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Posted: 1/5/2011 9:07:38 PM EDT
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Everyone always talks about what gun for SHTF but what about optics?
I will preface this post but stating that MY rifle will have a A2 front post and and flip up rear sight. Let's agree that optics are a benefit. Is battery life really something to be concerned with in either the eotech or aimpoint? I don't think a 6pk of AA or cr123 batteries would add a lot of weight to a ruck but ounces make pounds when you're humping it for lots of miles. I was thinking for a rifle built specifically for SHTF you want a setup leaning towards KISS. You don't want to forget batteries when you're bugging out or in a TEOTWAWKI situation, you may never get a resupply. My point is, what about a Trijicon RMR RM03 reflex sight? Trijicon RM03 13moa or 9moa dot, 15 years illum, low profile, trijicon name, <$400 shipped. Who has used this sight? opinions? I think a red dot would be the best bet but if funds/weight/space constraints allow, a NF 2.5-10x32mm in a QD larue mount would be a great complimentary choice. |
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I am a huge, unabashed fan of Trijicon's reflex sights. I'll get that part out of the way right up front.
The sight you are looking at is not the best Reflex sight for a SHTF gun. It is tiny, for one which makes target acquisition harder under duress. Some complain that it is too bright in full daylight, but that can be cured with electrical tape. This Reflex is intended as a backup dot sight for a magnified optic or for pistols/special applications. It can be made to work as a primary optic but you need a spacer to get the height right, and then you end up with something just as tall as any other sight but it's short and has a tiny window. The other Reflex sights are worth having, but I nave a strong preference for the RX30 because the reticle is a lot brighter than the earlier models and the field of view is HEEUGE. The difference in cost isn't that great, I am pretty sure you won't be happy with an RMR. My SHTF rifles have an older Reflex 2 with a chevron reticle and a TA33-8. They are probably Trijicon's best units for an every day joe's SHTF fighting rifle. I haven't had a lot of time with my RX30 yet and can't comment on how well it shoots on a rifle like an AR15 because it's on my subgun right now. Works really well for that application too. |
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I am a fan of aimpoints, simply because of the battery life and its ease of use.
Ive got both the 2 and 4 MOA version, and honestly prefer the 4 MOA (it has taken some abuse and keeps on glowing) The 2MOA is better with the magnifier. I have not tried a trijicon reflex yet.. My SBR needs one thought 
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I have a weaver V3 1-3x20 on my AR..It didnt break the bank and in a SHTF type of situation
your going to have alot of friendly people mixed in with a bunch of thugs/not so friendly people and id like to have something that offers my alittle magnification to identify which is which sooner but also able to turn it down to a nearly red dot style optic..I can easily clear a home with the V3 on its 1 setting If it were to break, its on a mount that allows me to ditch it quickly and use my irons...which work just fine for those that practice with irons EDIT: also the V3 is a great hunting optic and I have used one on my lever actions for quite a few years.. its never failed while dragging it through florida's thick underbrush and its proven its durability to me |
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First choice for me would be a Specter DR with an ATN PS22... Nice pieces of kit. Night, day, close, far - doesn't matter with this setup. Problem is, the whole lot of gear tallies up to about $6,500, which is NOT the kind of cash I can throw around for my gear.
Second choice would be the Triji RX30. I don't have any first-hand experience with one but I hear it's even better than the Mepro 21 which I had a couple years ago and liked. Third choice would be a TA31-ECOS ACOG, which is dual illuminated and has an RMR and BUIS mounted on top, and even if all four of those sighting systems failed it's on a throw-lever mount so you can just ditch it. All that said, my home security / SHTF rifles are all iron-sighted because I simply can't afford top-notch optics like those posted above and I basically refuse to "compromise" on a gun that my life may depend on because I've been burned with inferior optics before in non-threatening situations. |
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If you're talking civil unrest/HD then battery life is moot, IMHO, as this is a temporary situation.
If you're talking SHTF w/extended social breakdown then for me the optic uses AA batteries or no batteries at all. All the rest of my gear (GPS, radios, taclights, etc) uses AA's and I have a couple of lightweight folding solar AA chargers w/plenty of Eneloop rechargeables so I don't sweat running out of batteries anytime soon. Aimpoint CompM4, AA Eotech or Trijicon RX30/RX34 get the nod from me. Tomac |
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I nave a strong preference for the RX30 because the reticle is a lot brighter Who has the best deal on an RX30? and what mount do I need? No idea who has the best price, I...... "know someone" and get them for cost. As far as mounts, you have three choices: The picatinny rail mount that uses an allen wrench to tighten, it's the lightest and smallest but you have to have an allen wrench to do anything. The Thumbscrew mount, which is way less expensive than a throw lever mount, but I have never seen one on any Triicon product that would hold zero with just thumb pressure-you need a screwdriver/leatherman to tighten the screws. The screws stick out a bit, kind of like a throw lever mount The factory equipped ARMS mount. These are fairly bulky but obviously have the advantage of being easy on/off. Personally I don't think they are worth the extra money or supporting Dick Swan. For me the choice is probably allen wrench mount. This is not a sight you are going to need to take on and off a lot, and if it's a concern just slip an allen wrench in your pistol grip or stock. I have the throw lever mount on my subgun and the arms get in the way of the charging handle-even with the extended handle installed. |
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If you're talking civil unrest/HD then battery life is moot, IMHO, as this is a temporary situation. If you're talking SHTF w/extended social breakdown then for me the optic uses AA batteries or no batteries at all. All the rest of my gear (GPS, radios, taclights, etc) uses AA's and I have a couple of lightweight folding solar AA chargers w/plenty of Eneloop rechargeables so I don't sweat running out of batteries anytime soon. Aimpoint CompM4, AA Eotech or Trijicon RX30/RX34 get the nod from me. Tomac This is what I do, eneloops with a flexible/foldable 26 watt solar panel for my BOB. I have standardized on AA battery powered devices but I won't buy a battery powered sight since there is an option to get a good sight that doesn't need any batteries. Not because I don't want to charge them but because I've heard way too many stories about guys having to get their Aimpoints and EoTechs replaced because the batteries leaked and corroded the electronics inside. I don't store my NVG's with batteries in them for this very reason. |
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I would prefer an ACOG RCO just because of the fact that it doesnt require batteries and can take a beating and still work. Also while good for medium range targets because of the 4x lens, its still good for close range. I've had a TA31F, TA11D, and TA33. Of the three, the TA33 is the one I recommend to most people. The TA31 was like watching a movie, the TA11 was just too big for a carbine, but the TA33 offers the best of all three. Good eye relief, low weight/small profile, 3x magnification is low enough for close range combat shooting and a 600m BDC is about as far as I can EVER see myself shooting at someone with a 16" carbine. |
| I own an Aimpoint T-1, a EoTech 512 and a TA-31 RCO. Each has their strengths, but my choice for SHTF is the T-1. It's light compact, durable, easy to use, and very fast on target. I figure in SHTF, 99% of my needs to engage target will happen inside 100 yards, and probably more realistically, even inside 50 yards. That's where an Aimpoint shines, IMO, without the ergonomic and durability issues associated with the EOTech. If I DO need to go further, I have the magnifier for it. I love the ACOG, and though it would do in a pinch at close range, that's not it's forte. Also, it can't co-witness and doesn't work with night vision. |
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