Deploying to Iraq... should i bring an optic?

[thefitzvh]

Topic says it all... was thinkin of an EOtech... are better sights issued now or should i bring one?


James

[TheOpticZone]

I guess if I was going to Iraq I would want to be prepared. Eotech is actually becoming more and more popular with the military personnal that we sell too. They are having a hard time getting items such as the Trijicon ACOGs and such do to the military purchasing them. But the ironic thing is that a lot of the military people we have talked to say that they are not issued a sight for their gun.

[Zak Smith]

I have used both the EOTech 55x and the Aimpoint M2 extensively.

The Aimpoint has several important advantages over the EOTech:

1. Battery life is WAY more on the Aimpoint M2, and WAY WAY more on the M3.

2. You can turn on the Aimpoint and be sure it's actually on by turning the knob all the way (and then optionally backing off 1-2 clicks depending on ambient light conditions). On the EOTech, you basically have to LOOK AT the reticle to be sure it's turned on. Same deal for turning it off. To turn off the EOTech, you have to push two buttons (requires two hands) and then look at the reticle to make sure it's off.

3. The Aimpoint has a longer proven track record than the EOTech, which was plagued with problems historically, but is looking more reliably lately.

The other option is an ACOG. I highly recommend the TA11 and TA31 ACOGs. The TA11 has longer and more flexible side/side/up/down eye relief which makes it faster to acquire targets through than the TA31, and makes it easier to acquire a sight picture when shooting from improvised/compromised shooting positions.

The ACOG will give you superior "target ID" capability, and will increase the effective range of you and your rifle. The downside of the ACOG is that it is slower than the "dot" sights within 50 yards.

If you go EOTech, Aimpoint, or ACOG, I highly recommend the LaRue Tactical mounts.

-z

[gringolet]

bring it..if don't need it, ship it home. better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

[erh]

This sounds good, but I would suggest saving your $$'s; unfortunately it is not likely that the Command will or can authorize you to use personal items. At the very least, please check w/ your CO (Proper Chain-of-Command of coarse) first.

I do want to assure you, and ease your mind with the fact that better & better equipt. is going there every day.

Be careful, and God Speed!! (erh)

[NMshooter]

Keep in mind that high quality equipment is at a premium in Iraq right now, you cannot go to the local gun store and get whatever you need.

It may be worth your while if you have the money to purchase something for sale or trade, there are often contractors looking for good equipment.

Alternately you could see about purchasing equipment there, but mail order is slow and any local deals you can make will vary.

Depends on what you are doing, and your unit.

It is often easier to ask forgiveness than obtain permission... ;)

Oh, and Zak has some excellent advice. :)

[thefitzvh]

ok thanks... i'll wait and see what gets issued first.

I think my solution is this:

I buy a quality optic. Maybe the aimpoint. Worst case scenario, i can't use it. Best case scenario, I can, and it helps me. When I get back, i use the optic as justification to buy an M4gery.

Sound like good logic?


James

[444]

I am currently selling an Aimpoint ML3 in like new condition on this board. If you are interested and are going to Iraq with the US Military (not a civilian contractor), I will knock $50 off the $400 price tag and throw in a GG&G mount free (if I still have it and can find it: I can't promise you the mount). I am not a dealer, I paid for this optic out of my own pocket and paid more than I am selling it for. I would be happy to offer a US Soldier a 25% discount.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=157609
This offer is for YOU and YOU only. Anyone else, the price is $400.

[Citadel99]

I brought my EoTech when I deployed. We were issued 1 Aimpoint per 5 soldiers. I gave them primarily to the worst shooters in my platoon. I'd recommend bringing one if you don't get one issued.

Mark

[thefitzvh]

Damn. thats a sweet deal. PM sent


James