AR-15/M16 COLT™ 4X RETRO CARRY HANDLE SCOPE Reviews & Ratings

Looks excellent. Have yet to mount it. I am very satisfied.

I couldn't be happier with my purchase; even better when there is a sale. Great little optic for any carry-handle AR pattern rifle or carbine. TYVM Brownells for making these available again.

I received this as a gift. After comparing it to my original from the early 1970s I can say that I'm extremely impressed. Outside they appear identical but that's where it ends. My original always held zero but the clarity was never great and even worse now that it's so old. Even new, the original would fog at the slightest provocation rendering it 100% useless. Being skeptical, I somewhat abused this new version subjecting it to extreme temperatures. From 25F to 110F in several cycles. The clarity remained consistent (VERY good) with zero fog. Zero held fine, even after removal & mounting several times. I'm actually amazed over the quality. I'd rate it 7 out of 5 stars! I can't compare the packaging as I don't remember the original... seems like 100 years ago now but given the attention to detail on the rest (even the sticker!) I'm willing to bet that it's accurate as well. With reasonable care, I'd expect this to last well into the next generation. Perhaps longer. So yeah, it's a good investment. Get them while you can! Like all things, they won't be available forever.

I am super pleased with these optics. They are the perfect compliment to my “carry handles.” Once upon a time, I had carried a Colt GAU with one of these optics in the late 1970s to late 1980’s. Ironic that these simple optics were essentially the “ACOGs” of my generation. The mounting is simple and secure and zeroing was a breeze. (If you take them off and move from gun to gun, you will likely need to re-zero.) As for the optics, the glass is clear and the magnification is perfect in such a compact optic. Packaging is outstanding. Thank you Brownell’s for the product and the quick shipping!

Great product, fast shipping

A perfect complement to my XM177. Brings back memories.

I have the Original and the comparison is the same but without the side screw which the original has. The glass on the new version is superior and the final touches like the inspection sticker makes this an enjoyable optic to use regularly while keeping the authenticity.

There are some repros out there by MT that are a fraction of the cost but they are a fraction of the quality too. (Their reticle is just plain weird too, IMHO.) Some “Hakkos” can be had for a similar price point on some “sites” but, they just aren’t the same. I cannot speak to a lack of quality but there is a lack of cool-factor and nostalgia. Original Colts can be found as well but are seemingly twice the price point and they are, well, old. Old in condition and old or poor by contrast in quality. To no fault of their own, just technologically limited. I hesitated on B’s 1st run of these, just because I was caught off guard and didn’t have the cool 400 Benjamins 💸 in my pocket at the time. I was ready the 2nd time, I did not hesitate! 😎 If you have a cool old school carry-handle, you definitely should not either! The fit, finish, and quality are there; the original markings (most importantly the QC sticker) are neatly applied as well (not stuck on half-assed), and the glass is Japanese. I’m not sure, but Hakko may have actually been the OG manufacturer and these are said to have been manufactured by that OG? The tactile feel is outstanding and all additional markings are crisp and clear. The scope is a fixed 4X with a generous feeling 20mm window. The reticle has a simple clean crosshair with thick focusing lines; this is a close to medium range “combat” site, less is more here. 👍🏻 The turret has 4 presets at 1/2, 3, 4, and 500yrds; The optic is pre-tuned for your typical 55/62gr. 5.56 ammo but can be changed. The adjustments are in MOA (thank the lord 🙏🏼); it doesn’t define but my count there is 28 MOA of adjustment in elevation and a total of 20 MOA in windage (10 each direction). I’m not sure if this would be effective on a 300 blk or 7.62? (Haven’t tackled the math… 🧠). But, it would be nice if so? Versatility on/for your 3OO and it certainly would look interesting on my AK. 🤔 The scope mounts extremely easily, fits neatly, and all of you irons remain completely unobstructed/usable. If you have a handle AR and embrace it; this is a no brainer, a must have! If you have one and wish you hadn’t; this will most certainly change your perspective and bring back that twinkle in your eye. 👁️ 💕. And, don’t forget, they fall under Brownell’s “Forever” Warranty as well. Disclaimer: The eye-relief may be a little questionable 🤨 I have to limit my stock [on my Old School 1st Gen Original Bushmaster (pre-acquisition)] to the 1st or 2nd detent; when I get to the 3rd the tunnel-vision starts to become a factor and all the way out, on the 4th detent, the window is still viable but has shrunk by a good 50%… Also, once mounted, it does become difficult (by hand/finger alone) to change your rear irons from short to long range. Easy and logical fix is to keep it on long range. 🤷‍♂️

Awesome scope, wish it came with lens covers

Great scope, arrived in short order and set on top of my XM177E2 clone. Installation and zeroing the scope was straightforward. I feel really good about this scope being as it is just as accurate as the original scope from back in the day, just with out the wear and tear of 30-40+ years. My only wish would be for the scope to come with lens covers, as this is an investment I intend to protect. Eager to see what Brownells might deliver in the retro AR market!