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Rifle Scopes If you could grab only ONE....??

F

Falsecrack

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
May 9, 2012
317
0
53
Hawai'i...home of the worst shooting ranges in the
Hello all. This is my first post so please excuse me if my question seems idiotic. I am horribly under educated in the field of glass/optics and lurk here often to gleam wisdom. I've been wracking my brain for some time trying to figure out how to ask for opinions on specific optics. I know invariably I would be asked for what purpose i'd be using
this glass? After some time contemplating how i'd respond, I realized that ultimately, i'd want something for a SHTF situation. As such, I would like to pose this question: If the Zombie Apocolypse (i.e. societal breakdown, natural catastrophy, Mayan prophecy,
smile.gif
etc) were upon us, and you could grab only one optic and your weapon of choice, what would it be and why? I'm sure everyone envisons the situation differently depending on their particulars (terrain, populace, if your ol lady and your kids can all shoot,) but I am very interested in hearing what anybody has to say.

For what it's worth, i'd be using this optic on an AR-10(ish)
platform.




'
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

Optics, like our firearms, are tools. And there is a proper tool for every job. Thus there is no perfect firearm/optic combination. However many good general purpose optics exist. Both Vortex and SWFA have some nice 1-4 & 1-6 power offerings that allow for a wide range of usage.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

The natural catastrophe that was Katrina and the following societal breakdown left me having to travel fast and light. I wasn't worried about a rig that would give me reach. All I was worried about was being able to defend myself if the need arose.

I took two 9mms and a small ammo can of ammo with me. My biggest concerns were food, water and fuel.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

Nightforce 3.5-15 F1 supplemented with a red dot sight.

That'll get you covered like a fat lady sitting on a golf ball.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

I've got an M-4gery set up with a 1-4X optic as my grab & go system. It's backed up by a reliable pistol for CQB.

HRF
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

I have a stag with about 4-5k rounds through it that I just had to put a new extractor in. It has iron sights and a standard sling.

Until the apocalypse comes I suggest either a vortex pst 1-4/super sniper 1-4 or a vortex pst 2.5-10/super sniper 3-9 for your rifle.

If you go vortex...buy from Libertyoptics
smile.gif


How are Hawaii gun laws? My pops wants to move there but he's worried about his gun collection.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The natural catastrophe that was Katrina and the following societal breakdown left me having to travel fast and light. I wasn't worried about a rig that would give me reach. All I was worried about was being able to defend myself if the need arose.

I took two 9mms and a small ammo can of ammo with me. My biggest concerns were food, water and fuel. </div></div>

Listen very closely to this gentlemans post.

If you get all jocked up with your level IV body armor & long rifle you will be a threat to both the good guys and the bad guys. You will be a bullet magnet.

Get a reliable & concealable handgun. And most importantly, get some training.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

People who want to cover all distances, aka competitive 3-Gunners, use a pair of sighting systems; something close and something far.

The standard used to be a red dot/holographic + flip over magnifier. Gave 1-3, 1-4, 1-5 capability.

That's now largely been superceded by a large variable power scope with a low end of around 4x, with a holographic or offset iron sights for things close.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

There would be no one for me. TYhat might be a problem. I buy mostly precision rifles because thats my passion/hobby but keep a good stock of handguns (I have almost every popular caliber and 1000+ rounds) and I have several AK's and AR's with thousands of rounds for them. If that something happened while on our farm then the precision rifles would be an asset but in reality the pistol, shotgun, and carbine woulld probably your best tools. Food and water being the most important these tools can help aquire and protect your resources. Good luck in that senario. LOL
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

Thanks for all the replies thus far.

To BCP: Hawai'i gun laws are among the most stringent in the country. No SBR's/"Automatic Pistols", Magazine limited to 10 rounds (though this is rarely enforced), Cans are completely out of the question to anyone without a Class III license, etc. We also have to submit any weapons we buy to the local Police station within 5 days of receipt.

To Red Belly: Never thought about being a "threat to both the good guys and the bad guys". I appreciate your perspective.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

I would recommend either a aimpoint or a ACOG. Something that is already battle proven, and tough! And a good set of iron sights...
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hrfunk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got an M-4gery set up with a 1-4X optic as my grab & go system. It's backed up by a reliable pistol for CQB.

