Dubbed the Project Rifle Squad Variable Power Optic, 2nd Marine Division Gunner, Christian Wade has been taking a look at new optics for Marines and has been posting his progress on social media. Initially, he's conducting his own testing in order to gain a baseline knowledge and then plans to outfit his so-called "Über-Squad" at 1st Bn, 6th Marines with Variable Power Optics, mounted to suppressed M27 IARs.
The weapon he is currently using features a M4A1 SOPMOD RIS II URG, Trigger: Geissele. Bolt group: Fail Zero. Suppressor: Gemtech TREK-T. He also plans to employ an HK416 14.5" URG with a Geissele rail system. So far, the optics he is working with are the Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 and a 1-8×28 AccuPower. However, he quickly realized that he had set up the optic mount bridging both the upper receiver and rail in order to get proper eye relief with the mount he had.
This led him to post this update to his project.
Issue: I do not want to "bridge the gap". Thanks to a couple contributors for pointing that out. I had the optics mounted across the gap between the receiver and the rail (I don't want to do that if I don't have to….and I don't believe I have to).
So dilemma: To achieve the optimal balance of eye relief, butt-stock extension vs. overall length and portability, and height over bore. Rifle Combat Optic eye relief is ~1.5-2" whereas these optics are ~4". I don't want to pull the stock out from where every Infantryman has been trained for years to have them (and they won't do that anyway…no matter what I want).
My solution for now is a riser attached to only the Upper Receiver (and not the rail) that raises the optic HoB to M27 IAR height while allowing me to "push the optic" farther forward. I have also slipped the optic as far forward in the mount as possible. This might be good for now.
Now, dont get confused. Gunner Wade is doing this on a micro scale at 2nd MarDiv, so this isnt a Marine Corps wide project, at least not yet. It always takes one person with vision to kickstart change. In fact, one of the things I admire about Gunner Wade is his passion for his job. He not only cares about Marines, but he wants them to be the best equipped. He takes time to learn about the equipment and challenges preconceived notions. He also works to inform his Marines, and others. What's more, he effectively uses social media to do it. That's what an expert looks like, and that's what a leader looks like.
I look forward to seeing how this project progresses.
If you want to keep up with Gunner Wade, he has a Facebook page.
