Open Rifle Optics

[openshooter]

I want to get a set of optics for my new open, 3 gun rifle.

Does anybody have any recommendations?

[Wakal]

I've been quite pleased with my IOR 1.1-4 illuminated scope and a OKO 4moa on the handguard.

Although I have been debating going to the nifty Aimpoint Comp-M with the spring-mount 3-power magnification.

Right now I'm in Limited with my issue -A2, so that is all kind of moot

[stingerjg]

my first recommendation would be a Benny Hill fav. of the Simmons ProDiamond. Its relatively inexpensive and fits the bill for a 3 gun optic.

Second would be my favorite of a EOTech 512. I use it on my 3gun rifle and i like it alot.

[kellyn]

Another thread on "what optics should I get?" Get thee to the search function. There is a ton and a half of discussion regarding optic selection.

[kellyn]

Topic opened. Openshooter is a brand new junior shooter, new to the forums as well.

[George]

For Open, put a small red dot like the JPoint, or Docter on the handguard at around the 1-2 o'clock position. I like a 4 MOA dot for best accuracy. This will allow precise and fast shooting from point blank to about 50 meters.

The dot down low on the handguard reduces the short range point of aim to point of impact offset to 1.5 inches, or less and IMHO, this makes getting reliable A's on upper A/B targets a piece of cake at even point blank range.

For the main optic, a low powered variable with a wide field of view will be the most flexible and would probably be my choice if I were shooting in Tactical division and not able to have a red dot as a secondary sight. But with the red dot on the handguard, I think an Open division rifle is possibly better served with a fixed magnification scope like an ACOG. I like the 4x TA-01 with the JP calibrated reticle. The other good choice would be the TA-11 with the donut and BAC capability.

This combo makes it a no brainer in that each sight is always the same (no forgetting what you left the power set to as the buzzer goes off). In real use, the dot is capable of hitting steel flash targets out to 100 meters easily and getting reliable A hits on full paper targets at 60 yards +. To me it's the hot combo in Open.

The Pro Diamond is definitely the cheap way to find out if you like a low powered variable. I recommend that you try someone else's ACOG before you sink the dough though.

If it's really gonna' be an Open only rifle, make sure to get a JP tank type muzzle brake. Nothing works, or looks quite like it and in Open as you know, anything goes ;-)

[openshooter]

I want to thank everybody for their input. I'm new to the forums and a junior shooter. I apologize for not using the search function. I appreciate kellyn for opening the topic back up.

I can't decide if I should use a variable power scope or fixed power scope (ACOG) and a dot on the handguard or on top of the scope.

I have a Weaver 1-3x on my rifle right now and will shoot it for a while. I was just wondering if there was a better way to go for an open rifle. My rifle was built by Benny Hill, so I'm shooting one of his comps.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Nick

[chp5]

I have a Weaver 1-3x on my rifle right now and will shoot it for a while.

Nick,

Your Weaver 1-3x is a good optic. Shoot it for a while and you will be able to tell if you need anything. Good luck.

Edited February 8, 2006 by chp5

[kellyn]

Please remember it is not any one scope that will make you successful. The Weaver 1-3X is an excellent scope that will serve you well. Our own Erik Lund uses one.

For the record, when I shot open rifle in 2001 at the 3 gun nats, I copied the great Jake Kempton and shot a Leupold 3-9X and an Aimpoint red dot as a close range sight. I engaged one target with the Aimpoint. When I travel to take on the Scandanavians, I will be shooting an ACOG TA11 and a Holosight.

I've seen Mike Voigt win just using a TA11 - and just using a Holosight. I've seen Matt Burkett do the same but now he relies on an ACOG and a Dr. Optic red dot. I've also seen Jerry Miculek shoot a SN4 1-4X.

Your Weaver 1-3X is capable of winning any 3 gun match out there.

MAKE SURE IT'S ZEROED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bpowe]

Benny makes a heck of a good rifle but he really should switch to Weird Fred's F2 comp (Hi Benny!)

[outerlimits]

after trying about everything in the past few yeats in open, i opted for a benny special, what the heck. added a doctor on the rail under the simmons, and went to the winter classic last month. setup was fine-long range rifle was only to about 305 yds, but had no problems. the doctor in close will take a bit to get used to, but was pretty nice.

i like the pro-diamond-glass is fine-just have to get used to the fairly limited eye relief-but that just take practice mounting the gun. i do think it need to be a bit higher than most scoped i've tried...but fer $49, i can but a sh%tload of NBT's...

[George]

BTW, Benny's Rolling Thunder muzzle Brake is as good as they get in Tactical division legal ones, so you are OK there.

[openshooter]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I'll shoot the Weaver for now. Hopefully I'll be able to try an ACOG and a dot on the forearm or something similar down the road.

Time to practice for the 3 gun Nationals. Hope to see some of you there.

Thanks again,

Nick

[richardschennberg]

Not enough magnification: 2C, 2 C -8 points;

Too much: misidentify one target, 2 As with 4 bullet holes, 2M & 1 FTE, -40 points!

Best of both worlds, 1-3, 1-4, 1.5-4.5 zoom or thereabouts. Use your low zoom for initial sight in, high zoom for final zero, and then shoot every stage with the lowest magnification that will get you good hits. You'll be faster and less likely to FTE (fail to engage) a target.