HRF </div></div>

Here's mine, w/US Optics SN4 JPJ1 reticle & BUIS:

DSCN1295.jpg


Cheers,

Bill
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

If I could only have 1 weapon, it would be a 12 Gauge shotgun.Kill anything from polar bears to doves.All I have to do is put the right shell in for the right situation. Can also be mounted with a red dot if you need one.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

Money no object Leupold MK8 1-8X, good zero to well beyond distances that'll get you thrown in the clink claiming SD, but well within reason for hunting assuming a complete breakdown of social order requires it.
Cheaper, quality 2.5-10X on a QD mount with good BUIS optional QD equiped reddot.
Lowest cost 1-4X with BUIS plenty effective out to 400yds or more for 2MOA or larger targets.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

Like Beef said, if money is no object the IOR 1-10x32 Eliminator is a really nice optic for varying engagment ranges.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

I know I am probably going to get some flak for this, but here goes:

M1A w/ iron sights.

No zombies would even get close.....
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

Aimpoint or other high quality CQB optic for sure...good luck trying to justify how some guy at 1200 yards was a immediate threat to you when the sun rises the next day.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

any AK/ AR with open sights, nothing to break, light weight and reliable. If the target is too far for open sights, let it go and survive another day. isn't the first rule of surviving "do not get into a fight"
A good reliable pistol and plenty of mags also.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

I am walking talking proof that iron sights do break. Its a long story, and it happened a long time ago, and its best told over beers...But it does happen.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

for zombies, i can't go with just one. i'd grab the 1911 subcompact v10 for up close & personal for sure, but i'd also need something to establish & defend a bigger perimeter. rumor has it, you gotta go with head shots on zombies, so i'd grab the gun that allows me to carry the most ammo & has minute of zombie accuracy out to 200 or so- my good old 10/22! the SS 5-20 on it would come in handy for surveillance, too.

for the Katrina scenario, i'd grab the v10 & 5 extra clips, and i'd probably have to take my 41 magnum too- revolvers don't jam...
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

Did you really just bring up zombies <span style="font-weight: bold">*and*</span> the mayan doomsday in one post??

Z6oWl.gif.jpg















SXBOw.gif.jpg













In case of zombies, I would grab this, no optics needed:

palin-shake.gif
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Falsecrack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mayan prophecy</div></div>

I guess you missed the latest news.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

I think the purpose of a SHTF rifle is to defeat the individual threat before it gets into the range of whatever weapons it might be carrying. For multiple threats, I would prefer evasion over engagement; I just don't think it pays to be pissing off that many potential adversaries at any one time.

For me, a handgun is a barely-better-than-nothing expedient. I prefer a shotgun for less-than-ideal-rifle distances.

For distance, hunting optics would be my call, something 3-9x with a 40mm or 50mm obective, prefering 40mm (less reflective signature); and the 40mm does not tempt me to shoot in dim light conditions where the 50mm might. I'd rather evade than risk a dubious shot.

For close up, on a handgun or shotgun, I would prefer a reflex sight, because it allows for the quickest target acquisition and reacquisition. Distance allows patience and diligence, which may be luxury when dealing with a close-in threat.

As shotguns go, I prerfer the 20ga over the 12ga. It's clearly adequate, and it's also friendlier toward the women in my family, who would definitely be carrying them.

As handguns go, I suggest a .40. It's what most of the LEOs around here use; and whatever logic motivates them is good enough for me.

Greg
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

Noveske N4 Afghan model with a Nightforce NXS 2.5-10X32.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

SHTF setup? You need to check out the Russian AN-94. Since it really can't be found outside of the Spetznaz, my go to would be a 16" LWRC carbine with a Nightforce NXS 1-4, and a Leupold delta point mini reflex for backup. And if it was too close for a carbine then a Sig P226 Elite.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: m14er</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> this.... </div></div>

WOW!!
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

but probably one of these if we're talking about zombies and other fantasies
wink.gif


Gau8a_a.jpg


that comes with this

A-10big.jpg


<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5y8tUdwKyWk&feature=fvwrel"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5y8tUdwKyWk&feature=fvwrel" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

god i love the a10! just the fact they built a plane to fly around a huge gatling gun and destroy things

for SHTF i would definitely want a good sidearm for backup (for myself thats a HK usp compact and 1911) and something along the lines of an AR/AK whatever your most comfortable with. sights wise, definitely BUIS and probably an aimpoint or acog optic. something that's proven and either has extremely long battery life or doesnt need batteries at all
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Falsecrack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hello all. This is my first post so please excuse me if my question seems idiotic. I am horribly under educated in the field of glass/optics and lurk here often to gleam wisdom. I've been wracking my brain for some time trying to figure out how to ask for opinions on specific optics. I know invariably I would be asked for what purpose i'd be using
this glass? After some time contemplating how i'd respond, I realized that ultimately, i'd want something for a SHTF situation. As such, I would like to pose this question: If the Zombie Apocolypse (<span style="color: #3333FF">i.e. societal breakdown, natural catastrophy, Mayan prophecy,
smile.gif
etc</span>) were upon us, and you could grab only one optic and your weapon of choice, what would it be and why? I'm sure everyone envisons the situation differently depending on their particulars (terrain, populace, if your ol lady and your kids can all shoot,) but I am very interested in hearing what anybody has to say.

