Optics Recommendations?

[2theright]

I just, an hour ago, finished my first complete build of an M4 and want to get some decent optics for it. I'm looking for something that is faster and kind to older eyes. Right now I have a cheap Simmons 2-7x32 scope mounted in Burris Extreme Tactical rings, just so I can take it to the range and get an idea of how it's shooting. I do have a nice older Leupold 3X M8 scope that I can use on it. Would that work well or am I better off with a holosight or red dot? I'm not exactly looking for sub-MOA pinpoint target accuracy as much as I'm looking for speed on target. I'm not a rich man, but I can always save up for whatever I need.
Thanks,
Don

[C-grunt]

For speed and decent accuracy Ive always been a fan of the Aimpoint red dot. Try to get one with the 2moa dot to help with accurate shooting.

lots of people like the Eotech but I have seen them break and stop working several times. I have heard the more expensive ones are more robust though.

[Spurholder]

Strong plug for Aimpoint's T-1 (or H-1 if you don't want the night vision settings). I've had one for about two years now. It has all the strengths that Aimpoint's known for, and in a package that's significantly lighter than their other optics.

By the way, I don't notice the tube when I'm shooting.

[Hmac]

Eotech. That's going to be best bang for buck. They are the fastest on target, and likely most accurate as they have a 1 MOA dot, and you wouldn't be looking down a tube to see your target.

Look at the XPS and EXPS lines. $479 for the XPS, $495 for the EXPS OPMOD at Optics Planet.

[kmrtnsn]

To get lower 1/3 co-witness with an Eotech you are going to need a riser. I have a LaRue under my duty rifle's 552 and like it a lot. For that kind of cost to get an Eotech "fixed" I recommend just buying a T-1 on a LaRue riser since you'll be at that price point anyway. The T-1 will hold zero and you won't be buying batteries.

[DaBears_85]

To get lower 1/3 co-witness with an Eotech you are going to need a riser. I have a LaRue under my duty rifle's 552 and like it a lot. For that kind of cost to get an Eotech "fixed" I recommend just buying a T-1 on a LaRue riser since you'll be at that price point anyway. The T-1 will hold zero and you won't be buying batteries.

Yeah that's the only downside to an EOTech, in my opinion. If you use lithium batteries it helps improve battery life a little. I prefer center co-witness but if you don't I guess that could be considered another downside. Personally, I love my 512.

[Hmac]

To get lower 1/3 co-witness with an Eotech you are going to need a riser. I have a LaRue under my duty rifle's 552 and like it a lot. For that kind of cost to get an Eotech "fixed" I recommend just buying a T-1 on a LaRue riser since you'll be at that price point anyway. The T-1 will hold zero and you won't be buying batteries.

$495 OPMOD has the quick-detach mount and the 7mm riser for lower-third co-witness. T-1 and co-witnessing mount at Larue is $150 more. NOT a good value by comparison.

Batteries are cheap.

[kmrtnsn]

We have had a lot of issues with our Eotechs. Use good batteries. Cheap batteries do not like the impact/vibration of select fire and begin to leak, ruining the Eotech battery compartment. Ours seem to lose zero with great degree of regularity. They also seem to die at the time you really need them; carry lots of batteries. Big, clunky, and heavy, there are better options out there. Like Aimpoint says, " your next battery hasn't been made yet".

[DaBears_85]

We have had a lot of issues with our Eotechs. Use good batteries. Cheap batteries do not like the impact/vibration of select fire and begin to leak, ruining the Eotech battery compartment. Ours seem to lose zero with great degree of regularity. They also seem to die at the time you really need them; carry lots of batteries. Big, clunky, and heavy, there are better options out there. Like Aimpoint says, " your next battery hasn't been made yet".

I could see dying when you need them being a downside

By "we" I'm assuming you're a LEO, and that your department uses them? Point being, it wasn't an isolated incident? You've had/seen several fail?

[kmrtnsn]

The Eotech is our agency issued optic. Policy keeps us from swapping it out or there would be an Aimpoint on mine. I just built a rifle for my wife and put a LaRue T-1 package on it for her. Very nice!