ACOG or Vortex Razor 1-6x24 for SHTF build

[tactical_2012]

Doing a new AR15 build and want a new SHTF rifle so I want something with magnification that will hold up in a true shtf scenario. Looking at either doing an ACOG or Vortex Razor HD 1?6?24. Also going to add an RMR for CQB work. Thoughts, Opinions, ideas?

[CS1983]

LPVO, be it vortex or another. The ACOG bdc doesn’t subtend properly at distance here at altitude unless you go short to reduce MV.

Also, fixed 4x at closer ranges can be a hindrance.

[NukeRJ]

I would try them both out. Find someone that has a setup that you would like to shoot and ask to run it. I shoot an acog on my tac rifle and a 1-6 on my 3gun. You can train to whichever optic you prefer. Plus the acog was actually designed to conduct cqb as well. You just have to know how to use it. Look through one at the shop, find a target with your non dominant eye while looking through the acog with your dominant eye and then see how the reticle gets superimposed on the target in your non dominant eye. Your brain does the work for you.
I run offset irons instead of a MRDS (the height over bore was just too much that I personally did not like it) , just in case the acog gets messed up at the worst time. It's the same setup I ran for 5 deployments and I never had to use the irons unless I wanted to. I did however break 3 aimpoints and 2 Eotechs.

[CS1983]

I would try them both out. Find someone that has a setup that you would like to shoot and ask to run it. I shoot an acog on my tac rifle and a 1-6 on my 3gun. You can train to whichever optic you prefer. Plus the acog was actually designed to conduct cqb as well. You just have to know how to use it. Look through one at the shop, find a target with your non dominant eye while looking through the acog with your dominant eye and then see how the reticle gets superimposed on the target in your non dominant eye. Your brain does the work for you.
I run offset irons instead of a MRDS (the height over bore was just too much that I personally did not like it) , just in case the acog gets messed up at the worst time. It's the same setup I ran for 5 deployments and I never had to use the irons unless I wanted to. I did however break 3 aimpoints and 2 Eotechs.

I disagree. The ACOG BDC is math based and math doesn’t lie; one can run the numbers for themselves to see why the ACOG is a dud at altitude if they intend to use it to its full ballistic intention. The trajectory of common rounds is flatter here than the trajectory for which the ACOG is calibrated (2k’ ASL-ish?). This starts to become apparent beyond 400m. I’ve shot a 14.5” barrel on a TA-31H-G with green tip and it got worse the further I went; max range in line with the reticle was probably 450ish. After that, no dice. If running a 10.5”, it actually works. My NX8 with Ballistic app’s data was way better on the 14.5.

Also, the Trijicon BAC (Bindon Aiming Concept) method is no good for cross eye dominance, which may or may not be a concern. I’ll let the range geeks debate shifting to dominant eye shooting side, but most folks aren’t going to put in the hundreds of hours to undo the training of dominant hand vs eye, if that’s the case for them.

In Oklahoma, I had a canine/property incursion incident which involved an engagement of 2 moving targets at roughly 30 yards — a common SHTF/Urban engagement range — and while I was able to put rounds on the targets and put down the threats, I’d have preferred a red dot. Tracking threats at common urban distances with a 4x isn’t ideal — even if one is shooting on the dominant eye side.

Is the ACOG a tank of an optic? Yes.

Is it’s BDC good for its range at altitude? No.

Are there better options for the cost of new? Absolutely.

At best, the ACOG is early 2000’s tech. At worst, it’s a mythological optic which has gained traction due to two factors: 1) the military uses it, which has upped its credibility 2) most users are below 3-4K’ ASL, which subtends to its intended mathematical model.

Here in CO, folks are better off with an LPVO and a few minutes with a ballistic app.

[Mazin]

Check out the Vcog before you settle.on the acog.

[izzy]

I have both the vcog and the acog and can consistently hit ranges from 100 to 500 yards with either. Out as far as 700 yards they're also great but my hit ratio for down, mostly because of skill level. I agree with the suggestion of trying them out. Also at 4x the elcan is better than the agog in my opinion.