Search found 1 match

by The Annoyed Man
Thu Oct 07, 2021 11:22 pm
Forum: Rifles & Shotguns
Topic: Why setting up your rifle based on the mission is wrong
Replies: 8
Views: 14759

Re: Why setting up your rifle based on the mission is wrong

I have several different optics on different ARs. 4 of them are more or less tactically configured.

My 11.5” SBR has an Aimpoint T2 Micro, with an available 3x magnifier on a flip to side QD mount. But I don’t keep the magnifier mounted. Instead it’s just in my pack in case it’s needed. I don’t really like any extra weight on that rifle most of the time. This is my "primary" weapon.

I have a 16” gas-piston carbine with a 4x32 TA31F ACOG on it. I would probably prefer the ACSS reticle for it, but that wasn’t an available option at the time I bought mine. ACOGs have amazing glass. But their weakness… of the 4x32 versions, anyway… is a very short eye relief (1.5”) with an unforgiving eyebox. Also, it lacks a diopter adjustment. This was much less of an issue for me personally when I was younger, but as my eyesight has deteriorated, I find the optic harder to use than I used to, and it is harder to use the Bindon aiming concept for me now. I’ll keep the optic because my son will want it some day, but it’s no longer my go-to choice.

I have another 16” carbine that has a Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope - with their ACSS-RAPTOR reticle. This combines the best of both ACSS and the less complicated TA31F ACOG reticle. I find it very easy to use. My only complaint, such as it is, is the extra weight. But the glass is pretty good for a $400 scope, and I don’t bother with SFP scopes anymore. And it has a diopter adjustment. The reticle BDC works about as well as the TA31F. I would have no problem recommending this scope for a "general purpose" carbine.

Lastly, I have an older EOTech that I have mounted on my wife's 16” carbine. She’s right handed, but incurably left eye dominant, and has to shoot rifles left handed. Between the EOTech, the above mentioned optics, and a few other scopes I have, this is the ONE optic that she can use without too much difficulty…so it’s hers.

Of the above setups, my favorite is the SBR with the Aimpoint. If I were going hunting with an AR, I’d take either the carbine with the PA scope, or an 18” DMR I built some years ago with a higher powered variable Vortex scope on it.

People can argue all they want about the pros and cons of mission-specific rifle setups, and yeah, I get it, but I don’t have to worry about it because I’m fortunate to have been able to put together multiple mission-specific rifles, and I have options. My very favorite is that 11.5” SBR. But if I had to reduce my collection to just one, I’d probably keep the PA LVPO, and mount it on a 20” /A4 I have which currently sports carry handle sights, and ditch the others. That same optic on a 16” carbine also works well for GP use.

Return to “Why setting up your rifle based on the mission is wrong”