My comment on a 3X to augment is speculation. I could EASILY see the use on a long range patrol for a specific use for a specific operation. I've carried 70 LBS on my back for 25 Kms a day for extended periods. NOT that I'd do that now - just saying its a viable possibility.
The MD 25 provides me an ACSS reticle - not essential. Provides a bit more capability. I find it easy to use in a forward position like a dot, and provides SA and a bright tube and capability if I need it. Meanwhile it provides rapid acquisition.
The ARMS mount is solid. I've dismounted it and twice had to adjust the center. So - why have it? Two reasons. One, it is LOWER and provides a better view in cowitness - yup hard to believe but true. Second, if my MD25 gets damaged in the middle of an engagement, I throw it off and shoot with the irons unobstructed. Some folks never considered that, but glass can break, or get sprayed with stuff. Stuff happens at the worst time. Murphy is everywhere on the battlefield.
It also MAY need some breaking in. Right now it does the first two functions fine.
I didn't realize they now come w/ the ACSS.
Looked at MrGNG's vid of this new reticle version IRL and the horseshoe would help w/ speed, but unsure of utility of the rest of the reticle for me w/ astigmatism -- the blurriness of his shot at link is in the ballpark as to how I see red dots at 3x or larger its acutal size (playing w/ power to turn down lowest visible and taking time to judge center of the blur -- it's not a straight line more of a dogleg -- helps significantly at distance but also takes away much of the red dots intrinsic advantages)...
https://youtu.be/QU4N34lQGPc?t=452Beyond 250-300 yards, irons provide me with greater precision, even more so w/ KNS think front sight post installed.
The throw it off is why offset sights for rapid transition if that's a use case you have.
I'm of the opinion that everyone should carry allen key in pistol grip/cleaning kit for any permanently affixed red dot. And if durability is so important, I'd suggest moving up to aimpoint... Both killflash and flip covers available.
I have but do not care for killflashes on red dots. Looking through honeycomb is super annoying, and killflash do nothing to hide direct sight of your illuminated dot.
If ADM makes a QD of similar height, I'd strongly suggest looking there. They're my overwhelming choice for anything QD. Have over a dozen of their QD mounts w/ zero RTZ issues provided optic properly torqued down to mount.
