Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Take a Colt retro optic out past its intended range in this Brownells range session with Caleb and Steve. In this video, the guys test the Brownells and Colt retro 4x carry handle scope setup from 100 all the way out to 500 yards using a retro-style AR-15 build with a Brownells 601 upper.
The goal is simple: see how practical the classic fixed 4x optic really is at distance using standard M193-style 55 grain FMJ ammunition. Along the way, Caleb and Steve discuss retro optic design, duplex crosshairs, practical accuracy, old-school rifle setups, and what shooters can realistically expect from vintage-style AR optics at extended ranges.
This video also highlights the differences between retro rifle shooting and modern precision rifle setups while showing just how capable these old-school carry handle optics can still be in practical use.
Approximate Chapters
00:00 Intro and Retro Scope Testing
00:27 Colt Retro Optic Overview
01:02 Retro Scope Manufacturing Details
01:36 100 Meter Zero Setup
01:53 Stretching the Retro Scope to 500 Yards
02:17 Duplex Crosshair Discussion
03:25 Adjusting the Scope from 100 to 200
05:15 Shooting at 300 Yards
06:21 Moving to the 400 Yard Silhouette
06:53 Brownells Retro 601 Upper Details
07:56 Attempting 500 Yard Hits
09:11 Cease Fire for Deer on the Range
10:41 Returning to the 500 Yard Target
12:16 Holdovers and Impact Corrections
13:27 Practical Accuracy of the Retro Scope
14:14 Final Thoughts on the Colt Retro Optic
15:20 Outro and Viewer Comments
Products Featured
Brownells Retro 4x Carry Handle Scope
Colt Retro Optic
Brownells Retro 601 Upper
1:12 Twist Barrel
M193 55 Grain FMJ Ammunition
Retro AR-15 Build
Take a Colt retro optic out past its intended range in this Brownells range session with Caleb and Steve. In this video, the guys test the Brownells and Colt retro 4x carry handle scope setup from 100 all the way out to 500 yards using a retro-style AR-15 build with a Brownells 601 upper.
The goal is simple: see how practical the classic fixed 4x optic really is at distance using standard M193-style 55 grain FMJ ammunition. Along the way, Caleb and Steve discuss retro optic design, duplex crosshairs, practical accuracy, old-school rifle setups, and what shooters can realistically expect from vintage-style AR optics at extended ranges.
This video also highlights the differences between retro rifle shooting and modern precision rifle setups while showing just how capable these old-school carry handle optics can still be in practical use.
Approximate Chapters
00:00 Intro and Retro Scope Testing
00:27 Colt Retro Optic Overview
01:02 Retro Scope Manufacturing Details
01:36 100 Meter Zero Setup
01:53 Stretching the Retro Scope to 500 Yards
02:17 Duplex Crosshair Discussion
03:25 Adjusting the Scope from 100 to 200
05:15 Shooting at 300 Yards
06:21 Moving to the 400 Yard Silhouette
06:53 Brownells Retro 601 Upper Details
07:56 Attempting 500 Yard Hits
09:11 Cease Fire for Deer on the Range
10:41 Returning to the 500 Yard Target
12:16 Holdovers and Impact Corrections
13:27 Practical Accuracy of the Retro Scope
14:14 Final Thoughts on the Colt Retro Optic
15:20 Outro and Viewer Comments
Products Featured
Brownells Retro 4x Carry Handle Scope
Colt Retro Optic
Brownells Retro 601 Upper
1:12 Twist Barrel
M193 55 Grain FMJ Ammunition
Retro AR-15 Build
