Yes - specifically the “Holosun Paralow HS503G Red Dot Sight - ACSS CQB Reticle”. Looking at the images on the website after using mine, the representation of the reticle superimposed on the FOV (as if looking through the tube) are pretty accurate. I just didn’t imagine that it was really that small.
Wearing glasses to correct my slight astigmatism, and with the sight set dim enough to not bloom, the reticle is pretty clear. I just found that shooting an 8” bull at 100 yds, I was trying to “put a really small thing on a really small thing.”
I’m hoping that a x3 magnifier, it will be easier to use. And hoping that, with the option to flip the magnifier to the side, or remove it via QD mount), I’ll retain lots of flexibility without making the rifle too much heavier full time.
Interesting. I like my Aimpoint + magnifier set up and it is very much like an Elcan, 1X or 3X, take your pick. One good point would be that if one fails it does not render the other useless. I don't know how rugged the Aimpoint mag is but the Comp M4 is considered very rugged. I also have back up irons just in case.
I don't think an Aimpoint with a magnifier is comparable to a SpecterDR. The big issue is light transmission and FOV.
The SpecterDR is going to have far superior light transmission compared to the Aimpoint combined with a magnifier; I don't know the light transmission of the SpecterDR, but even Elcan's most vocal detractors will grudgingly admit that they have excellent optics (many high quality LPVOs are >90%, so I would wager most Elcans are, too). Most duty oriented Aimpoints have 70% light transmission (the H-series only have 60%), while the duty oriented Aimpoint magnifiers have 75% light transmission (don't know what the EOTechs are, but I would imagine similar); in series this would mean 52.5% light transmission, which means that the SpecterDR will destroy an Aimpoint RDS/magnifier combo under low-light conditions.
Then there's FOV; the SpecterDR at 4× has a larger FOV (6.5°) than the Aimpoint 3X-C (6°), while only slightly beaten by the 3XMag-1 (7°) or the EOTech G33 (7.3°), G30 (7.3°), or G43(7.5°) while still providing better magnification. Not great for the magnifiers.
That being said, as noted, the SpecterDR has a lot of perceived flaws (some of which have allegedly been fixed, such as the zero shift that occurs when switching magnifications), so while they definitely have some hardcore supporters within institutions (including folks that have used them extensively operationally), there's a lot more detractors with very valid concerns. I personally also stick with an RDS/magnifier combo on my 11.5"; my LPVOs are on my 14.5" AR-15 and 16" SR-25, which are oriented for further distances. I definitely feel that RDS/magnifiers fulfill a different role than the LPVO; the RDS/magnifier is when I am primarily focused on close-range shooting, with some ability to get some magnification, while the LPVO is more of a jack-of-all-trades, with equal emphasis on close range versus magnification.
“There is no growth in the comfort zone.”--Jocko Willink
"You can never have too many knives." --Joe Ambercrombie
Optically I have no qualms with the Elcans.
Reticles are mehh. But I understand the thought process behind specific ones which I cant argue with.
The mounts are garbage. ARMS inc is notorious for promoting missed opportunities.
The throw lever is lacking durability and stability.
For those using Aimpoint magnifiers. Be mindful of parallax issues. If you notice zero shifts between magnified and non magnified, just make sure its repeatable.
Not to mention the fact that all red dots will have zero shift to varying degrees once you flip on or attach the magnifier.
This is something that is not often discussed whenever this topic comes up but it is a real concern. Which leads me to question whether or not people actually confirm their zero magnified and unmagnified.