Since the introduction of the excellent .308 AR rifles that are available today, I’ve started choosing optical sights for my rifles to be slightly more mission-specific than in the past. Now I normally pick optics for 7.62x51mm rifles that allow me to reach at least 500 yards while retaining the capability to engage at 50 yards or less.
For 5.56x45mm carbines, I choose optical sights that allow me to use them for CQC at 25 yards or less, but let me reach out effectively to at least 300 yards. In many cases, the optics work well at longer distances, but that is not my primary criterion.
One of my favorite M4 optical sights for the last few years has been the IOR Valdada Pitbull. I’ve had it on a Colt M4 since I first tested it and have often used that carbine as the one I throw in my truck.
Recently I was looking at IOR’s website and noticed there is a new version of the same basic scope designated the Pitbull 2, which is a 1-6X30mm. I liked the idea of the same type of scope I’d been using, but with more “X” for use at longer ranges.
The Pitbull 2 is not a variable power in the sense that it offers magnifications between 1X and 6X. In normal scenarios, the optic will be set on 1X for CQC. However, should a target at longer range appear, a quick ¼ turn of the magnification lever switches the optic to 6X. I find the system quite satisfactory.
One change that will appeal to some shooters is in the Pitbull 2’s tube, which is now 30mm instead of 35mm as with the 1-4 Pitbull, as it is easier to find rings for.
The reticle on my Pitbull 2 is the CQB-PK2, which I find perfect for my needs. The circle/dot allows very fast engagement at closer range. I also find the circle/dot allows fast head shots at 100 yards, as the circle pretty much encompasses the head.
Three thick black bars that lead the eye to the circle/dot are another aid to quick target acquisition. The scope is designed to be zeroed at 100 yards. The post with stadia lines is marked in mils to allow adjustment of point of aim for distances, lead on moving targets, or ranging. Adjustment for elevation may be made with the elevation dial, but I normally just use the stadia lines/crossbars to 300 yards.
The center dot is 0.1 mil and the circle 2 mils. Adjustments of elevation and windage are in 0.1 mil increments. For ease of making adjustments, I’ve learned that 0.1 mil equals about .25 inch. Based on zeroing the Pitbull 2 at 100 yards, adjustments are precise.
IOR also offers the CQB PK-2 reticle, which is less complicated and incorporates a half circle with the dot and fewer stadia lines. Both reticles are illuminated. For patrolling or CQC, I suggest having the red dot turned on and the magnification set on 1X. This allows very fast engagement on targets to 50 yards.
The Pitbull 2 incorporates various features that enhance the quality of IOR scopes. It is designed to operate in temperatures between -40 and +140 degrees Fahrenheit and resist high humidity and rain. It is sealed to be airtight and filled with nitrogen/argon.
I haven’t tested any of my IOR scopes in extreme weather conditions, but I have used them in temperatures between about +20 and +100 F and in very high St. Louis humidity. They performed fine.
The reticles are photo engraved on the glass. On high-quality scopes, the glass coating is very important: IOR MC-7 Wide Band Multicoat is used on the Pitbull 2 and does a great job eliminating glare and transmitting light.
On 1X setting, the field of view for the Pitbull 2 is 132 feet, and 31 feet on 6X. The scope is well designed. On 1X setting, the user can scan very well when searching for targets.
The scope is also compact, which I consider important on an M4 scope. As mentioned previously, tube diameter is 30mm. Overall length is eight inches, and weight is 20 ounces.
As ammunition has become more expensive, I sometimes fire fewer rounds than I did in the past when testing rifles or scopes, but I really wanted to try the Pitbull 2 in various situations from 25 to 200 yards, so I fired 160 rounds. If I remember correctly, 120 were of Federal overrun SS109 and 40 of Lake City overrun M193. As many readers know, military SS109 is not known for accuracy, while military M193 is usually more accurate. That proved to be the case with my testing—the size of any groups fired with SS109 ammo should not reflect on the Pitbull 2.
For example, with Federal SS109 at 100 yards, three-shot groups were usually in the 2.5- to 3.5-inch range. That’s what I’ve found the norm with this ammo in various rifles and carbines. Most three-shot groups with the M193 are normally in the 1.5-inch range.
In all cases, the Pitbull 2 probably tightened the groups because the reticle is so good. The combo of the circle/ dot lets me acquire a target very quickly and shoot accurately. For more precise shooting, if the rifle is correctly zeroed, the red dot works well.
The circle/dot was especially good when taking head shots at hostagetaker or silhouette targets at 100 yards. The circle normally surrounded the “head” of the hostage taker, allowing an accurate shot. If I had time, I could move the dot so it was centered on the eye/nose triangle, as I was trained, or on the top lip, as others have probably been trained.
I also tried some drills shooting at a 25-yard plate using the 1X setting, then quickly shifting to 6X to take a 100-yard target. Having the red dot illuminated even in daylight was advantageous.
The weight of the Pitbull 2 is low enough and it mounts low enough that I did not find it adversely affected the balance or handiness of my carbine. The fact that I had been using the 1:4 Pitbull scope, which is only four ounces lighter, meant there was little transitioning for me in the feel of the carbine.
I use a couple of other IOR scopes and like them a lot, but the Pitbull has been my favorite since I first tried it. This is even more the case with the Pitbull 2.
