strange optics setup

[Mumbles_45]

I've been killing time and came across this picture aftr following a link in another thread. I'm guessing the setup is just a demonstration of what can be mounted where and not something thats actually going to be used, but even still, it doesn't make much sense to me. First of all, the PVS -14 behind the main optic, I thought it had to be mounted in front if you were using a magnified optic, am I wrong? Is there a good explanation for the EOtech in front of the main optic? It would work I guess, but there doesn't seem to be much point. Maybe as an already zeroed backup? Finally what's the thing mounted on top of the main optic and why is it there, it seems like you would have to hold the rifle sideways to look through it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:SPR-NVG.jpg

 

[brentn]

Every reflex/aimpoint sight that I have seen that has been magnified using a scope always had the magnifier mounted BEHIND the sight. There is good reason for this but I forget what it is.



As for the night vision... I don't know. I always thought they worked by shooting infra red within a specific distance and the optic inside picked this up, enhancing the image (ie nightvision). Point being, theres only so far that an infra red beam can shoot out of a small night vision optic like that, so I would think mounting a scope that has a range greater than the nightvision is pretty much useless...

correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[brentn]

btw, I don't know what that thing on top is for, at first I thought it was a second nightvision optic for CQB so the user could switch quickly...

Maybe it shoots out infra red beams farther than the night vision making the scope usefull???? damn.. this is pretty much speculation now..

 

[Mumbles_45]

you would have to mount the magnifier behind the reflex sight to get proper eye relief. I just don't see the point in having a reflex sight in front of a fullsize scope. You lose the quickness which I thought was the whole point of having an EOtech. I could see using it in low light, but the scope already has an illuminated reticle.

I don't know how the PVS-14 works, but I have used it behind unmagnified optics, and I have seen people mount it forward of magnified optics.

Thinking about it some more, maybe the idea is to aim using the EOtech on its NV setting magnified through the scope. Seems like kind of a roundabout way of doing things though.