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4,494 Posts
At the risk of attracting incoming fire...
I would like to share an alternate, but often-unpopular viewpoint when it comes to selection of optics by forum members.
The ongoing discussions of Aimpoint, EoTech, Trijjicon ACOG, S&B Short Dot, Nightforce, IOR Valdada, Leupold, et al...serve a useful purpose, but they are not for everyone.
Many on this site are current LEO and Military where their equipment HAS to be the best available as their lives and the lives of others depend on total reliability and function.
However, there is a group of us…many ex military, ex LEO and civilians who do not expect to be thrust into harms way anytime soon. Granted, we are all at risk for home incursions and certainly don’t want to risk our families and our own lives to “cheap” BSA or Leaper’s optics...
However, there is a middle ground where excellent functional equipment can be bought for 1/3 the cost of the best available options. As examples, I would offer the 10x-42M Super Sniper scope which has proven to be a very good, cost effective alternative to a $1200 optic. The Weaver 1-3x V3 is another excellent example, as is the Millet DMS-1 1- 4x red dot variable scope.
Are these products the best available? NO… Have some of these products been good enough to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan without failure…Yes.
The point is that the budgets of some on this forum cannot afford an Aimpoint with 3x magnifier and Larue mounts...nor can they afford a 1 x 4 SB Short Dot. But they can afford a $199 Millet DMS-1 that provides an acceptable, very functional alternative with a true 1- 4x variable scope and an illuminated reticle that has proven to be an outstanding reticle for short engagements as well as precision shots to 300 yds.
In my case I own multiples of all of the alternate products mentioned and do not feel at all at a disadvantage. In some scenarios I feel I actually have an advantage in versatility to an Aimpoint with multiplier. I am certain I can effect a more accurate shot at longer range with a DMS yet give up nothing at 1x with the “dot in a donut” reticle, at close range.
I understand the need to discuss the best products available for a given mission. But my point is that some missions in civilian life are not so critical as to eliminate less costly, but fully functional alternatives from consideration.
Let’s not summarily exclude these affordable and functional optics solely because they are not top shelf.
I don’t drive a Mercedes… I get along just fine with an Acura. The same logic applies to my selection of weapons and equipment and I think it is an opinion shared by many on this forum. Let’s not overlook the less expensive alternatives.
OK…I’ll get off my soap box now and take cover…
Kerry
I would like to share an alternate, but often-unpopular viewpoint when it comes to selection of optics by forum members.
The ongoing discussions of Aimpoint, EoTech, Trijjicon ACOG, S&B Short Dot, Nightforce, IOR Valdada, Leupold, et al...serve a useful purpose, but they are not for everyone.
Many on this site are current LEO and Military where their equipment HAS to be the best available as their lives and the lives of others depend on total reliability and function.
However, there is a group of us…many ex military, ex LEO and civilians who do not expect to be thrust into harms way anytime soon. Granted, we are all at risk for home incursions and certainly don’t want to risk our families and our own lives to “cheap” BSA or Leaper’s optics...
However, there is a middle ground where excellent functional equipment can be bought for 1/3 the cost of the best available options. As examples, I would offer the 10x-42M Super Sniper scope which has proven to be a very good, cost effective alternative to a $1200 optic. The Weaver 1-3x V3 is another excellent example, as is the Millet DMS-1 1- 4x red dot variable scope.
Are these products the best available? NO… Have some of these products been good enough to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan without failure…Yes.
The point is that the budgets of some on this forum cannot afford an Aimpoint with 3x magnifier and Larue mounts...nor can they afford a 1 x 4 SB Short Dot. But they can afford a $199 Millet DMS-1 that provides an acceptable, very functional alternative with a true 1- 4x variable scope and an illuminated reticle that has proven to be an outstanding reticle for short engagements as well as precision shots to 300 yds.
In my case I own multiples of all of the alternate products mentioned and do not feel at all at a disadvantage. In some scenarios I feel I actually have an advantage in versatility to an Aimpoint with multiplier. I am certain I can effect a more accurate shot at longer range with a DMS yet give up nothing at 1x with the “dot in a donut” reticle, at close range.
I understand the need to discuss the best products available for a given mission. But my point is that some missions in civilian life are not so critical as to eliminate less costly, but fully functional alternatives from consideration.
Let’s not summarily exclude these affordable and functional optics solely because they are not top shelf.
I don’t drive a Mercedes… I get along just fine with an Acura. The same logic applies to my selection of weapons and equipment and I think it is an opinion shared by many on this forum. Let’s not overlook the less expensive alternatives.
OK…I’ll get off my soap box now and take cover…
Kerry