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Bear with me as this is my first review ever.
I recently acquired a Browe Combat Optics. I had some time to handle it test it around light and dark areas, I haven't had time to shoot with it yet. If anyone in Anaheim/Buena Park is interested in seeing it and testing it out PM me. I will go to Field Time Range next week to do some shooting and you're more than welcome to join.
My initial thought, The unboxing.
These No longer come in a nice Pelican box like they used to, and if I remember right the NEWer ACOGS do not either. The Browe Combat Optics comes in a small cheap plastic case with Foam. Inside you will get 1 lens pen, 1 surefire battery, 1 instruction manual, 1 warranty card (mine is used so no card), 1 Browe decal (yay).
The BCO
How does it feel?
The BCO feels very Solid and Light. This is because it is made of Titanium, possibly thinner thickness of material compare to the ACOG. Is is listed at 17 oz. just 1.1 oz Lighter than its main competitor the LED ACOG Ta-02. It is also 1.8 inches shorter than the Ta-02 (this is probably where it makes up its weight from). The BCO Has a textured NON Reflective finish. Compared to the ACOG, which has a smooth non reflective finish.
The BCO comes with an ARMs mount. which is Okay... its better than the ACOGs factory mount, but for 1400, It could have came with a LaRue mount, but you can always add that on for 100 dollars more.
Operations and How It Works
The BCO is Powered by a CR123 Lithium Battery. Battery Life is 2000 hours, or 775 hours on High. A bit weak compare to the ACOG (12000 hours). On the Back of the Battery Tube, it has a 5 pin port. According the BROWE this port used to Program the Brightness settings, Import Power (incase if your battery is Dead), Export power (incase if your accessories are dead) and Utilized a remote switch. So you can control the Optics on your rail without having to break your grip.
The Operations of this is VERY SIMPLE. 1 button controls everything, This is the SIC (single Intuitive Control), this can be found on the left side of the optic. The button has a nice click to it. Doesnt feel cheesy or cheap. From the off position, pressing the button once puts it in AUTO mode. What is Auto Mode? This Optic uses something called Target Light Sensor Technology. Which means it picks up the light at the target and adjusts the brightness of the reticle to match. So its Not too Bright and not too Dim. It will constantly do this as long as it is in auto mode. What if you don't want auto mode?
Pushing the button again will take it out of auto mode and bring it to its Highest setting. Continuing to push the button will cycle it through the 10 dimmer Day settings and the 3 night vision settings. Press and hold for 3 seconds and it turns off or don't move it for 2 hours. This is the auto shut off.
Mounting the Optics is breeze with the ARMs QD mount. It claims to have excellent Return To Zero. So no need to RE-Zero every time you take it off. Its a Decent mount none the less.
Windage and Elevation Adjustment adjustment screws are a bit disappointing. My TA11 has tool less knobs for ease of adjustments. Im not sure if the Newer Ta02 are the same. This requires a screwdriver or coin like most optics on the market. The caps for the windage and elevation adjustment are nice and solid. it has a tether to the optics, so you can't lose them.
The Point Of View.
The Glass on this thing is very clear. Its definitely on par with Trijicon, if not, a bit clearer around the edges.
The Field Of view is the same of a 4x32 ACOG. 7*.
The Eye Relief of this thing SUCKS. Not going to lie. After shooting a Ta11 for a while and getting spoiled by the generous eye relief of the ta11, I definitely remember why I dis-liked the Ta31 and the other 4x32 ACOGs. The BCO eye relief is 1.5 inches, just like the ACOG Ta02 and all 4x32 ACOGs. So if you have been using the 4x32 acogs, then this is no problem for you. If you wear glasses, you are about .75-1 inch away from the lens. How I hold my rifle the optic is mounted a tad bit further back. I guess no different from the 4x32 ACOGs.
The model I got uses a Green Chevron. You can get them in Red, Blue, and Amber. Like the ACOG it has a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), with the Stadia starting at 100 and ranging out to 800 meters.
Looking through the optic on auto mode, the first thing I wanted to do is see how well the Target Light Sensor works. I stood in my living room with the lights off, peaked into my back yard and you can see the Reticle brighten up. As I turned to my dark hallway the reticle dimmed just enough so you don't get blinded by the bright green chevron. Now standing in the back yard with some overcast peaking into my dark living room the optic Dims the Reticle perfectly to match the lighting in the living room, not the lighting around me.
