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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - AR Optics? (Page 1 of 2)

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7/13/2013 1:23:05 PM EDT
I have no doubt that this topic in other threads, other times,  has been beaten to death; with the risk of getting skewered I ask the general opinion on AR optics.  I’ve never had an optic, know nothing about them but as I’m getting older and can’t see iron sights so well I’m gonna get either an Aimpoint or EO Tech.  I have no idea which, how much I’m going to have to spend, or what I want.  From what I’ve heard lately, the general consensus seems to be that the Aimpoint is preferable;  I’m not looking at shooting past 100 yards and as I’m no high speed low drag tactical kind of dude I don’t need the latest and best.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
7/13/2013 1:23:46 PM EDT
[#1]
AIMPOINT PRO FTMFW
7/13/2013 1:25:12 PM EDT
[#2]



Quoted:


AIMPOINT PRO FTMFW


This. Or a micro

 
7/13/2013 1:25:45 PM EDT
[#3]
I have, and like, 3 Aimpoint PRO models.  I bought them because my only red dot experience was with the M68 CCO in service.



I don't believe you can go wrong with Aimpoint or EOTech.  Peoples comments lead me to believe the EO may be slightly faster,




but the Aimpoint wins battery life, hands down.
7/13/2013 1:26:00 PM EDT
[#4]
Borrow your neighbor's weapons and see what sort of optic you like.

I'm an Aimpoint-o-death and an ACOG sort of guy with the red dot on my carbine and the ACOG on my rifle.
7/13/2013 1:26:08 PM EDT
[#5]
Aimpoint PRO
7/13/2013 1:26:51 PM EDT
[#6]
ACOG
7/13/2013 1:27:28 PM EDT
[#7]
Quoted:
I have, and like, 3 Aimpoint PRO models.  I bought them because my only red dot experience was with the M68 CCO in service.

I don't believe you can go wrong with Aimpoint or EOTech.  Peoples comments lead me to believe the EO may be slightly faster,

but the Aimpoint wins battery life, hands down.


EOtech is faster IMO however I got tired of switching batteries so I bought a Aimpoint micro and like teh compromise.
7/13/2013 1:27:35 PM EDT
[#8]
Something made in 'Merica.

7/13/2013 1:33:22 PM EDT
[#9]
Depending on your set up, consider 1-4X optics.  There's some very good tacked threads if you look under the AR section, then optics.
7/13/2013 1:34:14 PM EDT
[#10]
I have all three. I keep ACOGs on my serious rifles. I keep an Eotech on my bump in the night gun. I have a Aimpoint on my range rifle.
7/13/2013 1:35:18 PM EDT
[#11]
I've been very pleased with my Aimpoint M4S and T1 red dot optics with LaRue mounts. Highly recommend.
7/13/2013 1:35:20 PM EDT
[#12]
Start narrowing your search by primary use of weapon and your price range.








<---- Aimpoint fan boy


Edit: 100 yards you say? Iron sights unless your vision isn't great.
7/13/2013 1:36:29 PM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
AIMPOINT PRO FTMFW


Best bang for your buck
7/13/2013 1:38:03 PM EDT
[#14]
This one.

http://www.laruetactical.com/aimpoint-micro-t-1-2moam4-qd-mount-combo
7/13/2013 1:38:50 PM EDT
[#15]
ELCAN > ACOG > Aimpoint.

HOWEVER, they're all damn good and will serve you well. I don't like EOTechs, simply because my eyes are fucked up and the laser/hologram never seems "right" to me. You may have better luck then I did though.
7/13/2013 1:39:08 PM EDT
[#16]
I like a 4 moa Aimpoint.  Or an EOTech.  I guess one day I'll buy an ACOG too.
7/13/2013 1:48:57 PM EDT
[#17]
Joining the dark side is for pussies.





You need to stick with my civilized sighting systems.









ETA: I'm joking. My dad got an aimpoint hunting model on sale awhile back. It works perfect, and has the same battery life as the normal AR models. The only difference is it's twice as long. He got it because he's getting old.



 
7/13/2013 1:51:02 PM EDT
[#18]
Seeing lots of the Nikons, M-223 and P-223 series scopes.

Inexpensive, good glass, hold zeroes. A lot to like with them.
7/13/2013 1:51:34 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
I like a 4 moa Aimpoint.  Or an EOTech.  I guess one day I'll buy an ACOG too.


ACOGs may not be the best optic for some people when taking in to account budget and shooting needs.  That being said, they are worth every penny and IMO are not overpriced at all.   They are not only superb optics, but built like tanks.  They are just as sturdy as the weapon you put them on.
7/13/2013 1:52:36 PM EDT
[#20]
Aimpoint m4s owner, optic has never been off since I bought it in 2009. Still going strong on the same AA battery.

