Introduction

A telescopic sight, commonly called a scope, is a sighting device based on an optical refracting telescope. They are equipped with some form of graphic image pattern (a reticle) mounted in an optically appropriate position in their optical system to give an accurate aiming point. Scopes are classified in terms of the optical magnification and the objective lens diameter, e.g. 10x50 which denotes 10 times magnification with a 50mm objective lens.

A reflex sight is a non-magnifying optical device that allows the user to look through a partially reflecting glass element and see an illuminated projection of an aiming point superimposed on the field of view. The most common reflector is a "red dot sight", a configuration with a compact mirror reflector design with a bright red LED illuminated dot at its focus. The US military noted reflex sights are suitable to use on the M16 back in the 1970s, however did not introduce first reflector sights until 2000.
(Excerpts from Wikipedia)

Live Resin is a resin company from Russia, specialized in producing high quality weapon and accessory sets. This review covers their 1/35 scale US Army scope set 1 (LRE-35007).

Review

The US Army scope set 1 is packed in a zip-lock bag and safely secured between a firm cardboard (9X10cm). The box art on the front shows all the kit parts, while the one on the back lists correct designation of each scope and displays the weapon mounting procedure.

The kit consists of 6 different scopes cast on a single resin block… with 4 casting blocks supplied, this kit totals to 24 scopes per set. The parts are molded in grey resin and again, as with all Live Resin offerings I reviewed so far, the cast is wonderful. I found no imperfections on the pieces: no air-bubbles, no seam lines… absolutely great. Here is a list and some information on the scopes included in this set:

Trijicon ACOG 4x sight is internally-adjustable, compact telescopic sight which uses tritium illuminated reticles for target acquisition in all light conditions - even total darkness. Designed for use with M16/M4 family, Trijicon ACOG 4x is available with the popular Bindon Aiming Concept which is achieved using a unique combination of advanced fiber optics and self-luminous tritium. Using dual-illumination technology, the fiber optic light collector illuminates the aiming point automatically balancing the brightness with the shooting conditions. The tritium illuminates the aiming point even in total darkness. Trijicon ACOG 4x with KillFlash adaptor is available in US Army scope set 2 (LRE-35008).

ELCAN Specter (M145 Machine Gun Optics) is an optical 3.4x sight developed specifically for the US Army and is in wide service on M240 and M249 machine guns, but can also be used on M4 carbines with the special M4 reticle option. A tritium illuminated reticle provides for normal and low-light conditions sighting. The M145 can be mounted to Picatinny / Weaver rail on receiver and secured via two adjustment knobs. ELCAN Specter M145 with KillFlash anti-reflection device is available in US Army scope set 2 (LRE-35008).

Aimpoint CompM2 is a battery powered non-magnifying red dot reflex sight manufactured by Aimpoint AB. It is the standard sight for the US Army, the US Air Force and the armed forces of many NATO countries. CompM2 is designed to be used with the M16/M4 family, but can be mounted on any weapon with upper Picatinny rail system. It is NVG-compatible, water-tight down to 25 meters and runs on one 3-volt battery. The aiming dot's brightness is adjustable for better visibility and increased battery life.

Aimpoint 3x Magnifier w LaRue QD Pivot Mount is a 3x magnifying module specially designed for compatibility with Aimpoint sights, providing extended range for the aiming device. When mounted on LaRue Quick Detechable (QD) Pivot Mounts, the magnifier offers the ability to switch from CQB (Close Quarters Battle) to semi-sniping in a split second.

Leupold Mark4 LR/T M3 3.5-10x40mm Long Range/Tactical Rifle Scope is the primary day optic of the various US Army sniper rifles. LR/T incorporates the Multicoat 4 lens system which delivers extreme clarity, outstanding contrast and a bright sight picture even in exreme low-light conditions. This particular model is equipped with Leuopld Integral Mounting System (IMS) which mounts the scope to any Picatinny style rail raising it and pushing it forward, so it can be used with M16 family of rifles.

Leupold Mark4 CQ/T 1-3x14mm Close Quarter/Tactical Rifle Scope is a revolutionary optical sight for tactical firearms that combines the strengths of a red dot sight and the variable-power rifle scope. At close range the CQ/T functions as a non-magnifying, illuminated sight scope, while its ability to increase the magnification improves the range and accuracy of engaging targets at medium range. The scope mounts to Picatinny style rail bases via mounting bracket.

After reviewing several Live Resin kits for Armorama, I can definitely confirm the advanced 3D modeling and printing technique Live Resin employs to produce 1/35 scale weapons sets and accessories works incredibly well. The scopes in this set look great; all the tiny details of various knobs and buttons controling the windage or elevation adjustment, paralax compensation and magnification, found on the real optical devices are present and wonderfully executed in 1/35 scale. This kit, along with the other Live Resin US Army weapon accessory sets, provides modelers with enormous possibilities of customizing their modern US weapons.

Conclusion

This kit features 6 different rifle scopes commonly used by the US Army today: Trijicon ACOG 4x, ELCAN Specter (M145 Machine Gun Optics), Aimpoint CompM2, Aimpoint 3x Magnifier, Leupold Mark4 CQ/T and Leupold Mark4 LR/T. The resin cast is perfect with the details well defined and wonderfully executed in scale. With 4 copies of each scope, this set is very comprehensive even for the most dedicated modern figure and AFV modelers.

Thanks to Yaroslav from Live Resin for this review sample.

References

Trijicon
Elcan Sighting Systems
Aimpoint
Leupold