Accessories:
The BCO doesn't come with any accessories (scopecoat...). You have to buy everything yourself. You can add a Kill Flash and Flip covers too it. For those who want to mount a RDS, they have a mounting clip that clamps to the optic to add a Doc rds or Rmr.
How I feel about this Optic?
I think its a great optic. Browe was definitely on to something when he designed this. Compare to the Ta02 (12000 hours). battery life sucks, but it is not a big deal to me. I don't mind spending 4-6 bucks a year to Change out batteries, the average shooter who uses this optic probably won't use it for more than 15-20 hours a week and you can find CR123 everywhere. Most of us have 20+ of them. The technology in this optic is worth the battery life trade off. Would I have bought the LED ACOG instead? No.. I wanted to step out of my bubble and try something new. So far I am liking this optic. The target light sensor technology is definitely worth it.
There will be people who has their doubt on the BCO, Mind you Browe DID oversee the design and operation of the ACOG. He took his experience and knowledge from his time at Trijicon and improved on them. I fully trust the electronics in this optics. I highly doubt its any Cheap Chinese electronics. If you are the type who fears an EMP strike. The Tritium ACOG is definitely for you. For the rest of us. As stated in another thread, Batteries are cheaper to replace than sending in you ACOG for fresh Tritium every 10-13 years. Unless the electronics fail... Then I'm not sure on the cost of new electronics. (I will find out and update you guys)
Warranty and customer service.
Everything is lifetime warranty EXCEPT the electronics. That only has a 2 year warranty. And this applies to the original owner.
I'm willing to bet that if BROWE offers a 4-5 year warranty on the electronics this will attract more interest into the BCO and BTO.
From what other people are saying their customer service department is lacking service. I have No experience on this part so I can't say anything. And hopefully I won't have to call customer service at all.
Rumor has it they will be releasing a 3.5x35 version at SHOT. It will compete with the Ta-11. I'm pretty excited for that.
If Aluminum isnt a big deal to you. The Aluminum version just came out and is on sale for 875... http://www.browe-inc.com/categories/...tory-Special-/
I recently acquired a Browe Combat Optics. I had some time to handle it test it around light and dark areas, I haven't had time to shoot with it yet. If anyone in Anaheim/Buena Park is interested in seeing it and testing it out PM me. I will go to Field Time Range next week to do some shooting and you're more than welcome to join.
My initial thought, The unboxing.
These No longer come in a nice Pelican box like they used to, and if I remember right the NEWer ACOGS do not either. The Browe Combat Optics comes in a small cheap plastic case with Foam. Inside you will get 1 lens pen, 1 surefire battery, 1 instruction manual, 1 warranty card (mine is used so no card), 1 Browe decal (yay).
The BCO
How does it feel?
The BCO feels very Solid and Light. This is because it is made of Titanium, possibly thinner thickness of material compare to the ACOG. Is is listed at 17 oz. just 1.1 oz Lighter than its main competitor the LED ACOG Ta-02. It is also 1.8 inches shorter than the Ta-02 (this is probably where it makes up its weight from). The BCO Has a textured NON Reflective finish. Compared to the ACOG, which has a smooth non reflective finish.
The BCO comes with an ARMs mount. which is Okay... its better than the ACOGs factory mount, but for 1400, It could have came with a LaRue mount, but you can always add that on for 100 dollars more.
Operations and How It Works
The BCO is Powered by a CR123 Lithium Battery. Battery Life is 2000 hours, or 775 hours on High. A bit weak compare to the ACOG (12000 hours). On the Back of the Battery Tube, it has a 5 pin port. According the BROWE this port used to Program the Brightness settings, Import Power (incase if your battery is Dead), Export power (incase if your accessories are dead) and Utilized a remote switch. So you can control the Optics on your rail without having to break your grip.
The Operations of this is VERY SIMPLE. 1 button controls everything, This is the SIC (single Intuitive Control), this can be found on the left side of the optic. The button has a nice click to it. Doesnt feel cheesy or cheap. From the off position, pressing the button once puts it in AUTO mode. What is Auto Mode? This Optic uses something called Target Light Sensor Technology. Which means it picks up the light at the target and adjusts the brightness of the reticle to match. So its Not too Bright and not too Dim. It will constantly do this as long as it is in auto mode. What if you don't want auto mode?
