Elcan Specter DR 1x - 4x Optic, anyone own one?

Kimio · August 8, 2012, 06:15 PM

What is the verdict on this optic? I like the idea of being able to switch back and forth between a 1x and 4x. How do they hold up to abuse and inclement weather?

I was thinking of tossing one of these on top of my AR15, if not maybe another rifle chambered in .308 or something like that.

Link to where you can buy one.
http://www.botachtactical.com/elcanspecterdr.html

Here's a pic of one mounted on a SCAR-17s

Creeper · August 8, 2012, 07:23 PM

As a LE or military tactical sight, it's fantastic. As a civilian sight, it's still fantastic... but is the capability to quickly change from CQB (1X) to 4X really going to be better for you than a specialized variable, large tube optic? I'm suggesting in particular the IOR Valdada 1.5-8x26 35mm SFP Trident and IOR Valdada 1:4x32 QR-TS 35mm Pitbull as possible alternatives.

Don't misunderstand, I like Elcan optics quite a bit, having had a few rifles with M145 3.4-M4 optics attached... but I think IOR CQBs are certainly worth a look.

Cheers,
C

Achilles11B · August 8, 2012, 09:14 PM

My friend has a Scar 17S with the Elcan sight, it's a very capable setup. I would have on on my AR if only that damn money tree in the back yard would blossom...

Destructo6 · August 9, 2012, 09:39 AM

It's heavy and bulky, as are most ELCans.

I used one on a M4 for a few months. It was cool to switch between 1x and 4x, but the 1x required good eye alignment and eye relief like a scope, not like an Eotech or Aimpoint.

I'd rather have, and do have, a 3.5x ACOG and get the Bindon Aiming Concept down.

Keep in mind, I didn't have to pay for either optic, so there's no buyer's remorse/justification involved.

Mrgunsngear · August 9, 2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

It's heavy and bulky, as are most ELCans.

This is the experience I had as well. We had them issued for our 240Ls and within a few months we just turned them in and put ACOGs on. It's not that they're bad, just most guys wanted something different.

raimius · August 10, 2012, 04:46 PM

I've also seen noticeable issues with point of aim vs. point of impact shift when switching between 1x and 4x.

ZEN.45 · August 12, 2012, 03:55 PM

I did a small review on the Elcan Spectre, ...

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=464569

Since then I've put the Spectre on my Steyr AUG and I'm still very pleased with it

Ridge_Runner_5 · August 12, 2012, 10:42 PM

Quote:

I've also seen noticeable issues with point of aim vs. point of impact shift when switching between 1x and 4x.

I've heard that about them as well.

August 8, 2012, 06:15 PM	#1
Kimio Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,171	Elcan Specter DR 1x - 4x Optic, anyone own one? What is the verdict on this optic? I like the idea of being able to switch back and forth between a 1x and 4x. How do they hold up to abuse and inclement weather? I was thinking of tossing one of these on top of my AR15, if not maybe another rifle chambered in .308 or something like that. Link to where you can buy one. http://www.botachtactical.com/elcanspecterdr.html Here's a pic of one mounted on a SCAR-17s

August 8, 2012, 07:23 PM	#2
Creeper Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2008 Location: Woooooshington Posts: 1,797	As a LE or military tactical sight, it's fantastic. As a civilian sight, it's still fantastic... but is the capability to quickly change from CQB (1X) to 4X really going to be better for you than a specialized variable, large tube optic? I'm suggesting in particular the IOR Valdada 1.5-8x26 35mm SFP Trident and IOR Valdada 1:4x32 QR-TS 35mm Pitbull as possible alternatives. Don't misunderstand, I like Elcan optics quite a bit, having had a few rifles with M145 3.4-M4 optics attached... but I think IOR CQBs are certainly worth a look. Cheers, C __________________ Shoulder Drive Nicholson Club

August 8, 2012, 09:14 PM	#3
Achilles11B Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Posts: 595	My friend has a Scar 17S with the Elcan sight, it's a very capable setup. I would have on on my AR if only that damn money tree in the back yard would blossom... __________________ Good equipment will never be a substitute for good training.

August 9, 2012, 09:39 AM	#4
Destructo6 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 1999 Location: Nogales, AZ USA Posts: 4,001	It's heavy and bulky, as are most ELCans. I used one on a M4 for a few months. It was cool to switch between 1x and 4x, but the 1x required good eye alignment and eye relief like a scope, not like an Eotech or Aimpoint. I'd rather have, and do have, a 3.5x ACOG and get the Bindon Aiming Concept down. Keep in mind, I didn't have to pay for either optic, so there's no buyer's remorse/justification involved. __________________ God gave you a soul. Your parents, a body. Your country, a rifle. Keep all of them clean.

August 12, 2012, 03:55 PM	#7
ZEN.45 Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2004 Location: Belgium Posts: 110	I did a small review on the Elcan Spectre, ... http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=464569 Since then I've put the Spectre on my Steyr AUG and I'm still very pleased with it __________________ "Now, now my good man, this is no time to be making enemies." - Voltaire on his deathbed, in response to a priest who asked him to renounce Satan -

August 10, 2012, 04:46 PM	#6
raimius Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2008 Posts: 2,199	I've also seen noticeable issues with point of aim vs. point of impact shift when switching between 1x and 4x.