Has anyone ever tried or heard of Elcan Optics? They are made by Raytheon and are more of the "tactical" AR variety optics but they seem like they have nice useful features and in 2011 they won NRA "Optic of the year" award. All of this and I haven't heard much about them, possibly because they seem more expensive than the EOTECH, more on the ACOG level of pricing but you still hear quite a bit about the ACOG.
The two features that stood out as interesting to me were "goes from 1x to 4x magnification at the flick of a switch, no knob turning required" so it could be done very quickly and also the "ability to swap quickly between an illuminated crosshair or an illuminated red dot".
This is taken from Elcan's website...but:
"The One and Only Dual Field-of-View Combat Optical Sight
The SpecterDR™ rifle sight, designed to meet the requirements of the USSOCOM for elite SpecOps missions, is the one and only truly dual field-of-view combat sight. The SpecterDR™ 1-4x combat optical sight switches instantly from close combat 1x to telescopic 4x at the throw of a lever.
Unlike zoom sights, the SpecterDR™ rifle sight offers an optimized optical path and identical eye relief in both 4x and 1x modes.
Depending upon the situation, the user may adjust the sight to illuminate the entire crosshair or just a brilliant red dot in the center.
In 4x mode the SpecterDR™ rifle sight offers a generous field of view, long eye relief, and ELCAN’s legendary crystal clear image. In CQB mode, the SpecterDR™ sight has by far the largest field of view in the industry.
The 4x and CQB Reticles are plainly visible even in the case of loss of electrical power due to battery failure or EMP.
Available for Tactical and Sport Shooting Applications
The SpecterDR™ dual role combat sight combines the traditional benefits of a red dot sight together with those of a magnified telescopic sight, providing a wide field-of-view in 1x mode as well as target identification and accuracy at range in 4x mode.
The SpecterDR™ rifle sight offers optimum situational awareness in both magnifications due to generous eye relief and unmatched viewing in low light conditions.
Available in the United States through Armament Technology (
www.armament.com) and their network of resellers, SpecterDR™ dual role combat sight offers a new tool for both tactical law enforcement and sport shooting enthusiasts."
I am in no way affiliated with this product, any seller of it, or Raytheon/Elcan Optics. Just seemed pretty cool to never have heard of them.
Here is their website.