Had an eotech, not enough battery life to be confident with. Just got an ACOG, but not enough time behind it to give advice.
7/13/2013 1:54:25 PM EDT
[#21]
i love iron sights and have better than 20/20 vision however ive started really getting into shooting further and further out so im just not getting in the market for some type of optic. what im probably going to do is go to the local bigfive and buy just a plain holographic random name bs same with an acog and see how much i really like them before i go dropping a couple hundred bucks on a good one.
7/13/2013 1:54:27 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
Seeing lots of the Nikons, M-223 and P-223 series scopes.

Inexpensive, good glass, hold zeroes. A lot to like with them.


+1

Recently checked out a Nikon M-223 at the LGS. I was impressed.
7/13/2013 1:57:45 PM EDT
[#23]
If you are getting older, and have astigmatism,  everything from the cheapeast Bushnell to an Aimpoint won't look like a Red Dot.  It will look like a sparkly banana.    Eotechs will be hard to focus on as well.

I don't wear glasses, but have developed astigmatism as I age.   Had to sell my Aimpoint, but settled on a a Trijicon Accupoint.  For some reason the reticles on Accupoints aren't affected by astigmatism.

So, long story short- look through ANY red dot at a gun store before buying.  If your eyes can't work with a Red Dot,  it will look like a red sparkly mess instead of a clean dot.

Whatever you get, I'd suggest a little magnification.  My Accupoint goes from 1X to 4X and that's plenty for 100 yards plus.
7/13/2013 1:58:08 PM EDT
[#24]
I'll be the dissenting vote here. I've got both, and I'd tend to pick the Eotech if I could only have one. It just feels faster and less "in your way" with the more open glass than the tube style.

Granted, I had an older Eotech with AA batteries, and it seemed dead almost every time I took it out of the case. Not so much a big deal with the newer lithium one, especially since they share the batteries with my Surefire lights. The EXPS and XPS are still rated for 600hrs...
7/13/2013 2:03:01 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
Start narrowing your search by primary use of weapon and your price range.








<---- Aimpoint fan boy


Edit: 100 yards you say? Iron sights unless your vision isn't great.


That's crusty granpa thinkin right there.  However good your shooting skills are, you should be faster with a red dot than without.  Get both (red dot + BUIS) FTW.

OP needs to read this thread:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_18/495857_The_Official_Aimpoint_or_EOTech___which_one_should_I_buy__thread.html

For trusting my life I'd go Aimpoint.  I have both.  EOtech I think is neat, at times I think it's a bit busy.  It may be slightly faster than an Aimpoint, but I think the general consensus is that they are reliable, but not quite as reliable as Aimpoints.  ETA:  Battery life hands down goes to Aimpoint.

I'd go with the newer CR2 battery versions if you go EOTech.  I've experienced the Vampire drain with my 552 once.  My XPS-2 no issues.  I have a few M4's, Comp-M2 (10+ years old), and PRO, all without issues.  Reading about vampire drain and actually experiencing it makes it much more difficult to fully trust them.
7/13/2013 2:05:35 PM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
I'll be the dissenting vote here. I've got both, and I'd tend to pick the Eotech if I could only have one. It just feels faster and less "in your way" with the more open glass than the tube style.

Granted, I had an older Eotech with AA batteries, and it seemed dead almost every time I took it out of the case. Not so much a big deal with the newer lithium one, especially since they share the batteries with my Surefire lights. The EXPS and XPS are still rated for 600hrs...




How could you possibly trust it happening so frequently??  Ever had the issue with the Lithium versions?
7/13/2013 2:06:15 PM EDT
[#27]
Eotech 517. Around here, they're about the same as the Aimpoint PRO. 1/3 cowitness, better field of view than the Aimpoint (window vs tube) and uses AA batteries that you can get at Dollar General.

Yes, Aimpoint wins the battery life battle, but I find the Eotech to be more "user friendly."

Of course, you could get the new Primary Arms CompM4 clone - 3MOA dot and 20,000 continuous hours on a single AA, for $120...
7/13/2013 2:10:37 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
Eotech 517. Around here, they're about the same as the Aimpoint PRO. 1/3 cowitness, better field of view than the Aimpoint (window vs tube) and uses AA batteries that you can get at Dollar General.

Yes, Aimpoint wins the battery life battle, but I find the Eotech to be more "user friendly."

Of course, you could get the new Primary Arms CompM4 clone - 3MOA dot and 20,000 continuous hours on a single AA, for $120...


