AR Sponsor
Posted: 4/2/2008 5:23:53 PM EDT
|
This is an honest question. I haven't heard it asked before. Here are two options for optics on an AR. I read that a lot of fellows use an Aimpoint with a 3X magifier. I read that Trijicon now has an ACOG, the TA-33-8. It is 3 power magnification. The ACOG has something called the Bindon Aiming Concept, or BAC. Basically, it has a 4 or 5" eye relief and it allows you to keep both eyes open. The eye not behind the scope follows the target until you are close and then the eye behind the ACOG pulls into focus. I think it's the same as closing the front lens cover on an Aimpoint and being able to see the red dot "on target". Anyway... it seems to me that the Aimpoint w/3X magnifier is doing almost the same thing as an ACOG TA33-8. It seems like you're ending up around the same money and around the same practical effectiveness. What would be the advantages or disadvantages you can see in one set up versus the other? Or, am I totally missing something here? Jerry. |
|
The way I look at it, the ACOG is primarily a "distance" optic that can be used (with more or less success, depending on your eyes and experience) at close range. The Aimpoint (and eotech) are primarily "close in" optics that can be used (with more or less success) at long range. I've got one rifle (20" flattop) with an ACOG, it's my distance shooter. My M4gery is my go-to rifle/zombie killer, and it's got the aimpoint. A lot of folks who use an aimpoint with a magnifier get one of those "swing away" mounts that lets you flip it out of the way for close shooting. The BAC can take some getting used to, and some folks never get the hang of it. I'd suggest you look at the primary purpose of the rifle. If you expect to be shooting 100 yards +, get the ACOG. 50 yards or less, get the aimpoint. Oh, one other thing, that magnifier is just one other thing you tack onto your upper; the more stuff up there the more stuff that can go wrong. If I had to pick one or the other, I'd go ACOG. It, to me, is more useful at close-in ranges than an aimpoint is at distance. |
|
I prefer the ACOGs (I have that same TA33-8) over just about any holographic sight like an aimport or eotech simply because they don't take batteries. I've never had a problem hitting close up targets (25yd or less) with it, and it is a superior sight for distance shooting. If I want a battery powered reflex sight that can be magnified or not, I have a Leupold mk4 CQ/T, which also will function well enough in daylight or against brightish targets even with a dead/no battery. |
| Depends on the AR's role in your life. Is it for home defense vs. hunting? Is it for plinking or job related. I am an LEO out it in the middle of west Texas where you can go from an engagement 5' away to something as far as 300y+. I prefer the flexability that an aimpoint w/ magnifier has to offer. My suggestion, see if a range or dealer has a demo you can test drive and see if it fits your needs. |
It almost seems like the Trijicon ACOG TA33-8, with it's narrow field of view and BAC, is designed to blur the line between Type 1 and Type 2 optics??? Jerry. |
Hi Allen, Have you ever tried under 25 yards? Say across-the-room type distances... Do your eyes work with the both-eyes-open, aka, Bindon Aiming Concept? I've only held a TA33-8 at a local show... it wasn't mounted on anything, so that's not a fair way to judge it. Jerry. |
|
I'm the Original Poster. I think I worded my original post poorly. I should have mentioned that I already own a non-magnified Aimpoint, a TA01NSN ACOG, and a 3 X 9 illuminated crosshairs scope. I'm aware of the traditional arguments of "red dot vs ACOG". The TA33-8 seems to fit an entirely new niche. What I was trying to ask is concerning this niche that the TA33-8 fits into. Looking at the link that Zak-Smith provided, it seems like the TA33 almost crosses the line between the Type 1 and Type 2 optics? It almost seems like it would do almost as well as an Aimpoint per the BAC: both-eyes-open, and the narrow field of view. And, with 3 power magnification, it should be almost as good as the other ACOGs out to a few hundred yards? My interest in the TA33-8 is in wondering whether it would fill both the Aimpoint and ACOG functions..... "10 to 300 yards" Jerry. |
|
Over in the tacked thread Fighting Carbine Optics - A Short Guide to Picking The Right Optic, I wrote the following about the TA33
With regard to bridging the 1 vs. 2 "gap"... the TA11 and TA31 are ostensibly "designed" for this, since Trijicon explicitly talks about OEG and BAC. However, the TA33 is not fundamentally different than the TA31/11. I just tweaks a few parameters. I did not care for it for the reasons stated above. |
AR Sponsor