User Panel
Posted: 10/6/2016 9:05:52 AM EDT
There seems to be three options right now that are the most popular. ACOG, Elcan, or a Nightforce. I picked the 17S up to be my primary "go to" rifle, but also live on 15 acres and would like to use it for hunting and punching paper out to 300m, maybe 500m if I do some brush clearing.
Can someone please list the pros and cons of all mentioned, or assist me into making the correct choice? Out of all three listed, I've only shot with an ACOG, that is on my M4 with the military. I like the ACOG, but dislike it's fixed magnification. Top mounted RDS might be a solution to that. Nightforce is a true scope, but I'd have to run an angled RDS off the side of it. Elcan, I like the 1-4x lever comsept, but an ACOG with an RDS seems kinda the same. Keeping weight down is always key too. So what ya all think? |
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[#2]
The SCAR is like self-serve frozen yogurt.
You buy it and then put every possible thing you can find in sight on it to totally bury it beneath all the garbage. I also feel like every Asian's dream gun is a tan SCAR. I also feel like every person in the SCAR FB page thinks/acts like the SCAR is the most-expensive (and elite) gun out there. I'm not buying a SCAR. View Quote i saw this earlier this morning and died laughing.... thought I would share. |
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[#3]
One omission in your big 3 is the Vortex Razor HD 1-6x.
For your intended purpose, it is darn near perfect. I have it on my 17 and it covers 0-400m with ease. If you go ACOG, most are happier with the 3.5x version to gain the eye relief at the cost of a small amount of magnification. I dislike the top mounted RDS, I have given it a shot many times but end up trashing the whole idea due to the difficulty in getting a predictable chin/cheek weld. The weight of the Vortex Razor 1-6 is often cited as a detractor but quite frankly, it is overblown. I have one on a lightweight AR as well and it does not upset the balance of the rifle at all. The versatility and robust construction more than makes up for the weight. |
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[#4]
I'm planning on an Elcan when I get my SCAR17 next year. My SCAR16 currently sports a Aimpoint PRO.
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[#5]
I like to keep mine as light as possible. T1 on one and ta11e on the other.
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[#6]
I intend to one day get an ACOG for my 17, mainly due to the simplicity. If needed (the Bindon Aiming Concept didn't work for me when I looked through one at a gun store, but may with some practice) I would put a 45 deg offset irons or a mini Aimpoint for close/quick.
You mention Nightforce, but not specifics. Nightforce does make a 1-4x variable optic so you wouldn't "have to run an angled RDS" |
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[#7]
The TA-11 fits the rifle perfectly, but it is such a flexible rifle that a flexible optic like a 1-6 would work well as well.
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[#8]
Quoted:
I intend to one day get an ACOG for my 17, mainly due to the simplicity. If needed (the Bindon Aiming Concept didn't work for me when I looked through one at a gun store, but may with some practice) I would put a 45 deg offset irons or a mini Aimpoint for close/quick. You mention Nightforce, but not specifics. Nightforce does make a 1-4x variable optic so you wouldn't "have to run an angled RDS" View Quote Damn, that scope coupled with the FC-3G reticle looks like it was made with the OP in mind. |
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[#10]
Quoted:
<a href="http://s953.photobucket.com/user/tejasmtb_photo/media/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae18/tejasmtb_photo/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg</a> View Quote lol I love it how the Elcan crowd is just like the "stfu. marvel at my $2250 optic, on top of my $3400 rifle, need I say more?" |
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[#11]
Quoted:
lol I love it how the Elcan crowd is just like the "stfu. marvel at my $2250 optic, on top of my $3400 rifle, need I say more?" View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
<a href="http://s953.photobucket.com/user/tejasmtb_photo/media/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae18/tejasmtb_photo/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg</a> lol I love it how the Elcan crowd is just like the "stfu. marvel at my $2250 optic, on top of my $3400 rifle, need I say more?" You asked and I replied. It's one of the optics you are considering for a reason. It solves the need for an awkward offset red dot, you have two power options which is what you'd be using even if you got an LPVO like a 1-6/8x, and it has a great reticle with day time usable illumination and the glass is great. Don't pay full price for an Elcan, I got that one LNIB for $1600, shop around and watch the EE. If I had to pick a second choice it'd likely be the Vortex Razor 1-6x. Good luck with your decision. |
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[#12]
Quoted:
You asked and I replied. It's one of the optics you are considering for a reason. It solves the need for an awkward offset red dot, you have two power options which is what you'd be using even if you got an LPVO like a 1-6/8x, and it has a great reticle with day time usable illumination and the glass is great. Don't pay full price for an Elcan, I got that one LNIB for $1600, shop around and watch the EE. If I had to pick a second choice it'd likely be the Vortex Razor 1-6x. Good luck with your decision. View Quote How much does the sighting on the Elcan change when you throw the magnification lever forward and are shooting at 500m targets; still accurate? My current thoughts are maybe going with a US Optics MR-10, it's 1.8x10 magnification, so you can use it in a DMR role. |
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[#13]
Looks like it is wearing a "boot".
