Im new to building ARs and i only know of the major name brands out there. Im in the Marines and know the AGOG like the back of my hand. Is an ACOG the way to go?
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Member
Im new to building ARs and i only know of the major name brands out there. Im in the Marines and know the AGOG like the back of my hand. Is an ACOG the way to go?
Member
It's just up to you. ACOG's, eotech's and aimpoints are all nice. For my first I went with a micro t-1 (4moa, 2moa was not available yet) and an aimpoint 3x mag. Very high quality glass.
“WE THE PEOPLE are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”
~ Abraham Lincoln
Member
Thanks! i really appreciate the input! just trying to get a feel for whats out there right now. Like i said i know the ACOG really well and didn't know if they were the best out there. Any and all help is greatly appreciated
Industry Professional/Moderator
There are other far more practical options out there.
I spent a long time behind a COG, and I will tell you that I wouldn't give up any of my optics for a TA31 (RCO type). If you really want one, I highly recommend the TA11 or TA33 over the TA31.
I highly prefer a good 1-4, 1-6, or a simple Aimpoint over any ACOG.
Do a search, there are literally dozens of threads about ACOG vs whatever.
Member
About a year ago, I was torn between a lower power ACOG, the eotech xps series and an Aimpoint H1 or Comp ML3 (this was before the PRO came out) . I looked at the features and differences of each and what purpose they served best. I know the ACOG can be used effectively at short ranges, especially the 1.5x and 2x models I was looking at, but without training, it didn't come as naturally as a RDS. I noticed that on a sunny day, if I was in shade such as a range overhang, looking out into a brighter environment, the reticle washed out. I'm sure you know what I mean since it sounds like you have a lot of experience with the ACOG. Not that these are necessarily cons, but for me, it's what steered me away especially when you factor in the price. I've used eotech's with good results. I owned a 512 (if I recall the model correctly) and had no problems despite Internet complaints of issues with the battery terminals or something related to that. The XPS or EXPS (I believe are the models) use a new design to eliminate that problem, and they feel rock solid. I love eotech's reticle, although some say it's too busy. I ended up buying the eotech again but returned it for an Aimpoint Comp ML3 that was on sale. Had to buy a mount but it was still about the same price. I haven't turned the Aimpoint off since I bought it about a year ago. The build quality is fantastic and it is really fast and easy to use. It is also easier to adjust brightness settings by turning the knob vice having to push the little buttons on the eotech, especially with gloves. If you look around online or in magazines, etc... You'll see a lot of H-1s or T-1s. These seem to be the hottest optic out there now. You may want to check those out too. Even though they are battery powered, they are stated to last 50,000 hours. If you want magnification, you can always buy a magnifier and have the best of both worlds for the same cost as an ACOG. Hope my little story helped. There's all kinds of info on this site about what is best and you'll get tons of opinions so be ready! Good luck and thanks for your service!
Last edited by mattw82; 02-10-12 at 19:36.
Member
Thanks for all the advice and opinions, its been really helpful! Ill be looking into EOTech, aimpoints, and ACOGS comparing them all. I just wish I could get some hands-on with aimpoints and EOTechs. This forum has been a blessing for me, only been a member for a couple days now and have doubled my knowledge on whats out there. Thanks again for the help!
Member
Good post.Originally Posted by mattw82
I got my t-1 around black Friday from primary arms for $500 with mount. And my 3x mag from botach for $280? $380? Can't remember. But if you decide to get an aimpoint or eotech and mag, get the red dot first and then wait for a deal on the mag.
Now, some have had bad experiences with botach and don't trust them but it worked for me. I talked to someone before placing my order to make sure they were in stock and I got it a week later on the other side of the country.
“WE THE PEOPLE are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.”
~ Abraham Lincoln
Senior Member
great advice
I could not hvae asked for a better optic when I was on AD, but now that my time is done I have explored aother options and prefer a 1-4 or and aimpoint
"After I shot myself, my training took over and I called my parents..." Texas Grebner
"Take me with a grain of salt, my sarcasm does not relate well over the internet"
Jonathan Morehouse
Senior Member
There are 3 major deficiencies with the ACOG as I see it.
- Short eye relief with the 4X models.
- The BDC locks you in to a certain load.
- Fixed magnification
Of course there are a whole bunch of positives like durability and illumination etc.
If you feel you need some magnification and don't want to go with an Aimpoint, you're better off with a 1-4 or 1-6X variable optic with a non-BDC reticle. I'm not sure how familiar you are with the milliradian system. It pays to learn it. A cartridge specific BDC is easy, but ultimately limits your flexibility. If you want to shoot 77GR ammunition instead of the 62GR M855 the reticle is calibrated for, you're going to be a little off. With a mil-based reticle, preferably with half-mil marks, you can develop your own holdover scheme, or obviously you can actually adjust your elevation with the turret.
IMO, as shooters gain more experience with different optics, they almost always move away from BDC reticles toward more flexible MIL based systems. This isn't universally true, but is often the case.
Take a look at the SWFA SS 1-4 and soon to be released 1-6. Also, Leupold is coming out with a MK6 1-6 that supposedly has daylight bright illumination (over rated IMO but it's important for some). Leupold has an awesome military discount, so I suggest you take advantage of that.
Either of those will put you in about the same price range as an ACOG once you add in the requisite mount. Everybody's got their own pet brand for mounts, but I'm partial to Bobro.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by a0cake; 02-10-12 at 22:45.
Member
What do you plan to use this rifle for? The mission drives the equipment selection.
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