[Nightcrawler]

I've been batting around the idea of getting one of these for my FAL carbine. Right now I'm leaning towards a low power variable scope that can sort-of be used as a red dot, like the Valdada 1.1-4x or the 1.25-4x Trijicon Accupoint.

However, I like the layout of the Reflex II sight as well. I was wondering about some things.

The 4MOA dot (on th NSN model) is a little big for my choice. I understand the trick is simply adjusting the zero so the POI is right at the very top of the dot.

Well, if you're going to do that anyway, would you be better served with Trijicon's chevron reticule? It's the standard reticule in most of the ACOG scopes and seems to be popular. (The 4x ACOGs have a crosshair; the 3.5x and 5.5x ones have the illuminated chevron, I believe.)

So is there any reason a Reflex II optic with the chevron reticule wouldn't be a fair choice for a .308 carbine? Using the tip of the chevron as a front sight post of sorts, you could probably make accurate hits right out to 400 meters.

So what do you say? Go/No Go? Why or why not?

[Beren]

I don't believe Trijicon makes a Reflex with a chevron, just a 12.5 MOA triangle.

I'm thinking of getting the 4MOA dot version for a SBR 9mm.

You mentioned ranges upwards of 400 yards; would you benefit from magnification?

[Nightcrawler]

Trijicon USMC Issue 4x32 ACOG, Red Chevron Reticule (http://www.trijicon.com/user/parts/products1.cfm?PartID=476&back_row=1&categoryID=3)

You mentioned ranges upwards of 400 yards; would you benefit from magnification?

For a FAL carbine (16" bbl), I'm thinking of 400 yards or so as about the upper limit for any shooting I'm likely to do. 4x Magnification would be handy there, though as has been said, the Accupoint scope doesn't offer much to aid in hold-over. The Valdada is better in this regard (if you get the CQB reticule), but honestly I think I like the Accupoint better.

[Omnivore]

You're talking about the Trijicon Reflex model RX09. It has the Chevron reticle with the addition of a cavity in the back that accepts a mini chem (Cyalume) stick. The RX06 has the triangle reticle, and is slightly cheaper due its lack of the chem stick feature. It works just as well, but the RX09's chevron is slightly nicer in my opinion. The precise tip does make a nice aiming point on either sight, as you say.

Here is what I wrote about it;

In handling it around the shop (at UltiMAK) and in field testing, we often found ourselves reaching for the power switch, then realizing it doesn't have one. Its a mild feeling of liberation; the sight is always on and there's no battery to run down.

We got a nice reticle image in all circumstances in which we tested this sight. We never had a need for the chem stick, but in some cases (shooting in certain dappled light conditions maybe, or in room clearing exercises) the Cyalume illumination could come in handy.

The chevron reticle, while presenting an easy to acquire and precise aiming point, also serves as a ranging device. The outside base of the chevron triangle, 16.6 MOA, is the width of a standard military silhouette at 100 meters. 8.3 MOA, the width of the inside base of the chevron, is the width of a standard military silhouette at 200 meters-- check out the gif;
http://www.ultimak.com/products/rx09reticle.gif

Another choice in a 1x having the same chevron, but red in color instead of amber, is the Tripower model TX30. Expensive, but nice. A low power, Compact ACOG would be a good choice also.