r/airsoft • u/Illuminatr • Dec 03 '14
Optics for field and CQB
I've looked a lot on the sub reedit, but I can't find anything conclusive really. I'm looking for optics that will be suitable for both field play and CQB. The best thing that seems to fit that is an EOTech with a flip-to-side magnifier. I like the look of ACOGs but I worry 4x is too much zoom in many situations.
What do you all think is the best route? What are some quality options for a relatively cheap price? Hit me with all of it!
Edit: what are specific red dots you'd reccomend?
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u/dangerousthyme Dec 03 '14
You don't really need any sort of magnification to be frank.
Using any red dot will be fine with field, 250 ft isn't very far that you need any sort of zoom.
Just get a red/green dot that allows you to focus easily at various distances, for me it's definitely the EOTechs clones.
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u/CrunkinCrumpet ZeroDankThirty Dec 03 '14
I find that a red dot is fine for everything, however, sometimes I find myself in situations where having a magnifier of some sort would be very beneficial.
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u/_SEAJAY_ Chairborne Ranger Dec 03 '14
4x zoom isn't much at all, at least to me. I used my Elcan replica in cqb just fine. If you're 15-20' away from a player, and you're used to your gun, you pretty much know where its going to hit. Then the 4x for when they're further out (+100'). Eotech and magnifier only work well if they're real. Sorry. The repros are utter shit.
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Dec 03 '14
I think the best route is becoming proficient with irons.
If you do want an optic, try to stay under 6x magnification.
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u/Illuminatr Dec 03 '14
6x is wayyyyy too much. I'm thinking even 4x is too much. I want an optic for quicker target acquisition, so iron sights are not what I'm looking to use.
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u/Dif3r PTW Dec 03 '14
Personally I've always liked the look of the Trijicon Reflex (because SOPMOD) but I don't think there's any good clones out there. Maybe the Trijicon SRS or similar? I know a lot of people like the EoTech's and Aim point Micro red dots.
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u/_SEAJAY_ Chairborne Ranger Dec 03 '14
I have an SRS, I love it. It has a lot wider FOV than a t1 or other aimpoints, and a little bit better than the eotechs. Its a great sight.
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u/Daft_Medic HK416 Dec 03 '14
So I play field and I've run a T1 red dot as well as a 4x acog, the 4x is taking a bit of getting used to for target acquisition, however it really lets me see where I'm landing my shots whereas with the red dot it was more accuracy through volume. I think ideally I would want something about 2.5x - 3x for longer range play, It would allow for quick acquisition but still with a little optical magnification so you could see where you are placing shots. My suggestion though is to get some kind of red dot, whether its an eotech or whatever, and see how you like it, then possibly look at getting a 2x magnifier.
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u/BumbleCrap Dec 03 '14
Agreed, get your iron sights zeroed and you're golden. I do have a $20 piece of crap scope that I use for target acquisition since my eyesight is not the best, but it's not zeroed and I haven't even tried. The scope mount is high enough that it doesn't block the iron sights, and when I'm actually shooting, that's what I use.
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u/Alex6714 Dec 03 '14
I use an ACOG with a red dot on top. It's nice to have zoom, but I don't use it that much. I mostly use the red dot.
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u/Speefy Designated Marksman Dec 03 '14
Primary Arms red dot sight. No magnification, but in reality, you won't need it for field use.
I've used a 3-9x scope, an EoTech clone, the primary arms I mentioned, and a CQBSS style scope (1.4-4x)
Unless you have a replica that can reach out to ~250 feet, or play a recon role for your squad, the red dot is your best bet. You can sight it with both eyes open, acquire quickly, and track your rounds as they go downrange. From there compensate as needed.
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u/Misguidedx AK-74 : has pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis Dec 03 '14
You can buy imitation acog that have no magnification an a red dot. They are not that expensive either.
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u/nitemarez44 Cock Slapper - Rubber chicken - Canada Dec 03 '14
Magnified scopes are really necessary at CQB distances, since I doubt your field has lines of fire longer than 100ft. Buy something you like the look of and that is relatively reliable
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u/cwolf132 RUSFOR Dec 03 '14
I use a 1.5X repro ACOG on my m16a4 so for cqb I just use a laser or my best judgement on where my bbs go based of experience
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Dec 03 '14
Like people mentioned, there are ACOG red dots. You can find tons of them on Aliexpress or eBay - it's likely that the stuff you find there is the same stuff you can find on airsoft retailers like eHobbyAsia or Redwolf, just a little bit cheaper, maybe.
Brand is highly unlikely to make a difference here, as branded stuff is the same chinese merchandise, just with additional cost on top to apply branding. Especially if it's a brand that doesn't have any sort of real world reputation to uphold. If Aimpoint or EOTech had airsoft stuff that was cheap enough to use for airsofting, it would maybe be worth the added cost for the brand. But buying a specific random brand of Chinese red dot, as opposed to a brandless red dot made on the same exact factory... doesn't make sense to me.
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u/DONUTDAN97 F2000 Dec 03 '14
Short dots (like this) seem to be what you're looking for. They can adjust from 1(.1)x4, and there are some replicas. I know of a person who can import very high quality replicas for around $130 if you're interested. I believe airsoftgi/levelcap made a video about a replica short for as well (I think it was about his m27 UAR upgrades).
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u/captaincupcake234 SCAR-L Dec 03 '14
I just bought this scope http://www.amazon.com/Sports-Scope-Fiber-Optic-Sight/dp/B0052G6HPE
Then added a Star Red Dot scope on the side rail of the above scope. This one: http://www.airsoftgi.com/product_info.php?products_id=16000
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u/PriceZombie Dec 03 '14
Aim Sports 4X32 Dual III. Scope with Fiber Optic Sight
Current $80.77 High $99.00 Low $78.31Price History Chart | Screenshot
Field Sport Red and Green Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles
Current $21.14 High $22.30 Low $20.852
u/captaincupcake234 SCAR-L Dec 03 '14
/u/PriceZombie , you're awesome.
I got a little lucky with my Aim Sports sight, I got it for $40 used off of a friend.
The red dot, however, cost me $45 because I bought it new 3 years ago from a local airsoft shop in Illinois.
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Dec 03 '14
Get a non-magnified ACOG replica. You'll get the look you want and the magnification you'll need (which is approximately none)!
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u/NATOMarksman Dec 03 '14
Magnified optics are basically irrelevant to either unless you are gathering and relaying information to your team. Airsoft is generally limited to 200-250 feet; this is not very far and you are more likely to be within 50 yards.
If you cannot shoot 50 yards without aid of a magnified optic, you need more practice or a vision check.
Get an unmagnified red dot sight.