1-4x AR optics...what are you using?

strider007 said:
It would probably be a nice and effective scope, but it's way too long, in my opinion. It's 12.5" long, and just over 20 ounces. That translates into a foot-long scope that weighs over 1 pound...1.256 to be exact.
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The design goal was to provide the best optics for both SR and LR for an AR (or when fast target acquisition is paramount). With that, Sightron has succeeded. Clear at 1X - better then some mid priced red dots. I can see and aim at my feet. Panning is flat unlike alot of low mag scopes that fish bowl with alot of distortion.

Crank up to 7X and you have a clear image as far as you want to shoot. Fig 11 at 600m is no problem.

The illuminated reticle offers some really cool functions making it more versatile then alot of low mag, CQB, red dot type scopes. If your game involves movement through varied light conditions while engaging targets from the end of your barrel to moderate distances, it will blow you away with its versatility... truly set and forget.

One of the longest eye reliefs and super easy to use and widest eye boxes.

So, it is longer and heavier BUT offers vastly superior optics, features and function. All for similar money...

I would love to compare it to a S&B short dot someday.

Jerry
 
drifter dave said:
Ask yourself if you need illumination. It can double the weight of the scope.

My Mark AR ($380) is around 9 ounces and it greatly improves the rifle overall to keep it light. Aero precision mount: 3 ounces for a total of around 12 ounces. I had a Vortex/PEPR setup before that, weight was around 26 ounces.

1.5 doesn't bother me, I'm usually at 3-4 power anyways. If you're shooting at 5 meters, aim high.

Illumination is great for dawn or dusk shooting. Otherwise I'd save it for Red Dots.

Also, do you want to spend a grand on optics?
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The Trijicon 1-4x Accupoints are light and short, mostly because there's no electronics inside. Tritium / fibre-optic ambient light gathering. They're not as bright as a true illuminated reticle, but they're pretty good.

Only issue I have with them is the 1-4x don't offer many choices for reticles. A FFP mil-dot would be a total winner, but as it is, they're either a simple sightpost or the German crosshairs. So they're more for just zeroing at 100m and then using holdover or "kentucky windage".

https://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product2.php?mid=1-4x24

Though I'm really quite attracted to the notion of the Sightron 1-7 too.
 
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Astute Observer said:
Only issue I have with them is the 1-4x don't offer many choices for reticles. A FFP mil-dot would be a total winner, but as it is, they're either a simple sightpost or the German crosshairs. So they're more for just zeroing at 100m and then using holdover or "kentucky windage".
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A simple reticle is what you want in a SFP scope. More complicated ranging reticles are much more flexible and easy to use in FFP where you don't have to worry about what power you're on. My philosophy is to buy ranging reticles in FFP only (or fixed power), and simple ones in SFP. The illuminated triangle/post in the Accupoint would be my first choice.

I finally had a chance to try the Bushnell yesterday at 100m. It was nearing dusk so I had a good opportunity to compare how well it fared versus the TA55A. Simply put, there was no comparison. The resolution of the ACOG was obvious, and it didn't exhibit the optical distortion the Bushnell did around the periphery of the lens. Contrast was also different with the Bushnell seeming to exaggerate things a bit. Then again we are talking about a $300 scope versus a $2000 scope so I acknowledge it's a rather unfair comparison.

Quite clearly the ACOG has me spoiled, so I bought another XCR from a local CGNer yesterday that included a TA31. :)
 
True 1-6 or 1-7 makes more sense then a true 1-4 in today's market.

Nothing wrong with 1-4 but for a similar size and price you can now get 1-6, 1-7 and even 1-8.
Not sure how they are doing it but it seems in the last few years manufacturers have figured out how to make bigger zoom ranges that work.

I do have a basic non illuminated discontinued Weaver that I like...... true 1-5 and smaller and lighter then the modern AR oriented stuff.
 
Elcan Spectre DR if you can afford it. I've tried pretty much everything out there, and the Elcan is the best 1-4 or 1.5-6 optic.
Here's why IMO.

Awesome glass, lots of light and clarity.
Robust, I have never seen another optic that can take the abuse of an Elcan.
Lightning fast nd quiet when switching from 1x-4x.
No mount required, already has a nice built in quick release mount and have never had any "return to zero" problems.
Great warranty and service "rarely needed".
Built in irons on top of optic with mounting space for a RD.
Good battery life. and even if your battery fails, clear and easy to see etching on glass.
Great reticle, with accurate drop compensation out to 500m 800m for the 1.5-6x) available in both 5.56 and 7.62x51.
If I had to pick one optic of all the optics I've owned/ own, it would be the Elcan Spectre DR hands down.
I've owned pretty much all the optics mentioned here and i really like some of the others mentioned, and I do my best to give an objective response.
Again, my opinion...for what it's worth.
 
I looked thru the Sightron 1-7x... nothing special IMO. Build quality is not really all that great and the red dot is not especially bright but you do get for what you pay for for optics.

Elcan Specter has clarity/brightness strictly due to the size/quality of the glass and its design. Very underrated optic.
 
I started with a Viper PST 1-4, then upgraded to a Razor 1-6

When using a variable optic on 1x, it's important to me that the reticle be as simple as possible.

With either optic, you definitely want a throw lever of some kind to facilitate shifting magnification

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kb007 said:
I just went thru a lengthy process and ended up buying a Leupold VX-R 1.25-4. Like all Leupolds the glass is super clear and I kinda like the simple reticle with the illuminated centre dot.
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I think its a great choice... mine started out on top of my LMT, but then migrated to my SA... love it! If you can get over the fact that it's not a 1x, it's all good.



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