Optics - need some help

[JustSomeDude]

I'm building my first AR carbine, and trying to decide which way to go with optics. I definitely want to go with a holographic dot, and have narrowed my decision down to a few EOTech and Aimpoint models. The thing of it is, while most of my time will be range/plinking usage, I would definitely like to do some distance shooting 100-300 yards.

What device best allows for inline magnification? I've seen the Aimpoint 3x magnifier which is designed to be used inline with their product (http://www.aimpoint.com/products/aimpoint_product_lines/aimpoint_3xmag). Thing of it is, I really dig the heads-up-display of the EOTechs. Are there magnifiers that can be easily mounted in front of an EOTech site that are less spendy?

What are some of your experiences with inline magnifiers? What would you recommend for my intended use? Basically, every now and then I'd just like to be able to slap a magnifier on the flat top to snipe some targets off in the distance.

[Sucka]

I've shot (and own) an Aimpoint and have also shot an EOTech. Both great optics. The Aimpoint is known for its durability and ruggedness, long battery life. The EOTech is typically known for better target acquisition due to it having the 65moa outer ring. Some claim it has better FOV, i call bs on that because you should have both eyes open when using these types of optics, not to mention the FOV is just fine through both with an eye closed if you so choose.

As for magnification, can't help you a lot there. Anything inside 300 yards you should be good to go without any magnification. Obviously you're not going to be doing any precision work, but you'll be on target no problem without magnification with enough practice and skill. If you want to do some serious precision work, you might want to build a second AR for that purpose. If it were me, i would go Aimpoint. That's a personal preference, and i don't think you could go wrong either way.

Best advice, shoot both and decide.

[Hoser]

Either the Aimpoint or an Eotech is a good scope, up close.

As far as plinking at 300 yards with one.... Depends on the size of the target. Smaller than a basketball and you might have some problems.

I think the 3X magnifiers pretty much blow for most of my uses. Even more so when you see the price tag.

[StagLefty]

I think it's Larue Tactical that carries what they call the PoBoy Special which is a 3x magnifier but it's priced for folks who don't want to spend a fortune for one. I may be a little off on this info because my memory chip isn't what it used to be. [Beer]

[Great-Kazoo]

i have a generic 3x magnifier. like you wanted for, that far out/ up close view. WELL wearing bifocals with 35/25 vision looking through a magnifier is too bizarre for me. all i see is a blur.
if you want to try a generic 3X w/out paying a lot LMK.

[pierce33]

Like stated before, if your within the 300 meter range, theres no need for the magnifier. I personally own an Aimpoint and love it. I have shot a EOTech and they are good but just dont quite do it for me as much as the aimpoint. Aimpoint all the way for me.

[BadShot]

Like stated before, if your within the 300 meter range, theres no need for the magnifier. I personally own an Aimpoint and love it. I have shot a EOTech and they are good but just dont quite do it for me as much as the aimpoint. Aimpoint all the way for me.

Ahh age old debate on these two. But I wanted to disagree with you here Pierce.. I run several EOT 552's with LaRue Po'Boy's behind them. While the magnification is only 2.5x (it is a former anti-tank gun optic after all) .. I'll bet you a 6 pack that I group tighter and aquire the target faster with the Po'Boy in line with targets in the 100-300 meter range.

I am not saying that because I want to imply that my shooting skills are any better than yours, I say it because there is not reason to limit yourself (and your weapons performance and handling) if you don't have to. The Po'Boy is a tool, it's mounted on a flip to side mount so putting it out of the sight picture for sub-xxxx range engagements is not any type of issue. Having the ability to add that little bit of magnification to your RDO is not something to quickly discount. Hell there are some "Guru's" who argue that Iron's are still the cats meow when it comes to sights, then again there are some very well respected folks who will and do preach the absolute need for an RDO and the death of the Iron Sight array.

JSD .. you'll find that you'll prefer one or the other when it comes to RDO's. Many are just as fast and good with the AP as the EOT. There are points to be made about the EOT and certain classifications of failures in combat zones (see LightFighter.net for additional and supporting information). For our typical uses, the EOT will generally not encounter those issues. If I had the choice and were going off to face shoot really bad guys, I'll take my chances with my EOT's.

As for a variety of models.. I'll caution this.. stay away from the N-Type batteries. Serious PITA and very short lived. the 512 and 552 models are common and run about as much as an AP ML2, so they are price comprable.

One of the really big points in the pro column for AP's is battery life. M3 or better get obscene battery life. To this point many will simply turn them on and leave them on, then replace the battery in a few or 5 years. I don't have an issue with the EOT's and batteries, I change them every year. The EOT is smart enough to turn itself off after 4-8 hours thus conserving battery life. Some might argue that you waste precious seconds re-activating your optic when dealing with the power saving features of the EOT, but for civilian use, I can't see where the issue truly is. Sure for LE or .MIL folk that might be a concern, but habbits can be quickly formed to ensure that you're keeping the EOT active and resetting the 4 or 8 hour timer just by pushing one of the buttons.

I've had both.. I found that in sub-50 meter engagment ranges the EOT is many times faster for me to acquire my target. That was just a straight out of the box, sight and then run some drills experience that sold me on them. I will also readily admit that I am shopping for an AP H or T-1 right now, but that's for a purpose built rifle. Guess I'm saying that they both work very well at what they do all said and done.

YMMV

Buy a used one of which ever version you get. Hell if you really want a 552 drop me a line and I'll lend you one (w/ Po'Boy) and maybe even sell it to you for a fair price (not the Po'Boy).

[mtechgunman]

you may want to reconsider the holographic part part of your optics and go with a 1x-4x power scope. Sounds like this would accomplish your goal better.

YMMV.