If you think there is a field of view issue, you're not using a red dot properly.  
7/13/2013 2:12:44 PM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
Depending on your set up, consider 1-4X optics.  There's some very good tacked threads if you look under the AR section, then optics.


I can highly recommend the Vortex PST 1-4
Reasonably priced too
7/13/2013 2:13:25 PM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
Joining the dark side is for pussies.

You need to stick with my civilized sighting systems.

http://www.deerdeerdeer.com/gamescreen/NRA_high_power_competition_2.jpg

ETA: I'm joking. My dad got an aimpoint hunting model on sale awhile back. It works perfect, and has the same battery life as the normal AR models. The only difference is it's twice as long. He got it because he's getting old.
 


Is that a 'puter game? If so, what's it called?
7/13/2013 2:14:13 PM EDT
[#31]
Quoted:
Seeing lots of the Nikons, M-223 and P-223 series scopes.

Inexpensive, good glass, hold zeroes. A lot to like with them.


They are absolutely crap.
The quality is poor beyond belief

ETA: If you're to go for a dot then Aimpoint is the way to go
7/13/2013 2:14:16 PM EDT
[#32]
I have 2 Aimpoint Pros, an AP M2,an MP M4 an ACOG TA-31F and an Eotech EXPS 0-2 on my ARs and the Eotech is my favorite. I love the APs but I am better with the Eotech.
7/13/2013 2:22:09 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Eotech 517. Around here, they're about the same as the Aimpoint PRO. 1/3 cowitness, better field of view than the Aimpoint (window vs tube) and uses AA batteries that you can get at Dollar General.

Yes, Aimpoint wins the battery life battle, but I find the Eotech to be more "user friendly."

Of course, you could get the new Primary Arms CompM4 clone - 3MOA dot and 20,000 continuous hours on a single AA, for $120...


If you think there is a field of view issue, you're not using a red dot properly.  


From my experience using the CCO, and the Eotechs, my personal preference leans towards the Eo because the CCO appeared to have more "clutter" surrounding the tube, and felt "smaller." I should've clarified.

ACOG beats the shit out of both, though.
7/13/2013 2:26:02 PM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
AIMPOINT PRO FTMFW


+1 This
7/13/2013 2:28:48 PM EDT
[#35]
Quoted:
ACOG


Expensive
7/13/2013 2:29:49 PM EDT
[#36]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I'll be the dissenting vote here. I've got both, and I'd tend to pick the Eotech if I could only have one. It just feels faster and less "in your way" with the more open glass than the tube style.

Granted, I had an older Eotech with AA batteries, and it seemed dead almost every time I took it out of the case. Not so much a big deal with the newer lithium one, especially since they share the batteries with my Surefire lights. The EXPS and XPS are still rated for 600hrs...




How could you possibly trust it happening so frequently??  Ever had the issue with the Lithium versions?


Well, that's one of the reasons I got rid of it and tried the newer lithium version. Seems legit so far. And that gun the old one was on, I rarely shot it. Maybe once a year or so.
7/13/2013 2:31:41 PM EDT
[#37]
Quoted:
ELCAN > ACOG > Aimpoint.

HOWEVER, they're all damn good and will serve you well. I don't like EOTechs, simply because my eyes are fucked up and the laser/hologram never seems "right" to me. You may have better luck then I did though.


You are right, however, the OP said he wasn't going to shoot over 100 yds so I think an Elcan or ACOG is overboard unless he should consider a mini ACOG.

His best bet is to get an Aimpoint T-1.  

7/13/2013 2:31:58 PM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Eotech 517. Around here, they're about the same as the Aimpoint PRO. 1/3 cowitness, better field of view than the Aimpoint (window vs tube) and uses AA batteries that you can get at Dollar General.

Yes, Aimpoint wins the battery life battle, but I find the Eotech to be more "user friendly."

Of course, you could get the new Primary Arms CompM4 clone - 3MOA dot and 20,000 continuous hours on a single AA, for $120...


If you think there is a field of view issue, you're not using a red dot properly.  


From my experience using the CCO, and the Eotechs, my personal preference leans towards the Eo because the CCO appeared to have more "clutter" surrounding the tube, and felt "smaller." I should've clarified.

ACOG beats the shit out of both, though.


I posted that because if you keep both eyes open, it shouldn't really matter.  I've even shot with the lens cap on for shits and grins.
7/13/2013 2:34:13 PM EDT
[#39]
What's nice about the non-parallax sights like the Aimpoint and EOTech as that you don't have to have your eye directly behind the sight.  The reticle / dot  can be off in the corner of the sight window, but if it's on target, gun's on target.  This is a handy feature to have for "dynamic" shooting in awkward positions.
7/13/2013 2:34:53 PM EDT
[#40]
I have several, 2 moa aimpoints. Hitting a 300m target is pretty easy. Turning down the reticle brightness gives you a tiny aiming point for precision. Plus you get 30000-70000 hours of life per battery depending on model.

