*REDACTED* 13+ years in United States Special Operations Command (USASOC) units. Special Forces Sniper Course level 1 & 2 graduate. Extensive training and operational experience in CQB and long range sniper operations.

The Alpha was utilized for 6 months of operational experience while deployed to the *REDACTED* AOR. Environmental conditions consisted of a mean ambient temperature of 109*F, with extreme wind and dust conditions.

Unit was received a few days prior to deployment. Working through email, Ken Decker,  was extremely helpful in ensuring that the build process was quick and manufactured to the specific needs of the user.

Once deployed, the unit was mounted on a M4 10.3″, 14.5″, and 16″ upper receiver groups (URG). The 10.3″ URG optic consisted of an Aimpoint T-2 Micro, 14.5″ 1-6x ELCAN SPECTRE DR, and the 16″ URG utilized a Leupold Optics MK-6 3-18mm scope.

The Alpha TARAC integrated with each URG seamlessly. The Unit shipped with a quick reference card for 3 different ammo DODIC’s most commonly used by USASOC units for the 3 different URG (User Requested). This was requested to be built for an M4 shooting 5.56mm but after using the unit after only a few hours, it was evident that it would be useful on any of the weapons systems a USASOC unit has.

The tactical mount makes mounting extremely fast and secure. Put it on in front of the optic and it’s ready to go. That simple, no tools required. Ease of use also saves trainers time to train a young soldier on holdovers. No holdover is necessary. Just flip it up and engage your target.

The Alpha TARAC will increase a unit’s hit probability beyond 300m (Army Standard Qual Range) guaranteeing greater successful target engagements. The absolute best feature about this unit, is the ability to customize the unit for any added bias needed to meet operational requirements. This feature is incredibly useful with untrained snipers or precision rifleman. The user can have a unit built to a weapon’s point blank zero and, now, that weapon is immeasurably more lethal in the hands of any soldier.

*REDACTED* 7+ years in United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course (SFARTAETC) graduate, grad of Special Operations Terminal Attack Controller Course (SOTACC) and, Sensitive Site Exploitation Course. Multiple rotations through *REDACTED* and *REDACTED* AOR. Extensive training and real world experience in close quarters battle, direct action, and counter terrorism roles. Multiple assignments to USASOC Crisis Response Force units tasked with AOR CT operations.

The Alpha TARAC was utilized during a *TIME REDACTED* months long deployment to the *REDACTED* AOR conducting direct action operations against a myriad of threat networks during both summer and winter months with operational temperatures dropping into the low teens with highs in the upper 90s to low 100s F, at times extreme dust and wind conditions existed.

Alphas were received during initial month in country. Customer service utilized during the deployment was exclusively email and personal contact through a tacomHQ military rep. The units supplied were tailored towards individual needs of the warfighter, each optic being custom fit to bullet grain/BC and weapon system alike. The micro CQB variant unit was provided for standard M4 with a 50/200 meter zero with 77 grain 5.56 and gave the weapon a 500m zero.

Once the units arrived in country the Alpha TARAC was attached to a 14.5 standard SOCOM modified M4A1 with a Leupold LCO optic. The secondary unit was placed upon a FN 240B 7.62 belt fed machine gun utilizing an ELCAN 6X fixed power optic. Both units shipped with a quick reference guide for multiple common Army DODICs detailing the alternate zeroes provided by the Alphas by type of round and muzzle velocity.

After a short time it became increasingly apparent how easy and capable the system was to use scaled across the wide variety of SOCOM weapon systems. The attractiveness of the system is in its simplicity. With the operator simply having to mount the optic in front of their main optic system, it is ready to go. Due to the operational scope and practice of a special operations unit today, simplicity is of paramount importance for warfighter implementation. Most often simplicity boils down to pure effectiveness and lethality with a point and shoot methodology being completely embodied by this weapon optic system. This fact was proven over a six month period of time with the optic being utilized over varied terrain and distance.

