Optic Upgrades

Now comes the meat and potato of the upgrades... the optic. Simply put, you will want to select a well-known manufacturer for the optic you choose. The best fighting optics come in one of three categories: red-dot, variable-power scope, fixed-power scope.


Red Dot
Aimpoint.
'Nuff said.

The only other red dot I might consider would be a Trijicon RMR or a Trijicon RX01. 

The advantage is quick, two-eyes open shooting. Also, generally speaking, red dots are the lightest of the optics.

The disadvantage is long range. Red dots are generally only practical out to about 300 yards / meters. Though there are some out there that have successfully shot farther, I'd chalk that up the the rifleman more than the optic.


Variable-power scope
This is the largest category. In general, this scope will be "1x-4x" though there are some high quality variants. Bushnell, Nikon, Leupold, and others have quality scopes represented in this category. Even Trijicon has a version.

The advantage is that you can have "1x" - which lets the scope work like a red dot for two-eyes open shooting. With a twist of a dial, you can have 4x (or even 6x) magnification for long-range shots.

The disadvantage is weight. These scopes are the heaviest, but they are not as heavy as large hunting scopes.


Small, fixed-power scopes
ACOG
'Nuff said.

The only alternative I'd even consider is an Elcan - which is a mighty fine scope. But they are not more rugged than an ACOG, some might say they are not as easy to use, and they are certainly not cheaper.

Seriously, if the $1000+ price tag frightens you, then look at one of the other two options: red dot, or variable power.


Quick detach mount
Mandatory, regardless of optic. Make sure it guarantees a return to zero.


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