• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

Rifle Scopes AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

callen3615

callen3615

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 27, 2010
90
12
35
Peidmont, NC
Hey guys, Ive been building an ar for around 3 months now. Ive got it almost finished. I have a primary arms red dot that I have had for awhile now and i like it, but I keep seeing pictures of similar rifles with 1-4x scope and it makes me wonder. I mostly shoot this rifle under 100 yards but sometimes id like to stretch it out to 200-300 yards. A 2 MOA dot seems really big at 300 yards. My concern is close range target acquisition, ie home defense. I do have iron sights so I might be ok with a scope and a quick release mount?

Anyway, most of the scopes I have seen have bullet drop reticules and are also illuminated. Ive been looking at scopes like this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/994114/...q-reticle-matte

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/725900/...c-reticle-matte

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/126574/...q-reticle-matte

My budget is unestablished, I really could spend 500 dollars if its worth it.

Im really asking for some guidance, what I should avoid, what features are a must, ect.

Thanks alot
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

1104111622a.jpg


Getting KNS anti roll pins and Troy flip up irons for Christmas.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

Of the three you listed I'd say get the Viper PST but I'd recommend getting the mil/mil version: Midway - Vortex Viper PST 1-4
The Vortex is a great value, better construction than you'd typically get at that price-point. Check with Scott at Liberty Optics, they are a Vortex dealer, a 'Hide sponsor, and I believe he is still running a 10% off deal on everything for 'Hide members.

That said if I had it to do over again I'd probably spend a little more and get the Super Sniper 1-4X. It's about $300 more but I think the illumination is far superior to the PST.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

The Vortex PST is definitely NOT daylight visible illumination. If you're used to a red dot, you may be disappointed.

I don't have use for a BDC on an AR with a max effective range of 300-400 yards. I finally settled on the Trijicon TR24G with green triangle and I couldn't be happier. Daylight visible like an Aimpoint and no batteries or on/off knobs make it a winner in my book.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

The Burris Tac30, 30mm 1-4x is a good deal at $300 from Midway. Its very clear at all powers and illumination is daylight visible for sure. I really like mine and have had no issues with it.

13688730.jpg

Burris Tac30 at 50yds on 4x, mid illumination setting. Holdover dots are for 55-60grain 556's out to 500


OPTICS TALK 1-4 TEST

1-4 COMPARRISON

^^ Just found these threads while looking for reticle pics. Check them out, looks to have some good info in them
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

If you have the money, the Trijicon 1-4 Accupoints are really nice. But if you want something that works well, has easily seen illumination during daytime and is more than what you pay for then I suggest the Tac30.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

Go with a aimpoint, eotech or any other reflex sight like a trijicon reflex and the like.

300yds is nothing for a standard reflex sight. These 1-4's are more for a 0-500yd rifle.

John
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: J.Boyette</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> 300yds is nothing for a standard reflex sight. These 1-4's are more for a 0-500yd rifle. </div></div>
Unless you've got old man eyes like me. I can't see shit past 200 yards. I need another LASIK tuneup but can't afford it right now, LOL.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

I have read review on the vortex, it all seems appealing except for the illumination. I would like to conserve battery life as much as possible, and from what ive seen the pst isnt too bright on its brightest setting, the Burris looks more promising to me. the SS is nice but way out of my price range.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

A cheaper, but still effective alternative to those already mentioned is the leatherwood CMR. I have one and I like it quite a bit.It's not as nice as the other mentioned (from what I've heard, haven't handled them, but it is at a very nice price-point.)

