Advanced Combat Optics
For CQB some may prefer zero power optics and just a dot, but for people looking for something that doesn’t rely on batteries and can be used for fast target engagements out to 600yds+. I’m starting to see a lot of M1A and FAL owners swapping out the standard 3-9×40 optics and slapping on the Trjicon Accupoints.ll models in the AccuPoint Series operate battery free—eliminating the potential for failure during critical moments in the field. They also feature Trijicon’s Manual Brightness Adjustment Override, which allows you to control the light output of the fiber-optics during daylight. AccuPoint® riflescopes include other advanced elements like multi-layer coated lenses for superior light transmission with no distortion, quick-focus eyepiece, long-eye relief, and precise windage and elevation adjustments.
The tactical optics market has exploded in the last decade, but very few competitors are come close to what Trijicon rifle scopes have on the market. If you compare some of the low powered optics that Leupold and Eotech have on the market you’ll find some nice durable options, but nobody has caught up with the Trijicon ACOG yet.
Competitive shooters that are looking for rapid engagement optics, bullet comp for fast holdovers should look no further. When you’re engaged in a firefight or defending an established position, you want a battle-tested partner at your side. Trijicon®, the world leader in self-luminous Brilliant Aiming Solutions™ can supply that partner — the Trijicon ACOG®®. In fact, the 4×32 model ACOG® was chosen by the U.S. Special Operation Command (USSOC) as standard issue for all Special Operations Forces.
These are truely the fastest weapon engagement optics on the planet. The ACOGs combine traditional, precise distance marksmanship with close-in aiming speed. Although the ACOGs have many features which are very advantageous for military use, they were developed by Trijicon without government funding.
I have a friend that was in Iraq that mentioned that magnification was what helped them identify IED wires at a distance where guys with irons and Eotechs couldn’t seem them. I’d have to say that the ACOG is still an advanced combat sight, but they are expensive. The thing that makes the ACOG work so well is having the right ammo matched up to the bullet comp. Once you figure out where the hold overs are, this optic is fast. At rifle competitions at my club, I always notice that the guys that could nail target the fastest all had Acogs.
I’m the type that goes through sticker shock whenever I go to gun shops or gun shows and see the prices the NIB guns cost. People seem to think that buying used means the gun is closer to breakage than a new gun. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are several manufacturers that are making incredible reliable and durable firearms that may have fewer than 500rds through. If you look at barrel life and frame life, those guns are in the equivallent of being in the early stages of grade school. There are plenty of used police trade ins that just have holster wear and probable only were shot during qualification each year by an LEO.
You may seriously want to consider looking into some of the modern less-lethal options. After spending many years on the firing line, in professional situations and in casual environments, I’ve seen plenty of people pushed into firing guns that they did not feel comfortable shooting and even a handful of people that probable shouldn’t be on the firing line. I believe most of our population can handle some level of firearm proficiency, but I strongly recommend against pushing carrying firearms for novice gun owners. There are always variables we can argue about, but if I knew someone that was working late nights as a waitress or working at a bar, I would not pressure them to carry a gun if they did not have the training to use it.
As we grow in our skills, we are more than likely to think about changing the firearms we carry. I can’t tell you the number of times I hung out with a gun owner that looked like they could carry a full size 1911 in there front pocket, but choose to carry a J-frame instead. Well, now that I’ve been carrying a firearm for close to 20yrs, I’ve really started to feel the weight especially when I was working overtime and carrying 10 and 12hrs days. You really start to feel it at some point, the difference between 1lb and 3lbs of gun. I guess there is almost a predictable learning curve when it comes to carrying guns.
I would have to put the fanny pack in the same category as a CCW Vest. People think wearing a vest is a dead giveaway that you are carrying a gun, and the same goes for a fanny pack. One question I’d have to ask you, though, is do you think wearing camoflauge pants means you are also carrying a gun? I did a mental tally of how many times I saw a leftist liberal College student wearing camo, and I thought, naw, there’s no chance he’s got a CCW. There seems to be an age group that wear vests and just because you see an old guy wearing a vest, doesn’t mean he’s got a 1911 under it. There are also plenty of people that can get away with wearing a fanny pack is the situation and environment will allow it.
The organized gun owner is the guy that shows up at the range and never says, “aw frack” I forgot fill in the blank. Some people may think that carrying their sight in tools is pointless if the gun is already sighted in. I’m sure some of you reading this chuckled when they read that, but the reality is the serious shooter knows that even though he’s tightened everything down, stuff comes loose. If it’s got a screw in it, it will come loose unless regular checkups are peformed. I read a good write up by Pat Rogers where he suggested marking the tops of everything that needs locking down with a market of some sort. Probable the best advice I’d pass on to friends.
After a few years of actually taking real fighting classes, one of the most common things every instructor told us was, “get a white light” on your fighting weapon. There are some handgun options where you can hold a flashlight while using a handgun and not have a fixed light on it which makes holster options very limited. The Section8 Tactical ultimate retention device is a good tool to use, but this isn’t recommended for using with a shotgun or carbine. I recenltly finished a training course where we used lasers for defensive purposes. The best tactical for using lasers is knowing when to turn them off. Yes, using a flashlight or laser is a giveaway, but spotlighting a threat and identifying it is paramount.