Combat Rifle Optics 12OCT24

ACOG vs. LPVO vs. Red Dot & Magnifier

For decades, the Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight, or ACOG, has been the king of weapon sights, renown for of it’s toughness, reliability, quality, and compact size, but in recent years, the development of smaller, lighter, and more capable low powered variable scopes has challenged the traditional notion that glass optics can only be used for long range shooting. Let’s also not forget the classic red dot and magnifier combination, pioneered by EoTech, that gives users both ideal speed in low light and at close ranges, and also increased capabilities to identify and engage targets at distance. Which of these is the best? How do you use all of these various types of scopes on a general duty carbine? 

Carbines that once used to be considered good for only 200-300 meters with iron sights these days have gained the advantages of free floating barrels, match triggers, quality ammunition, and can easily hit targets out to 600 meters or more with the right training, skill, and optical sighting device.

In this specialty seminar let’s understand the unique niche that the Low Power Variable Optics, ACOGs, and Red Dot + Magnifier sights holds in the modern age of sporting and combat weapons, allowing users to shoot faster, and farther, greatly extending a carbine’s flexibility and precision while still maintaining light weight, a low profile, reliability, toughness, and good close range weapons handling.  

Learn how to maximize the strengths of your optic, while mitigating and overcoming it’s weaknesses. Gather specific tips on zeroing, range estimation, reticle selection, and engaging targets both near and far. If you have recently acquired a surplus ACOG through our school’s group buy, or are considering purchasing one, this is a great class for you to learn all about what it can do, what it can’t do, and how to use it. If you are looking to upgrade the sighting system on your rifle, attend this class first before you potentially waste thousands of dollars on poor quality gear. We provide rifles and scopes for you to borrow!  

Welcome to Part 4 of the Fall 2024 Combat Rifle Series: Combat Rifle Optics

The full package of 6 classes gives you an awesome price of $96 per class, between August 15th and August 31st, as a reward for those who are bold enough to grab the bull by the horns. Then the price will go back to standard price. Each class is action packed and 10 hours long. If you have a schedule conflict, you may simply mix and match with future class dates, to customize your package to your schedule. Email Brian at info@monarchdefense.org for details. 

Fall 2024 Combat Rifle Series dates:

Fall 2024 Combat Rifle Series dates:

Basic Combat Rifle, Saturday 31st of August, 2024.
Live Fire Battle Drills, Saturday 14th of September, 2024.
Fundamentals of Riflecraft, Saturday 29th of September, 2024.
Combat Rifle Optics, Saturday 12th of October, 2024. 
Close Quarters Combat Rifle, Saturday November 9th, 2024.
Advanced Combat Rifle, Saturday December 7th, 2024. 

Alternate Dates: (In case you miss the earlier dates and still want to join for the later advanced classes)

Basic Combat Rifle, Saturday 27th of October, 2024.
Fundamentals of Riflecraft, Sunday 10th of November, 2024.

Prerequisite:

You must have prior safe weapons handling experience to attend this seminar. 

Topics: 

Design philosophy of lightweight low power variable scopes
Design philosophy of the Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight
What makes a successful combat optic?
Basic overview of function and capabilities
Proper mounting and leveling
Eye relief
Diopter adjustment
Parallax
Cleaning and Maintenance
Using the reticle to range and shoot farther targets
Bindon Aiming Concept
First focal plane vs. Second focal plane
Backup sights and piggyback red dots
Mounting to Kalashnikov and rifles other than ar15/ar10
How much magnification do I need? 
Tall mounts vs. regular height mounts
Proper zeroing procedure
Minutes of angle and Milliradians
Holdovers and holdunders
Fast wind estimation
Low light considerations
Realistic and theoretical effective ranges
High stress shooting and moving drills from 0-600 meters

Schedule: 

8:45 am Setup, issue out ammo and weapons 
9:00 am Safety brief and theory
12:00 noon Low intensity dry practice and slow live fire to learn new technical skills
3:00 pm High intensity, high round count moving and shooting drills
5:00 pm Debrief, clean up, open range practice
7:00 pm Go home 

Location:

Our facility is in the mountains 1 hour east of San Jose, 1 hour south from Livermore. Detail directions will be emailed to those who sign up. If you are inexperienced in driving mountain roads, give yourself 2 hours to make the trip.

Packing list: 

Sturdy boots
Wool socks
Extra socks in plastic bag
Sturdy pants
Belt
Layer garments so you can adjust for cold, wet, or warm weather
Hat
Ballistic helmet optional
Rifle rated body armor optional
Chest rig, plate carrier, or magazine carrier. We have loaners.
Rifle, any caliber (school can provide weapons free of charge, contact us for info)
4+ magazines
250+ rounds of ammunition
Cleaning kit with oil, rag, toothbrush
Eye protection
Ear protection 
Tools for mounting and adjusting sights
Sling
1 gallon of water
Salty snacks and bag lunch
Individual first aid kit (IFAK)