ACOG TA11E on LAR-8?

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amprecon

amprecon

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OK, what do you all think? My LAR-8 is the full-length 20" barrel A4 model. I have deliberated exhaustively with myself over what optic to put on it for weeks now. I was torn between a Leupold VX-R 4-12X50 and the ACOG TA11E.

RRALAR-81.gif

I would like to find a lighted-reticle fixed 6X scope with good eye relief and good objective. I looked at the TA55 and TA648 and...wow, big scopes. I looked at the TA31's, eye relief sucks. There are fixed 6X scopes out there but none with the lighted reticle and/or have sucky objectives.

I want to use this rifle for, well, just about everything you could use a rifle for, I just feel that 6X would be the best magnification for any application I'd ever need.

I just can't get over the perceived fragility of variable power scopes and want to put something rock-solid on it. This fixation on fixed power is that I don't want the option to meddle with things, or for something to go wrong at the wrong time, it is a distraction to me, I just want a no frills piece of equipment.

As of right now I've more-or-less "settled" on the TA11E because it is fixed power (albeit less magnification than I desire), lighted (almost indefinitely) reticle that doesn't need batteries, is relatively compact and as we all know, tough as brick crap-house.

So, if there is an optic out there that fits my criteria, please, do tell. I will give them a look, and uh, lets keep it <$1,500, thanks.
 
U.S. optics has several fixed power scopes, including 4x and 6x. They have the option for illumination. You could easily have them build you one for less than $1500, and their quality (based on my experience) is top of the line.
 
I have the 5.5x TA-55A, and I find it is just about the perfect magnification for a full length battle rifle like that. I currently use it on my M1A. It actually uses the same housing as the TA-11, but it has a long extension on the front. It weighs slightly more than the TA-11, but much less than the TA-648.

I enjoy the extra magnification over the TA-11 and the fact that it has stadia lines out to 1200m, rather than just 800. Also, with a 3.5x ACOG like the TA11, it is pretty hard to use the ranging stadia lines out any further than 5 or 600m, since at that low power they all start looking like the same size after that. The TA55 is easier to range with. And with the big illuminated aiming point, it still works great at close quarters using the occluded eye method.

Personally I like the TA-55 for battle rifles, and the TA-11 for shorter-ranged intermediate caliber rifles like a 5.56.
 
This probably doesn't help you at all, but I'm bored.... I have that exact same rifle and I use it for hog and deer hunting in TX. That can be anywhere from 50 to 400 yards, maybe more, but I'm comfortable at 400 max. (I'm old). I use a Redfield Revolution 4-12x40mm (made by Leupold). Have to say, it's reliable, accurate, and I didn't break the bank. After several hunts and ranges practices, I'm as happy now as the day I bought it.
 
I think I'm going with the TA-55A. I've been searching high and low for a lighted reticle fixed 6 power scope. As expensive as it is I think its the best choice available.
 
I just have to ask. What's the fixation with the lit reticle? Because it's fast? Don't get me wrong, I like the ACOGs; but they are pretty purpose specific optics

I think you'd be better served by a more conventional scope with variable power. They are much more flexible. I'm only saying this because I've been down this road. I shoot as a sport and needs and conditions change. When I ran ACOGs, I liked them but almost always wished that I had either more or less magnification.

Personally, I think that rifle is screaming for a 2.5-10X32 Nightforce.
 
I prefer fixed power scopes, I don't like to have the option to meddle with things. Because whichever setting I select for expected situations, the unexpected occurs leaving you fumbling for the right setting.
Having had game appear in low light settings but not being able to take it because you can't see your crosshairs or your irons sucks. The red dot almost totally alleviates that problem.
 
amprecon, sorry, but I don't get what you're saying with the variable scope causing you to have to fumble. I don't get why you wouldn't be able to see your crosshairs.
 
If you get the TA55A, you won't be sorry. It is a top notch optic. The glass is amazingly clear... everyone I let look through it is always amazed at just how clear it is. I really like the fiber optic illumination, too, since it means the reticle is always just about the right brightness for your surroundings. The chevron and stadia line reticle is perfect for getting quick first-shot hits on unknown-distance targets at any range.
 
I don't know what I'm going to put on this thing. I keep flipping back and forth. I actually had the TA-55A on order for $1,400, then found it was on back-order for 4-weeks. As I thought about how huge that thing was I cancelled the order.

I had considered the Leupold VX-R illuminated reticle 4-12x50mm, then thought it'd be too big and I wouldn't need that high magnification.

Then I'd go back to the TA-11E, then think it wouldn't be enough magnification

So then I go back to Leupold and start looking at their VX-R 1.25-4X20mm and VX-3 1.5-5X20mm illuminated circle dots.

I am at wits end and just know that the only way I'd ever make the right choice would be to shoot my rifle with each one of those scopes on it. But that's just impractical.
 
You are going to think I am stupid, but you won't believe how well the Russian 8X42 scopes work on a flat top AR rifle and would be perfect on a 308. The weaver version already has the built in mount which is perfect in terms of height and their relatively short eye relief absolutely solves the problem of needing a LaRue or other forward extending one piece mount. I had one on my Armalite and the more I shot it the more I liked it. I would place the optics somewhere between a VXII and VXIII in terms of color rendition and brightness. The chevron reticle is very easy to use. These things are built like a tank.
 
I'm leaning heavily towards Leupolds VX-3 1.5-5X20mm illuminated reticle circle dot. It has nearly the magnification of the TA-55A, yet able to dial down to 1.5x. I also like the illuminated dot-in-circle reticle, it would seem to make quick shots easier and the size of the thing is very agreeable.
It is not a fixed power, but I might take the chance since the magnification range is small.
This rifle is on the large size so keeping the peripherals small and light is preferred.
 
Would not get the 20mm objective Leupold! It is not that bright and with the .308 platform you don't have a whole lot of MOA in the 1" tube. Lets face it that gun is big for real close CQB, the 1.5x is not real useful because of that. The 1.75x6x with the larger objectives would be better, hell it is what I use on my FN FAL (and .375H&H which have gone to Africa) and is a good range for the 2 MOA FAL. The LAR-8 has a reputation for stellar accuracy and I have a friend with one in AZ that took off the 4x ACOG and put on that Nightforce 2.5-10 and it is perfect and a true sub MOA gun to 600 yards at least. If your budget doesn't cut the Nightforce then a Leupold as I mentioned will work nicely. The MK4 is of course better in all respects.
 
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