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

strider007

strider007

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Hey guys...I've been asking for a lot of feedback the last little while regarding optics for the AR/M4 rifle. Reason being is that my experience with them is very limited. I'm slowly getting opportunities to try the different styles and types of optics, thanks to fellow club members, but I think that most of my interest continues to focus on the 1-4x scope. I have a few in mind that I like, but one always has something "pro" on the other. I like everything about the Leupold VX-R Patrol, but don't like the fact that it does not go down to a true 1x, and I also don't like the reticle...I think that I would prefer a BDC reticle as opposed to their SPR reticle (basically a modified mildot). The Mark 6 has the BDC reticle that I like, but I hate where the illumination dial is located. Bushnell makes a nice 1-4x tactical scope with an awesome reticle, but it's a Bushnell for $1200...??? I guess you guys get my point, and bit of debate...

With that being said, for those of you who are using the 1-4x (or greater x optic), what are you using and why? I would greatly appreciate any feedback that can be offered.

Cheers.
 
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?
 
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?
Click to expand...

Said the same thing to myself, regarding the magnification. I'm guessing that you have the Leupold Mark AR with green Firedot SPR reticle...if that is the scope you are referring to, how do you find the reticle at distances other than your zero? Mainly speaking about hold-overs for bullet drop compensation...
 
No my Mark AR does not have illumination and is a standard plex reticule, KISS.

My range is limited to 200M so I zero for 50/200 and do some minor hold overs/unders for different distances.

Going without illumination is lighter, cheaper and simpler. No batteries, no failures.

BDC might be good for over 200m, but at that distance I would want more magnification anyways, 3-9 or maybe 4-12.
 
I was getting back into the 1-4x game - it would be a sightron 1-7x no question.

I've owned TR24G (great), Vortex Razor 1-4x (great - until it BROKE), NF 1-4x (fantastic!), but I'd give the Sightron a try. I'll never touch another Vortex scope in my life.
 
drifter dave said:
No my Mark AR does not have illumination and is a standard plex reticule, KISS.

My range is limited to 200M so I zero for 50/200 and do some minor hold overs/unders for different distances.

Going without illumination is lighter, cheaper and simpler. No batteries, no failures.

BDC might be good for over 200m, but at that distance I would want more magnification anyways, 3-9 or maybe 4-12.
Click to expand...

Thanks, brother. Aprreciate the feedback...
 
canucklehead said:
I was getting back into the 1-4x game - it would be a sightron 1-7x no question.

I've owned TR24G (great), Vortex Razor 1-4x (great - until it BROKE), NF 1-4x (fantastic!), but I'd give the Sightron a try. I'll never touch another Vortex scope in my life.
Click to expand...

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.
 
I ran a Millett DMR 1-4. Found it to be excellent. Mind you I only got to use it once before the Docs put the kibosh on my shooting anymore so it's actually about to go up on the EE.
 
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.
 
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.
Click to expand...

Yeah...I feel you, man. It's this scope that I keep on going back to. Of all the others on my list that I keep reading up on, the Leupolds always have a couple of more pros than cons when compared to the others. My main concerns is size and weight...those are two things that Leupold does have an edge on compared to a lot of other 1-4x optics. Now, I'm not talking about your Nightforce, Swaro, USO, or any of those really high-end scopes. Truthfully, I haven't looked that high. But for the manufactureres that I've been considering (Leupold, Bushnell, Burris, Nikon, and a couple of others), Leupold does make a shorter, lighter scope.
 
I had that same Leupold 1.5-4x and it was very light and nice. Clear image and simple crosshair.

I changed up to a Nikon MR223 1.5-6x because I wanted the extra reach and also I wanted to try out their BDC reticle for long range holdover. The Nikon is bigger and heavier. I like them both.
 
I went looking for something to top my XCR-L with and settled on the Bushnell AR/223 1-4x24 illuminated. It's not an Elcan or NF and it's also not a true 1x, but it is remarkably well equipped for a "budget" scope. Mil turrets, FFP, illuminated, power throw lever, all for around the $300 mark. Mine sits in a Leupold one piece mount.

Haven't had it out yet but should be doing some testing tomorrow and I'll see if I can get it zeroed. At the moment all I have to compare it to is the TA55A ACOG that adorns the XCR-M.
 
drifter dave said:
No my Mark AR does not have illumination and is a standard plex reticule, KISS.

My range is limited to 200M so I zero for 50/200 and do some minor hold overs/unders for different distances.

Going without illumination is lighter, cheaper and simpler. No batteries, no failures.

BDC might be good for over 200m, but at that distance I would want more magnification anyways, 3-9 or maybe 4-12.
Click to expand...

I have one also, perfect for range/3-gun. I tried it on a hunting rifle (XCR) but the clickable turrets kept getting bumped off. No problem at the range or comp though, just requires a visual check before shooting.
Ar with leupold mark AR 1-4X in ADM recon mount
 
Gryphon Energetics said:
I went looking for something to top my XCR-L with and settled on the Bushnell AR/223 1-4x24 illuminated. It's not an Elcan or NF and it's also not a true 1x, but it is remarkably well equipped for a "budget" scope. Mil turrets, FFP, illuminated, power throw lever, all for around the $300 mark. Mine sits in a Leupold one piece mount.

Haven't had it out yet but should be doing some testing tomorrow and I'll see if I can get it zeroed. At the moment all I have to compare it to is the TA55A ACOG that adorns the XCR-M.
Click to expand...

I too picked up one of those Bushnell AR 1-4x-24mm PCL optics. Pretty clear glass and FFP too. Holds zero the 4 times I've taken it to the range.
 
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