Amen and amen.
I said a while back that I would put down some thoughts about optics, so I guess this is as good a time as any.
Red Dot Sights (RDS) - This is basically a two horse race in my book (yes, there are others but no where near as common) - Aimpoint and EOTech. I have owned multiples of both. The EOTechs just have too many strikes against them - the turn off automatically after a predetermined amount of time, the battery springs eventually compress under recoil, and the battery life is short and no where near what is advertised in my experience. They have some big upsides like use of AA batteries, well designed reticle, and large "viewing window" but, sadly, these positives are out weighed by the glaring negatives. I understand that the new EOTechs use a different battery orientation that cures the compression problems which is a step in the right direction.
Aimpoints are rugged, they stand up to heat well, they have amazing battery life (I never turn mine off), and they just work. There are sizes and battery configurations available for any application. I own Comp M2s, Comp ML2s, a Comp M3, T-1, and M4 and they are all great. I simply can not say enough good about them. They are the measuring stick by which all RDS are measured. They play second fiddle only to iron sights in terms of reliability. Once you learn to use one as effectively and efficiently as possible (both eyes open, target focus), they are extremely fast and accurate. 300 yard hits on 12" steel are no problem.
When in doubt, just get an Aimpoint.
Magnified Optics - Col. Cooper used to say that magnified optics don't make you shoot better, they make you "see better". Magnified optics are not a crutch. Learn to shoot well with and without them.
ACOGs are great optics. Learn to really use the BAC concept (hint: it works with every magnified optic, not just ACOGs). ACOGs use well designed reticles that promote fast acquisition and many have ranging/hold overs built in. The reticles are pure genius - no dialing clicks, no kentucky windage, just find the hash that fits the shoulders, and squeeze. They are EXTREMELY rugged and need no batteries. The biggest downside is that, even if you have complete command of the BAC concept, they are slower than a RDS. I have also seen really great groups shot on targets up close with ACOGs; the only problem is that it was on the wrong target - field of view is limited. To mitigate the field of view issues, learn to shoot well with both eyes open (which is a large part of the BAC concept).
Variable power optics can be great, especially 1-4X types. ARs are really hitting that hard out past 300 yards so 4X magnification is typically more than enough for all but the most precise applications. On 1X these scopes can be quite fast but they still aren't in the same league as Aimpoints. There will be some distortion, some field of view issues, and it will still seem somewhat like you are looking through a toilet paper tube. These optics are a compromise. They do a bit of everything without being truly great at anything. That doesn't mean they don't work. I am especially fond of the Trijicon Accupoint line and the S&B Short Dot (the Cadillac).
Whatever you choose, I caution you to research and not go cheap. With optics, more so than just about anything else firearm related, you tend to get what you pay for. There are brand new Aimpoints that can be had for less than $400. You can find them even less than that on the secondary market. I have purchased used Aimpoints for as little as $200 before.
I would also caution you to put some thought into how you mount your optic. Don't cheap out here either. The typical ways of mounting an optic don't always apply on an AR so buy a mount designed for the AR. Low rings won't work. Be wary of eye relief issues. I like Larue mounts. Every one of my ARs wears one. Bobro and American Defense also make good mounts.
In case you are wondering (you probably aren't
), all of my ARs (and AKs) wear Aimpoints except for one, which has an ACOG (TA11G).
You're speaking my language....