Pushing the button again will take it out of auto mode and bring it to its Highest setting. Continuing to push the button will cycle it through the 10 dimmer Day settings and the 3 night vision settings. Press and hold for 3 seconds and it turns off or don't move it for 2 hours. This is the auto shut off.
Mounting the Optics is breeze with the ARMs QD mount. It claims to have excellent Return To Zero. So no need to RE-Zero every time you take it off. Its a Decent mount none the less.
Windage and Elevation Adjustment adjustment screws are a bit disappointing. My TA11 has tool less knobs for ease of adjustments. Im not sure if the Newer Ta02 are the same. This requires a screwdriver or coin like most optics on the market. The caps for the windage and elevation adjustment are nice and solid. it has a tether to the optics, so you can't lose them.
The Point Of View.
The Glass on this thing is very clear. Its definitely on par with Trijicon, if not, a bit clearer around the edges.
The Field Of view is the same of a 4x32 ACOG. 7*.
The Eye Relief of this thing SUCKS. Not going to lie. After shooting a Ta11 for a while and getting spoiled by the generous eye relief of the ta11, I definitely remember why I dis-liked the Ta31 and the other 4x32 ACOGs. The BCO eye relief is 1.5 inches, just like the ACOG Ta02 and all 4x32 ACOGs. So if you have been using the 4x32 acogs, then this is no problem for you. If you wear glasses, you are about .75-1 inch away from the lens. How I hold my rifle the optic is mounted a tad bit further back. I guess no different from the 4x32 ACOGs.
The model I got uses a Green Chevron. You can get them in Red, Blue, and Amber. Like the ACOG it has a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator), with the Stadia starting at 100 and ranging out to 800 meters.
Looking through the optic on auto mode, the first thing I wanted to do is see how well the Target Light Sensor works. I stood in my living room with the lights off, peaked into my back yard and you can see the Reticle brighten up. As I turned to my dark hallway the reticle dimmed just enough so you don't get blinded by the bright green chevron. Now standing in the back yard with some overcast peaking into my dark living room the optic Dims the Reticle perfectly to match the lighting in the living room, not the lighting around me.
Accessories:
The BCO doesn't come with any accessories (scopecoat...). You have to buy everything yourself. You can add a Kill Flash and Flip covers too it. For those who want to mount a RDS, they have a mounting clip that clamps to the optic to add a Doc rds or Rmr.
How I feel about this Optic?
I think its a great optic. Browe was definitely on to something when he designed this. Compare to the Ta02 (12000 hours). battery life sucks, but it is not a big deal to me. I don't mind spending 4-6 bucks a year to Change out batteries, the average shooter who uses this optic probably won't use it for more than 15-20 hours a week and you can find CR123 everywhere. Most of us have 20+ of them. The technology in this optic is worth the battery life trade off. Would I have bought the LED ACOG instead? No.. I wanted to step out of my bubble and try something new. So far I am liking this optic. The target light sensor technology is definitely worth it.
There will be people who has their doubt on the BCO, Mind you Browe DID oversee the design and operation of the ACOG. He took his experience and knowledge from his time at Trijicon and improved on them. I fully trust the electronics in this optics. I highly doubt its any Cheap Chinese electronics. If you are the type who fears an EMP strike. The Tritium ACOG is definitely for you. For the rest of us. As stated in another thread, Batteries are cheaper to replace than sending in you ACOG for fresh Tritium every 10-13 years. Unless the electronics fail... Then I'm not sure on the cost of new electronics. (I will find out and update you guys)
Warranty and customer service.
Everything is lifetime warranty EXCEPT the electronics. That only has a 2 year warranty. And this applies to the original owner.
I'm willing to bet that if BROWE offers a 4-5 year warranty on the electronics this will attract more interest into the BCO and BTO.
From what other people are saying their customer service department is lacking service. I have No experience on this part so I can't say anything. And hopefully I won't have to call customer service at all.
Rumor has it they will be releasing a 3.5x35 version at SHOT. It will compete with the Ta-11. I'm pretty excited for that.
If Aluminum isnt a big deal to you. The Aluminum version just came out and is on sale for 875... http://www.browe-inc.com/categories/...tory-Special-/
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