Two Optic Setup

[LoneRider]

Reading one of Zak Smith's articles while doing research for my upcoming 'budget DMR' project (to be done next spring after I've settled in at NTC for my new Army assignment) I've come across the 'Two Optic setup'. I assume this means mounting both a close-in reflex sight in conjunction with the telescopic sight (the Night Force 2.5x10 scope was my primary choice).

The rifle I am modifying is a Remington R15 VTR with fold up BUIS and the aforementioned variable power scope.

What are the pros and cons of this 'two-optic setup' I've heard about?

 

[Afy]

Not quite sure of what a two optic set up is. Is it like a binocular? If so... why?

 

[LoneRider]

It's a no magnification reflex sight combined with a telescopic sight.

 

[Avenger29]

Not quite sure of what a two optic set up is. Is it like a binocular? If so... why?

No, it's not like a binocular.

The Nightforce 2.5-10 scope is an optic that is best suited for distance work. Close in, it is very lacking. Hence, many people mount a small red dot site either on top of the scope or in an angle mount that puts it about the 2 O'clock position.

The two o'clock position, IMHO, is best. You only have to roll the rifle a bit to get into firing position and it's not too bad.

The top of the scope has height over boreline issues

The only thing I can tell you is that I would take a 2 o'clock mounting and put an Aimpoint H-1 or T-1 on there.

Like the above picture, except I've seen many with the RDS mounted closer to the magnified optic.

 

[LoneRider]

Thanks for the idea Avenger29. First order of business is accquiring the rifle and putting my BUIS and getting those zeroed. Then I'll mount the scope before I add the Aimpoint. I'm still in the research and development phase of constructing my own DMR at the moment.

 

[Avenger29]

Thanks for the idea Avenger29. First order of business is accquiring the rifle and putting my BUIS and getting those zeroed. Then I'll mount the scope before I add the Aimpoint. I'm still in the research and development phase of constructing my own DMR at the moment.

Here's the LaRue offset mount. http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=383

Dunno about that Nightforce optic, but I reckon it would be a good choice. I'd be more inclined to go with a Trijicon Accupoint scope (not the ACOG, but one of their variable scopes)
Mount it in a LaRue mount

Like this 2.5-10
http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=141

They also make a 1-4x that's rather interesting

http://www.trijicon.com/user/parts/parts_new.cfm?categoryID=5

 

[Zak Smith]

If you don't need to wear a bunch of body armor and gear, mount it above and/or above and a little to your strong side of the optic. If you don't, mount it on the rear of the tube at 1-1:30'o'clock. Mounting a dot optic as far forward as in that photo is much less effective than mounting it close. And don't forget you need to train to make the potential/theoretical speed advantage actually not a liability.

-z

 

[LoneRider]

I don't anticipate wearing body armor when using this rifle I'm building. At most I'll likely wear my LBV or LCE when training with this thing. I'm not sure where I can find ranges that will let me train in more than a bench position in the Mojave area of California though.

Also I've heard of plenty of good fire and maneuver courses I can use as great training before I try any 3-gun stuff that I'm gonna put my budget DMR through. Any recommendations for training?

 

[Zak Smith]

Tactical Response puts on very good fighting rifle training.

 

[LoneRider]

Thanks Zak Smith.

 

[jmorris]

To make the transition from one to the other seemless having them both at the correct height is very important. Another advantage is that they are set to different zeros.