AR optics -dual or dual purpose?

[flechero]

How about something like - for example - a 1-4× or 1-6x scope with a dot or chevron reticle which is illuminated?

I have a Primary Arms 1-6x on my shorty .300 AR - I keep it on 1x but can magnify if needed, and the reticle is similar to an ACOG chevron (etched onto the glass and is capable of being illuminated).

Still considering this but haven't been able to handle an ACOG in person. I wish there was a range with each of the sight systems where you could run a few mags before dropping before you buy! I'd pay to play!

If you have any plans to come up to the DFW area any time soon...before you buy an optic, contact me. We can go to a range, and I can let you shoot ARs side by side with a Trijicon ACOG, a Primary Arms 1-6x ACSS w/ chevron, a Aimpoint T2 micro, and an EOTech. Perhaps that will help you finalize your decision.

What a great offer, thank you! I just might take you up on it next time we get to the area!

[K-Texas]

For that kind of $ you can buy the best of variable power scopes, and there are some excellent 1 - 8X models. At 1X there is no searching for the dot, so IMO, scopes at low magnification, or no magnification, are the fastest on target.

Generally you'll see price go up with highest magnification, particularly when they start at 1X. You might even want to consider a model starting out at 2X if you find you can get on target at the same speed. 300 yards is a practical limit for the rifles capabilities and where having 8X from the same optic allows you to cover almost any distance most of the MSR calibers are capable of. AR10 platforms with greater range capability like say 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 REM, 7mm-08 REM and .308/7.62 are better suited to things that occur past 100 yards, and then, they are somewhat handicapped with shorter barrels.

Chris Kyle left us a fine legacy when he worked with Spec-Ops to create the Mk 262 Mod 0 that's only evolved since then. As a handloaders, my shooting partner and I replicated that load with the Sierra 77 gr MK HPBT with cannelure with Chris Kyles mandate of 2700 FPS at the muzzle. That bullet will tumble out to 300 yards which was the intended purpose. There is a better option for that and close range with the Hornady 75 gr. BTHP. It will not come apart at closer ranges. Either load will need to be 5.56mm NATO rather than .223 REM. Same with handload data, and a cannelure on the bullet is essential in holding the bullet together. They don't exactly advertise it, but Hornady sells a 75 gr. 5.56mm NATO Match load that uses the same bullet as the TAP2. Velocity from a 16" barrel will be 2750 FPS or slightly better, the same as our handloads using Ramshot TAC and Western 5.56mm NATO data. It's a 0 -300 yard load. Having the same capability with your optic should allow you to be quicker getting on target at these same distances.

Almost forgot! Crimson Trace is heavily into the optics market now. They might have the best of everything with a scope that gives you a dot at low magnification that becomes crosshairs with a center dot at higher magnification.

[The Annoyed Man]

For that kind of $ you can buy the best of variable power scopes, and there are some excellent 1 - 8X models. At 1X there is no searching for the dot, so IMO, scopes at low magnification, or no magnification, are the fastest on target.

Generally you'll see price go up with highest magnification, particularly when they start at 1X. You might even want to consider a model starting out at 2X if you find you can get on target at the same speed. 300 yards is a practical limit for the rifles capabilities and where having 8X from the same optic allows you to cover almost any distance most of the MSR calibers are capable of. AR10 platforms with greater range capability like say 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 REM, 7mm-08 REM and .308/7.62 are better suited to things that occur past 100 yards, and then, they are somewhat handicapped with shorter barrels.

Chris Kyle left us a fine legacy when he worked with Spec-Ops to create the Mk 262 Mod 0 that's only evolved since then. As a handloaders, my shooting partner and I replicated that load with the Sierra 77 gr MK HPBT with cannelure with Chris Kyles mandate of 2700 FPS at the muzzle. That bullet will tumble out to 300 yards which was the intended purpose. There is a better option for that and close range with the Hornady 75 gr. BTHP. It will not come apart at closer ranges. Either load will need to be 5.56mm NATO rather than .223 REM. Same with handload data, and a cannelure on the bullet is essential in holding the bullet together. They don't exactly advertise it, but Hornady sells a 75 gr. 5.56mm NATO Match load that uses the same bullet as the TAP2. Velocity from a 16" barrel will be 2750 FPS or slightly better, the same as our handloads using Ramshot TAC and Western 5.56mm NATO data. It's a 0 -300 yard load. Having the same capability with your optic should allow you to be quicker getting on target at these same distances.

