Help me decide TA31RCO-M4 or T-1/Magnifier

[firefighter37]

Thinking back now, I guess I should have put in my original post that I have no intention of shooting anything past 300 yards. Does that change anything?

[jaxman7]

Thinking back now, I guess I should have put in my original post that I have no intention of shooting anything past 300 yards. Does that change anything?

Take VIP3R's advice. A Vortex PST, TR24, or Leupold VX-R Patrol may fit you well. All can be found for around $600. The TR24 may cost a little bit more.

-Jax

[firefighter37]

How do they compare in the durability department, to the ACOG?

[cop1211]

You only live once, if you've always wanted the ACOG go for it. It can be used at short distance just takes more training than an rds or 1-4 scope.
Worst that can happen is you decide it's not for you. ACOG'S usually have a pretty good resale value. You could then go for the magnifier-rds, or a variable.

[Txbadge]

I currently own a 1-4 PST which I have on a S&W MP15-22, two Gen II Vortex 1x6 which I have on my two 308s and an Aimpoint M4 on my SBR. I like all of these but recently have considered getting an ACOG 1x4 for my SBR as my eyes are aging. If I do this I may try the T1 on a DD 1o'clock mount up front so I have the best of both. While the PST 1x4 is good glass it is no where near the Gen II 1x6 in clearity or illumination. Just what I am thinking. Your milage may vary.

[Failure2Stop]

If you want a COG I recommend the TA33 and TA11 over the TA31 by a wide margin. The 11 is a bit heavier and larger, but gives a better eye box, more eye relief, and a wider field of view. The 33 is closer to 31 specs, but has better eye-relief and exit pupil with a better form-factor.

All that being said, I would rather spend the $ on a decent 1-4x/1-6x.

Also, when you put the magnifier behind the T-1, that effectively makes the 2 MOA original dot 6 MOA right?

No.
The magnifier will magnify everything in front of the lens in equal proportion. The 2 MOA dot will still be 2 MOA, but will also still demonstrate distortion if your eyes are susceptible. The real value in the magnifier is target detection, discrimination, and enhanced situation awareness of whatever is captured within the field of view.

[Boba Fett v2]

Thinking back now, I guess I should have put in my original post that I have no intention of shooting anything past 300 yards. Does that change anything?

I'm not a fan of flipping magnifiers. Just go with an unmagnified RDS or fixed power scope if those are the only choices you're considering. With that said I think your best option is a 1-4x or 1-6x offering. As someone already mentioned, the only real con is the weight, but unless you've got the upper body strength of a 5 year old the weight is negligble and you get used to it. You could also add 45 off-set irons for close targets while you're zoomed in for longer engagements. FWIW I went through a similar decision matrix when deciding on the best solution for my intended use and ultimately decided to get the GRSC 1-6x24 CRS, which adds just a little over 1 lbs to the total weight of the rifle. But the benefit of having such a versatile optic far outweighs any perceived negatives. You're not married to any optic, so you could always change it out later on. YMMV

[NCHornet]

I have the same model ACOG TA31 and the eye relief has never been a issue and to be honest think most of it is repeated hype from folks that have never looked through a ACOG TA31 let alone ever shot a rifle with one mounted. See if it works for you, I have used most of the most popular optics, Eotech, Aimpoint and ACOG and several models of each. While the EOTECH is still my personal choice for CQB, the ACOG is probably the best quality and the chevron reticle is by far the most useful once you truly understand how to use it. But buy what works for you, not me.

[Zane1844]

I have both of the T1 and the TA31F.

At 300 yards I can hit like a 10" plate no problem, with the T1. Better shooters than me can do it very easily with no misses I am sure.

The ACOG is great for shooting steel targets at range. I like it for 400+ If I was in combat maybe my choice would be different. I, however, love the ACOG so far, and am learning how to use it at close ranges.

Remember, shooting with both eyes open with the ACOG *may* result in POI shift, it does with me. Only when I have both eyes open and try not to see the magnification, just the cheveron.

[firefighter37]

I have the same model ACOG TA31 and the eye relief has never been a issue and to be honest think most of it is repeated hype from folks that have never looked through a ACOG TA31 let alone ever shot a rifle with one mounted. See if it works for you, I have used most of the most popular optics, Eotech, Aimpoint and ACOG and several models of each. While the EOTECH is still my personal choice for CQB, the ACOG is probably the best quality and the chevron reticle is by far the most useful once you truly understand how to use it. But buy what works for you, not me.

I have found for ME, that the eye relief of the TA31 is not a big deal, because I am a small framed person and I shoot with the stock fully collapsed or 1 click out. I can see how larger people would have the issue though. If I ran my gun the way Larry Vickers suggests (Stock fully extended) I may have the issue also.

I appreciate everyones suggestions so far. My plan is to get the TA31RCO-M4. Like others have said, if I absolutely can't stand it, I can always sell it and a take the loss as a life lesson. The main reason why I am going with the ACOG is because of durability. The moving parts in a 1-4x 1-6x make me nervous. I haven't heard many reports of broken ACOGs (not that they are not out there). I'm also sure that the variable power scopes that are produced by quality manufactures are durable, but one lesson i've learned in life is stuff with less moving parts are usually less likely to break.

Thanks again to everyone who offered insight. I am still open to opinions, right up until I hit "PAY"