JustinJ
Member
Do any militaries issue 1-4x variable power scopes to convential or special forces? If no, why not? Are they considred to simply be not durable enough? Would the most modern be durable enough but militaries are have to catch up?
Kyle Defoor has stated he used 1-4 powered scopes when he was a sniper. He also stated he didnt fiddle with the knobs on it and just knew his holdovers.
You can read a little about him on M4C.What was his longest shot?
To be honest...I've never heard of him.
Who is he?
SEAL sniper and trainer, been on a few TV shows
Thanks for your reply. And your service.Talking US military here, and what I know from asking the same question to an infantryman who has seen combat in Iraq during the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom:
I believe they are issued, just not very many of them are. Typically, infantry use a fixed power optic, whether that is a 1x aimpoint or eotech, or a 4x ACOG (and others).
Yes, modern ones are plenty durable, there just is not a high demand with the quality optics that are already fielded.
Also, a soldier still has to find the right eye relief when looking through a 1x scope unlike a red-dot/holographic sight; so for close-quarters, it is less than ideal.
Here is a link to the Elcan optic that mshootnit mentioned. It is designed to be used with the M249 and M240, but it is twice as heavy as an ACOG which costs it some practicality points.
I hardly ever watch TV.
always wanted to ask an experienced shooter how they went about aiming at a range so close that 4x was problematic. Or is 4x always viable?
When I was looking for a 4x scope (for less than an ACOG), it was hard to find one that was fixed at 4x and ended up going with the variable. Not sure it's necessary though.
Thanks for your reply. And your service.
I always wanted to ask an experienced shooter how they went about aiming at a range so close that 4x was problematic. Or is 4x always viable?
When I was looking for a 4x scope (for less than an ACOG), it was hard to find one that was fixed at 4x and ended up going with the variable. Not sure it's necessary though.
Thanks,
B
Sorry if I came across like I have served, but I have not, and out of respect for those that have I try to make sure that nothing I say can be taken in such a way. The soldier that I have talked with specifically about optics was issued an M4 with an ACOG. His role included clearing houses (as many soldiers in Iraq do), and for close-quarters such as that he was not entirely fond of the 4x ACOG.
I personally have used an ACOG on an AR-15 that is used to defend livestock and people who go out on our farm from feral dogs. Most of the shots that we make on the dogs are under 50 yards, and the ACOG was just too much for the job.
The one I was issued had little iron sights on top of it for closer quarters aiming.
dial up, dial down, dial up, dial down, .......... It gets old real quick!
This is very similar to combat. A threat could show up anywhere. Therefore, the scope should be on 1x to be safe. Then, if you want to scan or engage threats, you are on the dial up/dial down roller coaster.