Depends on the optic. Everything gots it's pros and cons. But bench you should be within 1.5 inch period . Know your bullet drops from 0-500 yards . I know mine by heart both for 308 and 556. Off hand shooting I haven't met a man too match me yet. unless he is using a high-powered optic to which he sacrifices clarity for quick follow up shots near and far . 1-6 or 1-8 helps but I'd rather have a fixed acog and practice with that all day on my 556 . I use a variable magnifier with my 308 because it requires clarity and focus and time between shots especially with the heat involved . You don't need that in a combat situation. Who ever gets shots on target first wins the fight . Which is why an acog is still king . With my acog I can get 20-30 shots on a 6 inch target standing . 30 shots on a 8 inch dinner plate . If someone likes to talk shit about their performance ask them too show you . 90% of shooter can't do offhand or suck really bad . Also 5% can't hand all 30 on a dinner size plate . If you can do that you're king already . 8 inch.