Optics for AUG

[dfence52]

I have an order in on a Steyr AUG which I will hopefully be getting in the next few months. Intend to use it for close to medium range targets, SHTF and possibly 3 gun. Emphasis on quick target acquisition and follow up shots. What kind of optics should I put on it? I want to make sure my hand will clear when using the charging handle.

[JoeH]

Please define medium range in terms of distance.

For 0-50 yards, I like a 1X red dot. The T-1 is my favorite but there are many others worth buying. I can make shots out to 200 yards with it but prefer 4X power at 100-200 yards. I run a Meopta 1-4. There are many good choices in 1-4+ variable scopes.

[T.P.F.K.A.M]

Whats about the Steyr original optic, 1.5x swarovski optic with integral back up irons if the glass goes ?

[dfence52]

I consider medium range to be 50-150 yards.

I have never used the original AUG optic but I hear that the sight picture is very small and difficult for CQC. I am not apposed to it, I'm just wondering if there is something better.

[crbutler]

Depends on how much you want to spend.

I have one of the Microtech guns. Not completely identical, but close enough. With these, the lack of a comb on the stock means you are sticking your optics in the air a bit, so you should have all kinds of room to manipulate controls. I got mine with the built in optic, and its pretty much permanently mounted, and up in the air a bit, and does not interfere at all. It works fine. I have played with the various scopes on an AR though.

If you have a flat top version, your options are wide open.

If you are talking a social purpose rifle to 150, a holosight or any of the plain red dots will work. I like the holosight because the large diameter ring is good for snap shooting yet the small center dot will work readily with man sized targets out to 2-300 well enough. If you want to shoot the Iron sight divisions of 3 gun, this is legal at most matches as "Iron sights" now as long as you don't magnify.

If you are looking at more the accuracy end of things, fine crosshairs are better than thick, but, of course this will slow you down.

The 1.1-4X illuminated reticle scopes are kind of in between. I like my Kahles in this range, but the eye relief is short. (had it on a heavy and it hit me too often, so now its on a .223, and no problems.) The better glass will be around $1000-1500, but the low end glass which works for 3 gun can be had for around $700. Some folks like the trijicon in this area, with the tritium you don't lose the battery at the wrong time, but they are a little more expensive, and IMO, the glass is just not that good, and they look kind of weird with the light gathering fiber optic. I don't think they make them down to 1X, but I haven't looked at them for a while.

If you want to get the best of both, get a Swarovski Z6i with the circle dot reticle and extended eye relief. Great optics, at 1X with the illumination maxed out it will be de facto a red dot, at 6X it will be a mid range target scope. It won't have a tacticool reticle, but if you are under 400, that is meaningless anyhow. Problem is it's $2500 give or take. If you can afford an original AUG, I think you can afford the optics, but that's your choice. They are a bit heavier than the 25mm tube scopes, if that is an issue for you.

Burris is making an 1-8X, but its a Burris. I think Leupold is looking at having some 8X variables as well, but I have not seen one, and their glass is generally not as good as Swaro, although its better than most, with a great replacement policy.

[dfence52]

Thanks all. Does anyone have experience with holographic sights? I hear they can appear a bit cloudy.

[rukwikenuf]

i dunno, i'd probably go for an EoTech with a FTS 3x magnifier. that is, if the cash weren't an issue. since cash money IS an issue (for me at least) you could look at the Vortex Strikefire or Sparc with a 3x magnifier. you could get yourself into a Vortex setup, with mounts and all, for less money than just the EoTech holo sight

VORTEX PRODUCTS BELOW
red dots:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescope-sfrd.html
magnifier:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-opti ... mount.html

EoTech PRODUCTS BELOW
HoloSight EXPS2 AND Magnifier:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/eotech-mpo- ... ticle.html
HoloSight, EXPS2:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/eotech-exps ... lever.html


i've heard reasoning for why the EoTech is better, but i'm not convinced by any of it. i'm thinking that the reason they are such wanted items is primarily because the Military uses them

[rukwikenuf]

Thanks all. Does anyone have experience with holographic sights? I hear they can appear a bit cloudy.

sure, they can get cloudy. so can standard scopes. if you get the lens dirty, it's going to be visibly cloudy. keep yo **** clean and that won't be an issue (or if it is, it'll be minimal)

plus, with the holo sights, that's just a part of the process. it's like how asparagas makes your pee stink, it just comes with the product