Alpha Tarac Optical Accessory: Flip-Up Lens Doubles Your Red Dot Combat Optic’s Point of Impact! (Video!)

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

By Jeff Gurwitch

March 25, 2019

Every once in a while, I come across a really unique item that I absolutely must get my hands on to try. This was the case with the Alpha Tarac flip-up optical accessory by TACOMHQ, a flip up lens that doubles your red dot’s point of impact. Say you run a 300-yard point of aim/point of impact (POA/POI) zero on your red dot, utilizing the Alpha Tarac. The POA/POI impact now becomes 600yds. Sound interesting? That’s exactly what I thought.

Now, I know what you re thinking; “In a world where low-powered variable optics (LPVOs), and magnifiers already exist, why bother with this?” Well, before I answer that, let me go over the Alpha Tarac and my results testing one out to the distance at which it was designed to shoot. I run a 200-yard POA/POI, so the Alpha Tarac changes it to 400yds. The rifle I utilized for the test was a 14.5-inch barreled piston gun (tactical AR-15 carbine) with an Aimpoint Pro, with a 2-MOA dot.

What is it?

Basically, the Alpha Tarac is a flip-up lens. When employed, it shifts how the dot appears in your primary combat optic, so that it doubles the point of impact. Now, to ensure that I got that capability and the proper diameter lens for the optic I run, I provided my personal zero’ing information to TACOMHQ, prior to getting the sample one to test.
The reason? TACOMHQ offers two models of the Alpha Tarac optical accessory; a 1.25’’ micro lens version for Aimpoint T1s and similar optics, and a larger 2.25’’ lens to go with optics that have larger viewing lenses like EoTechs, Aimpoint M4s, and Pros. Since I wanted to use it with an Aimpoint Pro, I stated I needed it for a 200-meter zero with the larger lens.


The test model I received set for turning a 200yd POA/POI into a 400yd POA/POA. Note the 7.5 written on the front, denoting the change in MOA that lens adjusts for. The body and base are made of aluminum and very robust.


Alpha Tarac folded down. To put into operation, you must grasp and push in the large locking lever located on the right side. This frees up the lens to be flipped up by hand.

How well does it work?

Performance wise? In short fantastic! The Alpha Tarac did exactly what was advertised. When utilized, it adjusted how the red dot appeared. So, instead of having to use a hold-over to get a hit on a 400-yard plate, I was able to aim just about center on the plate to get hits on target at 400. Now, I won’t get into the math behind how the Alpha Tarac lens works, (and yes obviously muzzle velocity and different types of ammunition will play a part on where rounds impact), but variances in velocity and ammunition are considered in what TACOMHQ states about the capability of the Alpha Tarac.
Speaking with TACOMHQ, they stated that when employed, it should be able to enable you to get hits on a 20″x20″ (20×20 inches) target at the range it was set for. 20″x20″ is basically a torso size target, by the way. This size pattern allows for variances in impacts from velocity and ammunition. So, just how well did the Alpha Tarac work for me? Let me show you.


Alpha Tara mounted on Adams Arms 14.5 piston AR. Still plenty of room left on this mid-length handguard for an IR laser and a place for the support hand to grasp on to the handguard.

Before using the Alpha Tarac, I first shot some groups using the ammunition that I was going to test it with, 55gr. M193, just with the Aimpoint Pro at a USPSA target at 200 yards, then 400yds. The purpose was to both check my zero to ensure I had a true 200-yard POA/POI, then at 400 yards just to confirm the hold-over I normally use. For 400 yards, I have to place the red dot (which appears as an 8-inch circle) just slightly above the target’s head. This makes up for the roughly 2 feet of bullet drop at that range with a 200-yard zero.
Next, it was time to shoot 400yds on paper with Aimpoint and Alpha Tarac optical accessory. For my first string of five rounds, I aimed center-mass of the target (center of A-zone box). The result: all rounds impacted high in the neck area of the target (C, D, and B-zone head). Although they were hits, I wanted to see if I could hit exactly center. To do so, I ended up needing to aim about eight inches low below the center of the target. I basically dropped my dot one width of itself down, since it appears as an 8-inch circle.


On the left, my 200-yard confirmation of POA/POI with Aimpoint Pro. Right, my second five round string at 400yds using the Alpha Tarac Optical Accessory. Red circles indicate the point of aims I used.

Although I did have to drop my point of aim slightly (8 inches) to get center hits at 400yds, that was well within the 20×20-inch capability TACOMHQ had stated, and it indeed allowed me not to have to use a hold-over to get hits. Sure, using a true center hold, the impacts were a little high, but they were still hits. Seeing how it was off true center by only mere inches, I figure this is pretty damn good, especially considering the generic, non-match ammunition I was shooting out of a 14.5’’ barrel.
Satisfied with the results on paper, it was time for a more practical test. For this, I decided to shoot a little drill where first I would shoot at a 200yd plate using just the Aimpoint Pro. Then, as fast as I could, I’d flip up the Alpha Tarac and shoot a string of fire at a 400yd plate. My intent was to simulate being in a rifle match and shooting targets at a range I could hit using center holds, the Alpha Tarac of course allowing me a center hold at 400yds.


Side-by-side comparison of the two holds I used to hit 400yd steel plate. Left, Aimpoint Pro about two diameters of the dot as it appears stacked above the target. Right, with Alpha Tarac, I just aimed slightly low of center.

Just how well did I do? Pretty well, I thought. Watch the video below. The misses I did have at 400yds were not due to being off with the range, via incorrect hold for elevation (I used a 6-oclock hold on steel). Instead, the misses, as you will see, are off left and right. This I blame on the poor wind holds I used for the slight breeze I had going during the test.

