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

Bushnell 1-4x24 Ar optic with PCL throw down lever. The price was good, the glass is good, first focal plane and a decent illuminated reticle.
 
I've had a nightforce 1-4 with fc2 reticle in a larue mount on my rifle for awhile now, first in Afghanistan and then on my personal rifle. It's totally bombproof, perhaps a little overbuilt, but I've been very happy with it. My only complaints? No daytime illumination, and it's not a BDC reticle, though I do use it as such based on the measurements of the reticle. Also, it's not cheap......

ArEDIT.jpg
 
Greg_VP said:
I've had a nightforce 1-4 with fc2 reticle in a larue mount on my rifle for awhile now, first in Afghanistan and then on my personal rifle. It's totally bombproof, perhaps a little overbuilt, but I've been very happy with it. My only complaints? No daytime illumination, and it's not a BDC reticle, though I do use it as such based on the measurements of the reticle. Also, it's not cheap......

ArEDIT.jpg
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I'm not sure why Nightforce still doesn't have a 1-4x optic with a reticle calibrated for the 5.56 NATO round. I'm a huge Nightforce fan...they are my choice for optic on all of my bolt guns, and was really interested in one of their 1-4x scopes for my M4, but I wasn't sold on them due to the limited relticle selection they have for them. Hopefully they will soon release a more up-to-date M4/AR variant, but for some reason, I don't think we will be seeing it anytime soon. I really hope I'm wrong, though.
 
Love the Elcans but age and a less than perfect vision it is too much of a killer for me for eye relief.

I have HiLux CMRs in 1-4.
Nice glass, a simple BDC for 5.56 good adjustable eye relief and won't break the piggy bank.

IOR 1.1-4x26 M1.
Amazing glass, a simple BDC for 5.56 good adjustable eye relief. Only because I found them for half the normal thousand dollar price.

Falcon Menace 1.5-5x30.
Nice glass, a simple mil scale, good adjustable eye relief and won't break the piggy bank.

If I had to have only one rifle, I would probably find a S&B or a Nf, but the prices are too much for all the rifles I have.
 
strider007 said:
I'm not sure why Nightforce still doesn't have a 1-4x optic with a reticle calibrated for the 5.56 NATO round. I'm a huge Nightforce fan...they are my choice for optic on all of my bolt guns, and was really interested in one of their 1-4x scopes for my M4, but I wasn't sold on them due to the limited relticle selection they have for them. Hopefully they will soon release a more up-to-date M4/AR variant, but for some reason, I don't think we will be seeing it anytime soon. I really hope I'm wrong, though.
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Did you see the new 3Gun reticle they introduced a year ago?
 
mebiuspower said:
Did you see the new 3Gun reticle they introduced a year ago?
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I'm very tempted to send in my FC2 for the FC-3G, thanks for the heads up, hadn't heard of it. Tempted, except of course for the $400 price to change the reticle.... That being said, just seeing the MOA breakdown of the FC-3G confirms the 500 and 600m holdovers I've never been able to test with my FC2, as many of the measurements are the same between the two reticles.
 
IMO, wait for the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x to hit the shelves. But when they do, you'll want to jump on them right away. Very good quality at a value price. I checked them out at Shot show this year and I can't wait till they get here.

If I could though, I'd be getting a Swarovski Z6i.
 
Greg_VP said:
I'm very tempted to send in my FC2 for the FC-3G, thanks for the heads up, hadn't heard of it. Tempted, except of course for the $400 price to change the reticle.... That being said, just seeing the MOA breakdown of the FC-3G confirms the 500 and 600m holdovers I've never been able to test with my FC2, as many of the measurements are the same between the two reticles.
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I wanted to send mine in last year, they were so busy that they were not doing reticle change indefinitely, not sure if this has changed.
 
I have a Vortex crossfire 1-4x24, on a vortex cantilever 2 inch offset mount. All in for under 350, nice and clear and the 1 power is actually 1 power and great for both eyes opened. Some might criticize might choice but for a Norinco CQA range gun it has been perfect. 1000 rounds and no issues. My dad liked the gun so much I may a clone of my norc and gave it to him. His has been as good as mine over 1000 rounds with no issues.
 
I really tried to make myself want a sightron 1-7, but I just cant get over the lousy aesthetics of a scope that is almost as long as the barrel of my AR. Might as well mount a spotting scope up top.
 
Sakonut said:
I really tried to make myself want a sightron 1-7, but I just cant get over the lousy aesthetics of a scope that is almost as long as the barrel of my AR. Might as well mount a spotting scope up top.
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Both the S&B 1-8 and Leupold 1-8 are also very long (and heavy).
 
Sakonut said:
I really tried to make myself want a sightron 1-7, but I just cant get over the lousy aesthetics of a scope that is almost as long as the barrel of my AR. Might as well mount a spotting scope up top.
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I bought one for my Tavor, oops! Next time I'll read the length and eye relief!
 
I have used a lot of variable power optics, including most of the models mentioned here. I have also used many different red dots. I would say that if you can get away with a good 2 MOA red dot, and practice with it, you will be faster, and better at most target engagements, in most of the shooting disciplines for a carbine style rifle in Canada, or your SHTF fantasy (Aimpoint T1!). That being said, I currently have a variable powered optic, because I can't quickly and reliably hit small targets beyond 200 yards during 3 gun matches, when I'm breathing hard and jacked up on adrenaline.

I currently have a Trijicon TR24, but have previously used:

Mark IV Leupold 1.5-5
Nightforce 1-4, FC2 and NP1
Nightforce 2.5-10 x 24, NP2
Elcan Specter DR
Aimpoint T1 with Aimpoint 3 X Magnifier
Schmidt & Bender PM II Short Dot
Vortex 1-6 HD Gen II
Trijicon TR24
Looked through and shot a variety of others.

There are so many great variable 1-4, 5, 6, 8 optics out there, which shine in one area, but sacrifice in others. It really depends on your purpose, if you are choosing an optic. I like optics that are light, robust, compact, great eye relief, daylight bright illuminated reticle, KISS ballistic reticle, KISS adjustments, and not fugly.

With the TR24 you get an optic that excels in most of the areas that matter to me, with great glass, for a price under $1000. You have to sacrifice not getting a ballistic reticle, and having an aiming point that is not conducive to shooting tiny groups at 100 yds. I wish Nightforce made a 1-6 with a daylight bright reticle that was sized between the 1-4, and 2.5-10 around 15-18 ounces. But I'll have to wait for that.

I really want a Kahles K16i, which is probably the best variable powered, sport shooting optic out there right now, but that will have to wait :(
 
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