For what it's worth, i'd be using this optic on an AR-10(ish)
platform.




' </div></div>

You forgot one event " <span style="color: #3333FF">THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH" </span>in that case I would say I am not going to need gun or glass.
Now the people left, Well you will need an AW 308 w S&B glass. You could also come to my house there will be one that will not be being used. ( of coarse no one will be home to give it to you. )LOL...LOL....
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

Haha. If the Rapture does mark the END, them i'm pretty sure i won't be going anywhere. Hmmm, I wonder if that means that I'LL be one of the zombies? LOL

But seriousley, I appreciate all the feedback from everyone. I was interested in what people were recommending specifically,...especially in terms of durability and robust-ness as Customer Service and Warranties would mean nothing in the scenarios we've been discussing. Where I live, since i'm surrounded by ocean and thus an abundant supply of food, I wouldn't NEED to hunt all that much. So, i'd be looking for an optic that would be more short to medium range in nature for self defense purposes. I understand that there is a budding marked for optics in the 1-
4/6/8 range that would do fine. Presently, the as of yet unrelOleased USO is sounding promising.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

16" 5.56 AR with Nightforce 2.5-10x32 rail mounted flashlight and BUIS, high cap 9mm and as much ammo as I can carry for both
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

ak with irons. or a pump 12 ga. if there is a social breakdown you dont want to be seen at all if you can help it. anything past 50 yds should be avoided. no optics needed.

i only choose the ak because the towel heads get by just fine running a sock soaked in motor oil through the bore.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

if the rapture happens im starting a motorcycle gang to roam the wastelands with some awesome 80s mad max name like "the wastoids"


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Falsecrack</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Haha. If the Rapture does mark the END, them i'm pretty sure i won't be going anywhere. Hmmm, I wonder if that means that I'LL be one of the zombies? LOL

But seriousley, I appreciate all the feedback from everyone. I was interested in what people were recommending specifically,...especially in terms of durability and robust-ness as Customer Service and Warranties would mean nothing in the scenarios we've been discussing. Where I live, since i'm surrounded by ocean and thus an abundant supply of food, I wouldn't NEED to hunt all that much. So, i'd be looking for an optic that would be more short to medium range in nature for self defense purposes. I understand that there is a budding marked for optics in the 1-
4/6/8 range that would do fine. Presently, the as of yet unrelOleased USO is sounding promising.

</div></div>
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

If I had to go on the move and wanted to include a gun in my bag, I'd probably want something small, familiar, and reliable. Maybe my Sig P238, or the new Sig P938? I definitely wouldn't want to be carrying around an AR15, trying to explain to the bus driver, shelter operator, food kitchen, etc. that I should be allowed in with my big black gun.

If I were going to hole up in a cabin someplace and wanted to defend it and maybe shoot some food, then an AR with something like the Vortex 2.5-10x44 would be a nice tool to have.
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

Well, let me tell you what I bought for my 308 asault rifle and what I bought for my 223 assault rifle

308: IOR Valdada 3-18x42 illuminated MP-8 retical and side focus

223: IOR Valdada 2-12x32 illuminated MP-8 retical and side focus

both scopes have 35mm tube and bullet drop compensation for their respective calibers

there is an addition red dot sight on the my 223

of course budget is always an issue. if that is the case then something like the Burris fast fire system is pretty good 1-4x24 with red dot companion, they have nice combat reticals.

With my Valdadas I am ready to kill a lot of zombies, and you can take that to bullseye!
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

I will make a good sudgestion to you if someone hasn't said it already. It sounds like your fairly new to the sport; am I right? Learn your how to master your iron sights first. Than when you want to purchase a scope try some out before you spend a lot of $ on a scope.

But if you are preparing for a zombie apocalyse, I might sudgest a nice Mossberg 590 with bayonet and a flame thrower attatched to it also. As far as the ammunition watch the russian professional on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4FjODPDFA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9DkciMTsLI

Happy hunting,
-Sv
 
Re: If you could grab only ONE....??

My 2 cents:

AR15 in 5.56 14.5" or 16" barrel with a Aimpoint T-1
AR10 in 7.62 16" or 18" barrel with a 1-4, 1-6x, or 1-8x

This should have you covered from 0-800 yards.
 
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