Optic recommendations for an MSR

[IzzyTheGreat]

Hey CGN,

I am looking for optic recommendations for a scope for an MSR in 5.56 NATO, it is a WK-180c. It's currently away for warranty work, regardless of that so far I have tried:

- A Vortex Strikefire II (red dot),
- A Primary Arms 2.5x (fixed mag. prism).

While I'm satisfied with the quality of both optics for the price I have decided I am wanting something with more magnification, I just started reloading recently and am trying to develop some reasonably accurate loads (between 55gr and 77gr) and having higher mag. is important to me to ensure a more consistent POA when I am shooting to test accuracy at longer ranges.

After some consideration I am strongly considering an LPVO, for a good balance between mag., weight, durability, etc.

I have been looking at the following LPVO's and am hoping to get everybody's take on them:

1. Primary Arms SLx 1-6/8x with ACCS reticle

2. Bushnell AR Optics 1-8x with BTR-1 reticle (In terms of budget, this one is the most affordable)

3. Vortex Strike Eagle (Gen II) 1-8x with AR-BDC3 reticle

3a. Vortex Viper PST (Gen II) 1-6x with VMR MOA/MRAD crosshair reticle (I don't have a preference for MOA or MRAD, but my range is in yards and 90% of my shooting will happen there so if I had to make a choice I would probably get the MOA version)

4. Burris RT-6 1-6x with Circle Dot reticle

These all have a 30mm tube diameter, 24mm objective. They differ in price, illumination, reticles and glass quality. I am willing to spend more for higher quality if the increased price is worth it, hence the Viper PST's spot on the list. However I am wondering if the difference in glass quality, eye relief and eyebox would be offset by the higher magnification and lower price of the Strike Eagle. I could buy any of the other optics on this list, get a solid one piece mount and still have some money left over for some reloading components, so I hope you can understand my hesitation to spring for the Viper.

So I guess my question is: If you had a budget of $1000 which would you choose, take into consideration that any money saved under budget can be put towards other uses such as reloading components, a quality mount or go towards my next firearms purchase.

I'll also take any suggestions for a decent one piece mount, I would prefer not to spend above $200 on one but I am willing to stretch my budget if justified.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to hearing back from those who share their thoughts.

Izzy

Bonus questions: Does anybody know if the BDC reticles are only accurate for 55gr projectiles? Or could I use them with 62, 69 and 77gr as well?

 

[medvedqc]

can help only for the mount i found the qd bepr burris great for the price.

 

[rugbydave]

An LPVO will give you more mag to make shooting tighter groups easier but 6x at 100 yards still isn't much. Definitely play around with different targets and work out something that works with your reticles. I always just take one of my higher magnification optics off a precision rifle and pop it on a gas gun to do load dev, then put on whatever optic I planned to use on that specific rifle (red dot, fixed 3x, LPVO).

If your main goal for this rifle is to shoot tight groups, I'd get something with at least 10/12x at the high end but honestly, it'll be maybe a 1.5 moa gun at best, most likely around 2 moa. If I had $1000 I'd get a good red dot and maybe a magnifier or a good fixed mag optic (Elcan or Acog). If you're set on an LPVO in that price range I'd get the PST2 as I've heard they're pretty decent. You definitely want a bright dot in an LPVO.

As to 30mm mounts, I like Badger Ordnance and ADM. Reasonably priced and reliable.

 

[ffgats]

Swarvo Z8i would be my recommendation, Razor 1-6 also but heavy

 

[IzzyTheGreat]

Thanks for the input everybody, I've decided to put the purchase on hold for now to mull it over a bit more.

I'm considering what @rugbydave said and perhaps going for a 2.5-10x or something similar, ending up with something like an SPR without the mechanical accuracy. Without upgrading other parts such as the barrel a WK can only be so accurate, even with quality optics. I do have a Vortex Viper 3-9x40 I was planning to use for hunting, but I suppose I could use it for load development until rifle season starts, and then re-zero it.

Another option I'm considering is just picking up one of the affordable hunting optics that are out right now, like the Bushnell Elite 3500, I understand they have great specs (such as argon purging) for the price point. I can use it until Black Friday sales this year or save up for something nice and then throw it on a hunting rifle.

Q4 results will be calculated soon at work, and I may be eligible for a bonus , so I'll update the thread if I end up purchasing anything!