Introduction

For anyone looking to add a scope to their AR-15, Combat Military Optics of Savannah, Georgia has a number of offerings. For those looking for a compact, rugged low power scope, the ELITE IR is the top contender. Boasting enough features to cover most needs, these scopes feature quality optics in a package that's attractive and simple to use.

Appearance

The scopes come with protective lens covers (the slip on kind, connected with elastic cords), a battery, and a lens cleaning cloth. It is finished in an attractive black matte finish with white lettering.

The scope is fairly heavy, however, weighing in about a pound. Though perhaps it's largest drawback, I don't mind the weight, as it is a result of extremely rugged construction. When it comes to an optical sight that may be relied upon for your survival, I'll take a rugged design and the added weight over any modifications that diminish its ability to withstand tough use.



The Elite IR scopes are waterproof, fogproof, dustproof, and shockproof, and feature a lifetime warranty against defects.

Options

The Elite IR is available with a choice of mountings as well as a choice of reticles. These are detailed below:

Mounts
The choice of mounts includes a quick detach mount that attaches to the carry handle of your AR-15, and a Weaver type base for flattop receivers. These bases attach to the scope body with four allen screws that assure a secure mounting and offer easy conversion from dovetail to carry handle mounts.

• Dovetail - The Weaver mount was developed in conjunction with B-Square, and allows Marksman scopes to be mounted on flattop receivers or any rifle featuring a weaver base.

• AR-15 Carry Handle Mount - The carry handle mount allows the scope to be mounted to a rifle in a matter of seconds, and can be repeatedly removed and reinstalled on the same weapon without the need to re-zero. Our test showed the scope to hold zero after repeated mountings and removals.
  

  The quick detach carry handle mount offers a very secure mounting, however it can mark the finish on the underside of your carry handle. This is the only drawback to adding a sight on your rifle other than weight.

  This mount offers a see trough channel underneath the scope to allow the use of the iron sights. Though perhaps with a limited field of view, the iron sights are quite usable with the scope mounted.

Reticle
Reticles offered are a post and a Khales #22. The latter offers range-finding capability, while the former offers maximum field of view and simplicity.

Features

The Elite IR scopes are packed with features. These include the standard adjustments, a bullet drop compensator (BDC), illuminated reticles, and more. It features eleven precision ground lens elements and provides a bright clear picture.

Adjustments


Adjustments are clearly marked and easily made. Slotted screws that need to be uncovered before changes are made make both elevation and windage adjustments. These adjust the impact point by 1/2" at 100 yds. Once the scope is zeroed, the only adjustments that need to be made by hand are those using the BDC.

The scope is designed to be rugged and simple to use. It features and adjustable eyepiece for focus, which is easily manipulated by hand, yet is tight enough to avoid slipping from its adjusted setting. This focus adjustment is made once for the shooter and then all objects from 20 yds. to infinity will remain sharp.



Bullet Drop Compensator
The Bullet Drop Compensator allows you to dial in a range and hit your point of aim without any holdover once the scope is zeroed in.

The BDC includes markings for 100, 200, 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 yards. It is calibrated for 55gr FMJ rounds, and because of the lack of a range longer than 200 yards, I was unable to test it's effectiveness. The markings are easily read and feature positive clicking.

Unfortunately, the illumination adjustment knob blocks their view when your eye is looking through the scope. You need to lift your face in order to view the setting; particularly if you are left handed and shoot off of your left shoulder. This is the only problem I had with the scope.

Illumination
The Elite IR scopes offer a built-in power source that provides adjustable intensity illumination for the reticles. Combat Military Optics' tests indicate a battery life of 720 hours of continuous use in the #1 position (minimum illumination) or 120 hours in the #11 position (maximum illumination).



The illumination adjustment knob features 11 levels of brightness plus an off position. These are enough dial in just enough brightness to cover any condition of low light where an illuminated reticle would be required without wasting battery power. The light is bright red, and illuminates all portions of the reticle evenly and makes it very easy to see it in low light.

In addition, the scope has a compartment for a spare battery, which makes it easy to always have a replacement. It uses a CR 2032P 3-volt battery, which is readily available.

Availability

Pricing
The Elite IR scopes vary in price depending on the reticle and mount, but can be found for around $400 from most dealers. Combat military optics is offering 5% off and free shipping to internet customers purchasing a scope if you mention this offer. They can be reached at 1-912-238-1900 or through their web site at http://www.cmoscopes.com

Summary

The Elite IR scopes from Combat Military Arms are ideal additions to any rifle used at short to medium ranges. They are quality scopes, with quality mountings, and extend the capabilities of your AR-15 including low-light conditions. For anyone looking to add a compact 4x scope to an AR, there is no better alternative than the MARKSMAN ELITE IR from Combat Military Optics.

Specifications