Build in progress - optics advice?

[Failure2Stop]

Anyone have experience with the Vortex stuff?

I would avoid.
Have seen their dot optics die on a few occasions.
I am not a fan of the reticle or adjustment options in their 1-4 lines.

[Bobert0989]

I used a Millett DMS 1-4x24 in a PEPR Mount for a little while on my first ever rifle build...

When I started to question it's functionality, I got a very long response based on first-hand experience, and here's the basic point of that response...

The third week of medium-hard use, my Millet went tits-up. I was unpacking my rifle after sighting it in on the LMT the prior day and handed it to one of my buddies. He looked through the lens and said "Wow! this is awesome, but you seem to be canted a bit. He's a lefty, so I dismissed it and got my gear ready. During warm ups I visibly watched my reticle go from level to 8 o'clock in 20-rounds. I thought the scope was loose in the PEPR - it wasn't. The reticle itself was running wild and free inside the scope. To say I was dispirited would be an understatement. I had to continue on with the training, so I found another weakness with this set-up. If you LocTite this unit to your gun, you had better prepare your kit with a wrench to get this off, as the mounting nuts have a hugely wide slot, (beyond my SOG multi tool and a gun tool in my range bag). The posts also when tightened to the nut, protrude slightly into the slot anyway, making a secure grip with a blade tricky. We had to use a box wrench to get this thing off. In the field, that would suck a bit... I continued on with the class, but did not do well - it got into my brain that day. I sent the scope back and chose not to replace it with another. Did I have a lemon? An anomaly? I'll never know. I put the Tripower back on deck, pressed on and saved for the Leupold MR/T.

The entire post can be found here:

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...hlight=Millett

Post #6 was my initial post, with a picture of my setup.

Post #7 was his response.

That thread in general has a lot of information in regards to a 1-4 xvariable optic. I personally love the idea on a general use rifle, but would opt for a more high-end name on my next go-round...

Good luck!

[L91]

Once this thread was moved to the proper area I can see that I'm not the first person to raise these questions. I'll shell out the cash for an Aimpoint or Eotech and feel good about it. It doesn't sound like there's anything else out there that is truly a good value, just cheap.

[lethal dose]

Unfortunately, there really is no middle ground if you suspect your life may, at some point, ever rely on it. An aimpoint red dot is the industry standard.

[Cagemonkey]

Stay with reputable optic brands like Aimpoint, EOtech and Trijicon. If you want a deal, keep your eyes open on the Equipment Exchange Forum.

[Bonez556]

If it were me I would go with an aimpoint. They are proven to be rugged and reliable. Plus they have outstanding battery life! The best RDS on the market in my opinion!!

[L91]

After looking at the Aimpoint micro, it is far and away superior to anything else in its class, IMO. I think I want the 4x magnification, though, so I'm leaning toward a Trijicon ACOG.

I've definitely outgrown the clone AR and cheap 4x scope I've got. I'm grateful for the input, it saved me from wasting money on anything cheaper.

[Failure2Stop]

I think I want the 4x magnification, though, so I'm leaning toward a Trijicon ACOG.

I highly recommend going with an RDS over an ACOG, unless your rig is for dedicated mid-range use.
With a little practice, a 1X dot optic will work just as well as an ACOG out to 200 meters (and out to 300 meters if you can see it), but no ACOG will work as well as a dot inside 50 meters.

If you have the coin to drop on a COG, and you really want 4X, I would direct you toward a decent low powered variable.

[rob_s]

If you have the coin to drop on a COG, and you really want 4X, I would direct you toward a decent low powered variable.

I'm not the OP, but which low-powered variable would you suggest at the price point of the ACOG?

[L91]

F2S, that's a really good point. I've been thinking of tight groups at 200 yards instead of just hitting the paper, but that doesn't jive with what my aspirations are for this gun, which is to practice on our range's new defensive rifle course and maybe someday compete.

I've always been range target shooter so I tend to think in those terms. When I started this thread I started with a false premise - what optic is right for the gun. The real question is, what optic is right for what I'm going to DO with the gun.

I'm going to slow my roll a little bit and shoot iron sights for a while. I have a feeling the solution will become apparent.