarify that my M14 sits in an M14.ca stock which has higher stock level than the Norinco plastic one. Anybody know if this makes any meaningful difference?

Thanks for the comments here guys you've given me more to consider.
Click to expand...

As Gummo said the Specter TR should be great. But it's mounting height should be the same and you possibly don't need the 9x zoom.

Which stock do you have on your Blackfeather chassis? Magpul CTR and PRS have optional and built-in cheek riser. Before ordering an optic or a cheek-riser I would install my rail, put a ruler on it and measure the height between the stock and rail.
 
Sturdy stock. Must look good.
Beside the mentioned Leupold, you could consider a Nightforce 1-4x, Burris XTR156 or a Bushnel 1-8.5x (actually on sale at Wanstall).
 
I've been slowly putting this rifle together, as I can afford it, with all top of the line parts. I went through a stretch where the mix of parts was so bad the rifle wouldn't cycle. I eventually narrowed it down to the aftermarket gas piston being too small for the Norinco gas block. Replace the gas block and voila, she's rocking and rolling again. I'm just wishing ArmTac would bring in the last of the parts I need.
 
Elcan used to have really ####ty warranty service. I just had my Elcan Spectre return from Armament Technology and I can't praise them enough. Their customer service was incredible.
 
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