My biggest problem with it is the illumination, it's kind of uneven. That being said, I got mine on sale for $250 about a year ago so if you can find it at that price, go for it. From what I can tell, it looks like it might be a bit more expensive now, so maybe spend the extra $150 and go for the PST.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cpt. obvious</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have read review on the vortex, it all seems appealing except for the illumination. I would like to conserve battery life as much as possible, and from what ive seen the pst isnt too bright on its brightest setting, the Burris looks more promising to me. tohe SS is nice but way out of my price range. </div></div>
I do not currently own any Vortex scope, but I'm still kinda fan. Got small binos and I'm very happy with them. Scopes have good features, they are well finished - all in reasonable priced package. However, 1-4 model seemed to have lots of room for improvement. Massive tunnel effect was my first impression when I looked thru it- in fact, IOR 1-10x is only worse that I have tried. Also, for some strange reason I was also able to see ocular tube inner surface. Perhaps it has something to do with silver coloring inside(?) scope? Never seen that before.

IMO skip Vortex in if you are lookin that particular magnification range scope.
Fe Burris XTR is optically much, much better.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MadKap</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="color: #CC0000">A cheaper, but still effective alternative to those already mentioned is the leatherwood CMR</span>. I have one and I like it quite a bit.It's not as nice as the other mentioned (from what I've heard, haven't handled them, but it is at a very nice price-point.)

My biggest problem with it is the illumination, it's kind of uneven. That being said, I got mine on sale for $250 about a year ago so if you can find it at that price, go for it. From what I can tell, it looks like it might be a bit more expensive now, so maybe spend the extra $150 and go for the PST.




</div></div>Here is a pic of the Leatherwood CMS at 1x on max illuminaton
6rrnk6.jpg


Burris Tac30 at 1x, mid illumination
mbu3rc.jpg


PST at 1x on max illumination
23tplqt.jpg
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

Burris 1-4 Mtac. Intelligent 223 reticle, rheostat illumination, priced right, and a lifetime warranty.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

Wow, Redirt78, your photos make it look like the Burris is the best choice for daytime use. I recently put a 1-4X30mm accupoint on an AR. It's not the most precise optic for shooting tiny groups, it's not FFP, and it doesn't have mil-dots or stadia for holdover. But for hunting at ranges you're not likely to need to hold over at, I love it. The red triangle on post is easy to see in bright light and poor light. But it's over $500.

If an illuminated reticle isn't a must have, you may want to look at the Nikon M223 1-4X scope. I don't have personal experience with it, but have been pleased with the glass on other Nikon scopes. It's under $300.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

An older model scope without a lot of bells and whistles, but one that I've had good luck with since its introduction, is the Millett DMS-1. Are there better? Yep, but the one that I have has been a good one.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTriever</div><div class="ubbcode-body">An older model scope without a lot of bells and whistles, but one that I've had good luck with since its introduction, is the Millett DMS-1. Are there better? Yep, but the one that I have has been a good one.</div></div>

Primary Arms makes a version of the Millet DMS-1 that sells for $120. I'm planning to pick one up for a .22 LR project I'm working on.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

I read somewhere the VX-R Patrol was going to have 1/10 mil adjustments, but everything else I see about it says 1/4 moa. Anyone know?
That or the PST would be my choice..
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tan Man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I read somewhere the VX-R Patrol was going to have 1/10 mil adjustments, but everything else I see about it says 1/4 moa. Anyone know?
That or the PST would be my choice.. </div></div>

The 1-4 is a SPR reticle with Mil knobs.

The 3-9 is a TMR reticle with Mil knobs.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

SWFA or Viper 1-4 as has been said.

Check the meopta K dot.

Also check out the new 1-4x Mueller tac scope. It is an illuminated dot magnified optic.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redirt78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Burris Tac30, 30mm 1-4x is a good deal at $300 from Midway. Its very clear at all powers and illumination is daylight visible for sure. I really like mine and have had no issues with it.

13688730.jpg

Burris Tac30 at 50yds on 4x, mid illumination setting. Holdover dots are for 55-60grain 556's out to 500


OPTICS TALK 1-4 TEST

1-4 COMPARRISON

^^ Just found these threads while looking for reticle pics. Check them out, looks to have some good info in them </div></div>

I really like that reticle...extremely bright. Great shot as well:)
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redirt78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Burris Tac30, 30mm 1-4x is a good deal at $300 from Midway. Its very clear at all powers and illumination is daylight visible for sure. I really like mine and have had no issues with it.

