I cannot decide what type of optics to get for my 5.56MM 10.5" AR15 SBR. The gun is only used at the range so.... Any ideas? I am looking to spend $350 to $450. I like quality stuff and appreciate the "cool factor". :)
Thanks
Printable View
I cannot decide what type of optics to get for my 5.56MM 10.5" AR15 SBR. The gun is only used at the range so.... Any ideas? I am looking to spend $350 to $450. I like quality stuff and appreciate the "cool factor". :)
Thanks
I'm partial to aimpoints so either the pro or a used comp m2 should be in your budget.
Aimpoint Pro.
http://www.aimpoint.com/us/products/...w/product/PRO/
Aimpoint patrol or a Leopoldo Vxr 1 to 4.
Since this is just a range gun.
You are not looking for long range.
I would go cheap.
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_s/586.htm
I'm running the Aimpoint C3 2moa on my 10.5. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
A bit of searching here could go a long way in answering your question. For bang for the buck the Aimpoint PRO is tough to beat.
A few bucks above you price point, but an compact acog is a perfect optic for an SBR. 1.5x and dot sight.
Used TA44
I have a TA45-6 on one SBR upper, and an Aimpoint T-1 on another.
I'm seriously considering getting one of these used ones for another build....
I love stirring the pot. Not saying you have to get what's on this SEAL weapon, but you may be able to find a 552 used for around $400.
http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/...psa8b9289a.jpg
I have a 552 on my issue carbine and I'd take it off and toss it in the trash and replace it with a PRO if I could, a PRO that can be bought new for the price you are quoting for a used 552.
Having shot multiple different EOTechs and Aimpoints. I would say an Aimpoint Pro or Micro would serve you well for your SBR.
Aimpoint is the way to go. Get a PRO model or look around for an H1/T1.
The PRO is great unless you want a lower 1/3... then the math starts to suck. :(
Don't cheap out.
Aimpoint pro, or look for a used comp series in EE.
I've done cheap optics, and killed them. With just range use.
I went aimpoint on this last build, first an H1 then a Comp M2. I'm never going back.
EOtech XPS series or a Comp-series Aimpoint. Not a fan of AP Micro's myself.
I started with an Aimpoint Patrol on my SBR (12.5 with ranger 2). Its a great optic and very accurate. As I get older, I find a little magnification helps, so I have moved the AP Patrol to a dedicated house gun and put a 1-4 Leupold VXR patrol on it. This gives me a red dot type capability and a bit more magnification at range.
My SBR and 9mm AR both have a PRO and they have worked beautifully. My range only AR has a Vortex Strikefire which has surprisingly worked pretty well for the minimal use that has been asked of it.
Unless you already have a really usable SBR other than that one - get the PRO, or a used H-1. Either will be extremely usable, and retain resale value.
I would go with the 1 to 4 if its a general purpose rifle. Different if its a DMR/precision rig. I have a 1 to 4 with an RMR on a side mount. The idea being that if i'm at 4x and have to shoot up close and personal, I can cant the gun and get a no magnification red dot shot. My rifle is my do everything out to 200 yards rifle. For that mission, I think 3x9 is too much. Running a carbine, off hand, out of breath, in odd positions, would be pretty tough at anything over 4 power. My leupold usually is set at 2x. Eye relief also becomes increasingly important as the magnification goes up.
Thanks I see the light now, I'm sure that 3-9 would be heavy as hell after a short run n gun.
It may be heavy dependent on the make/model you end up with.
My reason against a 3-9 on that gun, with your desired usage, 3x at the lowest will be a hindrance at close distances. The 1-4 will be good in close and easily get you to your estimated 200 yards. KTR03 pretty much already said this though...
The firearms themselves - there is merit to this argument.
Electronics/optics, especially where new technology generates new capabilities every few years - it's not completely irrelevant. Mostly, aimpoints are more durable, and will absolutely last long enough for the resale value to be relevant - the much cheaper optics in a couple years will be priced alongside the airsoft clones of current optics.
I have both Eotech and Aimpoint on my SBR's. To be honest, I prefer the Eotech because of the large window. I pickup the dot very easily with both eyes open. But the battery life sucks on the 552, so if you want a battery to last you a VERY long time, go Aimpoint PRO. For $400 USD, can't beat the price.
I love my T1 so I'd vote you hunt for an H1. Otherwise Pro would be my second choice just as everyone else has said.
Good luck and let us know what u decide!
I'm real tempted to mount my Trijicon RMR Dual on my SBR and give it a try. Good sized dot, no batteries, very light...
Sent from my HTC EVO 4G using Tapatalk.
Thanks for all the feedback on optics. So many options. After taking it all in, I just hit the add to cart button on a new Aimpoint Pro Patrol. :)
http://www.brownells.com/userdocs/pr...00009902_2.jpg
IMHO I would go with the Eotech 553. The large window gives you quick target acquisition and is extremely easy to sight in. It only took me 4rnds to zero. I also had the aimpoint pro and I couldn't hit a barn with it. Not sure what happened there, but I got rid of it and now use a acog ta31f on my 10.5, which i had nothing but joy and happiness with:D I am currently looking for another 553 for my SBR since I sold mine Eons ago.
Good to know. I like the Eotech as well. Thanks
I run a trijicon rmr on my sbr and on my ksg. It's tough and small, looks slick, and only costs a little more than what you're looking to spend.
The tip of the Spear use Eotechs for a reason.....
I had an Eotech 553 and liked it but ended up selling it and buying a T1. The main reason was that the 553 was heavy as could be. I absolutely love my T1. Does everything I need it to do, is very durable, batteries last forever and it barely weighs a 1/3 of what the 553 did. If I could make one change it would be to change the reticle to the same as what the 553 has.
I really don't understand why that would be a significant weight issue. I had a 553 and a weight issue relative to the aimpoint was non existent for me. Unless you are LE/Mil and might have to log the thing around all day, then it shouldn't be an issue for home defense or range use. As for the batterie issue, I dont see what the big deal is. Everyone has a stock or some kind of furniture on their Ar that can hold a million batteries. I just don't see the need for these generic complaints. Then again, it's a personal thing.
Dont get me wrong I did like the 553 a lot. Especially the reticle. I just get so much more overall for a 1/3 of the weight. I've thought about going back to an XPS with the same reticle for my next weapon. On a SBR I see everything as being as compact as possible. The 553 just goes counter to that IMHO. Like you said personal preference.