Is there a reasonably priced alternative to the SpecterDR?

CobraGT

CobraGT

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Hi, all. I'm looking for a 1-4X optic for my Tavor, and now also for my RFB. I really liked the SpecterDR I checked out a while back, but it's waaaay out of my price range for optics. I like the idea of a red dot or holographic sight for short range that can easily provide magnification as well, and easily switches between magnifications (ie as the lever on the SpecterDR does)

A few others that I understand are "somewhat" comparable include:
  • USO SN-4 (way out of my price range)
  • Trijicon Accupoint (still too pricey)
  • Falcon Menace 1.5-5
  • Millet DMS 1-4
  • Leatherwood Hi-Lux CMR
Are any of the above, realistically, good alternatives to the SpecterDR? Are there other more affordable, good-quality alternative sights that have a switchable 1x-4x dual-field-of-view?? If so, what are they, and how much$$? Thanks in advance for any help, and my apologies if this has been discussed before!!

Edited to add: price range is no more than $400-ish, so the Falcon Menace, DMS, or CMR are probably the only options of those above that are near my price range, unless anyone has any other ideas...
 
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Personally I would take the USO, S&B, or Trijicon over anything else listed above. The DR is over priced for what it is IMO. An infinitely adjustable low mag optic allows for more versatility than a 1x and 4x only offering. The three I mention will easily meet or beat the Elcan with regards to performance, some for less money than the DR.

The real question is, what is it about the DR that has you wanting one? Are these features present in any other offerings?

TDC
 
If your price limit is $600, then you're going to have to re-look at your options.

Option 1.

Save up more money, buy the scope you really want.

Option 2.

Take the $600 limit, and go buy a cheapie Airsoft scope copy of the Specter DR. I think the 1-4x Airsoft runs about $450, and the fixed 4X airsoft Specter runs about $200.

Option 3.

Go buy a Variable power (1-4) Hunting scope (I have a VX-II) and use that for now until you can afford the scope you want.

I suggest option 3.

NS
 
1.5 - 4 x 32 $119.99


2 - 7 x 32 $139.99

2.5 - 10 x 50 $189.99


After running one of these, while saving up, then get the scope you really want.


Take the $600 limit, and go buy a cheapie Airsoft scope copy of the Specter DR. I think the 1-4x Airsoft runs about $450, and the fixed 4X airsoft Specter runs about $200.
Click to expand...

I'd disagree unless you are just going for looks. Airsoft stuff usually doesn't have a warranty for items like that. Instead buy something that will work until you get the one you really want.
 
A low powered variable is an excellent option. There are a variety of decent quality mid-priced hunting scopes out there. Maybe not tactikewl, but very functional and effective.
If you are going to be shooting at a variety of distances, it is desireable to have finger adjustable knobs that have easy to see scales.
A Leupold VX-III retrofitted with target knobs is outstanding. My Falcon Menace 1 1/2-5 has given excellent service at all ranges to 500m. The Millett is a good one. I have had good results from a Bushnell Trophy 1-4.
Elcan sights have been mentionned. Are any of them adjustable for differences in vision? I have a gen. one Elcan, and have to wear corrective lenses in order for the reticle to be in sharp enough focus to use. Really defeats the purpose of a scope.
 
It is ironic that the cheapest brand X .22 scope provides for adjustment for differences in vision, while a high end sight like the Elcan does not.
 
I have a Falcon Menace 1.5-5x that I'll be putting on my Tavor. It'll do the job fairly well. I happen to really like that reticle for a multi use rifle.

I've heard good things about the Vortex scopes but I've never used one.
 
TDC said:
Personally I would take the USO, S&B, or Trijicon over anything else listed above. The DR is over priced for what it is IMO. An infinitely adjustable low mag optic allows for more versatility than a 1x and 4x only offering. The three I mention will easily meet or beat the Elcan with regards to performance, some for less money than the DR.

The real question is, what is it about the DR that has you wanting one? Are these features present in any other offerings?

TDC
Click to expand...

How you ever owned a spectre dr?
Easily meet or beat?
I've owned several different optics including a few that you have mentioned, as well as using the elcan in real combat situations. I agree that there are some good optics on your list but don't shortsell the spectre dr so easily, it is by far the best for field of view and glass clarity....And they can handle any and all types of abuse that you can think of... Just my opinion of course.
 
TDC said:
An infinitely adjustable low mag optic allows for more versatility than a 1x and 4x only offering.
Click to expand...
The effects of FOV between 3x and 4x are so marginal it's not worth mentioning, especially if you can run a magnified optic like an ACOG or a SpectreDR with both eyes open.

I have never used anything but 1x and 4x on any of my 1-4x scopes. There is no purpose. I can shoot a 4x very quickly even within 15yds. It's not AS fast as 1x, but if I had the time and opportunity, I would've switched it to 1x. No reason to used 2x or 3x.


That being said, I agree that the SpectreDR is overpriced unless you must have some of it's features, in which case it really has no competition. The speed at which you can flip from 1x to 4x, without even taking your eye off of the optic, is it's greatest asset, with no comparison. A throw lever is always faster than twisting a ring.
 
1-4 power 24 options include the DMS as mentioned just over the $300 mark.

Then there are the Burris XTR 1-4 24, it has a reticle set for 5.56 but runs near a $1,000.
Like the ACOG and Elcan, it has range adjustment on the reticle, including a fast shoulder-width measurement.

There is also the Hi-Lux CMR 1-4 24 very similar to the Burris XTR, but it runs for $350-375.
I have and like the Hi-Lux myself, got it from Wolverine. Again, like the ACOG and Elcan, it has range adjustment on the reticle, including a fast shoulder-width measurement.
 
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