Elcan SpecterDR anyone?

[Jeffu]

Hello CGN,

Been looking at the Elcan SpecterDR for a while and was wondering if Elcan owners can give me some opinions. It will only be used at shooting ranges from 200~600 yards. How's the glass/versatility/weight compare to Acog TA01nsn/Acog TA31F?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

[Jeffu]

bump

[Saigon1965]

Jeff - I had asked the same about 2/3 years ago - Search our DB here for some answers -

Bill Wiese has one - He loves it - Am still waiting to meet up with him one day to use it -

[Josh3239]

I have the older version and a used one at that. The price I paid was a steal. I did end up seeing the newer ones thanks to Dmitry at IAC. The only difference I noticed between my old and Dmitry's new one was that the reticle was slightly different. I preferred the new one's, it uses bubbles instead of notches for the longer distances. Also the glass was much nicer, not to say that mine isn't but the new ones were very nice.

According to the specs I looked up it is approxminately 3 times heavier than the standard ACOG TA31F. The Elcan is heavy and you'll feel the difference. IMO, compared to all the stuff people put on their rifles anyways what is the exta weight anyways. But the weight sure makes it a tank. The windage is a giant coin slot screw that I don't see walking anywhere and the elevation has a locking mechanism on it, plus it is under the optic making it even harder to be knocked off zero.

If you have a problem with ARMS you'll have to get past it with those optic. I have never had problems with ARMS (then again I don't have any interest in taking a hammer to their stuff so I can return it for free LaRue mounts like the popular crowd). The ARMS mount have stayed solid on mine and like I said, mine was bought used, so it has performed perfectly on atleast 2 rifles.

The 1x/4x throw lever is awesome and IMO the future of "combat" optics. It is underneath the optic so it snagging is less likely to happen though it does potrude a little bit so it isn't a struggle to switch magnification. I have heard the early versions had issues, the newer ones and my older one do not have problems. No doubt the best features on the Elcan.

Illumination is on a dial on the side. Clockwise turns turns the center dot red for daylight usage, counter clockwise turns the entire reticle (minus the center dot) on for low light usage. The more you turn it the brighter the dot is. I have heard plenty of talk about Aimpoints, EoTechs and other red dots not being bright enough. No problem here and should your battery ever die you still have that black reticle and the irons on top of the Elcan. The newer Elcans have holes on the top for mounting red dots similiar to the ACOG doctor style scopes.

That is all I can think of right now. I know MWG sells things like Killflashs and scope coats for the Elcan. If you got any questions feel free.

[Jeffu]

Thanks so much Josh!!! It sounds like it's got many attractive qualities but 3 times the weight of an Acog!!! Must be very solid.

[bruce_ventura]

The SpectreDR has a serious design compromise that you should be aware of. The exit pupil size is fixed at about 8 mm, which is OK but not great. Even in the 1X mode, when the exit pupil is the same size as the entrance pupil (as on any other 1X scope), the exit pupil is still 8 mm. That means the entrance pupil shrinks down to 8 mm in 1X mode, which is odd to say the least. To me that is a serious issue. One reason people buy a 1-4X scope is to have fast target acquisition and the having a big eyebox is part of that. You don't get a big eyebox with the SpectrDR.
Another issue is the external windage/elevation adjustments. They don't seem to hold a zero after lots of shots. Then there is the weight. I've heard first-hand that SOF who have been issued this sight leave it in the box back at the base.

[patriot_man]

The SpectreDR has a serious design compromise that you should be aware of. The exit pupil size is fixed at about 8 mm, which is OK but not great. Even in the 1X mode, when the exit pupil is the same size as the entrance pupil (as on any other 1X scope), the exit pupil is still 1X. That means the entrance pupil shrinks down to 8 mm in 1X mode, which is odd to say the least. To me that is a serious issue. One reason people buy a 1-4X scope is to have fast target acquisition and the having a big eyebox is part of that. You don't get a big eyebox with the SpectrDR.
Another issue is the external windage/elevation adjustments. They don't seem to hold a zero after lots of shots. Then there is the weight. I've heard first-hand that SOF who have been issued this sight leave it in the box back at the base.

This was due to not sighting in a 1x rather trying to sight in on both settings independently. Hopefully Jeffu can read manuals.

[Jeffu]

Thank you for the insight, I think the best way to find out is to find someone with one and borrow to try it out!

[Linkpimp]

Jeff I had the opportunity to shoot a SCAR with one installed 1.5-6x the other day

LOVED IT!.. I'm defiantly getting one.. It makes the ACOG look like an Eotech..

Here a link with a bunch of owners inputs, read up on what they say about it.. Most if not all LOVE IT..

$2300 is a lot of coin but DAM it is a NICE scope and works GREAT..

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=454478

You’re actually one of the few people I would lone it too to try out.. So lets hookup in a week or two and talk..

[pacrimguru]

i was interested in getting one, but weighing in all the pros and cons, i decided to just go for the s&b short dot.