No "pistol" yet, Optics choices?

[z00mie]

Hey all,
I've got the Bren 805 in route and I'm considering optics choices. My Bren will ultimately be an 11" barreled rifle so weight and eye relief will not be as much of a factor as it might be with a pistol. I've looked at the Trijicon offerings with some magnification but really don't want the BDC reticle stuff as it isn't likely to be usefuland ultimately will just be clutter. I don't really like the micro sized version purely from an aesthetics standpoint. I'm also looking at the Aimpoints (non-micros) and kinda like the comp M4S. I've used these brands as well as the EOtech and have minor gripes with each, but none that would keep me from fully discounting any of them. Ultimately this'll be a high speed range toy with a focus on defensive home use.
Opinions based on experience, or just opinions?

[armoredman]

It all comes down to budget - what can you spend/what do you want to spend? I had an EOTech that failed on me, and currently run a Bushnell TRS-25 on my Scorpion, less than $100 for a nifty little red dot that lasts quite well and works great. Same as you - range toy and home defense, not an "operator" going into the jungles of Bolivia for weeks at a time.
But if you like the Trijicons and can afford them, I hear nothing but good.

[z00mie]

I do really like the Trijicon units. I just haven't determined the model that most suits my needs. I really don't know what magnification to consider or the reticule to go with if I choose this route. I do like the 4X32 units.  If Aimpoint it would probably be the Comp M4S, My choice for EOTech would likely be the compact version with the smallest dot they do (any unit chosen would need to be NV capable).

[RSR]

EOTech's have proven to have issues: http://soldiersystems.net/2015/09/30/ussocom-issues-safety-use-message-eotech-enhanced-combat-optical-sights-plus-goings/

Now they are probably fine for "red dot" use, but for adding a magnifier, and whatnot, they're unsuitable...

For a budget conscious solution, I highly recommend: http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Illuminated-Reticle-Riflescope-Turrets/dp/B00AU6EIIY/

It's ffp, so the bdc reticle is always on target at any magnification.  The reticle is illuminated also.  At 1x you get a horseshoe/circle w/ center dot, and then upside-down Ts beneath it for ranging...  You can't see the bdc very well, so it functions like a red dot at 1x.  At 4x it functions like a standard magnified optic. 
Also, and importantly, all adjustable magnified optics can be adjusted to intensify/brighten light during low light situations by playing w/ mag levels -- generally around 3x is brightest point... 
Now others do make similarly featured ffp optics w/ 1-6x magnification, primary arms and bushnell come to mind at sub $1200 range, but nearly all are at that price level (read: expensive). 

For an all purpose optic on a 5.56 gun, I personally really like these adjustables.  Yes, definitely heavier than red dots (but not significantly if accounting for a magnifier) and also heavier than fixed magnification optics as well (again, not too significantly).

The elcan that IMO is one of the finest military grade optics out there is 1x and 4x fixed magnifications. The meopta optic that shipped with some of the Czech Military issued guns was 3x. 

[z00mie]

Thanks RSR! Very good data there...

[z00mie]

I'm now starting to move away from considering the EOTech (not for the POI shift issues) due to the width on the Rail. I was trudging through a number of sites/articles etc on the "Bren pistol" and a complaint was that there wasn't really anyplace on the top rail that didn't put your knuckles at risk when charging the weapon or releasing the bolt when locked to the rear. Apparently the footprint of the eotech is sort of wide at the bottom and the top rail is narrow allowing for plenty of places/sharp edges on the bottom of the optic to leave knuckle skin. Its looking like Trijicon or Aimpoint now...

[pedro66]

I put a Trijicon MRO on mine today I kind of like it

[z00mie]

Still don't have my rifle, but after MAC's review of the MRO I definitely will give it a look. What's  the going rate for them now?

[Garmanarnar]

Still don't have my rifle, but after MAC's review of the MRO I definitely will give it a look. What's  the going rate for them now?

You should look at MAC's instagram page if you want to base your MRO purchase on his words. He's posted several photos and short videos about all the problems he's had with the MRO he owns and ones his customers have returned, particularly relating to fragile construction of the battery compartment.

https://www.instagram.com/p/-P-xpxzRNK/

Half of the MROs his shop has sold have been returned.

[762hurts]

CZUB Mikrpoint Kollimator Same as Aimpoint T-1. 1/3 the cost.

[RSR]

CZUB Mikrpoint Kollimator Same as Aimpoint T-1. 1/3 the cost.

If aimpoint doesn't make it, it's not the same...  Most likely (from the looks and don't think meopta makes a microdot that looks like that), the optic you linked is from China or elsewhere in East Asia; so it's a bushnell trs25 or primary arms microdot equivalent, not aimpoint...

[762hurts]

Sounds great. Mine looks like my T-1. Uses Tango down T-1 covers, and mounts to American Defense T-1 mounts. Hence the clone T-1 comment.

[z00mie]

I ordered an Aimpoint T2 (wasn't even on my radar initially). I liked the way it sits on MAC's rifle with the low mount. I fondled one at my local PSA prior to purchase. 

[GeeMan]

I'm now starting to move away from considering the EOTech (not for the POI shift issues) due to the width on the Rail. I was trudging through a number of sites/articles etc on the "Bren pistol" and a complaint was that there wasn't really anyplace on the top rail that didn't put your knuckles at risk when charging the weapon or releasing the bolt when locked to the rear. Apparently the footprint of the eotech is sort of wide at the bottom and the top rail is narrow allowing for plenty of places/sharp edges on the bottom of the optic to leave knuckle skin. Its looking like Trijicon or Aimpoint now...

This is def a consideration if you plan to mount an EOTECH atop your 805...  I had a 516 sitting in my safe that was not being used at the time I picked up my Bren so I put it on to try it out...  quickly learned that the wide footprint of the optic made placing it too far forward on the rail a high risk of leaving a DNA sample on its sharp lower corner when racking the charging handle (both sides)...  I soon after tried both my Aimpoint T1 & PRO, and also my new MRO on the Bren, liking the PRO the best overall, but those optics are currently committed to other weapons so the 516 went back on...  I have it situated where it works now so it will stay...  a side note is that I actually prefer the large real estate of the EOTECH lens design, and can see/shoot better with them...  I have had the 516 on several different rifles and have not babied it in the least, it has seen some pretty harsh conditions and still holds the original 0 just fine...  time will tell I suppose...  link to my photo of the knucklebuster:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206311433883644&set=pb.1200459158.-2207520000.1448821911.&type=3&theater

[z00mie]

Okay, so I received the T2 with the standard low mount and it co-witnesses fine (with the factory CZ sights). I haven't fired it yet but I look forward to trying it out. The optic is set on the top rail so the front of the optic is just even with the rearmost end of the charging handle slot. No knuckle busting!  The Aimpoint unit is really really tiny, a totally different experience compared to my EoTech and Comp M2. Not so small that it is difficult to use, just a tiny package. I also like the way it looks on the  rifle...