The TARAC provided greater ability for myself and adjacent indigenous/infantry enablers to engage enemy insurgents across distances greater than 300m and within 600m, utilizing point and shoot methodologies rather than complicated holdovers reliant upon range cards or extensive training. The undoubtable reality of the TARAC optic is its ability to effectively and dramatically increase SOCOM units’ lethality and capability at extended ranges, increasing the likelihood of deadly effects upon the enemy.

There was an increased hit probability by both single shot man portable (M4A1) weapon systems as well as belt fed crew served weapons (M240B) as well. The ability of the tacomHQ TARAC optic to be utilized by the lowest common denominator support soldier to a highly trained SOCOM operator is universal and its ability to scale between weapon systems and individuals in invaluable. The TARAC would be an invaluable tool if added to any SOCOM end users weapon systems and armament.

*RANK REDACTED* USASOC

• “We’ve been running the wheels off (….) I’ve gotten some testing done (tall target test and some range work) and everything works well (….) We’re sold (….) I tested them with a Razor 1-6x and EOTech with 3x magnifier and it nearly doubled hit probability past 400m.  You have a good product line (….) I took two new guys with little experience and used them as my test bed.  I gave them a 30sec run down on how the prism worked then had them shoot the course of fire with and without the prism.  With the prism they hit more than twice as many targets because it removes their need to actually understand how mils work or how to shoot Kentucky elevation (….) It is a very simple increase in performance.  Past 350m I had them just hold center with the prism and made hits to 500m (….) It’s a really good product that allows me to make guys more effective with very minimal training.”

• “We have been running Aimpoint T2 red dots against the Razor 1-6x against the shot clock for short-range drills and balancing it against long range capability.  We have pretty well determined through empirical data that everyone is significantly faster with the red dot at short range and we don’t really give up much at all with the Alpha out to 500m compared to the compromise of using a LVPO and being slower at short range.  This whole project has changed a lot about what we thought we knew about what the “best” optical setup is.”

• “Hit probability was overall higher with the Alpha Tarac by about 25% but beyond 400m it was the difference between hitting and not having a chance. Both optics had a 50/200m zero to make it an apples to apples comparison. Neither guy really knew how to use the Razor’s milliradian reticle so they were swagging holds. With the Alpha I told them if it looked inside 300m hold center, 400m hold head, further than 400m use the prism and base of the neck. Targets were at 200m (6” circle), 337m (66% IPSC), 420m (half Ivan), 513m (Pistol Popper w/ 10” center), and 603m (Pistol Popper w/ 10” center). To 420m hits were about the same because they all fell within the danger space of the zero for each weapon and I assess that most misses were due to a lack of skill at positional shooting. At 513m and 603m neither guy made a single hit while shooting the Razor 1-6x because they couldn’t make use of the mil reticle due to lack of training (which would be a common scenario for many soldiers if handed a rifle with a magnified optic with mil reticle vice BDC). Using the Alpha Tarac and hold over instructions given before the course of fire started, both guys made hits to 603m. Each guy shot one magazine of 30-rounds with each optic so had 6 attempts at every target. Each guy shot the Razor first so they couldn’t game holdovers after using the Alpha.”

• “I tried something else today because we ended up going to an urban village to work some CQB because winds (….) Traditionally, when shooting UTM/SIM (paint rounds) for force on force training you have a significant hold over when shooting much further than the room you are in.  I decided to try using the Alpha today with paint rounds to see if I could make my CQB distance UTM/SIM hold overs less pronounced.  It worked.  When in a security position, instead of having to hold over the head of a guy at about 50m I was able to hold straight up and shoot.  So, I see an additional capability with the Alpha for force-on-force training with UTM/SIM rounds because you can actually just apply normal holds and shoot instead of having to Kentucky elevation shots two to three rooms deep or having to shoot building to building down/across the street.”

*RANK REDACTED* 3RD Ranger Battalion Assaulter

Initially, I didn’t see much use for it [a Alpha on] a carbine, as I knew all my mil holds to 800m with 5.56, 7.62 and WM.  I’m someone who hates BDC reticles in ACOGS and Elcans because I could get better hits with holds. I didn’t really see why I’d ever run a Alpha because it’s basically doing the same thing. (Though you’re still holding on a target in the bottom of your field of view with a BDC and not with a Alpha).

