use the rifle before you get an optic.

Lots of people like LVPOs right now (low-power, variable optics); things that can go from a 1x zoom to something like 4x, 6x, or even 8x. Their disadvantages are that they're heavy, expensive, and relatively fragile. As a close-range optic, they're not ideal.

Other people like fixed-power optics (like the ACOG); they can be extremely durable and are lightweight. But if you have to shoot someone or something, are you really likely to be doing it at a distance that justifies a magnified optic?

Still others like red dots; they're the most durable and lightweight and are by far the best for taking close shots, but you're really going to be challenged if you ever need to take a longer shot—and if you throw a magnifier on there, there goes your weight advantage (and you still have the red-dot reticle, instead of something that helps you calculate range, windage, or bullet drop).

After trying some of everything, I ended up settling on an EOTECH red dot, because I live in suburbia, red dots are easily the fastest optic inside of 100 yds, 5.56 isn't a great round at distance, and I can't imagine very many scenarios (even in a complete societal breakdown) where I could take a justifiable shot at distances longer than 50 yds or so.

But my brother uses an LVPO and I have to admit that his setup has more flexibility—and there are definitely times on the range where we put a steel plate way out there and I miss my 4x ACOG, with its exceptional reticle.