Practical Application

Going back and answering why use an Alpha Tarac in the first place over a LPVO or a magnifier? Well first off, you can in fact use it in conjunction with a magnifier. So not only would you get the extra magnification via the magnifier, but also now you’d have much less drastic holds for long-range targets. Additionally, TACOMHQ has other models designed specifically for use with scopes. Personally, I don’t like magnifiers, since you have to make space for the magnifier, and the red dot must be mounted far forward on the rifle, which I don’t care for.
But really the big problem I have with magnifiers is they also magnify the dot in the optic. With a 4X magnifier, aiming at a 400yd target, a 2-MOA dot in an Aimpoint will now appear as an 8-inch dot. At a 400yd target, it will then appear as at least a 2ft diameter dot, most likely obscuring the width of the target, actually making it harder for a precise hold.
Now, if I were expecting a fight at all distances, then certainly a LPVO is what I would choose. However, if my primary mission were CQB, and my carbine was rigged with a red dot where I was not expecting to have to shoot long-range, then I’d most certainly mount an Alpha Tarac, just in case it does turn into a long-range fight.
Having that precise POA/POI at 400yds would definitely come in handy and make shooting targets at extended ranges much easier. Even if the targets were past 400yds, with the Alpha Tarac, the holds required would be a lot smaller than the holds with a 200yd zero. This of course translates to “the smaller the hold, the quicker the aim”, which equals faster shooting.

The Wrap Up

Compact and well-built, the Alpha Tarac optical accessory offers a capability that hasn’t existed before, the ability to have two different zeros with a red dot optic. Whether you use it with just a red dot or in conjunction with a magnifier, the Alpha Tarac is a great option for enhancing one’s capability at hitting long-range targets. Whether it’s on the battlefield or at a local gun match, having the ability to switch zeros on the fly to address long-range threats is a great capability.

About the Author:
Jeff Gurwitch is retired U.S Army Special Forces (SF).
26 years active duty, 19 years with SF.
15 years’ competitive shooting experience; USPSA, IDPA and 3 Gun.

Company Contact Info

TACOMHQ
Phone: 630-251-8919
Email: info@tacomhq.com
Website: http://www.tacomhq.com

Related Articles:

Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Sight (MI CRS) Sets for Tactical AR-15 Carbine/SBR’s: 45-Degree-Offset Flip-Up Back Up Iron Sights (BUIS), Too! (Video!)

TNVC Thermal Remote Battery (TRB) Bank/Pack for FLIR ThermoSight Pro PTS233 and other Thermal Weapons Sights! (Video!)

TNVC/Chromatra ColorTAC CVA-14 Color Night Vision Module for PVS-14 Monocular: Gemini 2-Channel Colorizing Tech Turns Green to Full Color Night Vision! (Video!)

Tactical AR-15/M4/M4A1 Carbine Aftermarket Accessories for Military Combat Applications: The Competition-to-Combat Crossover Part, Part 4

Tactical AR-15/M4/M4A1 Carbine Aftermarket Accessories for Military Combat Applications: The Competition-to-Combat Crossover, Part 3

Tactical AR-15/M4/M4A1 Carbine/SBR Aftermarket Accessories for Military Combat Applications: The Competition-to-Combat Crossover, Part 2

Tactical AR-15/M4/M4A1 Carbine Aftermarket Accessories for Military Combat Applications: The Competition-to-Combat Crossover, Part 1

Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8×24 Riflescope with AR-BDC2 Reticle (30mm Tube) for Very Fast Shooting up Close, and out to Distance! (Video!)

Barnes Precision Machine BPM Accu-Set Adjustable Gas System for Competition and Tactical AR-15 Carbines! (Range Video!)

Customized Multi-Caliber Combat/Tactical AR-15 Short Barreled Rifle (SBR) with Badass Quick-Change Barrel System, Folding Stock, Ultra-Light Tactical Handguards, and Super-Fast Binary Firing System Trigger Pack!

Nightforce Optics ATACR (Advanced Tactical Rifle) 1-8X First Focal Plain Tactical Riflescope Wins USSOCOM Squad-Variable Powered Scopes (S-VPS)-Contract!

Tyrant Designs Halo AR-15 Series Handstop (also written, Hand Stop) for Better Control in a Skeletonized, Streamlined and Minimalist Profile!

Shield CQS (Close Quarter Sight) Mini Red Dot Reflex Sight Combat Optic: Jeff Gurwitch Runs it at the Range, and Gives us his Initial Impressions! (Video!)

Gen-2 Lancer Systems L5 Translucent Advanced Warfighter Magazine (AWM): Truly-Translucent Polymer 30-Round AR-15 Rifle/Carbine/SBR Mag!

Lancer Systems L5 Advanced Warfighter Magazine (Lancer L5 AWM) 30-Round 5.56mm NATO Translucent Polymer AR Mag (AR-15/M16 Rifle Magazine) to Debut at SHOT Show 2011

Alpha Tarac Optical Accessory: Flip-Up Lens Doubles Your Red Dot Combat Optic’s Point of Impact! (Video!) by

About David Crane

David Crane started publishing online in 2001. Since that time, governments, military organizations, Special Operators (i.e. professional trigger pullers), agencies, and civilian tactical shooters the world over have come to depend on Defense Review as the authoritative source of news and information on "the latest and greatest" in the field of military defense and tactical technology and hardware, including tactical firearms, ammunition, equipment, gear, and training.

Check Also

Todd Jarrett Shows DR the New Staccato C 2011 Compact Combat/Tactical 9mm 1911 Pistol at SHOT Show 2024! (Videos!)

By David Crane david (at) defensereview (dot) com February 27, 2024 DefenseReview (DR) ran into …