That's the hardest part for me to get over. Quoted:
<a href="http://s953.photobucket.com/user/tejasmtb_photo/media/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae18/tejasmtb_photo/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg</a> View Quote |
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[#14]
Quoted:
Looks like it is wearing a "boot". That's the hardest part for me to get over. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Looks like it is wearing a "boot". That's the hardest part for me to get over. Quoted:
<a href="http://s953.photobucket.com/user/tejasmtb_photo/media/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae18/tejasmtb_photo/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg</a> I agree but the acr stock option has had its own share of issues so the one stock is still the best option. |
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[#15]
Quoted:
How much does the sighting on the Elcan change when you throw the magnification lever forward and are shooting at 500m targets; still accurate? My current thoughts are maybe going with a US Optics MR-10, it's 1.8x10 magnification, so you can use it in a DMR role. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
You asked and I replied. It's one of the optics you are considering for a reason. It solves the need for an awkward offset red dot, you have two power options which is what you'd be using even if you got an LPVO like a 1-6/8x, and it has a great reticle with day time usable illumination and the glass is great. Don't pay full price for an Elcan, I got that one LNIB for $1600, shop around and watch the EE. If I had to pick a second choice it'd likely be the Vortex Razor 1-6x. Good luck with your decision. How much does the sighting on the Elcan change when you throw the magnification lever forward and are shooting at 500m targets; still accurate? My current thoughts are maybe going with a US Optics MR-10, it's 1.8x10 magnification, so you can use it in a DMR role. No problems with shift. I'm a fan of USO stuff and that new optic is a good choice, only drawback is that they are heavy optics. I had the SR8C on mine previously. |
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[#16]
Quoted:
One omission in your big 3 is the Vortex Razor HD 1-6x. For your intended purpose, it is darn near perfect. I have it on my 17 and it covers 0-400m with ease. If you go ACOG, most are happier with the 3.5x version to gain the eye relief at the cost of a small amount of magnification. I dislike the top mounted RDS, I have given it a shot many times but end up trashing the whole idea due to the difficulty in getting a predictable chin/cheek weld. The weight of the Vortex Razor 1-6 is often cited as a detractor but quite frankly, it is overblown. I have one on a lightweight AR as well and it does not upset the balance of the rifle at all. The versatility and robust construction more than makes up for the weight. View Quote I may put the razor on mine. I think the reticle on the NF will be to small for cqb on 1x power? If I can get a ta31nsn in 308 I may go that route. I kinda like my scar bare bones now as it keeps its greatest feature...it's low weight. |
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[#17]
Quoted:
I agree but the acr stock option has had its own share of issues so the one stock is still the best option. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Looks like it is wearing a "boot". That's the hardest part for me to get over. Quoted:
<a href="http://s953.photobucket.com/user/tejasmtb_photo/media/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae18/tejasmtb_photo/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg</a> I agree but the acr stock option has had its own share of issues so the one stock is still the best option. What issues? I have one on mine. Anything I should look for/prepare for. |
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[#18]
I liked my Elcan in Afghanistan. If it was my SCAR I would probably go Razor 1-6 or perhaps try a Sig 2-12. |
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[#19]
If you get the Elcan, go 1.5-6x. I had the 1-4X on my Block II rifle for a while. Loved it except for eye relief. Other than that it was a tank that held zero between both magnification settings.
