10 power zoom is technically difficult, which is why it is rare, especially true 1x.
2-10x is only a 5 power zoom, so, much easier.
10 power zoom is technically difficult, which is why it is rare, especially true 1x.
2-10x is only a 5 power zoom, so, much easier.
4-12x42 with a heavy duplex reticule or similar, German #4, or put the same into a 3-9x42.
Hurry up and wait!
Would rather see a 4-12 or 4-16 side focus than a 3-9.
It all boils down to price.
The 1-4x would have to be dirt cheap. I mean really cheap. The 1-x segment is probably the most saturated area in optics right now, and they are trending towards 1-6x and higher. With the release of so many 1-6x scopes at low prices, you may have a hard time giving away a 1-4x. Glass quality isn't that important at this magnification range. Having a true 1x (well as close as a variable can get) should be the top priority. Having top notch glass to see the wood grain at 100m... Not so much.
The 3.5x fixed is also competitive, but less so. Scopes seem to be either an Elcan or ACOG (sturdy, amazing glass) and over $1k, or cheap and fit only for range use. A new scope would have a hard time competing at the ACOG level of it is priced accordingly. I personally wouldn't risk a new offering over the proven track record of an ACOG. However, the cheaper end of the spectrum is there for the taking if good glass, tracking and good RETICLES are available.
The 3-9x area is one that is dominated by hunting scopes. You would need to decide if you want to go that route, or to create another legend like the Nightforce 2.5-10x24. If you could recreate that, it would be a license to print money.
I think at least one good quality tactical scope in FFP would be a seller. Like others have said, keep it MIL/MIL turrets....10 MIL per revolution...mildot reticle (not MIL line on FFP) to match ranging optics...side parallax....IR on FFP is nice...30mm tubes. I like the 5-25 x 50 range personally, but if you are only able to do one, the 4-14 is probably better for the majority. Basically a Falcon Menace in a higher end package without the price shock of NF or SB.
If it can hold zero and remain accurate throughout its range and not be $3500+ like an SB, I would be a buyer of at least two
Suggestions:
1. Fixed 10X scope, 30mm tube, MOA or MIL adjustments on low profile target turrets (2 different versions) with a mil-dot reticule. Price point $5-600. (Direct competition to Bushnell 3200 model 1040 Mildot scope, only with a 30mm tube, and with MOA or MIL adjustment options.)
2. Fixed 3.5X scope, 34mm tube, MOA or Mil adjustments on low profile target turrets (2 different versions), with a combat reticle (chevron tip of some sort.) Have another model of this with an illuminated red version of the reticule. Price-point $6-800 (budget competition for ACOG/ELCAN/Aimpoint combat optics.)
There's a lot of options on the market for stuff other than these two. These are a bit of a 'niche' items, but a good fit for the market.
Additional Criteria:
-Repeatability
-Reliability
-Durability
NS
One shot one tequilla
Death from a bar....
Fixed power scopes. There's very very little out there right now. I'd love to have some more options in the fixed 4x and fixed 10x zone.
Something short enough to fit on an NEA Cantilever mount and not get bashed to hell by a CZ858's vertical ejection path. 4x magnification would be awesome, too.