Posted: 10/30/2023 12:50:26 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Minuteman1636][Edited]
Just released at Brownells...Colt retro 4x carry handle optic. Product Spotlight: The Colt Retro 4x Optic "We actually tracked down the original company that manufactured the Colt® AR-15 optics of the 1970s and asked them to build a new one for us as close to the original as possible - right down the yellow inspection stickers. The Retro 4x Optic has updated technology under the hood, with modern lenses and construction. The result is a scope that looks just like the original but has optical clarity and performance that are head and shoulders above it. Attached File Attaches to any standard AR-15/M16 carry handle Fully Multicoated lenses are fog and waterproof BDC click-adjustable elevation turret Manufactured in Japan with high quality internals and lenses Attached File The Retro 4x carry handle optic sports a simple, intuitive fine duplex reticle, like the original, and an elevation turret with BDC (ballistic drop compensated) clicks that closely match modern .223/5.56 55gr and 62gr ammo. As its name indicates, the Retro 4x comes with an integral carry handle mount that easily attaches to most AR-15 carry handles." Attached File https://www.brownells.com/optics/scopes/rifle-scopes/ar-15m16-4x-retro-carry-handle-scope/ |
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Originally Posted By GMCSwath: Just in time for Christmas! https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/original-colt-scope/ Also an Armalite marked one back in the old day. Same sight by the same mfg. No idea what mount was used on this photo, but pretty interesting if anyone can ID the mount. A member of the 12th Special Forces looks through a rifle scope at the Pohang drop zone during Exercise Team Spirit '86 (South Korea) 
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I have one of these made by Brownells, just minus the "Colt" moniker. It is a great optic. Much better glass than the original I own. Attached File |
I tried that whole cancer thing. It wasn't for me. Good Riddance.
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That would be nice to put on a new Colt M-16A1 retro reissue rifle or on a modern detachable carry handle on Colt modern sporting rifles. I'm glad they found the original Japanese optic factory but with better modern quality and the original Colt logo marking. |
YMMV
AR3
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Originally Posted By Remington1992: Really struggling hard whether to pick up one of these or a pa Microprism to put on my Ar15a4. The fact that these were actually used on m16a4 is starting to tip the scales a bit. If it helps at all, the bullet drop dial on the repro brownells works amazingly well with m193 and a 20" barrel |
I tried that whole cancer thing. It wasn't for me. Good Riddance.
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Originally Posted By Remington1992: Really struggling hard whether to pick up one of these or a pa Microprism to put on my Ar15a4. The fact that these were actually used on m16a4 is starting to tip the scales a bit. Struggle no more. Buy it! Look at this. Malaysian army still use the relic on the M4 with detachable carry handle. 
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Well I gave in and got one. I missed out on the first batch of brownells repros, and this one fits the bill. I want one, and if I wait I may get bent over the barrel by resellers (well, maybe - or the price drops in the coming months / years). I did just use this code and it gave me $40 off: CNGEARS Granted, taxes and shipping bumped me right back up in price! I have my 727 upper that could really use this. Had no choice if you really think about it. Once I have it in hand, I will make a post on it here. |
| I don't understand why you'd intentionally go out of your way to put one of these carry handle scopes on a detachable carry handle, then mount to your flat top receiver. I mean unless you're outfit is already sitting on piles of Carry handles/Carry handle optics, an ACOG/LPVO and BUIS is such a better route. |
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Originally Posted By HipSh0T: I don't understand why you'd intentionally go out of your way to put one of these carry handle scopes on a detachable carry handle, then mount to your flat top receiver. I mean unless you're outfit is already sitting on piles of Carry handles/Carry handle optics, an ACOG/LPVO and BUIS is such a better route. I bet it's because they want to. |
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Originally Posted By HipSh0T: I don't understand why you'd intentionally go out of your way to put one of these carry handle scopes on a detachable carry handle, then mount to your flat top receiver. I mean unless your outfit is already sitting on piles of Carry handles/Carry handle optics, an ACOG/LPVO and BUIS is such a better route. |
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Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: I ordered one too. I have an H&R M16A1 that I am putting it on. I also have a Colt A4 with the 3x primary arms micro prism. The micro is awesome. Hope the new Colt 4x is great a well Has everybody noticed how high some optics are riding lately? I would rather have an optic riding atop a rock solid carry handle than having a BUIS. TA44 would be my first choice. YMMV |
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Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: It's not for you to understand. People want to do it. I have a Micro prism on my A4 carry handle. It's just very cool. I am putting this new colt on my A1. I have so many AR's and like different things. You are waaaaay over thinking this. It's probably not for you based on your comment. Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: Originally Posted By HipSh0T: I don't understand why you'd intentionally go out of your way to put one of these carry handle scopes on a detachable carry handle, then mount to your flat top receiver. I mean unless your outfit is already sitting on piles of Carry handles/Carry handle optics, an ACOG/LPVO and BUIS is such a better route. I actually have a few of the original Colt 3x and 4x optics on Retro builds and they are fine for the older carry handle uppers, my comment is geared towards their use on a modern flat top upper in conjunction with a removable carry handle.. |
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Originally Posted By HipSh0T: I actually have a few of the original Colt 3x and 4x optics on Retro builds and they are fine for the older carry handle uppers, my comment is geared towards their use on a modern flat top upper in conjunction with a removable carry handle.. |
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Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: I could be wrong but I think people are getting them to put on A1/A2's. For a retro but very useful look. Mine arrived today but I am out of town. I will give out a report once I mount and run it. Next week Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: Originally Posted By HipSh0T: I actually have a few of the original Colt 3x and 4x optics on Retro builds and they are fine for the older carry handle uppers, my comment is geared towards their use on a modern flat top upper in conjunction with a removable carry handle.. Scroll up and look at several of the pictures, you'll notice these optics attached to removable carry handles. That was my reason for posting in the first place... |
