Shotgun News 4 February 2008

Optical sights have come of age on fighting rifles. Three examplary choices are the S&B Short Dot (top), Aimpoint M3 (middle), and Trijicon TA11 ACOG (bottom). Photo credit Jeff Carpenter.

Shown here at an EAG Tactical Carbine Operators class, Type I sights, red-dot optics with no magnification, are most popular.

The EOTech holographic red dot optic can be a viable fighting optic, however, manipulating it is more complicated than the Aimpoint. The short yet accurate barrel has become popular recently due to demand for a compact carbine which can deliver sub-MOA accuracy at extended ranges. Rules of engagement often dictate positive target identification and shot placement. The "Recce" format originated in Naval Special Warfare (NSW) due to the need to equip snipers with a combat precision weapon which could use common ammunition. The Recce has a 16-inch stainless match barrel and free-floated railed hand-guard, and is fitted with a low-power magnified optic. The concept has been shortened even further into sub-MOA short-barreled rifles in the ten to 12-inch range. A skilled shooter can hold these short carbines to MOA at 600 yards or further. With those facts set out, it becomes clear that carbine capability is primarily determined by the sighting system. The same weapon could be optimized for door kicking, close to mid-range engagements with target identification requirements, or can be stretched to the cartridge's ballistic limit by merely changing the optic.

The EOTech provides fast, heads-up sighting, and suits the short-barreled rifle well. It's no surprise, then, that common themes in sighting systems arise. I'm going to break these down into three categories: Type I, Type II, and Type III.