ACOG as a SHTF optic?

[elchupanibre]

Hello everyone, first I would like to thank you for all the information that I found on this website. I've been here for years, never actually posted anything, this is my first.

I am looking for a "perfect" optics for 16" Daniel Defense AR15. Basically, a SHTF gun, and looking for SHTF optics. I have done a lot of research, to the point my brain is overloaded with information and still having a tough time on deciding. Had two Eotechs, 551 and 557. Firts one was good, but used N-cell battery which is impossible to find, and battery life just sucks. Sold it, got 557. Batteries are common, life still not great, and could not stand side buttons, they were really hard to operate because of the hood. Sold it too. Actually liked the reticle and believe that for close distance it is the best.

This brings up the question: what kind of shooting am I going to be doing. Answer-no idea. It will stay on the gun for range/plinking, but if situation arises-need it to perform. I've used the search function too, still too much info and everyone likes something different.

Finally decided to go with ACOG, TA11F. Has BAC, and good for longer distances. May possibly run Docter RDS on an offset rail later on. What do you guys think? is it worth it? looking for some constructive criticism.

[TOrrock]

I had one; it's a big, heavy, robust optic.

I think a better fit would probably have been a TR-24 as an all around optic, or an Aimpoint with a magnifier.

[elchupanibre]

Looked at those too. Really see no advantage, never shot with either, just going off internet specs. Both seem to weigh about the same, objective size is a lot smaller on Accupoint, reticle lacks BDC. The only advantage that its variable 1x-4x. Not sure about eye relief however.

[LOKNLOD]

I don't think it's a bad choice, it's certainly a quality optic. The thing about "SHTF" is that it is a very general term and subject to personal interpretation quite a bit. If you live in a major urban center and visualize bugging out through civil unrest is much different than if you live in the mountains and are thinking you might need to live off the land indefinitely. What's perfect for one guy may be the worst choice for the other.

The TA11 is biased towards longer shots, I agree with Templar that a TR24 or Aimpoint with magnifier would be a more versatile choice without knowing exactly how you are defining your needs. For instance you mentioned the BDC feature, but for my version of SHTF the 1x close range ability far outweighs any lack of BdC. I really can't imagine a SHTF situation where I needed a long enough shot to require BDC. But your needs may be totally different than mine.

--Josh

[rob_s]

I think the TA33 is a better choice. Put a front cap on the optic for close range use and pop the cap for longer range shots.

I keep on coming back to this optic as the best "all around" AR optic. I have a red chevron model but would buy a green horseshoe model today.

I am not a fan of the larger frame ACOGs. They are bigger, heavier, less forgiving, and more expensive, but I don't see much improvement in exchange for all that.

ETA: some charts that may help you
ACOG
Accupoint

[TOrrock]

Looked at those too. Really see no advantage, never shot with either, just going off internet specs. Both seem to weigh about the same, objective size is a lot smaller on Accupoint, reticle lacks BDC. The only advantage that its variable 1x-4x. Not sure about eye relief however.

At one power, you use both eyes open, you don't "need" BAC.

You asked for opinions. Having owned the TA-33 and currently using a 1.1-4x optic on my 6920, that's my opinion.

[elchupanibre]

Thank you, I might go with Accupoint then, or Aimpoint with a magnifier.

[Just a Jarhead]

I use the offset setup you describe. An ACOG with a Trijicon RMR red dot on an offset mount. One of my special forces buddies showed me this set up a few years ago which he uses every day in Afgan on a Noveske and I loved it then and still do. You give up nothing and gain everything in my opinion but I use a TAO1NSN ACOG which does not have BAC.

For CQB you simply can't the rifle never breaking cheekweld, run the RMR way up front as far up the rail as I can get it. I have an older Matt Burkett offset mount which was not a quick release but there is a more modern quick release now with supposedly no zero loss.

This weapon is strictly a shtf weapon and not used for any type of competitions. I'm not sure if the 3 gun guys originally came up with this setup idea or not but I think it's an awesome setup that with a little practice can be as fast as just an eotech on top.

[elchupanibre]

Thanks Jarhead, do you have any pictures by any chance? There are just too many options. I feel like if i get something, I will discover unknown flaws and will be looking for something else shortly. Aimpoint with a magnifier sounds good also, but the weight must be noticable. I feel like if you run two components you have double the chance of failure, which realistically is only 50% of failure, unles the second component is a magnifier. Tr24 might be the best of both worlds. I am pretty unfamiliar with AR optics, when I was in the service we were still using irons only. Where I work now, I do not carry a rifle on patrol, and those who are, are not allowed to put any optics on it... . No way to shoot different types and compare.

[Just a Jarhead]

I'll take some pics tonite and post not home now