The SBR & The Optic

[rob_s]

One benefit of the larger tube Aimpoints is that you can get the 2 MOA which may better lend itself to more precise shooting at distance. I have hit a 6" steel plate at 200 with the 4 MOA dot, but much smaller/further than that and the smaller dot is helpful.

FWIW, I don't see the magnifier as really being about hitting out to 200 or even 300. It's really more about target ID. For example, we ran a stage with steel out at 130 or so, which I had no trouble hitting with just the RDS, but the gray steel against the tan dirt with only the range lights made it hard to see and the magnifier made it easier.

[1911pro]

I have a TR-24 on my 16 inch LMT and a T-1 on my 10.5 LMT. I really like both optics,but would have to say a better choice for the SBR would be the T-1. Within 25 yards the Aimpoint lets you make faster shots. This is my most common range for home protection in my kind of neighborhood. If I have to fight away from home I want both with me because the TR-24 is better for longer distances.

[Robb Jensen]

Aimpoint H1/T1......oh wait that's what my SBRs have.

[mpardun]

I run the optics like those in your poll on my 14.5"+, incl. SBR setups.

T-1's on my suppressed SBR's...would suggest most effective/practical range of SBR's is <100 yards. I look for maneuverability and low weight in my SBR's...running the T-1 w/ LaRue mount, Troy BUIS folded down. Combat accuracy most important.

**Would love to see Aimpoint figure out a 2 MOA Micro (PLEASE)**

[No Bananas]

Wow, lots of votes for the Aimpoint / Magnifier Combo. Sure, I could use a solo RDS for 100 yd. plus shooting. But, my eyes are getting older and having magnification at that distance, I guess, is more about comfort and ease at the range. Want to see the target a bit easier.

My top two choices right now are:

TA33R-8. Still really like this one. The BAC system (tried it at the store..I know different on the range) seems like it would work for close in, and obviously great for longer ranges. Light, compact and great glass. All w/ a Larue mount for about $900

You folks in the know can sure have an effect on people (me anyway). ML3 (for wider FOV & 2 MOA dot) w/ 3X Magnifier. This set up is a bit hefty at about a pound, the glass is good but not as great as the ACOG. The the quick 1X to 3X would be awesome. I use the same aiming system as my other SBR. But I wonder if the the flipped out magnifier may be a bit unwieldy. With LaRue Mounts it comes to $1185. Wahooo.

Great info and input from everyone. Thanks a bunch!

[rob_s]

Funny that we got to page 2 without the M4C mantra.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO WITH IT AND HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND?

Alright, so we have an idea of the price range, but realistically what kind of shooting are you doing with this gun? Realize that magnification is going to add weight and slow you down target-to-target. Given that there are these negatives, what kind of shooting are you hoping to do that makes use of the positives? How accurate do you need to be? Is that kind of accuracy worth the trade offs?

I love my TA33 for what it is and for it's role, but I've also used it up close in the brush and it sucked, bigtime. and I was very familiar with the optic at the time so it was NOT a training issue.

SBR or not is kind of immaterial to this discussion. The real question is how far do you need to shoot, how small of a target do you need to hit, how discerning do you need to be of these targets, how many of them are there, how long do you have to hit them, and are you prepared to deal with the negatives of magnified optics to do all that?

[rob_s]

FWIW....

I think the ideal setup is a 1-or-4 (instead of a 1-to-4) Aimpoint in a 30mm body with a 2 MOA dot, and I'm still predicting that Aimpoint will release something like this by 2012.

[No Bananas]

I'm shooting 200 yds. max. Mostly 50-150, with a majority being at 100 yds. I have trouble shooting at 100 yds w/ a RDS because I can barely see the target. There, I said it!

I'm just wanting it to be a do everything rifle. Which, I know, is wanting your cake and eating it too.

I agree that 1 or 4x is the best option. If Aimpoint can come in with something a little cheaper than the Elcan, there will be no way for them to keep up with demand. That thing would be back ordered for years.

The closest thing to that would be what so many have advised...the Aimpoint and Magnifier. Sounds like the scopes and ACOGs are great if you won't be shooting up close (sorry to hear it's so bad at close range) or have the $ for a doctor or other close up optic on a cant mount.

If I go the Aimpoint route. I can get the sight now, and save up a couple months for the magnifier. If I go TA33, then I need to get a Docter or Burris for up close. Thanks for the input Rob, very helpful.

[Savior 6]

I would think that to take advantage of an SBR you would want a red dot for the fastest target acquisition considering SBRs are for shorts distances. If you feel you have to have a magnified optic then go with an ACOG with a piggyback.