Newbie question about AR optics.

Cerendrad

Cerendrad

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I am going to pick up my first AR shortly. I am getting a flat top 16" or 18" barreled RRA model.

I'll be using it for 3 gun IPSC matches and fun at the range. I don't want to put a traditional scope on it, I'd like to use a C-more or EOthech or Aimpoint type of red dot but I have concerns about distance shooting. I'll use it mostly for closer stuff but when at the range I would like to hit some distance targets too.

Do people leave the iron sights on (or install rail mounted flip ups) for longer distance shots or just for a back up? I assume you try to place the iron sight point of aim just below the red dot?

The reason I ask is a 4 moa red dot covers 12 inches at 300 yards and I assume would not be the sight of choice if you wanted to make that shot.

Other than that what sight set up would you suggest? bang vs buck?

Thanks :confused:
 
I have no problems hitting pigs at 300m with my 4 MOA Aimpoint Comp M2 on a 14.5 in. Armalite.

You can use the top and bottom of the dot as well as the center. Keep in mind, if you set up with a 75m zero, you'll only be a few inches high or low all the way from 0 to 300m.
 
Thanks, I never thought of using the top of the dot. Why do I see so many setups with both irons and red dots? Backup?
 
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Aimpoint, Eotech, then yeah, don't waste your money. In that order. Eotech seems to be having some issues as of late. I've never had a problem with mine(I did sell it) nor have three other buddies who run them. Aimpoint has the battery life advantage, pushing 5 years with nominal settings.

TDC
 
I will look for threads, I do hear the most Praise for the Aimpoints though. Do you guys mount your optics on flat tops with a riser to elevate the optic or just mount it right to the flat top rail? (more for the eo tech style optic).
 
Cerendrad said:
I will look for threads, I do hear the most Praise for the Aimpoints though. Do you guys mount your optics on flat tops with a riser to elevate the optic or just mount it right to the flat top rail? (more for the eo tech style optic).
Click to expand...

EoTech mounts direct to the rail. If you're looking for a lower 1/3 co-witness you'll need a riser such as that offered by Larue. If you prefer an absolute co-witness you won't need any riser.

TDC
 
I constantly hear about "issues" with EOTechs. What are these "issues"?
The only "issue" I've ever had with an EOTech is battery life....I once forgot to replace the batteries before a match and it died halfway through a stage. I flipped up my BUIS's and carried on.
If the "issues" are combat related, who cares....IMHO, the EOTech is the best choice for gun games. An added bonus is that it has a 1 MOA dot in the centre which allows excellent accuracy out to 100 meters and beyond.
The 1MOA dot is contained inside a 65MOA circle, which helps with rapid target acquisition.
If I were to choose a new HWS, it would be the new EOTech 557.
 
acrashb said:
Not necessarily. The 557 and 553 (and maybe other new eotechs) are lower-third out of the box. Saves a fair bit of money compared to buying a riser.
Click to expand...

Thanks for mentioning that, I forgot about the newer models.

The issues with the EoTech's are varied. A fair number of users complain of batteries draining when installed. Some have had batteries leak inside the unit. Others say their unit shut off during use. There's a huge thread about the 557 model having reticle shape/size issues when used with night vision. You can take these accounts for what they're worth. Seeing how a fair number of red dot or HWS users don't understand how to mount/adjust(windage and elevation) or operate their optics, some of these issues could be user related.

The reticle style(65MOA) appeals to some and not to others. If you can play with one before you buy, naturally that would be the best way to go. If you can try someones rifle with the optic you'd have a much better impression as to which you would prefer.

TDC
 
I suspect that many of the EOTech battery issues are related to users installing rechargeable batteries (not recommended) or el-cheapo batteries from The Dollar Store.
I tried rechargeables in my 552 (AA's for those that don't own one) and they were hopeless...they barely lasted to the end of a match. The "N" battery 'shorty' model EOTech is a poor choice....the batteries are almost unobtainium, don't last long and are small and fiddly to handle.
The night vision issues are critical in combat, but irrelevant for gun games.
I also suspect that many EOTech users have the reticle brightness setting way too high...I found that the more "faint" the reticle, the better my accuracy became and the longer the batteries lasted.
In all fairness, I've never used an Aimpoint in a gun game, but that doesn't mean I never will. I find the Aimpoint to be more 'cluttered' than an EOTech, and I feel that the lens covers would obscure targets somewhat when flipped up. This is just my own personal impression, and certainly not a condemnation of what is obviously an excellent HWS, both for combat and gun games.
When it comes right down to it, either choice would be an excellent one. :)
 
Originally looking at both I liked the EoTech for the same field of view reason and the 1MOA dot, but all the "problems talk" has me leaning toward an Aimpoint. I hear almost nothing bad about them and that's pretty good.

This carbine is going to cost me a fortune.
 
I have never heard of an Aimpoint 'taking a s**t' during a carbine course, but the tails of failures, not just battery issues, with Eotechs are legend.
I have a 553 which I feel is the best of the breed, and while I like many of it's features, the reticle doesn't appeal to my eye as much as the the simple, 2MOA dot of the Aimpoints.
I have several M3's, which while bulletproof, are relatively heavy and bulky.
The best of the current offerings seems to be the Micro series....I have a H-1 which can be made to work on anything from a handgun to a rifle. The only issue is the stock mount, which sucks a**...Once mated with a LaRue mount, the unit should be GTG....
 
FYI we had 2 ML2 Aimpoints take a dump at the LAV/KH Low Light Class. I have witnessed and experienced numerous issues with EOTECH's in the 551,552 and 553 models.

I prefer the EO reticle, I am both faster and more accurate with them, however I prefer knowing my M4S or T1 Aimpoint as I know they will work.

Larue mounts all the way!

I dont think a 18" AR is useful unless your using a Mk12 with OPSINC suppressor. For your stated uses the 16" is your best bet - and go for the midlength gas system IMHO.

Depending on the distances you are interested in that can affect your sight choices.

The EO 4x or Aimpoint 3x magnifiers are a good way to add to you Red Dot.

The other option is looking at the ACOG's, Trijicon TR-21 AccuPoints, NF 1-4 or S&B Short Dot.

Really depends on what you are willing to spend and how much accuracy you want.
 
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