MTMilitiaman
Member
So I really want to put an optic on my M1A Loaded, which currently has an ARMS #18, but no glass. The reason it has no glass is because I want to make this rifle into a DMR, or more specifically, a sort of "Americanized Dragunov." Something relatively simple and cheap that could have been issued in large numbers to provide accurate fire on individual point targets out to 800 yards on the squad level. My criteria for this involves a math free rangefinding system with a BDC, preferably built into the reticule and preferably set up for the standard M80 ball load. I was looking for something with a low end power of less than 3x and a high end magnification higher than 5x. It needs an illiminated reticule, and of course needs to be decent quality glass--enough to be able to identify targets and place rounds at 600+ yards--and durable/reliable enough to theoretically be taken into combat. Lastly, I'd prefer it was a FFP optic, but this isn't necessary, as long as the high-end magnification isn't so high as to make the rangefinding/BDC features incorporated into the optic useless at all but the longest ranges. I don't mind saving for quality, but the maximum budget here is in the $1500 range.
And that's why my M1A doesn't have optics--there isn't really any true-DMR optics on the market. You either have to suffice with 1-4x optics which might do fine on a carbine, but hardly take advantage of a full size rifle's ability to reach and touch at 600+ yards, or deal with dozens of redundant optics all featuring some variation of the same regurgitated mil/MOA hash mark system. The lack of real, practical innovation within the optics industry is really discouraging. Everyone seems content to think inside the box.
One optic that seemed to meet my criteria initially was the Horus 1.5-8 Blackbird. I was really excited when I first stumbled upon this optic, but upon further research, it appeared the reticule was reported to be all but useless on anything but the highest power. Complaints of dim illumination also surfaced, and there was some skeptism of its durability as well. I would like to know if these issues have been addressed. I'm interested in any experience with this optic, esp as it applies to a platform such as mine (semi-auto .308, dusting plates and torso targets on hillsides various hundreds of yards away)--optical quality, utility of reticule and other features, durability--or with any suggestions for optics that meet my criteria that I might have missed.
And that's why my M1A doesn't have optics--there isn't really any true-DMR optics on the market. You either have to suffice with 1-4x optics which might do fine on a carbine, but hardly take advantage of a full size rifle's ability to reach and touch at 600+ yards, or deal with dozens of redundant optics all featuring some variation of the same regurgitated mil/MOA hash mark system. The lack of real, practical innovation within the optics industry is really discouraging. Everyone seems content to think inside the box.
One optic that seemed to meet my criteria initially was the Horus 1.5-8 Blackbird. I was really excited when I first stumbled upon this optic, but upon further research, it appeared the reticule was reported to be all but useless on anything but the highest power. Complaints of dim illumination also surfaced, and there was some skeptism of its durability as well. I would like to know if these issues have been addressed. I'm interested in any experience with this optic, esp as it applies to a platform such as mine (semi-auto .308, dusting plates and torso targets on hillsides various hundreds of yards away)--optical quality, utility of reticule and other features, durability--or with any suggestions for optics that meet my criteria that I might have missed.
