So I don't think anythings faster than a red dot or an Eotech right now at least out to 50 yards, maybe more.. I also don't think the zero power (1 power) tube optics can really compete speed-wise with "ready-up" drills either, because (even at 1 power) now you have to deal with looking through a tube, which means having to line your head up more precisely with the gun. I know anything can be trained out, but out of the box, the red dot / holographics are the king of speed for close range stuff.
So what about longer distances on a course of fire that's mostly close up? A tube 1-6 or 1-8 optic (or an Elcan) would be good at those longer ranges even if it's not the best for the up close stuff. you could always put a magnifier behind your zero power, and add some weight.
My experiment is to build a pre-set turret onto the red-dot! For the matches around me, usually the range is known, so I don't need any ranging features to clutter up my reticle, most of the targets are a known size as well, 18 inch wide USPSA silhouettes, or 10 inch round steels, in my case. So the argument becomes do I need speed or all 'A' zone hits at 300. I want the speed.
The logic is: If I really need 'A' zone hits at 300, I'll put on an U.S.O. MR-10 and run a red-dot 45 degrees of the top of the rail for close stuff. But if I can live with just hitting out at 300, why add two pounds to the gun?
Here's my fix (I'll tell you if I'm right later). I've got a Trijicon MRO, and an Aim-point PRO. Though I really love my MRO and think it might be a tiny be faster (at least to my eye), the clicks are just too mushy to use as an actively adjustable turret system. The Aim-point however has clicks so nice, it's almost a sin NOT to put a knob on them (at least the yardage turret).
The idea is to mark the top of the knob with 50/200, 300, 400, 450, 500, etc. I'm hoping that if, in the beginning of the day, I zero the gun, the relative markings will hold true. At least to 500 yards with regards to temp, baro, alt, humidity, elevation, etc.
This thing feels fantastic, even if the pre-set yardage idea doesn't work out, it's a GREAT dial for just dialing in the day.
