Hunting optic, ACOG? LVPO?

[Xtracrispy]

Earlier in the year I built a 16” 6.5 Grendel AR15 for hunting use for Southern California deer hunts and occasionally deer/pigs out of state.

Been trying to pick an optic. At first I was looking at a 2.5-10 scope, which might be my best option still. But it seems like LVPOs are all the rage.

Been messing around with a couple borrowed LVPOs (Primary arms Slx 1-6 and a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8). I can see the popularity, 1x is nice and you still get a decent zoom, but I noticed they are pretty heavy, and I have concerns about the small objective in low light and night conditions.

That got me thinking, I have a TA11 3.5x ACOG sitting on a range gun in the safe. How would an ACOG be for hunting? Definitely limited by the lower magnification on longer shots but I love the clarity and field of view, plus it’s almost half the weight of the Strike Eagle, and no batteries. I know a cogs are generally not favored due to the cost but I already own it so that’s mute.

So, how would an ACOG be for hunting out to probably 300yds or so? Any input and suggestions appreciated.

[VASCAR2]

There are several different reticles on the ACOG but as long as you know your hold over or reticle from 0 to 300 yards I think the ACOG would work very well hunting medium size game like deer or hogs. There are ACOG which have a 7.62x51 based reticle and the 6.5 Grendel has a trajectory closer to 7.62x51 than 5.56/223. As long as you can identify the target and get hits on target the actual optic is just an interface to get game. I say test the ACOG at similar distance as you will be hunting and see how it works for you with the 6.5 Grendel.


After testing if you’re not satisfied with the 3.5 magnification I would look at the 2-10 scopes. I have no trouble shooting my scopes set at 2-4 power with both eyes open at close distances and getting quick hits. I have a couple LPVO scopes but have more 2.5-10 or higher magnification scopes. I see optics as tools and whether I can make that tool work for my particular task.

[LRRPF52]

For the Southwest US and its open spaces, I like FOV, clarity, and magnification options. ACOG works fine for 0-300yds, is very robust, and I like the FOV on them.

Eye relief is a little tight on ACOGs for my liking though, so if you have kids who will shoot or you have a smaller torso mass, be mindful of scope bite.

I’ve had guys get scope bite shooting 5.56 with ACOGs in my DM courses, even drawing blood. Never saw that in the Army though.

[Bonas]

You already have the ACOG. Put it on, and see if you like it. If not, go to a 2-10x or similar.

I've never seen much point in 1x for hunting. It adds cost, weight, and bulk to a scope to gain a feature of minimal use for the vast majority of hunting.

[HighDesertDrifter]

Should be fine. I use a 3x prism for steel at 500y with fairly boring repeatability. That being said, I appreciate a bit more zoom for picking out details on a critter to ensure it's the one I want or adding a bit of confidence there isn't a ding dong college hiker playing peekaboo behind my dinner. My current hunting optic is no longer made but 22oz and a 4-16 x 50.