AR Sponsor
Posted: 4/6/2010 4:06:45 PM EDT
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Hey guys,
I recently got myself an ACOG TA44S. The 1.5X with the amber circle dot reticle. That thing just blew me away. For me, it's head and shoulders above any red dot that I've tried. Anyway, I was so excited by the way the speed of my shooting improved with the TA44 that on my way home from the range, I stopped at my local shop to check out a TA33G-H (or is it H-G?) and just couldn't stop myself from buying it. I also have a Sightron 1.25-5X20 scope. Of course, the TA33 is a 3X. I got bored last night so I took my carbines in the front courtyard of my house. One with the ACOG and the other with the Sightron scope, which was set to 3X. I guess it was around 10:00 at night, so it was pretty dark save for porch lights and street lights. I was just alternating between the scopes checking out trees, chimneys and license plates. Now, I know that the Sightron is no slouch in terms of quality of the glass, but to me, the Sightron offered a wider field of view and a clearer image. The ACOGs reticle was easier to see, but the only spots where I couldn't see the reticle in the Sightron were in spots where I couldn't see the would be target either. I'm not so worried about the field of view because the ACOG's reticle really lends itself to BAC style of shooting, but the better clarity that I got with the Sightron really threw me off. It was 1/3 the cost of the ACOG. The ACOG is smaller, lighter and has the BDC reticle, but I'm really having a hard time justifying keeping the TA33. I'd really like to convince myself to keep the TA33. Am I missing any advantages that I just haven't come across yet? If I was going to make the decision based solely on the clarity of the scope, I'd have to go with the Sightron. |
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You hit two of the advantages. It is lighter and smaller. Also incredibily durable.
With a TA33 you can mount it far enough forward due to its eye relief, and it's small enough that is it perfect for shooting with both eyes open. With training, this is far superior than any amount of eye relief scope shot in the conventional manner could offer. Give it a try and I think you'll like it. |
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I think that the best solution is going to be to keep the Sightron too and build me an 18" SPR to put it on. I've been looking for an excuse to try out one of the White Oak 18" barrels. I could just look at it the other way around and chalk the Sightron up to being a hell of a deal on a scope. I'm going to take the TA33 to the range this weekend and do some multi target shooting and see how it works out.
I've gotta give another plug to the TA44S though. If there are any of you that have aging eyes like I do and are using a red dot on your carbine, do yourself a favor and check out the mini ACOG. |
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Quoted:
I think that the best solution is going to be to keep the Sightron too and build me an 18" SPR to put it on. I've been looking for an excuse to try out one of the White Oak 18" barrels. I could just look at it the other way around and chalk the Sightron up to being a hell of a deal on a scope. I'm going to take the TA33 to the range this weekend and do some multi target shooting and see how it works out. I've gotta give another plug to the TA44S though. If there are any of you that have aging eyes like I do and are using a red dot on your carbine, do yourself a favor and check out the mini ACOG. You don't have to make excuses to us. We all know the BRD. 
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There is a TA33 in my future. I've heard nothing but good from every one that's used/owned one. It will grow on you....
Hokies write up of the TA33...if you haven't already. |
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I am strongly considering the TA44 with the same reticle in red for my 9mm AR. How does the eye relief compare with the TA33? I have a TA33 on my M4gery build, and I have been impressed with the eye relief and ease of shooting. I also have a TA01 on my A2, which has a much shorter eye relief. This isn't an issue, and I haven't had any problems making hits out to 300 yards with either gun. Its just I want to be able to mount the optic forward enough to clear my ARMS rear flip up sight.
Which model Sightron do you have? I assume its an SII Big Sky, as they have very good glass. I am not surprised the glass seemed a little better, as these are very good scopes. Personally, I would keep the ACOG and use it for its intended purpose, medium distance with ranging capability out to 400+ yards. I would also keep the Sightron, as you can always use it on another build. If you do decide to part ways with it, let me know. I have one in 3-9x42, and wouldn't mind another. |
| Yeah, I read that. After looking through it and seeing that reticle that I could actually find use for, I just couldn't help myself. I was running around the house in my drawers last night after everyone was asleep like a kid with a toy. I really just need to go put it through it's paces at the range. Hopefully there won't be too many people there this weekend and I'll be able to do some multi target engagement. Not that I'm a soldier or anything, but I just like to see what I can do. After the speed boost that I got with the mini ACOG, I really want to see if this TA33 is going to work as well. From what I've read, the limited field of view is supposed to work to your advantage when using the BAC style of shooting. In spite of the Sightron having a cleared sight picture (for me), I did try the moving from one target to another as quickly as I can with both eyes open and it seemed to work. It was really weird the way my weak eye would "open up" when I moved off of a target to acquire another and then when I reached it, my dominant eye would take over and all I'd see is the target. It was pretty wild. What's really weird is that the sensation was nothing like using a RDS. Even with the little TA44 (I really love that little ACOG). |
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Jason,
If you are considering the TA44, be sure to check out the TA44S (with the M16 base, watch out for the ones with the special ring base). The S is the one with the circle dot reticle, similar to that of the Eotech, and is only 4" long. The "regular" TA44 is around 5" long. It's available with different reticle options, but I think the circle dot with the 2 MOA dot is the perfect RDS replacement. I got the one in amber because I've had problems in the past with the red blooming on me when it's really bright and having to cover part of the fiber optic to tame it and then having to remove the covering when I moved into the shade. I've had no such trouble with the amber. I'm still a little up in the air on the amber versus green thing though. I have been able to purposely produce situations where I couldn't see a reticle at all and would have been aiming with the reference post that's under the reticle, but only one one specific shade of gray at night. Then again, if there was an actual target where I was looking, I may not have lost the reticle. Still, in my limited practical use, I haven't had a problem with losing the reticle in dirt, sand or leaves. With the TA33 (green reticle), I haven't been able to produce any situation where I lost the reticle completely. At this point I FEAR walking into my local shop to find a TA44S with a green reticle. I won't be able to stop myself. The Sightron that I have is indeed a Big Sky 1.25-5X20. Sweet little scope. 10" long, 10oz. weight, clear glass. I passed up the Nikons, Leupolds and all other similar scopes for this one. I actually had it up on EE for a couple of days, but got cold feet and withdrew the sale. I think I was asking $350 for the scope and the ADM mount that I have it in. If I decide to sell it, I'll let you know. BTW, if you've never shot the 1.5X ACOG, don't let the low mag fool you. That little extra .5 means that things appear 50% bigger. It made a world of difference to me. The difference between having to make deliberate aimed shots with my M3 and just being able to throw the carbine up and popping a shot off with the ACOG when shooting at 100 yard gongs. To be truthful, if I HAD to get rid of one of my ACOGs, I'd keep the TA44S. I could replace the TA33 with something else. Even a Weaver V3, if I had to, but there's nothing else like the little TA44S. |
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