red dot+3x vs 3.5x35 vs 4x32

[hks619]

Im stuck on what to do and would like some input. my current setup on my 223 AR15 is aimpoint red dot with 3x magnifier and looking for a trijicon ACOG with more magnification. would there be a noticeable difference between 3x aimpoint and 3.5 acog and how about 4x32 acog. I would without a doubt get the 4x32 but the eye relief has me hesitant and not sure if the 3.5 would be worth the change.

TIY

[Omega13device]

Depends on what you're doing with it. The Aimpoint and 3x (on a flip mount) are hard to beat for carbine classes, not so great for shooting tiny groups. An ACOG would be better if you're shooting groups on the square range, but not ideal for classes due to the eye relief.

[hks619]

sorry forgot to mention I mostly shoot on bipod out 200 to 300 yards. just wondering if there would be a noticeable difference between 3x vs 3.5x or 4x

[MrPlink]

Get a more traditional scope then

[G21Shooter]

sorry forgot to mention I mostly shoot on bipod out 200 to 300 yards. just wondering if there would be a noticeable difference between 3x vs 3.5x or 4x

I would recommend a more traditional scope for that type of shooting, like a 3-9 or 4-14.

I tried a 3x ACOG and it sucked for short range and it's minimal magnification sucked for long rang, so I went back to Aimpoint on my carbine.

You need at least two ARs one setup with a Aimpoint for short range, and one setup for long range with a nice scope.

[CWDraco]

guys in the optics section could help more, not everyone comes to this board.

[goodlookin1]

Being that I have gone from Eotech, to Eotech with 3x mag, to 1-4x24, to ACOG, to ACOG with red dot on top, I feel I have some experience in the matter

Personally, I think the 3x is a waste of time. You get extremely low FOV, decreased quality glass due to looking through more panes of glass (gets dimmer), monoculars have very short eye relief for some reason, and the FTS mounts with magnifier seems to add quite a bit of weight. Add up all that with the fact that, for me, it added ZERO benefit. It did not give me any more accuracy than the 1 MOA dot gave me. I could hit everything with the Eotech alone, and adding the magnifier didnt increase my hit potential or increase my distance.

Having said that, having a dedicated scope at 4x with super clean glass, no batteries, BDC, etc, really does help reach out quite a bit farther. Not quite as fast in CQB for me, but I now have the RMR on top, so its just as fast now as with the eotech. I have both the TA31 and the TA11. TA11 is on my 308 because it has better eye relief. It is definitely bigger, and I generally prefer it more due to it's versatility, but I still have a soft spot for my TA31 as well. The 3.5x vs 4x is not going to be much of a difference that matters....its more about the eye relief and size of the scope. Try before you buy and make sure you get the right one.

Check out my review on the TA31 vs TA11 vs TA33: http://www.firearmreviews.net/acog-comparison/

[hks619]

^ yes I have read your review over and over and still cannot decide. thank you by the way, great review. my thought is I may as well go up to 4x from 3x if I'm going to be changing at all but that eye relief is what scares me. sucks I dont have access to acogs to try before buy. i'm still leaning to the ta31. also they should make a flip to side mount for acogs. hahahaaaa

[goodlookin1]

Hahaha, well thanks. Any questions that I did not cover in the review? And where do you live? I can show you both firsthand if you're ever in the Sacramento area...

[hks619]

thanks for the offer but im on opposite side of california.