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Originally Posted By HipSh0T: Scroll up and look at several of the pictures, you'll notice these optics attached to removable carry handles. That was my reason for posting in the first place... The ones mounted on removable carry handles are military…they don’t necessarily have the option or money for a acog When I was in the 82nd in the late 80’s early 90’s pretty much every leader at least had one in their buttpack if not mounted |
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Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: I got mine on Friday and mounted it today on my H&R A1. Clear glass. I am going to Zero it on Tuesday. I will give a report Great, let us know, mine should arrive today. It will go on a Colt parts kit A1. I'll have to beat it up a bit or it will look out of place! |
| I went and zeroed my the new colt 4x scope on my A1. It has no clicks for windage and elevation. You just turn the dials after removing caps. The cross hairs are huge. Eye relief is shorter than one would like if using a rifle stock. The glass is clear. I am very disappointed with it. I have never used the original one. Some have said this was an improvement. If this is improved then the original was bad. I completely get that it's made like the original. It's way overpriced in my opinion. |
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Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: I went and zeroed my the new colt 4x scope on my A1. It has no clicks for windage and elevation. You just turn the dials after removing caps. The cross hairs are huge. Eye relief is shorter than one would like if using a rifle stock. The glass is clear. I am very disappointed with it. I have never used the original one. Some have said this was an improvement. If this is improved then the original was bad. I completely get that it's made like the original. It's way overpriced in my opinion. Disappointing to hear. How did it shoot, were you able to zero at 100 yards? Did you shoot at distance? |
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Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: I went and zeroed my the new colt 4x scope on my A1. It has no clicks for windage and elevation. You just turn the dials after removing caps. The cross hairs are huge. Eye relief is shorter than one would like if using a rifle stock. The glass is clear. I am very disappointed with it. I have never used the original one. Some have said this was an improvement. If this is improved then the original was bad. I completely get that it's made like the original. It's way overpriced in my opinion. That sucks. No clicks…. That’s just lame. |
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Originally Posted By Assh: Disappointing to hear. How did it shoot, were you able to zero at 100 yards? Did you shoot at distance? |
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Originally Posted By Aggie_Gunner: I have one of these made by Brownells, just minus the "Colt" moniker. It is a great optic. Much better glass than the original I own. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/55187/IMG_6784_jpg-3009895.JPG Originally Posted By Aggie_Gunner: I have one of these made by Brownells, just minus the "Colt" moniker. It is a great optic. Much better glass than the original I own. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/55187/IMG_6784_jpg-3009895.JPG  Originally Posted By MGYSGT8541: Yes I shot 50-100 yds. The crosshairs lines were way to thick. I didn't shoot longer. It's zeroed fine. It just isn't worth 400$ to me. |
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I received my scope from Brownell's and fit and finish seems good, glass is good, but yes the cross hairs are a little wide. Haven't shot it yet, no opinion there. Remember, three outfits are taking their cut, Colt, Brownell's, and the manufacturer. Not a lot left for the simple 4x scope. For what it is I'm not dissatisfied. |
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IMHO, you have to remember that this is not a target optic, it is a combat optic. The real beauty in one of these scopes is in the bullet drop compensation. Once it is zeroed, you simply turn the dial to the desired distance, and viola! you are making hits... The bullet drop compensation is very true for me with the above pictured 20" rifle with M193. I have tested it out to 400 yards and made 20 out of 20 hits on 12" steel. My old timer vietnam vet buddy who was shooting with me at the time commented, "that'd be a lot of dead charlie" 
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I tried that whole cancer thing. It wasn't for me. Good Riddance.
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Got mine in. It is a nice optic, looks very well made. It is beefy - certainly adds some heft. So this morning, I took the scope and mounted it another rifle. Crosshairs still considerably canted to the right. So I mounted it to a block and used a level. The crosshairs are in fact canted in the scope. Well, this is going back. It's not just a little canted, but quite noticeably so. I did place an order for the Butler Creek tini bikini scope cover. No cover comes with this. (well, now I will have an extra scope cover I guess.) 
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My short video showing whats in the box. Colt 2023 Release "Retro" 4x20 Carry Handle Optic |
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Originally Posted By mlin: https://www.wearethemighty.com/history/original-colt-scope/ Also an Armalite marked one back in the old day. Same sight by the same mfg. No idea what mount was used on this photo, but pretty interesting if anyone can ID the mount. A member of the 12th Special Forces looks through a rifle scope at the Pohang drop zone during Exercise Team Spirit '86 (South Korea) https://i.imgur.com/qURqIVy.jpg |
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Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods."
"And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods."
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Originally Posted By jtb33: @mlin Is that an AR18/AR180 mount? Looks like it was a AR-18/180 mount but modified with additional base/adaptor to use on M16 carry handle upper. It's pretty odd that SF did that kind of modification for already tall scope mount on a pretty thick base. Imagining how uncomfortable to use that scope on an AR without cheek weld. This is a picture of original AR-18/180 mount for reference. https://www.deerhollowonline.com/product/armalite-ar-180-by-howa-mint-with-original-scope/ 
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PSA now sells these, and they're using the exact same pictures as Brownells, even the ones where it's mounted on a BRN-601 upper lol. https://palmettostatearmory.com/colt-ar-15-4x21mm-carry-handle-scope-fine-duplex-reticle-optic-retro4x-colt.html |
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Originally Posted By 11b4v: I have to say, the Colt scope is best in it's 'form factor'. I'd like to see a version with an illuminated dot reticle, and an ACOG style flattop receiver. What you describe has been made by the same company that made these and the originals, sans a flat top mount. I liked this one so much, that I had to find the other (simpler) version as well.   |
