Took two Colt Preban Carbines out this morning. Had 'em for awhile, but made some modifications and new optics.
1. Gov't Carbine, LW 1/7 flat top 16" with new ACOG TA31f. New ambi safety (I'm a lefty) and new Accuracy Speaks single stage trigger.
2. Sporter with 16" 1/9 HBAR, SIR #46, Aimpoint, new ambi safety but with original trigger.
Southern Ariz., 8am 85 degrees.
Observations:
Ambi Safety was awkward to work with the FOBUS 27 pistol grip. Had to reposition hand on grip. Still, much better than working a RH safety with the left hand.
Original LW carbine foregrip became hot after no more than 3 mags within 7-8 minutes. SIR, of course, remained perfectly cool.
Handling difference between LW ( orig. foregrip)and HBAR w/ SIR was dramatic. LW was quicker to acquire the target for the first shot, but the HBAR was much quicker for followup shots, or reaquiring the target. Forward pistol grip helped the handling of the HBAR/SIR. Hard to say which I would choose, if I had to take only one with me.
New ACOG was a real challenge. Couldn't achieve the BAC concept (both eyes open). Guess I'm one of those folks who find it difficult. My Aimpoint (and the Eotech which was on the Gov't Carbine before the ACOG) were much faster and easier, but obviously less precise. I compared the Aimpoint and ACOG at 25 and 50 yards with regular targets, and at 100 yards with 12oz and 20 oz bottles. I was surprised how easy it was to get hits on a soda can at 100 yds with Aimpoint, both eyes open, freehand standing. The ACOG was a bit better at 100 yds, but still took work to reaquire quickly.
LW rifle jumps around alot, compared with HBAR.
At around 3 lbs, the Accuracy Speaks trigger was a bit too light. Talked with Derrick, and he suggested a simple way of making it heavier. I put it into the Gov't Car. because the original trigger was shit. For some reason, the original trigger in the Sporter is fantastic.
I suppose none of this is surprising to most of you, but it was useful for me. I still need to answer how I can incorporate the ACOG into a tactical system. I can't imagine using it at 25 yds. the advantages outside 100 yds. are obvious. Do you guys set up one rifle with interchangeable optics, or commit to one? (yes, I read the "best general optic" post). I would welcome comments, especially on how best to combine the optics with the different uppers. Thanks. GH