13688730.jpg

Burris Tac30 at 50yds on 4x, mid illumination setting. Holdover dots are for 55-60grain 556's out to 500
</div></div>

Do you have a pic with the reticle illumination off? Also, does the reticle illumination get dim enough to use in REALLY dark conditions or does it tend to wash things out?
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

90908598.jpg


74978992.jpg


Yes it has very dim settings, very bright settings and everything in between. It is push button illumination, each time you push it it dims or brightens, it shuts itself off after an hour (double check that but it does shut itself off)

<span style="font-weight: bold">When the illumination is turned off and you go to use your rig, you push the illumination button once and it lights up to the last setting you had it on (wich is great IMO).</span>

I can't find anything to complain about especially in a 1-4x for $300. Actually if it came with a throw lever that'd be cool haha. Someone makes one that I've been wanting to get for it. I will look back at my stuff and post who it is.

All pics I post are copy/paste from the threads I linked earlier.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

Here is a good post from another SH thread...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hs101</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I vote the Tac30. I have one and use it in 3Gun. It is a great scope. Good glass, and the BDC comes in very handy. Just match your load to the BDC and you are good to go. I use the PEPR mount, just be aware that I would not count on it holding a zero if you take it off and then re-mount it.

<span style="font-weight: bold">MGM and Drissel both make throw levers that fit it</span> too....


The illumination is bright, but I only use it in CQB/close in type targets... It is like having a red dot and a scope all in one!
</div></div>

More good arguments here...

SWFA SSHD vs BURRIS TAC30
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

For home defense and seldom stretching beyond 200yds...and mostly shooting at silhouettes, EOTECH or AIMPOINT.
If you are going to shoot at smaller targets consistently over 1-200yds, 1-4x

I have the above mentioned burris on my SPR/ hunting rifle. Solid as a rock, illumination is almost too bright, very clear glass..... But the scope and rings add over a pound and a half to the rifle. If thats not an issue, its extremely versatile.

My house gun and <125yd fun gun wears an eotech XPS 2-0, I find it to be the fastest sight system Ive ever used. Its a thing of beauty on a carbine.
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redirt78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Burris Tac30, 30mm 1-4x is a good deal at $300 from Midway. Its very clear at all powers and illumination is daylight visible for sure. I really like mine and have had no issues with it.</div></div>

13688730.jpg

Burris Tac30 at 50yds on 4x, mid illumination setting. Holdover dots are for 55-60grain 556's out to 500

My old eyes like that. You know what MOA size center dot is?
Found it 4MOA
 
Re: AR 1-4 scope suggestion?

The gun I have it on is a 16" lightweight AR. I use mine for house/truck gun/running hogs and coyotes from 10 feet to 200 yds and for that I love my Tac30.
1STTac30HOG.jpg

Had the gun in the seat next to me on my way to check an old stand before deer season, pulled up on a pack of hogs rooting up the road. Scope was set on 1x, hogs at 30yds, jumped out of the truck, pigs scattered, tapped the illumination button and went to town. Got a few but this was the only pic that turned out decent while losing light and taking a picture with my cell phone.

I'd like to have the chance to compare the SS HD to mine but I don't see it happening anytime soon. Looks like the SS 1-4 would be more precise for long range work with a more traditional/fine ret. than the Burris.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

N
Thought on primary arms optics
Replies
5
Views
322
SuperDave17
S
CValero
Scoping out a Scope.
Replies
32
Views
1K
mrtoyz
mrtoyz
C
Rifle Scopes Nrl hunter/ hunting scope
Replies
10
Views
274
YotaEer
YotaEer
C
1 to 6 power scope for shooting practical rifle matches.
Replies
18
Views
824
CBMAX1
C
Stone111
Need info for understanding ranges and magnifications on a SFP scope
Replies
13
Views
289
Tictacticaltimmy
T
Top Bottom
Back