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Posted: 3/9/2026 7:42:52 PM EDT
| I’m finishing up a 12.5 build but I’m hung up on optic choices. I have a spare T2 and 3x magnifier a NX8 and TA11 acog. Realistically I figure this will be a 50-300 yard rifle for the most part. What is everyone using on your 12.5? I’m a visual person so pics help. |
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This might be an unpopular take, but I'd throw the nx8 on there. Is it overkill? Probably. But I have an LPVO on an 11.5" and it's become one of my favorite setups. Allows you to peak out a good bit while being able to turn it way down for close up. Plus with a can it just looks right. Haha. But seriously, it's become my go-to travel gun. Very versatile. |
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I have a PLX-C on my 12.5, but for 50-300, honestly any of those would work for you IMO. Attached File |
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Originally Posted By MallNinja531: This might be an unpopular take, but I'd throw the nx8 on there. Is it overkill? Probably. But I have an LPVO on an 11.5" and it's become one of my favorite setups. Allows you to peak out a good bit while being able to turn it way down for close up. Plus with a can it just looks right. Haha. But seriously, it's become my go-to travel gun. Very versatile. 
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Maybe the only configuration not discussed is the TA11 and Offset Dot? It would leave space for a thermal clip on and still NVG well with a PVS14. I don't like that unless you can get a decent trued solution with the ta11 to 400 or 500. Otherwise the NX8 gets my vote. Would be a good daytime and useful night time gun without adding a dot for passive aiming. |
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On my 12.5s I’ve tried: NX8, Elcan, VCOG, TR25, various red dot magnifiers I’ve settled on NX8 for one upper and red dot magnifier for the other. One for HD/close focus and one for general purpose. For 12.5 I think the NX8 or Elcan makes more sense and the red dots make more sense on shorter guns but I don’t have anything shorter anymore. Attached File |
| I have three 12.5s, two wear a P4Xi in a 1.93” NF ultramount, the third has an Eotech. So…[shrug] |
“Necessary? Is it necessary for me to drink my own urine? No, but I do it anyway because it’s sterile and I like the taste.” -Patches O’Houlihan
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Originally Posted By JoeDevola: In my view, perfection for a 12.5 would be a low power prism, 2.5x-3x. A PA 3x is what I'd go for. The PA 3x w/an offset red dot is what I have on my 12.5" It's my lightweight build. 4 lbs before optic & can I am doing an 11.5" soon and likely putting the Vortex Spitfire 3x on that once the cantilever mount I'm looking at is back in stock. |
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Originally Posted By RacingOrange: The PA 3x w/an offset red dot is what I have on my 12.5" It's my lightweight build. 4 lbs before optic & can I am doing an 11.5" soon and likely putting the Vortex Spitfire 3x on that once the cantilever mount I'm looking at is back in stock. Originally Posted By RacingOrange: Originally Posted By JoeDevola: In my view, perfection for a 12.5 would be a low power prism, 2.5x-3x. A PA 3x is what I'd go for. The PA 3x w/an offset red dot is what I have on my 12.5" It's my lightweight build. 4 lbs before optic & can I am doing an 11.5" soon and likely putting the Vortex Spitfire 3x on that once the cantilever mount I'm looking at is back in stock. I have one of those Vortex Spitfire 3x, gen II, on a rifle, love it. YMMV, but I used the high mount it came with. Turned backwards, it puts it just a hair farther back. Mounted right up against the base of the rear BUIS, the eye relief is just right, for me. I initially hated the mount, and I do think they should ship it with cantilever type like the PA micros, but it's working well for me. I've run the gun in all sorts of training evolutions, out to 300 yards so far. |
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My favorite AR is my 11.5" G$ with a Razor 1-6 on it. It's very versatile with 1x being close to aimpoint performance when shooting from standard positions, while still being pretty capable at long range. Obviously, there are better choices for CQ stuff and better choices for distance, but the Razor works pretty well for everything. |
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I have not seen any footage of soldiers on a bench with a long scope taking shots. Maybe some snipers here and there but mostly hurried movements and shots. Not enough time to get a proper position using a high power scope. Low magnification easier to shoot fast. Prism is tougher. Not Starburst from a red dot. |
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Originally Posted By The-Ant1-Liberal: Some would argue this setup is too heavy...obviously I don't. 12.5" LMT mid-length upper. https://i.imgur.com/Iv8G2cM.jpg This looks like the perfect set up. I wish I had jump d on an elcan a few years ago. |
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Originally Posted By Daggertt: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/435611/55831_jpg-3736764.JPG Man that delta looks great on that gun. I need to get behind one sometime |
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