Some of the most popular ones are:
- Aimpoint Micro
- EOTech EXPS3
- Holosun 503GU
- ELCAN SpecterDR
- Aimpoint PRO
Shooting mk18 with aimpoint pro
Aimpoint Micro and ELCAN are probably the two most popular high-end optics used on MK18 in the field, but there are other affordable options available.
MK18 SBR is the go to CQB rifle, which provides the shooter many advantages while working in & around vehicles and other tight spaces.
Let's Check it out...
EOTECH EXPS3-4 - Best CQB Holdover Reticle
Image Referenced TREX ARMS
EOTech is the world leader for making holographic sights. Over millions of units are sold to military and law enforcement around the globe to combat terrorism and other threats.
For MK18 CQB usage, the sight's large unobstructed 30 X 23 mm window is great for instantly placing the reticle on the target while shooting on the move or transitioning.
The EXPS3-4's 65 MOA rings with ballistic compensator is great for long distance precise holdover up to 300 yards, and it's large enough to clearly pick up under night vision goggle compared to a 2 MOA center dot.
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EOTECH EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight | 264 Reviews | Check Latest Price |
1-4X instantly - What's special and unique about the ELCAN SpecterDR is going from 1X to 4X by just pulling a magnification lever, which skips 2X and 3X, and no other optic on the market offers this cool feature. You can engage targets at medium range with its BDC reticle, and quickly switch back to 1X for CQB missions just like a red dot sight.
Not everyone is going to love this optic just based on the community conversation, but it features by far the largest field of view in the industry with its large 8mm exit pupil & 70mm eye relief, which creates a large eye box for the shooter, and it performs well in low light.
Built like a tank - The ELCAN is made with aerospace aluminum, and it mounts on the rifle using the default ARMS QD lever mount. For civilian use, the ELCAN will survive any drop, kick, bump, shear and other physical abuses to retain zero.
Retail Price: $2,712.00
You Save: $973.00
from: OpticsPlanet, Inc
Holosun 503GU - Best Aimpoint Micro Alternative
For Aimpoint Micro lovers who can't afford the optic, here is the good news. The Holosun 503GU is a solid Aimpoint Micro alternative with similar durability & even way longer battery life by 2X - 100,000 hours.
Holosun has been a disruptor in the red dot industry for making high strength, lightweight 7075 T6 body optic that feels just like an Aimpoint Micro.
Being able to switch between 2 MOA center dot to a 2 MOA dot inside a 65 MOA reticle ring, which is an awesome feature for transitioning between CQB & medium range on the go without swapping optics.
All in all, we picked this optic because it's lightweight and low profile for MK18, and you can also use the SAME aftermarket mounts for Aimpoint Micro.
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HOLOSUN HE503GU GR Elite | Check Latest Price |
MUST WATCH TORTURE TEST - Watch Holosun 503GU Survives Thermal Drift Test
Best Spot To Mount An Optic On MK18
Generally speaking mounting optics right above the ejection port is the common spot for mounting optics for any AR-style rifles. The only concern you have regarding moving the optic forward or backward all depend on whether if the sight obscures your view or not.
This is why I recommend the Trijicon MRO because you can mount it closer to you or more forward, you will still have a great view with less parallax
Another benefit of mounting optics above the ejection port is that you will have the rail space to add a magnifier scope for long-range engagement and target identification.
Wide Field Of View Is Perfered
Can you imagine clearing a room using the MK18 rifle with an optic that has so much view obstruction when you bring it up close? Just check out the image below:
You see the difference now?
This is why it's important to have a large optic field of view when doing anything CQB. Otherwise, you don't have an optimal setup for the MK18.
An optic like the Trijicon MRO outward tappered body design is wide enough for you to see everything in front of you and also has a very minimum side to side optic frame blocking your situational awareness so you can better protect your family with confidence inside a house.
MK18 Effective Range
The effective range of the MK18 is based on various factors involved such as bullet weight, bullet type, powder charges, and barrel twist rate. You will get various results depends on what you have.
Generally speaking, any standard 55gr 5.56mm boat tail close-up is going to be deadly regardless of muzzle velocity or energy, but as far as muzzle velocity and projectile energy at a long distance is dramatically lower than a 16" barrel.
When you pick a holographic or red dot optic, you need to know three things:
- 55 gr & 77 gr 5.56mm NATO round performs differently at longer distance
- Zero your optic to what makes sense to you
- Pick an optic reticle that allows you to estimate holdover easier
MK18 CQB Holdovers
When you shoot super close up, you always have to aim higher above the target based on where you zeroed your optic.
The biggest question you want to ask yourself is do you understand your favorite ammo's ballistic profile? if so how are the shot groups?
The more you understand what your rifle setup and bullet can deliver, the better confidence you have knowing exactly where to offset your aim.
EOTech's bottom ring reticle mark is a good reference point for holdover for some long-distance shots, but it's not always perfect to estimate exactly where to hold while engaging a target 4-7 feet away from you.
The best thing is to experiment and practice on the range for 2 yards, 4 yards, 8 yards and so on.
For the best teaching, please watch the video by Lucas from TRex Arm as he explains mechanical offset.
Optimal MK18 Optic Mount Height
When using the MK18 for close-range shooting or home defense, I recommend 1/3rd co-witness without a doubt. Its the optimal optic height for perfect cheek weld position while still able to get a perfect sight picture.
Whether you have a PEQ or MAWL mounted on the rail, Trijicon MRO sits higher so you get a clean sight picture.
The MK18 is basically an AR15, nothing has changed besides the shorten barrel on the front, the rest of the gun stays the same.
Whether you're wearing a bulky ear protection or not wearing anything (Highly recommend you to at least wear some cheap earplugs), 1/3 rd co-witness height is perfect for any AR15 style rifles.
The alternative solution is to mount your optic on a riser mount for extra height if needed.
MK18 Optics Round-Up
Picking an optic that gives you a large field of view and wide situational awareness are important elements for an MK18 setup. You wouldn't buy or build an MK18 for no reason other than having a lighter and more maneuverable weapon system for CQB.
Aimpoint Micro and EOTech are great options, but the Trijicon MRO is honestly the best for its large field of view, minimum side to side view obstruction, and it's lightweight.
Perfect for the CQB application!
If you're going with the MK18 MOD 1 configuration, pairing the MRO with a 1/3 co-witness mount will clear the view if you have a PEQ or MAWL mounted on the top rail.
Read More: Best Red Dot Sight For Fighting Rifles
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