M4 Optics

fsfty · March 6, 2011, 05:39 PM

I already own a Colt 20" HBAR A2 using iron sights, and im now looking to get a shorter barrel M4. Im not crazy about red dot scopes, so does anyone use a traditional scope on their M4? I know the M4 is really for shorter distances than the A2, so Im not sure using a scope would make alot of sense. Can you guys recommend a good optic for an M4? Thanks.

HorseSoldier · March 6, 2011, 05:45 PM

I ran an issued ACOG or a privately purchased Horus Talon on my M4A1 before I got out. Presently run an privately purchased ACOG on my AR.

Quote:

I know the M4 is really for shorter distances than the A2

In actual military usage, this isn't true. An ACOG on either an M4 of M16 makes a 600 meter gun (at least for range use -- mileage tends to vary and diminish badly in the real world), without magnified optics neither is much good past 300 and really not coming into their own until a good ways inside that distance.

Quote:

Can you guys recommend a good optic for an M4?

What's your price range? A good quality used ACOG (TA01NSN model) can be had in the $600-ish range, which is also what they're charging for the Horus scope I mentioned above these days, I think (though that is without rings or other mount). Prices up from there for .mil issue stuff or built to similar standards.

fsfty · March 6, 2011, 06:20 PM

I was hoping to keep it under $300...anything decent in that range?

maestro pistolero · March 6, 2011, 06:20 PM

I like the idea of a 1-4X, or maybe 1-6x on an M4. 1X, because the gun is primarily a CBQ weapon, 4X because it's still pretty effective at 300-plus. The magnification matches up well with the strengths of the round.

I would look at Nightforce, S&B, Elcan, Leupold, and on the lower end maybe Nikon, and don't leave out IOR. There are others ..not a complete list by any means. There are quite a few choices of 1-4X scopes these days.

Another way is to get a relatively inexpensive fixed power scope (Super Sniper?) and mount irons at a 45˚ angle for BUIS.

Jim243 · March 6, 2011, 11:50 PM

Unless you are going to drag your rifle through sand storms, deserts, swamps and all kinds of other cra#. $900.00 for a Acog is just plain crazzy, even $500.00 for a Eotech is outragous. There are pleanty of good 223 scopes on the market, just pick a short one with bullet compensation for drop and have fun and enough money to actually buy ammo for the gun.

Just my 2 cents and a bunch of change.
Jim

This one's setup for out to 500 yards.

This one is for REALLY LONG RANGE.

RdKill · March 7, 2011, 12:02 AM

Nikon M223 series...I have a couple...one on a Bushmaster carry handle M4 style AR carbine (1-4 power), another on a Golani (3-12..came with a flash kill). I also have a S&W M&P Flattop AR - M4 style carbine with a Burris Short Mag 3x9....another great scope...but I am admittedly keeping my eye out for a deal on an ACOG for it.

dogfacepencilneck · November 27, 2012, 01:06 PM

where on earth are you finding a TA01NSN for $600????

Ridge_Runner_5 · November 28, 2012, 12:44 AM

I would imagine it was a lot easier over a year and a half ago when this was posted.

ww4970 · November 30, 2012, 06:12 AM

Barska 4x20 did'nt pay much for it works great

breakingcontact · December 3, 2012, 01:34 AM

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/Prod...C-Carbine.html

$150, big fan.

dodge · December 5, 2012, 08:20 AM

Also check out Primary arms. They have a 1x-4x with lighted reticle which works great. I have one on my AR and when I ordered it I made a mistake with the order. They called me to make sure of what I wanted and made a suggestion which I heeded. They corrected my order all before sending it out to me. Received the order in lest than a week. Great service in my book.

March 6, 2011, 05:39 PM	#1
fsfty Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2009 Posts: 195	M4 Optics I already own a Colt 20" HBAR A2 using iron sights, and im now looking to get a shorter barrel M4. Im not crazy about red dot scopes, so does anyone use a traditional scope on their M4? I know the M4 is really for shorter distances than the A2, so Im not sure using a scope would make alot of sense. Can you guys recommend a good optic for an M4? Thanks.

March 6, 2011, 06:20 PM	#4
maestro pistolero Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2007 Posts: 1,891	1X-4X. I like the idea of a 1-4X, or maybe 1-6x on an M4. 1X, because the gun is primarily a CBQ weapon, 4X because it's still pretty effective at 300-plus. The magnification matches up well with the strengths of the round. I would look at Nightforce, S&B, Elcan, Leupold, and on the lower end maybe Nikon, and don't leave out IOR. There are others ..not a complete list by any means. There are quite a few choices of 1-4X scopes these days. Another way is to get a relatively inexpensive fixed power scope (Super Sniper?) and mount irons at a 45˚ angle for BUIS.

March 6, 2011, 11:50 PM	#5
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2009 Posts: 3,591	Unless you are going to drag your rifle through sand storms, deserts, swamps and all kinds of other cra#. $900.00 for a Acog is just plain crazzy, even $500.00 for a Eotech is outragous. There are pleanty of good 223 scopes on the market, just pick a short one with bullet compensation for drop and have fun and enough money to actually buy ammo for the gun. Just my 2 cents and a bunch of change. Jim This one's setup for out to 500 yards. This one is for REALLY LONG RANGE. __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum Last edited by Jim243; March 7, 2011 at 12:03 AM.

March 7, 2011, 12:02 AM	#6
RdKill Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2011 Location: Blue Ridge, Georgia Posts: 151	Nikon M223 series...I have a couple...one on a Bushmaster carry handle M4 style AR carbine (1-4 power), another on a Golani (3-12..came with a flash kill). I also have a S&W M&P Flattop AR - M4 style carbine with a Burris Short Mag 3x9....another great scope...but I am admittedly keeping my eye out for a deal on an ACOG for it. __________________ A 9mm bullet MIGHT expand, but a .45 will never shrink.

November 30, 2012, 06:12 AM	#9
ww4970 Junior Member Join Date: July 4, 2012 Location: North Corolina Posts: 7	Barska 4x20 did'nt pay much for it works great Last edited by ww4970; November 30, 2012 at 06:17 AM.

November 27, 2012, 01:06 PM	#7
dogfacepencilneck Junior Member Join Date: December 12, 2011 Posts: 1	where on earth are you finding a TA01NSN for $600????

November 28, 2012, 12:44 AM	#8
Ridge_Runner_5 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2008 Location: Castle Rock, CO Posts: 1,742	I would imagine it was a lot easier over a year and a half ago when this was posted.

December 3, 2012, 01:34 AM	#10
breakingcontact Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2012 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 645	http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/Prod...C-Carbine.html $150, big fan. Last edited by breakingcontact; December 3, 2012 at 01:47 AM.

December 5, 2012, 08:20 AM	#11
dodge Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2001 Location: ridgerunner from Northern PA Posts: 257	Also check out Primary arms. They have a 1x-4x with lighted reticle which works great. I have one on my AR and when I ordered it I made a mistake with the order. They called me to make sure of what I wanted and made a suggestion which I heeded. They corrected my order all before sending it out to me. Received the order in lest than a week. Great service in my book.