I am working towards acogs these days , but aimpoints are very good sights.
7/13/2013 2:36:45 PM EDT
[#41]
For dot goodness, I go Eotech cowitnessed with standard front and flip up rear on my up close and personal AR.
The others have various long range glass.
7/13/2013 2:45:21 PM EDT
[#42]
Quoted:
AIMPOINT PRO FTMFW


Good answer. You could also consider any number of quality 1-4/1-6x24 scopes with some long eye relief.

I've become rather fond of the ARMS, LaRue & Maetech rear irons coupled with a nice Troy flip up way out on the end of the rail, as near the muzzle as the rail will allow.

You can put that big beautiful glowing red dot right smack on top of the front post for a really easy sight picture with the AIMPOINT PRO.

Inside of 100yds, the 1-4/1-6 optics should give you more than enough magnification to hit anywhere you want on the targets.

Mueller Speed Shot

Vortex Viper PST

Primary Arms

GRSC

Lots of choices across a wide price range with different features for different needs.
7/13/2013 2:49:14 PM EDT
[#43]
Eotech XPS 2-0. I love mine.
 
7/13/2013 2:54:43 PM EDT
[#44]
If you want a 'red dot' style scope, I love my Aimpoint.
Built well, battery life is pretty much immortal.
Solid optic....get a LaRue quick disconnect mount and you are set for life.

If you are looking for magnification and want a traditional reticle (not an electric red dot style optic) you cant go wrong with Trijicon ACOG 4x.
I had a TA31F model and loved it. Not cheap, but quality usually isn't

Alternatively, just mount a traditional scope...get a mount and put regular old 'hunting' glass up there....much cheaper but less 'tactical'.

7/13/2013 3:41:52 PM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
Start narrowing your search by primary use of weapon and your price range.








<---- Aimpoint fan boy


Edit: 100 yards you say? Iron sights unless your vision isn't great.


Its not great since I got in my late 50's....
7/13/2013 3:45:34 PM EDT
[#46]
OK I found this-will this do it looks like I wouldn't even have to buy a mount for it...

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/514855/aimpoint-pro-red-dot-sight-30mm-tube-1x-2-moa-dot-with-picatinny-style-mount-matte?cm_mmc=ps_google-_-Google_Search_Desktop_Alpha_Optics_NBC-_-aimpoint+pro-_-1t1&mkwid=sHxJBMmQs&pcrid=24185478876&pkw=aimpoint%20pro&pmt=e&gclid=CJCVrfjao7gCFbTm7Aod2h4ARw
7/13/2013 3:50:24 PM EDT
[#47]
I have used Eotechs Aimpoints and trijicon reflex sights.

I'd go with either the aimpoint or the Trijicon.

EOtechs are made for trashcans.

Here is a live link to what he is looking at.

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/514855/aimpoint-pro-red-dot-sight-30mm-tube-1x-2-moa-dot-with-picatinny-style-mount-matte?cm_mmc=ps_google-_-Google_Search_Desktop_Alpha_Optics_NBC-_-aimpoint+pro-_-1t1&mkwid=sHxJBMmQs&pcrid=24185478876&pkw=aimpoint%20pro&pmt=e&gclid=CJCVrfjao7gCFbTm7Aod2h4ARw
7/13/2013 3:54:00 PM EDT
[#48]
Another vote for Aimpoint. I've had the Comp M2 on mine for about 3 years or so, and have been pretty happy with it. not a single issue.
7/13/2013 4:00:02 PM EDT
[#49]
I am nearly 46 now and my eyes are getting bad. I tried red dot sight and have just as much problem with them as I do iron sight. the red dots look like a cluster of cherries with out my glasses. Now give a scope like a low powered 1-4X28 or even a x3 magnifier I can see the recital just fine with out my glasses. This is just something to think about.
7/13/2013 4:03:59 PM EDT
[#50]
Quoted:
I am nearly 46 now and my eyes are getting bad. I tried red dot sight and have just as much problem with them as I do iron sight. the red dots look like a cluster of cherries with out my glasses. Now give a scope like a low powered 1-4X28 or even a x3 magnifier I can see the recital just fine with out my glasses. This is just something to think about.


Have you ever tried a Trijicon Reflex or Meprolight M-21? If you have an astigmatism they work fine because the aiming point is physically there.
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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - AR Optics? (Page 1 of 2)