Acog + T1 offset Questions

[MikeCLeonard]

I've really been considering setting up my rifle with a 4x Acog and an Aimpoint T1 in a Larue offset mount...and just had a couple of questions. I've read a number of opinions here about this setup...but a lot of them are from a couple years ago and I'm curious if opinions have changed any since people have gotten more time using the setup.

1) Anybody have experience running this setup through formal training classes? If so, what are your impressions? Is it a viable setup given proper training, or are there any downsides that are just deal breakers?

2) Anyone think that a BUIS would still be needed, given the presence of two highly reliable sighting systems already? Having an Acog, an Aimpoint, and Iron sights seems a little too redundant to me...but I don't know.

I've considered the Aimpoint T1 with magnifier setup as well, and have used it...but I wasn't thrilled with it as the dot turns into a big smear for me when I use the magnifier.

Edit to note: I've also used the Acog with piggy-back MRD. Worked okay I guess...but don't like the chin-weld...and seems like the offset would be faster and more natural.

Thanks for any input!

[Alaskapopo]

I've really been considering setting up my rifle with a 4x Acog and an Aimpoint T1 in a Larue offset mount...and just had a couple of questions. I've read a number of opinions here about this setup...but a lot of them are from a couple years ago and I'm curious if opinions have changed any since people have gotten more time using the setup.

1) Anybody have experience running this setup through formal training classes? If so, what are your impressions? Is it a viable setup given proper training, or are there any downsides that are just deal breakers?

2) Anyone think that a BUIS would still be needed, given the presence of two highly reliable sighting systems already? Having an Acog, an Aimpoint, and Iron sights seems a little too redundant to me...but I don't know.

I've considered the Aimpoint T1 with magnifier setup as well, and have used it...but I wasn't thrilled with it as the dot turns into a big smear for me when I use the magnifier.

Edit to note: I've also used the Acog with piggy-back MRD. Worked okay I guess...but don't like the chin-weld...and seems like the offset would be faster and more natural.

Thanks for any input!

I have tried a lot of things, Aimpoint with magnifier, ACOG with off set T1, Low power variable and low power variable with off set red dot. I like the low power variable with the off set red dot the best. You can shoot from akward positions and I have found that I can shoot faster with the red dot while shooting on the move. I can pick the dot up faster than the scope on 1x. I had not noticed this before on stationary training drills. But its apparant when shooting on the move and scanning for your target.

Another advantage of this system is you can be on your max magnificaiton with the main scope say when your on perimeter and if you got surprized by a close range threat that made itself known you can instantly use your off set red dot without having to move your scopes power ring. I used to look down on guys who ran a 1xto 4x,5,6 x varialbe with a red dot thinking it was redundant but I know no better. The ACOG with a compact red dot is also good but not as versatile. I don't think you need to run a BUIS if your running two optics unless you work in an area like mine where condensation when going from the cold to hot areas can make your optic useless for several minutes. Then a set of irons is nice.
The one nice thing about the T1 with a magnifier is there is no lighter set up that gives you magnificaiton. Here are some of my set ups.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Semi%20Auto%20rifles/NoveskeN4.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Semi%20Auto%20rifles/Spikes22.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Semi%20Auto%20rifles/SCAR17setupforpatrol.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Semi%20Auto%20rifles/SCARwithTR24.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Semi%20Auto%20rifles/ThreegunRogueHunter.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Semi%20Auto%20rifles/LarueStealth.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Semi%20Auto%20rifles/AK47.jpg
pat

[MikeCLeonard]

Thanks for the response and info Pat! I've read a lot of your reviews on the offset-red-dot setup, have found them very informative, and I'm glad that you still find it to be a viable way to operate.

I'm considering this setup for an 11.5" SBR, so while I've contemplated a low-power variable optic, I feel that it would add too much bulk and weight to a package that I'm trying to keep somewhat light and nimble. This is the reason why I'm leaning towards paring the T1 with an Acog, but I guess I'm still a little concerned that running both the Acog & T1 will turn a quick moving SBR into a bit of an anchor.

T1+Acog = around 19oz.
T1+ Magnifier = around 14oz.

Hmmm...Maybe I should consider the TA33. Looks like that would get me to about the same weight as the T1+Magnifier...But I really would prefer the 4X power.

Anyhow...Thanks again for your input Pat!

[Alaskapopo]

Thanks for the response and info Pat! I've read a lot of your reviews on the offset-red-dot setup, have found them very informative, and I'm glad that you still find it to be a viable way to operate.

I'm considering this setup for an 11.5" SBR, so while I've contemplated a low-power variable optic, I feel that it would add too much bulk and weight to a package that I'm trying to keep somewhat light and nimble. This is the reason why I'm leaning towards paring the T1 with an Acog, but I guess I'm still a little concerned that running both the Acog & T1 will turn a quick moving SBR into a bit of an anchor.

T1+Acog = around 19oz.
T1+ Magnifier = around 14oz.

Hmmm...Maybe I should consider the TA33. Looks like that would get me to about the same weight as the T1+Magnifier...But I really would prefer the 4X power.

Anyhow...Thanks again for your input Pat!

You may consider a TA-33 with a RMR that would cut your weight down and the TA 33 is a very viable good optic and its 11.64 ounces with mount. I have run a few different TA 33's in the past and its my favorate ACOG. The eye relief is better than on the TA 31 and the glass is clear enough to make hits to 500 yards. I ran this set up for a while and it was fine.


The RMR is a good rugged optic that would save you some weight on the T1 and you could put it in a Burket off set mount. The RMR weighs 1.2 ounces not sure what the mount is. But it would be a fairly light set up.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=42647/Product/AR-15-M16-BURKETT-GEN-2-OFFSET-REFLEX-SIGHT-MOUNTutm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&mc_id=10000&gdftrk=gdfV21820_a_7c187_a_7c3466_a_7c892000085_d_892000055_d_10128[/url]
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g299/355sigfan/Optics/sideviewofcolt.jpg