TA33R8 observations... one 3-gun match in.

[IndianaBoy]

I typically shoot irons division but the upcoming Pro-Am event in Kentucky only recognizes optics and open. So I put together an optics rifle. Most of the best 3-gunners are using a 1-4x or 1-6x optic. The Swaro z6i is probably the cream of the crop. But I have always wanted an Acog, and decided to try one out. Heck if it didn't work out they always resell well.

Prior to the match I did plenty of testing. Confirmed zero out to 500 meters with my 75gr handloads. Turns out to be a near perfect match out to 400 yards and then my handloads impact about 5 inches high of the BDC stadia at 500 meters. Nice... very easy to work with. Shots beyond 400 meters are rare in the midwest anyway. Almost everything is 200 or less.

Of course with the TA33 I'm giving up some magnification to the 1-6x.... but I'm used to irons so magnification and an illuminated reticle feels like cheating. On the only 'long range' stage at the recent midwest 3-gun, I engaged and neutralized all targets at 3 and 400 yards with one shot each.

The bigger concern for me going into the match was the field of view of the TA33, transitioning through a bank of targets without losing any, and how it would perform on targets from contact distance out to 25 yards. Shooting both eyes open I didn't find myself 'lost' or hunting for a target a single time during the duration of the match. There were several stages where we were looking into the sun, with targets in shaded woods, making things difficult to see with the naked eye. I never had any trouble discerning anything through the acog. Clarity is excellent. I do have a piece of tape over about 75% of the fiber optic. This cuts down on bloom in intense sunlight and the illuminated portion of the reticle is still extremely eye catching. Closest rifle shot was probably ten yards and I don't feel like I would have made my hits any faster with a 1x dot.

Overall I was very impressed and I don't plan on swapping for a variable.

[Spiffums]

I'm probably going to feel dumb for asking BUT do you have longer barrel when you run that extension or do you just let the shot just hit it? I got a long extension for grins and giggles but I use my 28" barrel with it.

[IndianaBoy]

I'm probably going to feel dumb for asking BUT do you have longer barrel when you run that extension or do you just let the shot just hit it? I got a long extension for grins and giggles but I use my 28" barrel with it.

I shoot it as it sits in the picture. Shot never contacts it. Shotgun patterns don't open up that fast. I have used every choke from full to skeet, no shot has ever touched the extension. I'd wager that the shot is all still contained in the wad for the duration of the time that it is passing by the extension.

[14point5]

Long live the TA33!

I love mine, and I am glad to see it is working out for you in a competition environment. Keeping both eyes open is really the key that negates the supposed field of view limitations.

The TA11 big brother is certainly no slouch and may best the TA33 in some areas, but it costs about 50% more and it is a "big honkin" optic, whereas the TA33 is svelt.

[amac]

Nice set up. I've seen some other guys run the TA33 very effectively. Two questions. One, have you consider running angled irons for the close-in shots? Two, how many round extension is on that FN? I'm planning to add the +2.

[IndianaBoy]

Nice set up. I've seen some other guys run the TA33 very effectively. Two questions. One, have you consider running angled irons for the close-in shots? Two, how many round extension is on that FN? I'm planning to add the +2.

I've seen the angled irons cause as many problems as they solve. My experience thus far does not incline me to use offset irons.


That is the +4 extension for the FN. I got tired of being in situations where I wasn't able to load 4 at any point I wanted after the buzzer. Being able to load 4 immediately is often an advantage.

[amac]

I've seen the angled irons cause as many problems as they solve. My experience thus far does not incline me to use offset irons.


That is the +4 extension for the FN. I got tired of being in situations where I wasn't able to load 4 at any point I wanted after the buzzer. Being able to load 4 immediately is often an advantage.

You have any concerns or ever had any issues when dumping the FN into a barrel? I mean, does the extension hold up to the abuse? Is it on there pretty solid?

[IndianaBoy]

You have any concerns or ever had any issues when dumping the FN into a barrel? I mean, does the extension hold up to the abuse? Is it on there pretty solid?

It's solid. I don't throw my gun the way some people seem to want to. I figure gravity isn't going to quit on me, I don't need to impart tremendous downward velocity when abandoning my shotgun. It hasn't given me any cause for concern.