I wouldn't use the ACSS reticle

Published on March 2, 2024
Duration: 6:16

Ben Stoeger advises against using the ACSS reticle on Holosun sights, despite liking the sights themselves. He explains that the large 85 MOA ring can obscure the central chevron at full extension and presents two primary issues: it promotes a suboptimal training pathway of searching for the reticle rather than consistent indexing, and it can interfere with close-range 'color confirmation' shooting by presenting a distracting outer ring.

Quick Summary

Firearms instructor Ben Stoeger advises against using the ACSS reticle on pistol optics due to training inefficiencies and interference with shooting techniques. He notes it can promote searching for the reticle and disrupt close-range color confirmation, though it can be turned off on Holosun sights.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to ACSS Reticle
  2. 00:24Visual of ACSS Reticle
  3. 00:31Holosun Sights vs. ACSS Reticle
  4. 00:43Holosun 507 Comp Options
  5. 01:01ACSS Reticle Details (85 MOA Ring)
  6. 01:19Visibility Issues at Full Extension
  7. 01:50Turning Off the ACSS Reticle
  8. 02:13Purpose of the ACSS Reticle
  9. 03:05Problem 1: Training Pathway
  10. 03:15Consistent Grip and Indexing
  11. 03:30Looking Where You Want to Shoot
  12. 03:53Problem 2: Color Confirmation
  13. 04:11Color Confirmation Explained
  14. 04:36ACSS Interference with Color Confirmation
  15. 04:50Higher Level Shooter Perspective
  16. 05:30Summary of Issues
  17. 05:40Initial Impression vs. Reality
  18. 05:53Conclusion: Not Recommended
  19. 06:08Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Ben Stoeger advise against using the ACSS reticle on pistol optics?

Ben Stoeger advises against the ACSS reticle because it can promote a poor training habit of searching for the sight instead of relying on consistent grip and indexing. Additionally, the large outer ring can interfere with close-range 'color confirmation' shooting by being visible but misaligned with the actual point of impact.

What are the main drawbacks of the ACSS reticle for pistol shooting?

The ACSS reticle's main drawbacks are that it can obscure the central chevron at full pistol extension and, more importantly, it can hinder proper training by encouraging visual searching for the reticle. It also poses a problem for close-range shooting techniques like color confirmation.

Can the ACSS reticle be turned off on Holosun sights?

Yes, the ACSS reticle on Holosun sights can be turned off. By holding down the minus button, the reticle system can be deactivated, allowing the user to revert to a standard red dot sight, which is the preferred method for Ben Stoeger.

What is the intended purpose of the ACSS reticle, and why does it fail for some shooters?

The ACSS reticle is intended to help beginners quickly find the aiming point (chevron or dot) when presenting the pistol. However, it can fail by promoting a reliance on visual searching rather than consistent indexing, and the large ring can be distracting or misleading during rapid shooting.

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