Urban Combat at Zero Magnification
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.
There is much to think about when selecting an optic or sighting system for your Carbine. For Close Quarters Combat, zero magnification is usually your best option because it can be a problem if there is a need for seeing beyond 100yds or more. When someone comes with a Trijicon ACOG that has variable magnifications that goes from zero to 20X that’ll be a big step forward. Unfortunately it’s hard to really say what you have on your gun because there are so many variables. Eotech has a magnification option for their sighting system, but it adds considerable weight and limites where you put backup irons on the gun.
Whenever we get a chance to get away from our families and get out in the fall, we never know what kind of weather we’re going to have. Unless it’s heavy rain we rarely call off a deer trip, but there have been plenty of trips we have been on where the weather was pretty bad.
Another evolution has occured in the 
There is no need to trash people that are using inferior optics. Somtimes a $100 scope that holds zero is all that is needed and long range shooting isn’t a reality. Plenty of people get there kicks out of inexpensive optics and aren’t concerned about how bright their optics are or if they’ll hold up to thousands of rounds. Most optics that cost $200-$300 are probable all you need for most hunting, plinking purposes and some manufacturers make some great optics in that price range. There are levels of gear though and there is a certain point that you have to realize that your gear isn’t up to par.
I’ve seen so many people on firing lines with spotting scopes complain about the optics they have and what they should have gotten or what they wish they knew before getting a scope. Sometimes people have this idea that having an optics magnify 45x will make things easier to see at great distances and any experienced observer know that isn’t true. Magnification can become void due to heat and mirage and even zero magnification can cause you to have trouble hitting an object at certain distances.
Another thing to think about whenever looking for a good optic is clarity. Some people seem to think that high magnification is better for long distances, but it’s not true. There is something to be said for too high of magnification and even on dark rainy days, you may notice the difference between a cheap scopes ability to see in low light in comparison to higher end scopes. A good 3-9×40 scope can be better than a cheap 6.5-20×40 in low light.
Modern combat optics are becoming more and more advanced. Back in the day people just used the European pole or standard crosshairs for rifle scopes, but not anymore. These days combat optics may be red dots, green dots, illuminated reticles, bullet drop compensators etched in glass or Mil-dots. Combat optics like IOR scopes may have a reticle that is almost a sizing guide for range estimation where you just simply hold the target into a range estimator and then make adjustements on your target knobs or just hold over.
There area a lot of good upgrades one can do to a firearm, a fighting rifle should be customized to fit an operator. Advanced Technology makes some quick and easy upgrades for your shotgun or carbine that can give you better grip or balance. Shotgun shell holders on the buttstock or riding side saddle is a practical tactical upgrade you can do on your remington 870. The fiberforce stock for the MAK90 is a way to legally get around some firearm bans and are a big step up compared to the stupid thumbhole stocks. Attach a rifle sling that fits yoru purpose from Blue Force Gear, they come in 1 point, 2 point and 3 point attachements. Minor firearm modifications make need to be done to attache rifle slings, but do some research on various rifle sling configurations to see what works for you.