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[#20]
Quoted:
No problems with shift. I'm a fan of USO stuff and that new optic is a good choice, only drawback is that they are heavy optics. I had the SR8C on mine previously. View Quote The issue I see with weight is a lot of us, now as civilians, are putting military grade optics on our rifles. The housing on those are designed to be banged around the inside of a stryker, or beaten against concrete. Due to the ruggidized nature of Elcans, ACOGs, even my suggestion of US Optics, it's costing us in weight. 20oz max I think should be our goal, below a pound at 16oz would be ideal. |
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[#21]
Honestly, my main SCAR wears a NF 2.5-10x42 99% of the time. If I want a close range optic I have a Trijicon TriPower already zeroed in a Seekins ring ready to put on, only takes a minute to change out optics and I use Seekins rings on both optics.
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[#22]
Quoted:
The issue I see with weight is a lot of us, now as civilians, are putting military grade optics on our rifles. The housing on those are designed to be banged around the inside of a stryker, or beaten against concrete. Due to the ruggidized nature of Elcans, ACOGs, even my suggestion of US Optics, it's costing us in weight. 20oz max I think should be our goal, below a pound at 16oz would be ideal. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
No problems with shift. I'm a fan of USO stuff and that new optic is a good choice, only drawback is that they are heavy optics. I had the SR8C on mine previously. The issue I see with weight is a lot of us, now as civilians, are putting military grade optics on our rifles. The housing on those are designed to be banged around the inside of a stryker, or beaten against concrete. Due to the ruggidized nature of Elcans, ACOGs, even my suggestion of US Optics, it's costing us in weight. 20oz max I think should be our goal, below a pound at 16oz would be ideal. I agree, I am no longer humping it for a living so the age old adage of ounces equals pounds rings even louder haha. The Leupy Mk6 1-6x is a nice FFP optic and it weighs in at 17oz and can be had all day for $1500, definitely take a look at that. |
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[#23]
Quoted:
What issues? I have one on mine. Anything I should look for/prepare for. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Looks like it is wearing a "boot". That's the hardest part for me to get over. Quoted:
<a href="http://s953.photobucket.com/user/tejasmtb_photo/media/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i953.photobucket.com/albums/ae18/tejasmtb_photo/3B9E96B7-DE6D-490B-B585-2E1D34F2899B_zpsonh6uvpi.jpg</a> I agree but the acr stock option has had its own share of issues so the one stock is still the best option. What issues? I have one on mine. Anything I should look for/prepare for. You'd be better served reading about them over on the FNForum than to hear it third party from myself. I do think they look a hell of a lot better, if that matters. |
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[#25]
I currently have a TA 11 on mine, but have looked hard at the Kahles 1-6 x24 and am giving that a lot of consideration...
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[#26]
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[#29]
Quoted:
The issue I see with weight is a lot of us, now as civilians, are putting military grade optics on our rifles. The housing on those are designed to be banged around the inside of a stryker, or beaten against concrete. Due to the ruggidized nature of Elcans, ACOGs, even my suggestion of US Optics, it's costing us in weight. 20oz max I think should be our goal, below a pound at 16oz would be ideal. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
No problems with shift. I'm a fan of USO stuff and that new optic is a good choice, only drawback is that they are heavy optics. I had the SR8C on mine previously. The issue I see with weight is a lot of us, now as civilians, are putting military grade optics on our rifles. The housing on those are designed to be banged around the inside of a stryker, or beaten against concrete. Due to the ruggidized nature of Elcans, ACOGs, even my suggestion of US Optics, it's costing us in weight. 20oz max I think should be our goal, below a pound at 16oz would be ideal. Got a TA-01B on a Bobro QD mount = 13.5oz Acogs don't have to be heavy. |
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[#31]
Looks nice but 6x can't take this rifle to its true accuracy potential. Just my opinion.
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[#32]
Quoted:
Looks nice but 6x can't take this rifle to its true accuracy potential. Just my opinion. View Quote Agree, but 6x is still better than the vast majority of 4x ACOGs and Elcans people are running on it. At least the Vudu gives a mil dot reticle to make adjustments from, and you're not going off elevation drop indicators. |
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[#33]
I really like the concept of a 2-12. Let's you run pretty much as fast as a red dot while zooming all the way up to 12x.
