General Purpose AR Optics

[bratch]

I finally bought a upper (Noveske N4 Recce) to replace my old one and now I need to start looking at optics.

I live in town so any defensive use would probably be close. However, my parents have 180 acres that we visit regularly. The rifle could also see some use as a coyote/crow gun there but this is secondary.


The options I've looked at:

1) 1-4x Optic: The Accupoint is leading the way but the new Burriss is interesting as well. These optics offer a range of magnification but give up some speed at the low end.

2) Aimpoint with magnifier: Fast in close; magnifier has limited FOV.

3) ACOG TA11: Good glass and BDC plus tough. Slower in close.

I've been leaning towards a 1-4 but none of them seem to be a complete package (Short-Dot too pricey).

Thoughts

 

[Saiga39]

What about the Millett 1-4X24 Designated Marksman Scope?

 

[stubbicatt]

Saiga39, your experience may be different than mine, but I was disappointed with the performance of that optic. It was dark, and the LED didn't offer enough light to see aiming references.

I would not buy another.

 

[taliv]

nice call on the noveske, bratch. post pics when you get it finished!

aimpoint micro T-1 is the way to go

 

[bratch]

any thoughts on the 3x magnifier, taliv?

 

[taliv]

i don't own one yet, but am anxious to see how well they work myself. i plan to purchase one in a few months once the wife settles down about the machine gun i just bought


edit: the acog isn't a bad choice either. i bought the TA31-RCO model and it is fantastic, although if I had it to do over again, I would probably go with the one in your list.

 

[TIMC]

any thoughts on the 3x magnifier?

I thought real had about a 3x magnifier but then I started thinking about the dot being magnified as well which might not be good for longer range shooting. I bought a Burris Signature Safari 1.75-5 for my Beowulf. I have been very happy with it. The scope is great for a high recoil AR since it has a 4" eye relief.

 

[Rifleman 173]

One of tricks I learned was if you mount a simple, short 4X scope on your AR-15 or M-4 carbine you can shoot with great speed and accuracy. I use on M-4 type carbine with a simple, cheap 4X power scope that has illuminated reticles in it. I love it.

I also have a Millett DMS-1 Tactical Scope with a red donut in the center of the fov. I also like that scope and rifle set up. Both scopes work really good for close range, quick and intermediate distance shooting. The newer Millett DMS-1 scopes are a lot better than the first ones that came out.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

One thing to keep in mind with the T-1 is that while you can use a magnifier with it, the 4MOA dot may make it less than ideal when magnified.

I think any of the optics you mentioned will work well as a general purpose optic. It is just a question of what tradeoffs you can live with.

 

[taliv]

except for the new T-1 with the smaller dot (which admittedly, i don't yet own)

 

[Darthbauer]

Id go with either an ACOG or an Aimpoint