Pick an optic, and defend your choice...

[gigag04]

The background story is irrelevant but I have an opportunity to acquire either an ACOG TA45-2 1.5x24 (red triangle) or a Leupold Mark 4 1-3x14mm CQ/T. I *could* use this on my personally owned patrol rile (16" LMT MRP piston). Right now it is running an Aimpoint Comp ML3, and I think that it is the ideal optic for patrol, but I want to try some magnified type 2 optics. I also have a semi-auto .308 in mind soon, and it will see use on it, for a while until I can outfit it properly. I think this optic will actually become a competition optic sooner than later.

These are the ONLY two options (due to the irrelevant back story).

Pick one and defend why. I'll chime in eventually, but I like to think my argument is convincing, so I want unbiased response to expand my thinking and change my mind.

[7075-T7]

Leo 1-3x

The 1x power acts very similarly to a red dot with no zoom distortion, especially in close-quarters. Plus the reticle seems more intuitive to me.

[e-bil]

Leo also. The Leo still gives you an aimpoint if the batteries are dead. The ACOG is just a polarized viewfinder if there are no batteries.

[texasmusic]

Never seen an ACOG that uses batteries..

[G.A. Heath]

I'm gonna agree with the previous posters on the Leupold, for slightly different reasons. You say that you want to try magnification, and in my experience most people don't benefit from 1.5x magnification at all. Staying with that thought the Leupold gives you the option to stay with no magnification or go with a little bit. I would recommend keeping the Leupold on 1x by default and turning it up should the situation call for it, this will give you quick both eyes open target acquisition should you need it and if you need magnification you will probably have plenty of time to get setup as a LEO since you already have time to retrieve the rifle.

[RECIT]

I'll agree in saying the 1.5x does not give you much benefit. But the ACOG has proven durability/track record. I really don't care for the reticule on the Leo or the fact that it uses batteries. I am going with the ACOG also because I really like Trijicon products, the track record, lack of batteries and the reticule.

[E.Marquez]

ACOG;
1:At 1.5 I can hit anything the weapon and ammo is capable of… When I had a Veri MAG optic, I never used the Veri MAG optic capability…that was never a need.. and often never the time to use it.

2: The adjustment for the Veri MAG Optic, got gummy after about 3 months use.. likely the environment we were in, may not be relative to LEO use in the US.

3: Training and use… Been using an ACOG for so many years it’s use and transition from CQB to long shots is natural and immediate. Also may not be relative for your use.

4: Durability,, this is a FOR ACOG, and nothing AGAINST the Leo 1-3x.. I have beaten the ACOG to submission, and never had it fail. I have seen this same optic used and abused by many, to include some who have a rental car mind set...and never seen one fail.

To the poster who said The ACOG is just a polarized viewfinder if there are no batteries.” Not to beat a dead horse.. but I can only assume you’re thinking of a different optic, as the ACOG uses no batteries.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

I'd choose the LEO MK 4...

ACOG makes an excellent product, and their optics are as tough as any on the market, however, fixed mag scopes can be problematic if you have to clear rooms, and are best used in conjunction with one of the mini-RDS optics on the market today (J-point, Doctor etc...).

The MK 4 offers you the flexibility to jack up the magnification if you find yourself in a static / overwatch position, and the ability to ratchet it back down prior to entering a target. I'm a big fan of the "circle-dot" reticle concept, as the outer ring is easier to pick up in the peripheral as you bring the gun up on target, which helps increase initial shot speeds where you need it, UP CLOSE. The only issue I have with the MK 4 is the tube length and diameter. The shorter the tube length, and the larger the diameter, the easier it is to get the optic on target, and that is where the Eotech and Aimpoint models excel.

Regardless, of the two, I'd go with the MK 4 as it provides a greater degree of flexibility for what you are likely to use it for on the job.