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[#34]
Quoted:
I really like the concept of a 2-12. Let's you run pretty much as fast as a red dot while zooming all the way up to 12x. View Quote I agree. I think Trijicons new Accupoint 2.5-12.5x42 might be the perfect ticket for the rifle. If I didn't have my NF already I'd be looking hard at that optic. |
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[#35]
Quoted:
Looking into either an EOTech Vudu 2.5-10x44mm or 1-6x24 actually now. The 2.5-10 has a larger objective lens, less weight, and $1000 less expensive than the US Optics MR10, or the NF ATACR F1 in that same class of scope. I would have probably been sold on the Leupold VX R Patrol, but it's second focal plane scope. It boggles my mind how first focal plane is not yet an industry standard for the tactical scope realm, due to the ease to range estimate targets all the way through the magnification level. Image below is of the EOTech Vudu 1-6. It's the holographic sight of the 512, but if you zoom into 6x, because it's first focal plane, it goes into an illuminated mil dot reticle. So look at the image below, you can kinda make out the mil dot reticle in the center, now imaging that mil dot reticle being blown up 6x larger when fully zoomed in. That feature is sick. You can use a 17S as an combat assault rifle, or switch over to a DMR role with the twist of a nob. I think this could be a new standard for 17S optics. http://blog.gunlink.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/IMG_6500.jpg View Quote The vudu seems promising. Can't wait to hear some real world feedback on it. |
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[#37]
Quoted:
OP, they are all great optic choices. I'm not going to say the ACOG is best just because it's what I went with..but it is a pretty nice and robust set up. Just think about how you see yourself using the rifle for which ever scenario you see fit. I wanted my 17 to be more of a battle rifle / DMR type gun.. not a long range precision rifle. The ACOG fit that role for me. The Elcan and Nightforce are just as nice. <a href="https://flic.kr/p/MymWPn" target="_blank">https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5602/29902269075_458a692a21_b.jpg</a> <a href="https://flic.kr/p/LB1afK" target="_blank">https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5790/29275806283_49fce1e79a_b.jpg</a> View Quote No issue with the ACOG, it's my prefered optic on my military M4, between an Eotech 512 and an Aimpoint M4 Comp for what our armory has to offer. I am just now thinking that the 1-6 Vudu can give you best of both worlds. An Eotech sight circle for easy 1x magnification shots, but be able to throw the lever up to 6x, for a little more accuracte distance hits. It's basically the same as that Elcan 1-6, but half the cost, less weight, and I think the reticle is a little more friendly in the 1x roll, and I'd prefer a mil dot for 6x instead. Thats just me. I never picture us using our 17Ss as a precision rifle, while capable, I think all of us agree to still have it designed for those <100m shots |
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[#38]
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[#39]
Quoted:
I agree. I think Trijicons new Accupoint 2.5-12.5x42 might be the perfect ticket for the rifle. If I didn't have my NF already I'd be looking hard at that optic. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I really like the concept of a 2-12. Let's you run pretty much as fast as a red dot while zooming all the way up to 12x. I agree. I think Trijicons new Accupoint 2.5-12.5x42 might be the perfect ticket for the rifle. If I didn't have my NF already I'd be looking hard at that optic. I'm currently running a primary arms dmr variable scope on my 1u (I keep buying more guns instead of optics.) The accupoint is on my short list when I finally get my guns bought. That being said, that cheap pa is great. |
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[#40]
Kahles K16i or TA11. It may take some practice to learn to shoot with both eyes open but the benefits are worth it. Plus having both eyes open reduces strain in the eyes.
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[#41]
OP look into the Nikon M-308.
I dropped an M-308 4-16x42 w/ BDC 800 on mine with a Wilson Combat elevated quick detach mount and couldn't be happier. 300-600 yd shots? No problem. Holds zero after hundreds of shots even with the crappy PWS brake (since removed). The Wilson mount also clears the original BUIS and can be removed in 5 seconds without tools. $650 and 27 Oz total added weight (19 Oz Scope, 8 Oz mount) Nikon M-308 4-16x42mm w/ 800 BDC http://shopwilsoncombat.com/mobile/Accu-Rizer-Scope-Mount-1-Rings/productinfo/TR-ARMOUNT/ Here's some older photos (w/ Moonboot and PWS): |
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