Almost forgot! Crimson Trace is heavily into the optics market now. They might have the best of everything with a scope that gives you a dot at low magnification that becomes crosshairs with a center dot at higher magnification.

I have shot the Hornady Superformance 75 grain OTM to 500 yards at TacPro on a windy day with 90° crosswinds gusting well above 10mph, with pretty darn good results. Rifle was an 18” HBAR SPR. That Hornady Superformance OTM is darn good ammo.

[C-dub]

How about something like - for example - a 1-4× or 1-6x scope with a dot or chevron reticle which is illuminated?

I have a Primary Arms 1-6x on my shorty .300 AR - I keep it on 1x but can magnify if needed, and the reticle is similar to an ACOG chevron (etched onto the glass and is capable of being illuminated).

Still considering this but haven't been able to handle an ACOG in person. I wish there was a range with each of the sight systems where you could run a few mags before dropping before you buy! I'd pay to play!

If you have any plans to come up to the DFW area any time soon...before you buy an optic, contact me. We can go to a range, and I can let you shoot ARs side by side with a Trijicon ACOG, a Primary Arms 1-6x ACSS w/ chevron, a Aimpoint T2 micro, and an EOTech. Perhaps that will help you finalize your decision.

What a great offer, thank you! I just might take you up on it next time we get to the area!

This forum is awesome. Another member, The Marshal, took me out to his club with another club member friend and let me shoot several of their rifles to help me decide what I liked. A couple bull-pups & AR types in a few calibers. Until I noticed you were in central Texas I was going to offer the same since I also have an ACOG and EoTech and a Sightmark RDS if you were in the DFW area.

[flechero]

This forum is awesome. Another member, The Marshal, took me out to his club with another club member friend and let me shoot several of their rifles to help me decide what I liked. A couple bull-pups & AR types in a few calibers. Until I noticed you were in central Texas I was going to offer the same since I also have an ACOG and EoTech and a Sightmark RDS if you were in the DFW area.

You guys are great! My family is in Plano/Celina so when in town I may be much closer to you than TAM. I might see if I could impose on one of you two next time we spend a few days up there.

[C-dub]

This forum is awesome. Another member, The Marshal, took me out to his club with another club member friend and let me shoot several of their rifles to help me decide what I liked. A couple bull-pups & AR types in a few calibers. Until I noticed you were in central Texas I was going to offer the same since I also have an ACOG and EoTech and a Sightmark RDS if you were in the DFW area.

You guys are great! My family is in Plano/Celina so when in town I may be much closer to you than TAM. I might see if I could impose on one of you two next time we spend a few days up there.

My schedule is weird. If we can swing it that will be good because I have a private club to shoot at that gives us some freedom.

[The Annoyed Man]

This forum is awesome. Another member, The Marshal, took me out to his club with another club member friend and let me shoot several of their rifles to help me decide what I liked. A couple bull-pups & AR types in a few calibers. Until I noticed you were in central Texas I was going to offer the same since I also have an ACOG and EoTech and a Sightmark RDS if you were in the DFW area.

You guys are great! My family is in Plano/Celina so when in town I may be much closer to you than TAM. I might see if I could impose on one of you two next time we spend a few days up there.

Wow, that was record time for C-dub to get me kicked to the curb.

[flechero]

This forum is awesome. Another member, The Marshal, took me out to his club with another club member friend and let me shoot several of their rifles to help me decide what I liked. A couple bull-pups & AR types in a few calibers. Until I noticed you were in central Texas I was going to offer the same since I also have an ACOG and EoTech and a Sightmark RDS if you were in the DFW area.

