Thinking of getting an ACOG, interested in your thoughts

[BushmasterFanBoy]

Right now I have two carbines, 14.5 with perm phantoms. One has an EoTech 552, and the other an Aimpoint Comp ML2 with 4 MOA dot. I don't have any experience using a magnified optic on a handy carbine like these, only on bolt action rifles. By having some extra money I started thinking about wasting it on an ACOG. Right now my range trips are reflex type drills anywhere from ten yards out to fifty, and then I throw in some rested shooting at targets at 200 yards.

I guess what I wanted to know from people who have used ACOGS and Aimpoints are your thoughts on both. All I have to compare them to are cheap Wal-Mart scopes and my Aimpoint and EoTech, that's it. Is the ACOG really that much slower than the Aimpoint and for shooting out to 200 yards, do I need the ACOG? I was wondering if for most situations would a person be better served with a red dot or an ACOG? Thanks for your thoughts!

[Alpha Sierra]

If the object is hitting man-size targets at 200 yards in the vitals, a non-magnified optical sight will do the job nicely.

Hitting such target with irons at that distance is not that hard, and it's easier when you don't have to focus on the front sight.

If the bulk of the shooting is inside of 100, and occasional longer distances, Aimpoint is the answer.

[Rmplstlskn]

The biggest plus for the ACOG, IMO and from what I have heard from those in the sandboxes, is TARGET IDENTIFICATION and OBSERVATION (when binos or spotters are not quickly available).

Also, the glass is top notch and they are extremely durable...

But for non-military/LEO, I think the ACOG has less going for it than other options you already have, as I doubt, at this present time, that we will have much need for long distance target identification before the trigger is pulled. Legally, our trigger pulls are going to be much closer...

But I'm never giving up my ACOG TA11-D... It is now nestled snuggly on top of my FAL Carbine. I'd like a TA55 but I will admit they look a bit goofy...

Rmpl

[edwin907]

GOOFY?
GOOFY?

Well I guess the TA55A does look a little goofy on my 14.5".



But on this 16" Kreiger Recon, it just looks damn mean.



Currently the Recon has a TA11C mounted, it's just the perfect combat sight for a 16" firing 75/77gr ammo.




And the TA55A is back on the 14.5" Scout, goofy, but great fun.

[C4IGrant]

Right now I have two carbines, 14.5 with perm phantoms. One has an EoTech 552, and the other an Aimpoint Comp ML2 with 4 MOA dot. I don't have any experience using a magnified optic on a handy carbine like these, only on bolt action rifles. By having some extra money I started thinking about wasting it on an ACOG. Right now my range trips are reflex type drills anywhere from ten yards out to fifty, and then I throw in some rested shooting at targets at 200 yards.

I guess what I wanted to know from people who have used ACOGS and Aimpoints are your thoughts on both. All I have to compare them to are cheap Wal-Mart scopes and my Aimpoint and EoTech, that's it. Is the ACOG really that much slower than the Aimpoint and for shooting out to 200 yards, do I need the ACOG? I was wondering if for most situations would a person be better served with a red dot or an ACOG? Thanks for your thoughts!

ACOG's will do well in the "mid-ranges." My personal favorite ACOG is the TA33R-8. It has the most eye relief of any of the magnified ACOG's, is small and cheaper than the big boys.


C4

[RHR]

Have you thought about getting an Aimpoint or EOTech magnifier?

[Bat Guano]

Years ago I had a Colt CAR-15, shot it with irons and the stock trigger. Recently got back into an M4gery. I can still shoot M1 and M1A irons, but no longer have the eyes of the eagle and knew I was going to have trouble with irons on a shorty AR. Did some homework and was inclined towards the ACOG compact 1.5X, amber triangle. It looked to have very good eye relief, decent FOV, and so on. Ran across on in Colorado Springs; the salesman kindly put it on an in-stock carbine like mine (integral carry handle) and I was sold right there.

I have been running it for a year and 1000 plus rounds, and it has been worth every penny ($700 OTD at the time). It is zeroed for 50/200 yards, and any misses are all my fault--no vision alibis with that setup. It suffices out to 300 from a solid position. As for speed, I am used to close and fast pistol practice. This is faster and easier. My 25 yard drill is an E target and a 1.0 second par time for a single shot from low ready. Last time out I was slightly under that most of the time. The carbine and optic are plenty fast--it's me that's a little behind sometimes.

The Eotech was the only other alternative I considered. I like this better. If it has a down side (other than cost!) I have yet to discover it. Best money I ever spent. If it was twice the price I'd find a way to get one.

The only other mod I dropped money on was a match trigger.

[thmpr]

Get the TA31-F which comes with the doctor's red dot. Magnification with CQB capabilities!

[rob_s]

I agree with everyone else. You can make hits out to 200 at least with an Aimpoint as I have done it on a Colt 6933 hitting a 10" steel with no problem.

With that said, I like the Compact ACOGs. I don't have much use for the fullsize personally.

As Grant said, if you're looking for a lower magnification, the 3x TA33R-8 is hard to beat, and despite the eye relief distance published on the Trijicon website, I find that it has almost the identical eye relief as my 1.5x Compact ACOG.

Top gun is the 1.5x and bottom is the 3x

[M4 Colt]

Edwin,

good choice in the bipod, i have one and want 3 more !!

the TA-31 with donut is my favorite, i make my own targets and size the "bullseye" to fit inside the donut @ 100yd. also for 200 yd.