I switched to the Alpha on my personal gun about 9 months ago, and that was due to running a 1-6 vortex back to back with and without the Alpha on a UKD range from 25-500m.

I use a 50/200m battlefield zero that way its quasi-point of aim = point of impact to about ~300m and with the Alpha (in 7.5MOA) it gets you on at 400m and lethal to 500. I got decent hit percentage without it, but it took me longer to eyeball the distance. With the Alpha, I just flipped it up when it looked too far and held center mass out to ~500, where I favored high on the target. [The Alpha] Improved my hit probability by about 30% and got me 1st round hits at 400+ (its way more of an obvious difference on someone who doesn’t have dope memorized.. like night and day better). Granted, if I took the time and 12″ drilled the targets, my hits were about the same or slightly better than without the Alpha, but I was going for efficiency of time/total rounds. I then ran the same course with an Aimpoint T2 with a 3x magnifier (with the prism) and actually ended up with my fastest time, mainly due to the ability to switch mag quickly and do center holds without thinking about it.

Its honestly even more useful with thermals. Mainly because, in my experience, when you mag in on a thermal optic, dudes look all Mario Brothers pixelated and your reticle washes out against a bright black and white target image. The ability to hold center takes a lot of the thought process out. The end goal of the optic in general is to take out the guesswork. Honestly, its never going to replace a qualified and proficient marksman. I still don’t technically need a Alpha, I’m just faster with one, so I use it.

My go-to is 7.5 MOA, as it will take a 62gr M855A1 (and 175gr SMK 7.62) in either 25/300 or 50/200 zeroes to 500 or 400m, respectively, AS WELL as take a 100m subsonic .300blk zero to a 100m supersonic zero. Sort of a one- size fits all.

*REDACTED*

• “I’ve been putting the Alpha through our normal day to day these last few weeks.  Lots of interest so far from most Team and Squad leaders (….) So far I’ve only seen some slight scratching on the lens, but the body is obviously very sturdy.  All good signs so far and as we move into more of our live fire iterations I’m interested to see the effects on moving targets at distance.  So far I’ve only been able to fire live rounds using it on the flat range and it has performed very well.  I’m very happy with is performance.  But I’m interested to see how it does running around on maneuver ranges and in more gritty environments.  Especially passively under NODs.  It seems that front lens reflects ambient light slightly looking through NODs, but it’s not too severe or constant as you move around.  Outside under natural LUM it’s better for sure.  Continuing to be impressed and impressing others.  We have about a dozen guys really interested in picking them for their own personal builds.”

• “Another quick update on the TARAC.  Interest is spreading more and it’s proving itself on the range and in the field.  This week it got lip up with some UTM rounds and fared fine, just a few scratches.  Weather resistance is good too and it’s not rusting at all from the conditions yet.  The QD mount is super solid and took a good hit this week without failing.  Still super impressed with this thing.  I’m going to take it foof my work rig for a few weeks to try and stretch it’s legs out to farther distances than I’m usually shootig at rhough the job (….) to see how different the impacts are.  Thanks again for the great product.”

“I took my squad out today to shoot them.  Had half shoot with and half shoot without to see the difference and it was incredible.  The first picture was 10 rounds at 400m with a 11.5 barrel [9 out of 10].  The second was 10 rounds at 475 [7 out of 10].  The guys that shot without the Alpha had roughly 50% less rounds on target just using a normal hold.  Keep in mind the guys shooting the Alphas all had red dots with no magnification.  I’m incredibly impressed by this thing when I see my private and brand new tan drilling at 500.  It’s light (which is huge) and easy.  But the thing that sold me the most was being on the line and not in SNOT we can retain our CQB set up with the ability to keep that stand-off and effect targets when able.  How we don’t already have this is insane to me, honestly.”

*REDACTED* AFSOC

The Alpha TARAC is designed to enhance a weapons max point-blank range on a 40-inch, E-type targets. With the Alpha TARAC any target exceeding 300 yards, and as far as 600 yards, is easily engageable without holdovers or range estimation. DAGREs would greatly increase hit probability guaranteeing greater successful target engagements in deployed environments. The Alpha TARAC also benefits DAGRES by being able to use it in all weapon platforms for any mission. Also, being light weight, compact, and requires no batteries making it easy to maintain in any environment.

