Optics/sights for custom M4

[SRMohawk]

Alright, alright. I know I've already pestered you all today about tactical rail foreends for ARs and cut-rifled barrels. So I promise I'll lay off for a bit after just one more query.

I can't decide what optics/sighting system I wanna go with for this custom M4 I've got on the front burner. So help me out. And remember, I'm not necessarily looking for the VERY best. I just want end up with the best value and/or versatility.

The finalists include: a) Elcan Specter DR (almost $1900 equipped ready to slap onto the rifle and go); U.S.O. SN-4 (around $1700 if equipped with an illuminated reticle and including U.S.O.'s Posa Slide mount); c) ACOG (around $1200 ready to go); or d) Leupold's CQ/T (less than $900 ready to go).

Again, I cannot overemphasize how much I would love to hear you all tell me that the Leupold is good to go. But if twice the money is justifiable for an Elcan or U.S.O. sight, then that's what it'll be!

 

[Onmilo]

Trijicon ACOG is my choice for a magnifying optic.
Aimpoint and Trijicon Reflex ll for a non magnifying dot optic.
When the Military has good luck with a product, you can bet you will too.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Well I have the CQ/T and I like it very much.

It gets a lot of negative talk but I am not sure why really.

It does have a couple of minor things, the tube could be bigger, the reticle could be "less boring" I suppose.

It's hell for stout, it would be very difficult to hurt one.

I like having the little bit of magnification for longer shots and the ability to back that off for both eye open shooting.

The SN-4 needs an illuminated reticle even during the day in my opinion so it's never been high on my list for the price.

Who knows on the Elcan, does anyone even have them in stock and available?

These are all gonna be tough to pick between if you don't actually try one for yourself.

 

[H2O MAN]

I'm waiting on the Aimpoint Micro T-1 with a 2 MOA dot to hit
the streets, until then I'll keep an EOTech on my custom 6920.

 

[possum]

if you want a magnified optic i say go with the acog all day long. here is why i love em, but more than that they are rugged.

MY M1151 WAS ROLLED OVER WHILE I WAS THE GUNNER, EVERYTHING ON MY WEAPON AND INCLUDING THE WEAPON WAS DESTROYED EXCEPT THE ACOG. IT IS THE ONLY PART THAT HAD NO VISABLE DAMAMGE.

pics you want pics?

 

[possum]

peq-15

m4

surefire scout light 1

scout light 2

 

[pgeleven]

if your budget is tight, check out the aimpoint options, they have several nice ones that are durable. other than that, trijicon all the way.

 

[Rifleman 173]

Take a look at a Millett DMS-1 Tactical Scope. It has a 1 to 4 power option and has a red dot (donut) in the center. Once you get it zeroed you can use it from 3 to 400 meters with no trouble. The one I have cost me $215.00 from SWFA Optics and I love it. It is a great tactical scope. Most other tactical scopes need an additional device to increase the optical magnification power for your scope. This one comes as a one piece, variable power scope.

 

[Harold Mayo]

The Millett seems to be catching on. I've been considering one for my own 16" AR.

Of the ones that were mentioned, though...? USO all the way.

 

[MassMark]

If you are long on coin, get a Schmidt-Bender Short Dot and be a happy camper...If you have not looked down the pipe of a SB optic, you don't know what you're missing. Short Dot and be done...

 

[The Deer Hunter]

$2000 for a scope? Crap.

 

[SRMohawk]

LOL! Alright now, Deer Hunter, your point is taken. But when I buy something in the way of a firearm or an appointment/accessory for a firearm, I buy with the view to it becoming a family heirloom. I also don't plan on it being relegated to deer hunting, brother. As for riflesscopes costing $2K+ being abominations, I would have to contend that this goes too far if you're talking about a Schmidt & Bender PMII.

As for the rest of you good gentlemen, I thank you for your advice. And I plan on adhering to it. The U.S.O. and Elcan are out. If that Leupold is as good as T.R. says it is, that'll be my choice. And that's only because the ACOG is a fixed-power scope. Otherwise, Possum has me convinced it's the RIGHT scope!

 

[Avenger29]

$2000 for a scope? Crap.

Heh. Same here. I dearly want an ACOG. But for the price? That's as much as I am paying for my AR.

Maybe in a few years once I get out of college.

I also wish the dealers around here stocked more of these sights so I could compare them in person...There's only one dealer in my area who stocks ACOGS and Aimpoints, and he only stocks a couple of models apiece.

 

[HorseSoldier]

Check out the Horus Talon as well. Variable 1-4 power, a very versatile reticle, and priced around the cost of a new ACOG (it's around $900 itself, but then requires good rings or a LaRue mount).

+1 what TexasRifleman said on the Elcan -- on paper it looks superb, but I don't know if you can even get one here stateside yet. A couple websites I've seen show them up with prices, but I looked into getting one a while back when they first went up and basically you were pre-ordering against eventual delivery, date unknown. This may have changed, as that was months ago.

 

[MassMark]

Possum: That is just amazing...Thanks for the pics and your service.

 

[RLsnow]

Possum: Not trying to be cruel, but you forgot to post the picture of the ACOG xD.......sorry.