If you want a magnifying optic for about $478 I would look at the Leupold AR Mod 1 1.5x4 scope with the Firedot reticule. If you want to pay less you can get the same scope without the Firedot reticule for $358. These scopes are setup for the 223 cartridge and are one inch scopes and as such are a lot lighter in weight than a scope with a 30mm tube like the Vortex 1-4. I have had both the Vortex and the Leupold scopes and much prefer the Leupold since there is a big difference in the weight, also the Leupold Firedot reticule utilizes a motion sensor to turn on and off automatically which is a lot less problematic than using the manual re-stat to turn the reticule illumination on and off, since I have had trouble with this type of control not working correctly with both the Vortex and other scopes. The Leupold AR Mod 1 scopes are available from P&D who are a web site business member
