I disagree. The glass is great(Have one on my bolt gun) but the CQB optics lack enough brightness for sunny days.
TDC
Looking for a 1-4 scope for AR-15
- Thread starter e123456
- Start date
I disagree. The glass is great(Have one on my bolt gun) but the CQB optics lack enough brightness for sunny days.
TDC
Seeing how you are on a budget you may want to consider the Burris XTR 14.
I have done a general comparison of the top rated S&B Short Dot compared to the relatively new Burris XTR14 seeing how this scope may suit your needs.
S&B Short Dot
S&B Short Dot cons - it has big clunky turrets that obscure the forward view a quite a bit and are more likely to be broke off when bumped hard, also these big turrets with the white lettering slightly increase the visibility of the end user by enemy snipers and add undesirable weight to an already heavy scope.
It weighs more than most scopes in this magnification range and the tube is not compact but rather long.
Depending on which model Short Dot i.e. first or second focal plane, the reticles on the first focal plane can almost disappear at 1X making illumination almost mandatory for fast target aquasition (IMO relying on batteries for target aquasition is a no go on any optics - so this is a big problem for me as I work in extreme cold and battery failure in a time of need is a real probability).
BDC turret that has to be adjusted manually slowing one down and increasing the chances of mechanical failure because of more moving parts.
Like most German scopes it is overpriced with No North American repair depot or factory although warranty is available in Canada by Wolverine Supplies AFAIK it has to be sent to Germany for repairs.
S&B Pros - True 1x, Mil spec tough, brightest dot illumination of most scopes on the market making the dot visible in most light conditions, waterproof to several meters. Different reticle options. Very clear and proven reliable optics. Depending on what gen Short Dot there is either two or four different BDC cams making it more versatile for use with different bullet weights. In general still one of the best optics in the 1-4 range.
Burris XTR14
I am currently trying out the Burris XTR14 and although it is a relatively new scope on the market and would appear to be going through some teething problems it would seem to have some desirable qualities which make it a contender for the 1-4 power range in the under $1000.00 range.
Burris XTR14 Pros - Appears to be true 1x, No big clunky turrets obstructing the forward view which increase the possibility of being broke off but rather has a decent hold over reticle that is visible at all magnifications making reliance on illumination moot at 1X magnification.
Medium weight compared to other optics in this class, waterproof to several meters, North American repair facility and owned by USA Company, very clear optics.
At around $800.00 it may be a competitor for this range of optics.
Burris XTR14 Cons - Fairly new on the market, having some teething problems with the first batch of scopes i.e. Illumination problems (not working), too much silicone grease applied to turret detents that made the adjustments a little mushy until the detent grease is displaced by repeated use.
Only one reticle option.
Reticle hold over is calibrated for the 62 grain projectile and thus not as versatile as BDC cams.
Not compact - long tube, not as heavy as the Short Dot but still a little heavy.
You must turn the entire rear scope bell to change the magnification.
Illumination knob does not have audible detents and shuts off between the numbered settings.
Not a proven reliable optic yet as it needs more field use and testing to see if it can withstand the rigors of use and abuse.
--------------------------------------------------------
Also beware the XTR14 and Short Dot use slightly different aiming concepts i.e. Dot Illumination on the XTR is not as bright as the Short Dot so instead of relying on the highly visible dot for target aquasition it relies more on the highly visible reticle for fast target aquasition Which method is faster for target aquasition is in the eye of the beholder. Which reticle is more reliable IMO would be the one that has less reliance on batteries, that being the XTR14.
Anyway just some general differences between the two scopes. XTR14 may be a possible match to consider in a decent 1-4 in the under a $1000.00 range, good luck with your choice.
I have done a general comparison of the top rated S&B Short Dot compared to the relatively new Burris XTR14 seeing how this scope may suit your needs.
S&B Short Dot
S&B Short Dot cons - it has big clunky turrets that obscure the forward view a quite a bit and are more likely to be broke off when bumped hard, also these big turrets with the white lettering slightly increase the visibility of the end user by enemy snipers and add undesirable weight to an already heavy scope.
It weighs more than most scopes in this magnification range and the tube is not compact but rather long.
Depending on which model Short Dot i.e. first or second focal plane, the reticles on the first focal plane can almost disappear at 1X making illumination almost mandatory for fast target aquasition (IMO relying on batteries for target aquasition is a no go on any optics - so this is a big problem for me as I work in extreme cold and battery failure in a time of need is a real probability).
BDC turret that has to be adjusted manually slowing one down and increasing the chances of mechanical failure because of more moving parts.
Like most German scopes it is overpriced with No North American repair depot or factory although warranty is available in Canada by Wolverine Supplies AFAIK it has to be sent to Germany for repairs.
S&B Pros - True 1x, Mil spec tough, brightest dot illumination of most scopes on the market making the dot visible in most light conditions, waterproof to several meters. Different reticle options. Very clear and proven reliable optics. Depending on what gen Short Dot there is either two or four different BDC cams making it more versatile for use with different bullet weights. In general still one of the best optics in the 1-4 range.
Burris XTR14
I am currently trying out the Burris XTR14 and although it is a relatively new scope on the market and would appear to be going through some teething problems it would seem to have some desirable qualities which make it a contender for the 1-4 power range in the under $1000.00 range.
Burris XTR14 Pros - Appears to be true 1x, No big clunky turrets obstructing the forward view which increase the possibility of being broke off but rather has a decent hold over reticle that is visible at all magnifications making reliance on illumination moot at 1X magnification.
Medium weight compared to other optics in this class, waterproof to several meters, North American repair facility and owned by USA Company, very clear optics.
At around $800.00 it may be a competitor for this range of optics.
Burris XTR14 Cons - Fairly new on the market, having some teething problems with the first batch of scopes i.e. Illumination problems (not working), too much silicone grease applied to turret detents that made the adjustments a little mushy until the detent grease is displaced by repeated use.
Only one reticle option.
Reticle hold over is calibrated for the 62 grain projectile and thus not as versatile as BDC cams.
Not compact - long tube, not as heavy as the Short Dot but still a little heavy.
You must turn the entire rear scope bell to change the magnification.
Illumination knob does not have audible detents and shuts off between the numbered settings.
Not a proven reliable optic yet as it needs more field use and testing to see if it can withstand the rigors of use and abuse.
--------------------------------------------------------
Also beware the XTR14 and Short Dot use slightly different aiming concepts i.e. Dot Illumination on the XTR is not as bright as the Short Dot so instead of relying on the highly visible dot for target aquasition it relies more on the highly visible reticle for fast target aquasition Which method is faster for target aquasition is in the eye of the beholder. Which reticle is more reliable IMO would be the one that has less reliance on batteries, that being the XTR14.
Anyway just some general differences between the two scopes. XTR14 may be a possible match to consider in a decent 1-4 in the under a $1000.00 range, good luck with your choice.
Dont see them listed. Do you know the price off hand?
Edit: Thanks for the links mrsmitty
Last edited:
Price is listed here post #14
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=370125&page=2
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=370125&page=2