*REDACTED*

“The Alpha Tarac from tacomHQ is a game changer.  While the rules of skill > gear still apply, this is a product that will absolutely increase “combat effectiveness” by simply being added to your kit.”

*REDACTED*

Shooter
18 years USMC
Reconnaissance Marine, Scout Sniper, Combat Marksmanship Coach
10 years LEO, local and federal
6 deployments Iraq/Afghanistan
USPSA and Precision Rifle Competitor

Rifle
Upper: Colt 14.5” 1:7
AMMO: Federal 5.56 64 gr soft point
OPTIC: EoTech XPS mounted on Unity Tactical FAST
OPTIC 2: TACOM HQ Alpha TARAC 7.5 MOA mounted on Kinetic Development Group Sidelok Universal Riser, short version
Zero Range: 50m

Atmospherics
Temp: 80-95 degrees F (throughout the day)
Baro range: 29.50-30.10
Alt: 500-700 MSL
Wind: 15-22 mph full value R to L

Alpha TARAC selection (This review will be specific to the Alpha TARAC. TACOM HQ has various versions of their prism technology, but this will be specific to the Alpha.):

Understanding this technology can be difficult. In simple terms, prism technology provides a manual shift or “hold” in the sight picture by applying a set MOA adjustment. In this case, the unit tested applied a “hold” of 7.5 minutes of angle. The application of this technology, when combined with a red dot optic, works well when using Max Point Blank holds. Max point blank is a simplified method of aiming/target engagement by exploiting the maximum trajectory path of a round in flight out to a set distance. For example, a rifle in 5.56 shooting 77gr HPBT with a MV of 2760 FPS zeroed at 109 yards has a max point blank range of approximately 340 yds. This is determined by establishing the set “vertical spread” trajectory of 18”. What this means is that from 0 yards to 340 yards, the round will not travel more than 18” from point of aim to 340 yards. For practical application purposes, the shooter can hold center mass from 0-340 yards and hit within 18” vertical spread, given the rifle, ammo, and shooter perform their jobs.

Selection of the proper Alpha TARAC is simplified by TACOM HQ via the use of a ballistics table available on the website. For this use, the 7.5 MOA was chosen to match with the above mentioned rifle setup.

It should also be noted that the same Alpha TARAC can be used for MULTIPLE rifle and ammunition configurations, including machine guns and various platforms with magnified optics. This really adds value and reduces costs to the end user. Purchasing one item that can fill multiple roles is a fantastic feature.

Mounting:

The rifle used had an EoTech XPS mounted on a Unity Tactical FAST mount. This is a high optics mount that is being used more and more on rifles. The high nature of this mount serves multiple purposes. To name a few, it allows the shooter to keep his head up, facilitates passive aiming with night vision, and helps raise the optic viewing window above lights, lasers, and other items mounted on the top rail of the rifle. Initially, I was concerned about how this would impact the mounting of the Alpha TARAC. A brief search of options landed me at the Kinetic Development Group Sidelok universal riser mount, short version. This mount was absolutely perfect for the setup. The EOTECH reticle was perfectly centered in the window of the Alpha TARAC. Additionally, the design of the KDG mount allowed for rapid mounting and removal of the Alpha TARAC. The Alpha TARAC mounted on the KDG mount condenses into a VERY small package that can be removed or added in seconds, and stored in a sleeve pocket or small pouch. Additionally, the Alpha TARAC does NOT require or negatively impact the zero of the primary aiming optic. It mounts in front of it and is ready to go.

Range Performance:

The targets used were standard IPSC size steel, 30” tall x 18.25” wide. I held center on these targets and had first round impacts and repeated follow on impacts with the above listed ammunition out to 300 yds. Past 200 yds, I began to favor the right side of the target. By the time I got to 300 yds, I was holding right edge. The wind was full value left to right at a steady 15mph with gusts up to 20 mph. I wanted to test the efficacy of this setup unaided by magnification. That being said, the two biggest factors in this range test were wind and lack of magnification.