You guys are great! My family is in Plano/Celina so when in town I may be much closer to you than TAM. I might see if I could impose on one of you two next time we spend a few days up there.

Wow, that was record time for C-dub to get me kicked to the curb.

Ha! No kicking anyone to the curb! I was actually thinking with my luck, at least one of you would be out of town when we come up... with two chances, I may hit on one of them!

[K-Texas]

For that kind of $ you can buy the best of variable power scopes, and there are some excellent 1 - 8X models. At 1X there is no searching for the dot, so IMO, scopes at low magnification, or no magnification, are the fastest on target.

Generally you'll see price go up with highest magnification, particularly when they start at 1X. You might even want to consider a model starting out at 2X if you find you can get on target at the same speed. 300 yards is a practical limit for the rifles capabilities and where having 8X from the same optic allows you to cover almost any distance most of the MSR calibers are capable of. AR10 platforms with greater range capability like say 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 REM, 7mm-08 REM and .308/7.62 are better suited to things that occur past 100 yards, and then, they are somewhat handicapped with shorter barrels.

Chris Kyle left us a fine legacy when he worked with Spec-Ops to create the Mk 262 Mod 0 that's only evolved since then. As a handloaders, my shooting partner and I replicated that load with the Sierra 77 gr MK HPBT with cannelure with Chris Kyles mandate of 2700 FPS at the muzzle. That bullet will tumble out to 300 yards which was the intended purpose. There is a better option for that and close range with the Hornady 75 gr. BTHP. It will not come apart at closer ranges. Either load will need to be 5.56mm NATO rather than .223 REM. Same with handload data, and a cannelure on the bullet is essential in holding the bullet together. They don't exactly advertise it, but Hornady sells a 75 gr. 5.56mm NATO Match load that uses the same bullet as the TAP2. Velocity from a 16" barrel will be 2750 FPS or slightly better, the same as our handloads using Ramshot TAC and Western 5.56mm NATO data. It's a 0 -300 yard load. Having the same capability with your optic should allow you to be quicker getting on target at these same distances.

Almost forgot! Crimson Trace is heavily into the optics market now. They might have the best of everything with a scope that gives you a dot at low magnification that becomes crosshairs with a center dot at higher magnification.

I have shot the Hornady Superformance 75 grain OTM to 500 yards at TacPro on a windy day with 90° crosswinds gusting well above 10mph, with pretty darn good results. Rifle was an 18” HBAR SPR. That Hornady Superformance OTM is darn good ammo.

Hornady has several good loads here. The TAP 2 and the 5.56mm NATO load use the same bullet that has a cannelure to help hold it together. Our handload is near identical in velocity. I don't doubt anyone's useful target range, but Chris Kyle knew that these loads will tumble out to 300 yards, and tumbling matters in combat. Along with these loads I tested the Sierra 77 gr. HPBT MK with cannelure and it came apart in water jugs at 50 yards. I won't say it's not destructive, but the whole thing is about tumbling where the 75 & 77 gr. Open Tip Match bullets are at their best.

[C-dub]

This forum is awesome. Another member, The Marshal, took me out to his club with another club member friend and let me shoot several of their rifles to help me decide what I liked. A couple bull-pups & AR types in a few calibers. Until I noticed you were in central Texas I was going to offer the same since I also have an ACOG and EoTech and a Sightmark RDS if you were in the DFW area.

You guys are great! My family is in Plano/Celina so when in town I may be much closer to you than TAM. I might see if I could impose on one of you two next time we spend a few days up there.

Wow, that was record time for C-dub to get me kicked to the curb.

Ha! No kicking anyone to the curb! I was actually thinking with my luck, at least one of you would be out of town when we come up... with two chances, I may hit on one of them!

Yeah, no curb kicking! TAM is your better option and has a better variety.

With my weird schedule he would also be your best bet. I was merely giving a plan B or C possibility.