What optics for a 556 rifle?

[Beiruty]

My SIG 556 came with Iron sights and I added SIG Stoplite (Red laser/700-lumen white light/ Fore grip).
I did research online what optics to get and one very experienced real SWAT active member recommended:
1) For self-defense: Iron sights and white light.
2) For matches, low magnification 1-4X optics (which are pretty expensive too).

I don't anticipate to use my SIG 556 for hunting, for that I use my Tikka. I can see my self using my SIG 556 in rifle competition (IPSC 3-gun matches) and some range time at 50 and 100 yrds.
I want to keep my Iron sights installed and this will limit what optics I can install. A quick detach and 1-4X Illuminated Ret is most likely what can work.
What do you recommend?

[A-R]

For close range, fast action hard to beat an EoTech. Some will also say Aimpoint here. Both are great choices - comes down to personal preference, Ford vs. Chevy thing. I like EoTech because the "dot inside the donut" reticle as well as the wider glass and holographic design make it easier for me to pick up targets quickly with both eyes open.

For slightly longer range, a 4x Trijicon ACOG may be the best optic ever developed. Clear and precise and the reticles are bright and need no batteries.

Of course, all of the above are professional caliber devices costing $400 to upwards to $1500. But used EoTechs and Aimpoints can be found for $300 or less; used ACOGS for less than $700 if you find a good deal.

For something less expensive, I've been impressed with TruGlo's red dot options the few times I've shot them. Also like Millet - their 1-4x variable power red dot/donut reticle scope is better than it should be for only about $250. Nikon and Leupold also have good 1-4x scope options in the $300 price range. And the Burris FastFire ($200), while incredibly small, is a very nice red dot optic (have thought about placing one of these on a 45-degree offset mount to use as a backup to a rifle scope mounted atop my AR.

Please note, i'm an amateur at best when it comes to rifle/carbine shooting.

[mbw]

Eo-Tech, or if you can afford it, the ACOG.

[Weg]

Ditto on the Eotech, I have one on a flattop CAR-15 and love it.

[The Annoyed Man]

An EOTech or other high quality 1x red dot optic, plus a 3x magnifier on a flip-to-side mount.



My particular magnifier is also an EOTech, which is quite a bit more expensive than some of the cheap ones, but it is exceedingly well made and the glass is nice and clear. Further, the magnifier has windage and elevation adjustments which allow you to make sure that the holographic reticle of the sight is centered in the magnifier's field of view.

A good holographic sight allows you to easily shoot with both eyes open, so your situational is improved — a tactical consideration.

[RECIT]

Lots of folks don't think a 4x optic is enough to make hits at 100yds +. For me it is not a problem. I can make hits easily with irons pretty far out, but that is me. In the optics game I think you should include your price range in the opening question cause I have already read options from $150------->$1200 so please qualify the question with a TOP dollar amount you are willing to spend. Lots of good options in every price range just point us in the right direction.

[mrvmax]

I just bought a Nikon 1-4 power with a Burris PEPR mount for my Daniel Defense M4. You can aim dead on out to 200 yards and the variable power allows close up work. The PEPR comes with a picatinny rail for adding a small red dot or other optic for quick up close work. When I get my scope mounted and set up I'l take some pics.

[gigag04]

T-1 micro.

Or Acog + T-1.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

If you plan on a game gun set up, talk to your peers and check out their rigs. There are a lot of good options out there these days...

Some thoughts:

I started with irons (CAR-15 later the M4) at every range from close quarters, to the max effective range and beyond. Irons, namely the front sight post, are fine up close, and just as fast as the "dot sights". However, the "dot sights" start to take the lead in speed and accuracy when it comes to engaging percentage shots (read: head shots), and when the range starts to open up beyond say 10M or so. For a home defense rifle, I would have no qualms whatsoever sticking with irons, as most targets inside a typical home would be close enough to accurately engage them using the front sight post alone. Throw a good white light on the gun, and you are all set.

For the variety of ranges that may be common in 3-gun, I would want at LEAST a dot sight. 3-gun has a lot of targets that are just outside of the "modified" sight picture range, and would require the use of a traditional sight picture, which takes up time. The red dot could buy you a little more speed.

Ideally, I would set my game gun up with a red dot / magnified optic combo, and fortunately, there are some good set ups to meet this end. My two biggest beefs with dot sights are 1.) Require hold off at range 2.) Dot size can mask target at range. Both can be overcome and are minor annoyances, however, for longer rangers I prefer a dedicated cross hair optic with an appropriate ballistic reticle. I'm picky that way...

Red dot optics:

1. Aimpoint
-rugged, magnifier option available
-The biggest drawback IMO is that they only have ONE dot that can mask targets at range.

2. EOTECH
-rugged, magnifier option available
-Has a small dot surrounded by a larger circle. Small dot good for accuracy at range, doesn't mask target as much, large ring is easy to see for fast shooting up close. Win-win combination!

3. Schmidt and Bender
-1-4 power red dot scope with ballistic reticle.
-Excellent quality, but I find the longer tubed scopes to be a touch slower up close.

4. C-more
- Great for up close.
- Used extensively for pistols in USPSA, relatively cheap, and would make an awesome home defense optic.

Scopes with ballistic reticles:

1. ACOG
-4 power fixed scope with ballistic reticle.
-rugged, excellent quality, can be used at night, I love these things, but I'm biased as I've used one since 95'.
-Suck for up close work though...

2. Leupold
-Mark 4 MR/T comes in a variety of magnification options with ballistic reticles.
-Awesome quality! Pricey.

Both the ACOG and Leupold can be fitted with a variety of the newer tiny red dot sights, and this would be a good option for 3 gun as well. My rig currently has an ACOG with a J-point mounted on top, and this has worked well for me for pretty much everything I've needed.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[Reloader]

ACOG 3x with handle and factory iron sights with cross hair front sight in place of post.

[Beiruty]

Thanks for the info. This could be a FAQ. My budget for the optics is $500 or less. Later, I can sell it and upgrade. My plan is start with Iron sighrs for matches and use the laser/light for low light and home defense.

[rm9792]

What about the Nikon M223 Series? http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#nikon% ... -4_8-16-32

[mrvmax]

What about the Nikon M223 Series? http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#nikon% ... -4_8-16-32

Exactly what I bought, right in his price range (actually the price on Midway is high for the 1-4, I can get them for a bit less). Leupold has a similar model. If it wasn't so darn cold I could get to the range and try mine out.

[Beiruty]

nikon has new addition: http://www.opticstalk.com/nikon-m223-25 ... 27140.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[rm9792]

What about the Nikon M223 Series? http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#nikon% ... -4_8-16-32

Exactly what I bought, right in his price range (actually the price on Midway is high for the 1-4, I can get them for a bit less). Leupold has a similar model. If it wasn't so darn cold I could get to the range and try mine out.

Please do a range report. I am holding off because I want to find out if it will be accurate for a 10.5" barrrel.