At 400 yds I missed off the left edge. This would make sense given the ammunition and winds. Holding chest height and off the right edge, I was able to adjust for wind and spot misses low. I flipped up the Alpha TARAC and held center chest level off the right edge and quickly achieved hits Moving out to 500 yds, I had the Alpha TARAC up and held high between the face and chest and in space off the right edge to achieve impacts. Without the Alpha TARAC, point of impact (bullet drop) is approximately 45 inches. The alpha TARAC 7.5 MOA adds 37.5” to the sight picture, making the POA/POI difference approximately -7.5”.

Beyond 500 yds without magnification, I had to rely on spotting splash. Impacts were observed by a spotter on a Leupold 12-40 spotting scope. But with the Alpha TARAC, I could see the splash inside the window of the eotech. By holding in space and adjusting off of self observed splash, I was able to make verified impacts with an unmagnified EoTech on the IPSC steel out to 700 yds.

While this is not practical for a 5.56 “battle rifle”, impacts within the practical distance of the weapon system (out to 500 yds) were simple to achieve the FIRST time using the Alpha TARAC. 0-300 yds, hold center chest. 400, flip up Alpha TARAC and hold center chest. 500 yds, hold in the neck. Simple.

Application/Employment:

The simplicity in the design is exceptional, especially with the ability to use maximum point blank. Both magnified optics and red dots can be used to effectively employ the concept after some instruction. Maximum point blank is very useful in a near peer environment when passive aiming must be done to avoid emitting laser energy that can be detected by enemy sensors. The days of throwing LRF energy in the day and IR energy at night are over.

I also see the value in this device for assaulters who’s primary raid optic is a RDS, but still need to be able to prosecute targets at distance. This could occur during an offset insert to a target area, or defending a position after it is seized. The assaulter can simply attach the alpha TARAC and apply max point blank holds.

Cost/Benefit:

The alpha TARAC is relatively inexpensive and takes very little time to learn. In fact, I did not even re-zero my optic before trying it out. It was a simple mount and shoot process. The benefit of being able to make hits at distance without having to remember holds increases the lethality of the shooter and shortens the kill chain.

Summary:

The alpha TARAC is a simple, low profile, durable, and practical addition to a weapon system. I would highly recommend its addition to any person who employs a red dot optic past 300 yards. It is simple to use and relatively simple to learn.

*REDACTED* Fort Benning

“Yesterday, I took a squad size sample of OSUT trainees using the tacomHQ Alpha TARAC and I’m beyond impressed.  Once they figured out their holds on target, the 400-500 meter targets were successfully engaged within 1-2 rounds with the M4A1 with CCO.  This sample size was with trainees with RM scores of 26 to 34 hits on last RM qual.  I’m excited to push the report up to the top and submit this SEP request once testing is complete.  My next series of tests will be including time/stress and fighting up.  I will also do the same during our URM phase.”

“Yeah, its dummy proof.  I had guys who never shot past 300 meters just flip up the Alpha and put rounds on target from 400-600 like it was nothing (….) I had guys at sniper school missing at 500 meters with a Mark 5 on a M110 (…) Seriously, it’s a simple piece of kit that doesn’t add any real weight to the gun, but gives you a simple way to hold on targets outside of 300.”

*REDACTED* Published in Small Arms Review, the following testimony is from a trainee seven-weeks into cycle given a 10-minute block of instruction on the Alpha TARAC from a Senior Drill Sergeant:

“I was given the task to engage three targets at 100, 200, and 300 meters using my M68 Close Combat Optic in the prone supported position.  My zero was for 300 meters.  I hit all three targets then was told to flip up the Alpha and then engage targets at 400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 meters.  I was able to engage all targets within two rounds, except the 600-meter target in which I had to aim at the top of the head of the e-type target.  I was able to engage that target on my third round.  In my opinion, the Alpha made engaging targets at greater distances much simpler than expected.  The fact that I was able to just hold center or close to center on those far targets was awesome.  We are taught that the M4A1 has a maximum effective rage for a point target at 500 meters.  It was cool to exceed that see our Drill Sergeants high fiving each other when we hit the 600-meter target!”