AR-15 Podcast Episode 55 Part 1 & 2 – Optics, a Different Perspective
OutdoorHub 01.03.14
Reed Snyder of AR-15 Podcast hosts Marine Corps veterans Derek Miller, Jeremy Pozderac, Nathan Murr, and Peter Palma, in episode 55 for a roundtable discussion of rifle optics. The marines, who range from tank officer to civilian brick and mortar gun dealer, discuss everything from brand preferences, the “optics triangle”, and mission specific optic uses.
For the beginners, they stress the importance of choosing the right optic for the purpose of the rifle: mission drives gear. They also address some of their preferred and least favorite optics, as well as the pitfalls of purchasing lower quality optics for first time buyers. The panel elaborates on training philosophies, and parses out differences between competition optics, plinking optics, and combat optics.
The consensus among the marines is a unanimous vote for the Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) as the best bang for the buck. Each has their list of preferred gear, but Reed and company discuss the capabilities of the ACOG at length due to its ubiquity, durability, and accuracy. EOTECH, Vortex, Aimpoint, and more are also discussed in detail.
Reed and his guests share their thoughts when the conversation invariably migrates to the doctrinal question of iron or optics in the context of fundamental training. They discuss failure possibilities, and extend philosophical models to hypothetical situations where a civilian would need to rely on an optic, the advantage of magnification, and the necessity of optics. Should shooters train and rely on superior optics? Or are iron sights the baseline of a proficient marksman?
Additionally, Reed announces the winner of the Otis Rip Cord giveaway, and shares selected listener comments and suggestions. The episode takes a few conversational digressions to revisit suppressors, ammunition, pet peeves, and drinking with the marines. Anyone can listen to this episode at http://www.ar15podcast.com/055/ and the 2nd part at http://www.ar15podcast.com/055p2/.
