Common Squad Optic

[stanc]

Came across mention of a "Common Squad Optic" (1-6X or 1-8X variable) that supposedly is to replace ACOG and other optical sights in military use. The comment was made that although a competition will be held, Leupold has already "won" the contract.

Anybody have more info?

[LRRPF52]

Could be the 1.1-8x CQBSS. Where did you come across that "Common Squad Optic" reference? Those scopes are waaaaay too big for every swinging Joe, in my opinion.

[stanc]

It was in a post on m4carbine.net, but I just now googled and found the following on soldiersystems.net:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=c...GVKWEQM6Ew

[LRRPF52]

Interesting read. As usual, PEO and the Army are about 5-10 years behind the power curve on these things. The Mini red dots mounted on top of ACOG's aren't cutting the mustard, just like the dual sight approach on the G36, while cool-looking, presents two different height above bore issues...and the resulting two sets of sight indexing approaches for the soldier.

I really like the 1-6x scopes, such as the Swarovski and the GRSC 1-6x. I have 2 GRSC 1-4x scopes, which are small enough for the rifleman to carry, but all of them add significant weight with the mount. I like the GRSC reticle for a General Purpose fighting optic, but a DMR would be better off with a traditional duplex with Mil hash reticle, and more magnification...at least 8x, if not 10x.

One problem these organizations have is that many of them have 3 different optics per M4 already in inventory, especially in the SOF community. As new and better systems mature and hit the market with more input from combat vets into them than at any other time in weapon and accessory development history, the added value and attraction of the systems present an immediate demand from military units with more COTS purchasing authority, but the finance controls internal to many units can't justify buying a new red dot or variable power optic. This is why I suspect the Marines MARSOC Regiment purchased the Leupold CQBSS 1.1-8x scopes "for their M2 .50 cal machineguns".

Since conventional units already have Aimpoints, ACOG's, and some units have MARS, Eotechs as well, it will be interesting to see how they deal with the inventory items...I bet they get dumped onto our "allies" in the Middle East and abroad in foreign military sales packages, with the brunt of cleaning placed on Joe tentpeg's shoulders. Maybe some will find their way into DRMO, but most will go to FMS.

Since the planned budget cuts for defense are still a net increase in spending, even if the communists within get their way, it will be interesting to see what priority new optics for Joe gets in the next 3-5 years.