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Posted: 3/11/2009 4:43:30 AM EDT
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Has anyone used this optic? Any thoughts/opinions as to reliability?
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http://www.ak47.net/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=56&t=116698
LaRue likes it |
It's plastic and not waterproof (or water-resistant to any serious depth). Dropping one, especially while mounted to the gun and onto the optic itself would probably not be good. Redacted. See below. 
That said, get it as part of the LaRue AK IronDot and it will be protected from typical abuse and falls. I have an AK IronDot and like it in terms of function. Light, low-profile, simple to use. It's no Aimpoint Micro, but it doesn't try to be either. |
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Quoted:
It's plastic and not waterproof (or water-resistant to any serious depth). Dropping one, especially while mounted to the gun and onto the optic itself would probably not be good. That said, get it as part of the LaRue AK IronDot and it will be protected from typical abuse and falls. I have an AK IronDot and like it in terms of function. Light, low-profile, simple to use. It's no Aimpoint Micro, but it doesn't try to be either. Woah, now. Mine was METAL all the way, with GLASS optics. Yes, it is open on the bottom and hence not waterproof. |
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I've been using the Fastfire for about 2 years now, first on my Browning Buckmark, and now on my AK. I'm not sure what the deal is with the fella who says his is plastic, but mine is made of metal and glass, just like the Docter optic which now wears the all-too-popular Trijicon badge. Mine has held up just fine, even without Mr. Larue's metal housing. No bear in mind, I don't go kicking down doors and/or slamming it into fallen trees, but it holds up just fine. It was designed as a handgun optic to be slide-mounted, which translates to a good level of durability on a centerfire rifle or carbine. The optic is parallax free up to 50 yards. Beyond that distance, some attention must be paid to have the dot centered in the optic in order to get the best accuracy results. Mine has performed just fine at 100 yards, but that's the distance at which I typically shoot AKs.
Reliability? Well, the optic uses a battery, so I suppose it is as "reliable" as my Aimpoint. I look forward to the Fastfire II becoming available, so I can put the regular Fastfire back on the Buckmark and use the II on the AK. Is it as durable as an Aimpoint? No, of course not. It wasn't designed as such, and it was never meant to be. However, I feel it is a great optic for less than $200, and I look forward to picking up the newer version. If you need a bomb-proof optic for a true-blue, died-in-the-wool, SHTF, "Here come the Commies/Zombies/Vampires" gun, then something like the Aimpoint H1 or T1 would better fit the bill. For my realistic needs (shooting range and occasional field/woods use) I think it is a great solution. I'm afraid I use the "other" rifle for my go-to gun. 
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Quoted:
Quoted:
It's plastic and not waterproof (or water-resistant to any serious depth). Dropping one, especially while mounted to the gun and onto the optic itself would probably not be good. That said, get it as part of the LaRue AK IronDot and it will be protected from typical abuse and falls. I have an AK IronDot and like it in terms of function. Light, low-profile, simple to use. It's no Aimpoint Micro, but it doesn't try to be either. Woah, now. Mine was METAL all the way, with GLASS optics. Yes, it is open on the bottom and hence not waterproof. Hmmm. The lens on mine might be glass, but the housing sure feels like plastic. ETA: I left it outside for a bit to get it cold and felt it. It's metal.
I'm surprised, because it is quite light and it doesn't have the solid feeling like metal usual has. Ya learn something new everyday.
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I'm looking at the Mini Red Dot-esque unit that Victor at TNVC brought out. I think I've read that it is all metal construction and handles abuse well compared to others. I have it. It's good to go. One thing is doesn't have which would be better if it did, is an on/off switch. If you take the cover off, then it's on. Only way to turn it off it to replce the cover. I guess the constant on battery life is like 8+ months though. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm looking at the Mini Red Dot-esque unit that Victor at TNVC brought out. I think I've read that it is all metal construction and handles abuse well compared to others. I have it. It's good to go. One thing is doesn't have which would be better if it did, is an on/off switch. If you take the cover off, then it's on. Only way to turn it off it to replce the cover. I guess the constant on battery life is like 8+ months though. Roger that, thanks. I plan on piggy backing it on an acog. 8 months constant on is pretty damn good though... |
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