Rethinking my optics situation

[curlyjive]

I apologize if this is a bit long, but I've been doing a lot of thinking about what optics I am using and why and would like some feedback.

I have 1 AR. Its a spikes mid length with a fix front sight post and a Troy folding rear, quad rail, upgrading magpul furniture. When I bought it in 2010, I knew it would probably be the only one I would be able to get. So I needed it to be as general purpose as possible. I wanted something I could depend on for a SHTF situation. I wanted something to use at the range. I'v never done 3 gun, but maybe sometime in the future? Probably not my first choice for home defense. Where I live, a handgun is a better choice. Of course no 1 rifle is going to do everything well, but I tried to balance my needs and wants. Where I live ion NE PA, we don't have any long ranges. Most I have been to is 150 yards. The terrain here doesn't lend itself to long 300-600 yard ranges.


So I started with the irons. Then I bought an Eotech EXPS. I loved that optic. I added a vortex 3x magnifier with a Large FTS QD mount for when I wanted a bit more reach. But around the time Eotech had its issues, I took a good look at mine and saw bad reticle fade on the left side. So I sent it in and got my money back and bought a basically new Aimpoint Comp M4s and Larue mount lower 1/3, same as the eotech had been. I never really liked the Aimppoint. It was built like a tank and the battery life was unbeatable. But I felt like I was looking through a tube. I shoot both eyes open, and it still felt that way to me.

I recently sold the Aimpoint and got the new Vortex AMG UH-1 holo-sight. I really like that sight, as it is very much like the Eotech I had and loved. The magnifier and mount I had just wouldn't fit behind it. I bought a primary arms QD FTS mount and that barely fits, but its tight and hard to get off easily, which is a requirement as I don't always want the magnifier. So I gave in and bought an Eotech G33 magnifier. The mount is great and it fits much better. It is QD as well. The biggest difference is how forgiving the eye box is. The vortex glass was good enough, but not very forgiving. The Eotech is extremely forgiving.

But all this got me reading more and more about 1x variable power scopes. I hadn't likes the idea before, but with more and more of them out there and replacing magnifiers, I had to question my previous assumptions. Because I need as much flexibility out of 1 rifle, I like the idea of having a CQB optic and the ability to reach out a bit. Magnification is also nice to have at the range.

Problem is good glass on a 1X variable, like a trijicon Vcog or the Vortex razor series is really expensive. When you get into the $500 and under category, I am not sure if I'd be happy with that as a full time optic. I also am not sure how the reticle will play with the front sight. Will it be about the post similar to a lower 1/3 situation? I know they don't cowitness. I also don't know how some of the ranging reticles will work with the front sight. The front sight will blur at 4 or 6x, but will it interfere with some of the ranging abilities?

I had been looking at the Primary arms Gen3 1-6 with the newer chevron ACSS reticle. I like the idea of that scope a lot, but I've tired a low power variable...which is also why I'm not looking to go for a high dollar model either. Which begs the question if it's worth it to go with something as inexpensive as the PA model.

My thinking is, maybe I sell the magnifier but keep the UH-1. That could be my CQB optic and would be my primary choice. I could put the PA 1-6x in a QD mount. Then both optics can be easily swapped out. The idea being if shooting at QCB distances or SHTF, the UH-1 would be good and I wouldn't need the magnifier. If I want magnification I'd have the PA instead of the magnifier. No you couldn't switch them out in the middle of a high stress situation, but thats a worst case scenario and there are definitely going to be compromises here.

Thoughts? Should I stick with the UH-1 and the QD G33? Trade the magnifier and go with a primary arms 1-6 Gen3 ACSS variable in a QD mount? Is it worth it at that price/quality point? How with the ACSS reticle play with my fixed from sight? Should I ditch both the UH-1 and magnifier and go with a higher end variable? I know I am trying to do a lot with one rifle. If I could I'd have multiple rifles each with designated purposes, but thats not an option for me.

[TXBK]

It sounds like the setup you have will serve you better than getting a 1x optic, because of the FSP.

Where do you have your RDS mounted? I only get the tube effect from a RDS if it is mounted near the rear of the upper receiver. I'm primarily asking about the Aimpoint, which you didn't like.

[curlyjive]

It sounds like the setup you have will serve you better than getting a 1x optic, because of the FSP.

Where do you have your RDS mounted? I only get the tube effect from a RDS if it is mounted near the rear of the upper receiver. I'm primarily asking about the Aimpoint, which you didn't like.

When I had the comp m4s, it was as far forward on the receiver as I could get it to make room for the magnifier. But yeah the tube effect was not overly bothersome yet noticeable. Mostly I missed the circle dot reticle though.

So the front sight will,be an issue with a low power variable?

[TXBK]

So the front sight will,be an issue with a low power variable?

Yes, for me and most others it is. The profile of the FSP gets in the way of what a LPV optic does. Even with the Vortex Razor 1-6, which has a good dot and illumination, a FSP is far from ideal.

[JRHorne]

Totally agree. I see one of two options: cut your current FSP down, which would also allow for more rail options, or buy a second gun that already has a low profile gas block and then get your 1-4 or 1-6 optic.

[curlyjive]

Totally agree. I see one of two options: cut your current FSP down, which would also allow for more rail options, or buy a second gun that already has a low profile gas block and then get your 1-4 or 1-6 optic.

I definitely don't want to get rid of the fsp on this rifle. It's part of its purpose. I'd love to buy another rifle or 3, but I know that isn't an option right now.

I've read many say the fsp is not an issue and others (here) say it is.

[Leonidas24]

I definitely don't want to get rid of the fsp on this rifle. It's part of its purpose. I'd love to buy another rifle or 3, but I know that isn't an option right now.

I've read many say the fsp is not an issue and others (here) say it is.

At full magnification you may at most notice a slight shadow in your FOV when using a low-power variable. At 1x the FSP will be prominent and can be distracting. The solution is to use a higher QD mount to clear the FSP; my biggest concern would be whether or not you intend to switch back and forth between the UH1 and a low-power variable. With a higher QD mount for a scope you won't obtain the same cheek weld you normally would with a std cowitness or even lower 1/3rd cowitness red dot.

American Defense Mfg Recon-H

[jstalford]

FSP and LPV never bothered me. But for the cost of the g33 and the AMG you could easily be close to a used Razor. Or you could get a p4xi / accupower. Both have good glass and are reasonably priced.

[user]

If I was limited to only 1 rifle, it would be an M4 style similar to yours with some version of a micro red dot. Aimpoint H1, T1, T2, Trijicon RMR (onsale at Cabelas for $350), MRO, Halosun, C-more, Vortex, etc.

For me, thats a do all 0-400 yard gun, with practice and understanding the BDC.

Add a sling and a good light and your good to go.

[curlyjive]

At full magnification you may at most notice a slight shadow in your FOV when using a low-power variable. At 1x the FSP will be prominent and can be distracting. The solution is to use a higher QD mount to clear the FSP; my biggest concern would be whether or not you intend to switch back and forth between the UH1 and a low-power variable. With a higher QD mount for a scope you won't obtain the same cheek weld you normally would with a std cowitness or even lower 1/3rd cowitness red dot.

American Defense Mfg Recon-H

My idea was to have both so yes when I switched the cheek weld might differ. The uh1 is lower 1/3rd. How much higher would a mount like the American defense qd mount be?