Looking for tactical optic suggestions that meet 2 criteria

[jacotsmith]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping some of you can point me in the direction of an optic or two that suits my needs. I pretty much have 2 main criteria:

1) True zero magnification (no fisheye) in a variable power optic
I've tried a few of the common budget options out there in 1-4x, (Bushnell, Burris, etc.), but found all of them weak in the zero magnification department. I use red dot-style optics on most of my toys, (I say "style" because of my astigmatism I go for optics that have a circle dot reticle as a sole dot is too blurry for me), and as such I do most of my shooting that way. But I would like the option of a quick transition to some low power magnification for some shots. This is all intended for <100m shooting so don't need too much magnification on the high side.

2) Etched reticle visible without battery illumination
As I mentioned, with my astigmatism and depending on lighting conditions, I find it easier to see some targets if I turn the illumination off. So something with even simple crosshairs is preferable to no etching, I don't need some fancy bullet drop calculator, although I wouldn't scoff at one either.

Bonus round) "Affordability"
I'm not looking to spend a bazillion Canadian pesos if I can help it, I would really prefer something well under $1000 new, which means $800 or south used on the EE. And of course the less money I spend on an optic the more I can spend on ammo

I read somewhere once that the Vortex Strike Eagle has good true-zero magnification, so maybe that's a contender, but thought I would ask here for some of your thoughts. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks for looking!

 

[notsorichguy]

Bushnell AR91424

Under $300... for $100 more, get the model with a throw lever.

Edit*

I just re-read your post, after posting.

I’ve played with many optics in the 1-4x mag category. Unless you’re willing to spend 2400 on a Schmidt, you’re going to have to learn to love the 1.10x-1.5x magnification at the “1x” setting.....

 

[lerch641]

Okay, bare with me: Trijicon TR24 1-4×24

True 1× and it's a fiber-optic illumination with a "shutoff" cover.

Only downside is the price, I got mine for $900 and other used sets are about the same.

 

[ZREXER]

###

 

[870supermag]

I have a vortex strike eagal 1x8 and I find it to have very little distortion at 1x it's a great scope for the $$

 

[mebiuspower]

Is it so hard to save for something nicer? A quality optic will easily last you 8-10 years...

 

[jacotsmith]

Is it so hard to save for something nicer? A quality optic will easily last you 8-10 years...

For the right optic I'd pay more. Any suggestions?

 

[jacotsmith]

Can anyone tell me if the Strike Eagle would fit on a Ruger PC Carbine with standard rings or if I'd need a cantilever mount? I thought I might try one out on that rifle.

 

[Jonesyatpl]

It will be fine. You’ll want lower rings, not co-witness, if you want to maintain a cheek weld to the stock. Or get a stock riser.

 

[Stevo]

Can anyone tell me if the Strike Eagle would fit on a Ruger PC Carbine with standard rings or if I'd need a cantilever mount? I thought I might try one out on that rifle.

Medium rings should do the job. Here's a similarly sized Bushnell on mine. You really don't want an AR mount.

 

[mebiuspower]

There's someone from EE trying to sell a Trijicon Accupoint 1-6x.

There's another EE post for an Eotech Vudu 1-6x for $1200.

 

[Mixter]

I have been using a Burris ar332 with a fastfire red dot on top. It’s a 3x prism scope so great up to 100m or so.

 

[Clocked92]

I purchased my Vortex Razor 1-6 Gen 2 off the EE for $1400 and it came with a $200 mount and $100 switchview throw lever. Pretty good value if you ask me. Just gotta keep an eye out cuz deals like that don't often last long.

 

[jacotsmith]

There's someone from EE trying to sell a Trijicon Accupoint 1-6x.

There's another EE post for an Eotech Vudu 1-6x for $1200.

Do either of those meet the 2 criteria I listed in the first post? Honest question. True 1x and an astigmatism-friendly reticle are essential.

 

[Blackbird Pilot]

astigmatism-friendly reticle are essential.

Go to the optometrist and get an eye exam. Get corrective lenses for your shooting glasses.

 

[r34skyline]

Accupoint sounds like the ticket.

P.s. this belongs on the optics sub forum for future reference.

 

[Bfranklin]

+1 for trijicon.

 

[cr5]

Sightron 1-7, around $1000.

 

[Bartok5]

Save up for the Trijicon 1-8x Accu-Power. It has the true 1x that you are looking for with an illuminated FFP reticle that can"t be beat! The only down-side to this fantastic scope is the price @ $1600 slightly used on the EE (if you are quick). The Triji 1-8 is hands-down the best Low-Power Variable Optic currently on the market for under $2K....

Running a close second behind the Trijicon (only because I prefer the Trjji reticle), is the Bushnell Elite Tactical 1-8.5x 24mm Short - Medium Range Scope (SMRS). Another excellent, higher-end Low-Power Variable Optic that is direct competition to the Vortex' in the same price bracket. There is currently one on the EE (mine) slightly used but in perfect condition with a $250 set of ARMS QD 34mm Rings and an $80 Throw-Lever for $1650: www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showt...t-to-Medium-Range-Scope-(SMRS)?highlight=Smrs

For a decent Low-Power Variable Optic that won't disappoint and will last you years, you are going to have to realistically look in the $1500 to $2000 price range. Anything less, including the lower-end Vortex Strike-Eagle, is likely to disappoint, leading to an inevitable upgrade later on anyways.... "Buy once, cry once" when It comes to optics, otherwise you will ultimately end up spending twice the money to upgrade to the same level or quality scope. Been there, done that - Don't be me!

 

[DILLIGAF]

Trijicon 1-8x Accupower, Its a super nice piece of kit.