Eotech vs. Reflex

[release]

Anyone here have recent experience with some of the new optics for the M4? I'd like to stay within the price range of the Eotech/Reflex. I know, the ACOGs are nice, but pricey. Thanks

[jts]

Not exactly sure of your question but I'll give you my thoughts on the different sights I use daily/and are issued to me.

When you say reflex, are you referring to Trijicon's tritium illuminated reflex sight? If so, it's not bad for what it is and not having batteries is nice but it's old technology and I'd spend my money elsewhere.

Having used the Eotech, it's not a bad sight either but I'm a fan of the Aimpoint for it's increased durability and battery life over the Eotech. But in general, many prefer the Eotech since they find the reticle to be "faster." Me personally, both are the same speed and when doing CQB. Unless it's a shot across the room, I'm not looking into my optics anyways. Both are similar in price so it's really operator preference with regard to the reticle IMO. Within the 100 yard envelope, the Eotech and Aimpoint are pretty good. Anything beyond that, I'd rather not take the shot.

I also am issued/use the ACOG in many of their different configurations. Overall, the ACOG is a pretty good medium range optic but not exactly ideal for CQB distances, although it can be used in that manner much to my surprise as I recently found out. But that's also again b/c I don't use my sights in the shoothouse unless it's a shot across the room so the magnification/parrallax issue are sort of moot, at least to me. It's pretty easy to hit at 500 yards or even greater with the ACOG's if that's what you're into.

Generally, what I do is run an Aimpoint most of the time and carry the ACOG in my kit for those times I'm static or setup somewhere and may need the magnification. Both are in Larue mounts. Or...you can spend $$$ and buy the Schmidt and Bender 1.1.-4x scope which is sort of the best of both worlds since it's an illuminated reticle with BDC (bullet drop compensator) that can be used at CQB distances on 1.1x or longer shots at 4x. Hope this helps.

[Group 9]

How are you liking the Larue mounts?

[Geronimo509]

I've used both the Aimpoint and ACOG while in the Army and would concur with JTS on his balanced assesment - right on the mark. Both are great, but usually serve a different purpose for different scenarios. Since these were provided, I never had to worry about cost factor, though.

[jts]

The Larue mounts are awesome. They hold zero and Mark is a great guy. A lot of Tier 1 type units utilize the Larue mounts. In general, money really isn't an issue for me either since I have a rich uncle but if I had to spend my own money, look at your mission profile and what you'll be doing most of. Me, it's usually close in work but while in the sandbox I like the magnification for target ID. I'd say 80% of the time the Aimpoint (or Eotech) do it for me. Larue also has a Peq2 mount which is great since I don't always have it mounted due to weight issues. All that cool guy crap on the rifle gets heavy over time. Just stay away from the cheaper optics like the C-more if it's for duty purposes. Haven't used one of the newer C-mores but the old ones weren't that great from my understanding.

[release]

Thx, the question was answered adequately. I'll take a look at the aimpoints also. Any particular model?

[jts]

Go to www.ar15.com and do a search under the AR15 forums. You'll find more than enough information from the armchair commandos and what not on their favorite optics, to include the Aimpoint and which model you should choose. I believe there are two basic models (excluding the 2 power version, which I do not recommend). One model allows you a nightvision setting and the other does not have it. Unless you plan on mounting it with a PVS14 and/or using your PEQ2 laser with it, go with the version without the NOD setting. I have that one and have no problems with it when I mount my PVS14 behind the Aimpoint and put it on lowest setting.