In a previous blog post, we mentioned that one of the reasons that the AR-15 is so popular is because of its incredibly vast customizing options, adaptability, and uses. Because of this, you’re going to want to purchase and use different parts for different situations to get the most out of your gun. One of these options to explore is optics. Your choice of which type to employ will depend on the shooting scenario, but below are our top three overall recommendations of optics for your rifle.
EOTech
If you are looking for a holographic sight, this is the one for you. Holographic sights are a little pricier than their red-dot counterparts, but they are considered a cut above by the majority of the gun community for a few reasons, which include faster two-eyed target acquisition and increased field of view. They are highly effective in shooting scenarios that require repeat firing Reviewers rate the performance of the brand at top-quality, saying that it was worth the investment, that it is extremely accurate, and that they would trust it with their lives. These assertions of quality are supported by the fact that EOTechs are the optics of choice for the military and law enforcement personnel. There are many different models for you to choose from, as well, another plus.
Trijicon ACOG
If you are looking for a sight that is matchless in durability, this is the one for you. It is designed to be used in short to medium range distance shooting scenarios. This sight is also used by the military, although it runs not on batteries like the EOTech but instead has a battery-free illuminated reticle. It is waterproof, rubber coated, and comes with a bullet drop compensator to improve accuracy. Although unlike the EOTech it cannot switch between magnified and non-magnified (fixed 4x magnification), it requires no additional accessories, and due to its unique tritium charging method, you will not spend extra on batteries. This optic is not cheap either, but reviewers cite the superior quality of the glass, the lasting nature of the product, and its usefulness as reasons verifying its worth.
Aimpoint
Yet another military/law enforcement used optic, the Aimpoint is a red-dot scope sight. Some models were constructed with law enforcement specifically in mind, such as the Aimpoint PRO, while others were intended for basic civilian use. The Aimpoint has a 30,000 hour battery life, which means it can always be left on– critical for police officers who need to respond quickly to situations or for home defense purposes– and you don’t have to replace the battery more often than every three years or so. It is made of aluminum and more affordable than many of its contemporaries. Reviewers say they love how simple and user-friendly it is to install, and while the technology is older than the Trijicon ACOG and EOTech, most claim it functions just as well. In conclusion, the type of optic you buy is going to depend on its intended purpose, but any of these three should work well for most of your shooting needs! Comment below to share your experiences with EOTech, Trijicon ACOG, or Aimpoint.