ACOG equivalent options for less...

[Prowler]

Who makes a decent ACOG-style optic for less, that's reliable? I want to use it on my fixed carry handle AR for possible 3-gun, as well as an all purpose shooter. I just sold my JP rifle and want to still be able to 3-gun...for less money! Something in the 3-5 power range...

[Mr. Meeseeks]

Primary Arms 3x Compact but it's out of stock and there are the Burris AR536 5x or AR332 3x.

I don't have any experience with any of these, but just in the links I posted there are several reviews.

[SuperSet]

For 3-gun, you could get a Burris TAC-30/MTAC for around $400, which will lend you variable scope power from 1-4x with a usable BDC.

[HK Dave]

Frankly, i've never seen anything that comes close to an ACOG TA31 style optic. The field of view, clarity and ease of use is un-paralleled for that type of optic.

I've tried variable 1-4 optics, cheaper fixed optics... nothing comes close.

I think it has to do with how they designed your eye relief on that particular ACOG and how it creates a huge field of view.

I say, if you want an ACOG, get it.

[Prowler]

Thanks for all of your replies. Much appreciated.

[goodlookin1]

Bout the only thing like an ACOG is a fixed 4x Elcan. These two scopes are really in a league of their own. Everything else is an imitation without the robustness or glass clarity. Not to say that some of those wont work for you, but they really aren't that close to an ACOG, in my opinion.

Trijicon is the only one that doesn't require batteries and has dual illumination (on most models). It's pretty unique. Elcan is unique because it has (on the more expensive model) a 1x and a 4x switch. It also has an illuminated crosshair AND a red dot that is daylight bright.....although it does require batteries. It also sports Leica glass, which if you know anything about cameras or high quality optics, it is about the best you can get.

Burris, Leupold, Primary Arms, random knock offs, and some others I am sure, are the comparable brands that make something close. Depending on your needs/wants, they could work for you. Personally, I'd be looking for a 1-4/6x over the lower end options. Great bang for your buck with a Vortex PST! Otherwise, save up for an ACOG or Elcan

EDIT: Just re-read your post and noticed you have a fixed carry handle. I could be wrong, but an ACOG might be the only option for a carry handle. The Burris AR-332 might work as well. You could also mount a picatinny rail to the top and put whatever you want up there. Just know that it is going to give you a really high cheek/chin weld that is not optimal.

[Mikelarry]

The Primary Arms 5x coming soon is the closes thing to an Acog but in many way has a far superior reticule ranging height and width. Wind marks and leads. My USMC friend swear its got the best combat sighting system to date. I have been waiting for this thing for months!!
I own the 3X and its ok but lacks ranging and other features.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=615765

[ambrown307]

I just picked up this sight and have been really happy with it so far:

http://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Optic-Green-sighting-system/dp/B004MX3MYC/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1359615474&sr=8-13&keywords=red+dot+sight

Gets great reviews too.

[GeoffLinder]

I just picked up this sight and have been really happy with it so far:

http://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Optic-Green-sighting-system/dp/B004MX3MYC/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1359615474&sr=8-13&keywords=red+dot+sight

Gets great reviews too.

An ACOG knockoff for $90, I don't think so. No way it is as good. Have you compared the visual quality with a real ACOG?

[goodlookin1]

An ACOG knockoff for $90, I don't think so. No way it is as good. Have you compared the visual quality with a real ACOG?

Curious if it acts like a real red dot sight with a dot that moves around with a changing head position, or if it acts like a scope where the reticle is etched in place.....

Either way, it aint no ACOG just because it has a fiber tube....

[ambrown307]

Curious if it acts like a real red dot sight with a dot that moves around with a changing head position, or if it acts like a scope where the reticle is etched in place.....

Either way, it aint no ACOG just because it has a fiber tube....

The dot acts like a scope where the reticle is etched into place. Of coarse it's no ACOG at 5% of the price. But remember, the OP asked "Who makes a decent ACOG-style optic for less, that's reliable?" In the couple hundred rounds I have put through, it has held up to the task nicely. Sure beats just using BUIS, haha!

[Packy14]

The Primary Arms 5x coming soon is the closes thing to an Acog but in many way has a far superior reticule ranging height and width. Wind marks and leads. My USMC friend swear its got the best combat sighting system to date. I have been waiting for this thing for months!!
I own the 3X and its ok but lacks ranging and other features.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=615765

End of the day it's a Chinese toy. You get what you pay for.

[goodlookin1]

End of the day it's a Chinese toy. You get what you pay for.

This has been my experience for every clone/chinese/japanese knockoff I have ever used. I wasted a few hundred on cheap stuff hoping for a diamond in the rough. Finally, I had had enough. Went with Eotech (which was great, but wanted magnification, then ACOGs.

Havent looked back.

[Mikelarry]

End of the day it's a Chinese toy. You get what you pay for.

I shoot a lot and my PA3X has never lost zero. The burris version goes for about $400. This scope accounts for wind and ranging. My PA 3X is no toy.

[Packy14]

I shoot a lot and my PA3X has never lost zero. The burris version goes for about $400. This scope accounts for wind and ranging. My PA 3X is no toy.

To each his own. I might put one on a ar22 but I'd never rock it on a rifle that my life might depend on. Same for eotech, batteries fail and so does circuitry. Like I said, to each his own. I trust my trijicon stuff.. Expensive but not overpriced.