Superb optical clarity at the expense of weight (and looks). - Elcan SpecterOS 4x Combat Optical Sight w/Picatinny Mount, Anti-Reflection Device

The much revered Elcan Specter, has gone on a diet and saved a few ounces (about 5oz) by losing the 1x fast switchable de-magnifier, and the backup sights. Worth the tradeoff? Not exactly. At 18oz, it's still a beast, and in comparison to it's close competitor, the venerable Trijicon ACOG, it is unwieldy, and a chore to adjust.

Elcan believes that internal adjustments make an optic too fragile, so they've gone with external adjusters that move the entire optic. Because of this, the adjustment knobs are in odd places, but you learn to deal with it. In a high stress environment - I'm not sure this would be the way to go, but you get the feeling that this will take a beating and stay zero'd.

Since few of these are for sale, it is hard to find a deal, and as such, is almost always 10% more than the ACOG for about the same features.

So what's the pro? Superb optics. So many reviews talk about the brilliant clarity of the ACOG, but side by side and the Elcan Specter is brighter, clearer, and richer in color. I couldn't believe that my ACOG looked "washed out" when viewed side-by-side next to the Specter. You have to see it to believe it. It is a night and day difference, especially when viewing out five football fields equivalent to the effective range of a 5.56. It is built like a tank. Unmistakably ugly - lots of inquisitive folks at the shooting range, either because they've heard/seen one before, or because they haven't.

Having used this, I think I will upgrade to the SpecterDR, and take the 5oz penalty to get the switchable 1/4x platform. I had an EOTech holographic sight with the 3x quick-flip magnifier, and it weighed about the same as the SpecterDR but in a much more cumbersome package (I could never get used to the massive magnifier clunking to the side).

Not quite five stars because of the weight.