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Posted: 1/24/2008 5:29:07 PM EDT
I know this question has probably been asked in some form or fashon already, but I'm so clueless about ACOG's that most of what I'm reading isn't registering. This is a picture from their website, but this is pretty much what my new Eagle Arms rifle looks like: Mine doesn't have the scope or mount. I guess the important thing is that it has a 16" barrel and flat top upper receiver with no front sight post. I looked on Trijicon's website. There are all sorts of different magnifications, reticles, mounts, full size vs compact, other features, etc. It's pretty overwhelming. I'd appreciate it if ya'll could point me in the right direction. Help me narrow things down. |
| You do know that that is not an ACOG right. I have a TA01LAW on my work rifle and a TA01NSN on my competition rifle. Both are cross hair type reticles. I've been using/abusing them for 3 years with no problems. The NSN also has range finding out to 800 yards. I also have a 1.25-4x Accu point from Trijicon. I couldn't get used to the triangle/post reticle, and have taken it off. It might help to know what you plan on using the rifle for. Patrol rifle? 3 gun? long range? Dawn/dusk coyote hunting? |
Right, that's just a picture from Armalite's website. I have no optics. What am I planning on doing with it? Honestly, mostly just shooting at the range and fondling it like I do all of my guns. Still, I'd like a scope that's high quality that I could do more than what a range requires if it ever came to that. As soon as my stamp arrives, I'll have a 10.5" AR15. It will have iron sights. I have a M4 type AR15 with a 14.5" Sabre barrel. It has iron sights. I also have an Armalite AR10 20" upper half that I'm going to be purchasing a lower half for. It will have a high powered scope. I'd like this particular rifle to fill the gap between the M4 type AR15 and the AR10. Some magnicication would be good, but not too much. |
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I researched extensively the various ACOG models before purchasing my first one early last year, and the options can be a bit overwhelming. I ended up going with the TA-11F, and couldn't be more pleased. They are a bit bigger, heavier, and more expensive than the 31's, with slightly less FoV, but eye relief was the deciding factor for me. The other benefit is the larger exit pupil; the 11 series is one damn bright optic, which is particularly important to me as I have a fondness for reduced light activities. |
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Having owned both the TA-11F and the TA-31F (I still own the TA-11F) these are my general thoughts: If you are mostly shooting from typical fixed positions at known-distance targets, it's probably a toss up. The difference in magnification isn't really noticeable. The TA-31F is the better choice if you want the lightest possible weapon (although I think the TA-33 is even lighter), or want to build a military-type M4 clone. The TA-31F also is a bit cheaper and definitely easier to find used if you want to go that route (just browse the EE). The TA-11F is better for action/practical-type shooting due to the longer eye relief. my TA-11F also was brighter than the TA-31F I owned, but I don't know if that was due to the longer fiber optic tube on the TA-11F or just a quirk with my particular optics. reagarding the reticle. some will contend that the chevron gives you a bit more precision than the doughnut. I think this is a flawed argument. first, I have seen some pretty small groups that people have shot with the doughnut at 100 yards (standard zero range for an ACOG). second, once you go beyond your zero range you are off the reticle and using the BDC for holdover anyway. third, if your goal is to shoot small groups, get a different optic. the ACOG makes it pretty easy to get first-round hits on 1-2 MOA targets out to a few hundred yards, and on IPSC target (nominally 4 MOA) out to 400-500 yards. if you want significantly more precision than that, you'd be better served by something like a Leupold MR/T. I haven't tried the TA-33 models. |
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We have most ACOGS in stock. They TA31A has been one of my favorites for a longtime. I you only going to shoot out to 400yds / 500yds you can use any ACOG. TA31A are setup for a carry handle 20” but they works just fine on a 16” flat top also. I have had hits all the way out to 550yds on steel 18”x20”. I have been playing lately with the TA33R8 and this has now become my favorite. Good eye relief, reticle that gets you out to 600yds, and the size is great.   Mike @ CSGW www.csgunworks.com [email protected] Here’s some testimonials about CS GunWorks What do YOU have to say about CS GunWorks What Do You Think Of Cs Gunworks? FEEDBACK about CSGUNWORKS.com |
| The BAC principal requires that the reticle be bright enough to stand out as you keep both eyes open. Since ambient light has a direct impact on the intensity of the brightness that is needed for the reticle, the BAC ACOGs are those with the fiber optic. (At least that is how I understand it.) |
Personally Ive found the fiber optic tube to be the weak point on the BAC models, and I wont use them anymore. If you have a safe/range queen it probably wont matter but the TA31F I had broke in about 2 months of usage. The fiber optic tube split in half. The sight was still usable but they are more fragile. To me the BAC models are a poor compromise between a true CQB optic and something like a NSN or short dot. The FO tube is held in place by a small pin, is not completely protected, and is not an accurate reticle at distance. In intense sunlight the reticle can be so bright that it causes your eye to close up, and what you are actually trying to look at can be darkened by your eye. Ive noticed no loss in going to the TA01NSN, and if a target is so close the NSN doesnt work Im probably going to be shooting instinctive anyways. Many years of competition trapshooting made me pretty good at being able to hit things without using sights within about 30-40yards. At least minute of man anyways... I am much more accurate with the NSN from 50 yards and beyond than with the 31F. Im interested in trying the RCO M4 and a buddy of mine is sending me one to use but it looks promising.... |
how do you think the TA33 compares to the TA31F? i've got the TA33 now, and like it but the FOV seems a little limiting. that said, i'm not crazy about the shorter eye relief on the TA31 either (i haven't actually handled the TA31, but as i understand it's the same as the TAO1) |
Your presumtions of the TA31 are correct. I prefer the TA33 because of the eye relief. You do shoot both eyes open right? |
The TA31 Models are all the same and the TA01 has the same eye relief and FOV. I feel the TA31 models are more robust. I also like the TA33 reticle more than the TA31F’s chevron I'm not sure if Trijicon has made the lines thicker or what the TA33 reticle just suites my eye better. Chewbacca: I shoot with both eye open. Mike @ CSGW www.csgunworks.com [email protected] Here’s some testimonials about CS GunWorks What do YOU have to say about CS GunWorks What Do You Think Of Cs Gunworks? FEEDBACK about CSGUNWORKS.com |
We have no issues with the roll pin that holds the fiber optic tube in place. "Cracking" has been the only issue with the fiber optic tube and that was fixed with a different glue. The older models had a tendency to "crack" but it was the gel inside the tube, not the tube itself and it had zero affect on function. If your tube was actually broken (or the gel inside) it would have been the first I have seen and we would have replaced it under warranty. |
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