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Rifle Scopes Elcan SpectreDR 1x/4x scope

nightwolf0215

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 27, 2013
95
0
Southern California
Can I get some input about the Elcan SpectreDR 1x/4x scope? I am getting a huge bug on the elcan DR Optics. But is the 1x/4x capability worth the $1000 offset on the price point? A set of XPS and magnifier seems to be offering the same thing.
 
I have one of the latest DR's in 1-4x and really like it. I have nothing but good to say about it. Glass is very clear, light reception in lowlight is very good and with the dot on high and 1x; it is fast for close up. I recently got a 1.1-8 cqbss with horus reticle and and mk6 1-6x with illum. tmr. I haven't really gotten a chance to "compare" them side by side for speed but they are different animals IMO.

I think you'll be very happy. I would suggest making sure you don't get an older model as some Mil pals had occasional bugs in the past but nothing as of late.
 
Sorry, should have paid attention to your post more.... I have eotech and a magnifier and rarely use it. IMO there is no comparison in capability EXCEPT the eotech is slightly faster for CQB. After getting used to it; the elcan dr is suprisingly fast at 1.5 with dot on high. As stated earlier with the glass clarity and great light reception of the dr, you can turn on your full cross hair and bdc for acquisition in very low light at much longer distances. It mat not be the same for everyone but personally mine really does what I want it to.
 
I may be in the minority here but I find the eye box on the 1-4 to be complete garbage, I prefer the S&B short dot tremendously. Other than that the illumination is fine, never had any poa/poi shift problems with mine.
 
I have one absolutely love it. I love the quick one to four power option as well as the illumination options and the backup irons on top. They're very easy to shoot even for a novice. I also like that they have a built-in rangefinder on the bottom corner.
 
Another option is to get the 4x only version of the SpecterDR and put a MRD on top (there is a mounting plate available for a Docter MRD on the SpecterDR). You'd get the SpecterDR's 4x capabilty and a very fast red dot cheaper than the 1x/4x version. I have two SpecterDR 1x/4x with 7MOA Docter MRDs mounted on top. I love the SpecterDR's lit reticles (daylight bright dot or cross with BDC markings), crystal clear sight picture, and wide FOV.

 
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I have the 1-4DR on my duty rifle, I love it. Works great for cqb (not as good as a reflex) but combined with the 4x and bdc it's a hard combo to beat. I have personally shot mine out to 600 and a coworker shot his out past 800 utilizing the bdc and is was dead on.
 
I have to disagree with the majority here. The eyebox on the Elcan sucks, and it is a poor optic for a duty weapon for that reason. Nothing like shooting a VTAC wall drill in full kit to expose that weakness, especially support side. This is also the reason why it has a piggybacked Docter sight despite being a 1x optic, someone obviously identified that weakness and tried to correct it with a less than ideal solution. We have a ton of SpecterDRs sitting in the arms room at work because the majority of guys use EOTechs instead. I run mine with an Aimpoint magnifier and like that combo a lot better.

Optically it has some very clear glass and the BDC reticle is nice. If you are primarily using it for longer range shooting then I don't see any issues, I just don't find it very versatile despite the advertising.

Here are a couple of pictures of my work gun.
 

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To each his own on the elcan sucking so bad. Having a docter
on top to increase speed only takes away the split second lost
to flip from 4x to 1x. Of course, that's time you don't get back....

Sort of like putting a magnifier behind an eotech...
 
Don't forget another advantage....you're getting a REAL reticle in there. With the Eotech, if the batteries fail...you're done. I have the Eotech/G33 STS and have used the Elcan....much prefer the Elcan.
 
Don't forget another advantage....you're getting a REAL reticle in there. With the Eotech, if the batteries fail...you're done. I have the Eotech/G33 STS and have used the Elcan....much prefer the Elcan.

tactic-als, let me make a slight correction: it's not IF the batteries fail, but WHEN the batteries fail. I have one EOTech, and will never have another because of battery life issues due to poor engineering. EOTech continues to drain the battery, even when off. Power is required to "remember" the last intensity level used (per EOTech).

I have a SpecterDR 1-4, and find it an exceptional optic. It is a true optic, not a "red-dot". You will not be disappointed. I also disagree with the "eye box sucks" comment, but to each his own.

BTW, Aimpoint is my "red-dot".
 
Once the issues were worked out with the introduction of the 3rd Gen. versions, I became a big fan of these. I liked them so much from work that I bought my own. Like pointed out above, you have an etched-glass reticle regardless of battery condition. That is one thing I like over the EOTech. I find that the eye box doesn't give me any problems, and even in unconventional positions, you can still pick up the dot and use it to an extent. It takes a bit of practice to get used to. I have no POI shift from 1x to 4x- I believe this issue to be resolved as well. I did have to add the newer adjustable ARMS levers, as the current mounts on these sights are the only thing yet to be corrected. It is short and weighs about the same as the EOTech and magnifier without the bulk allowing better utility with front-mounted thermal or night vision.
 
I had the eotech w/4x and sold it for the elcan. After a year of use I would not go back. The magnifiers leave a lot to be desired.
 
I have a 1.5-6 on an SR25 ECC. It's the best over all I have found. The real reason I went with it was the fact that its one package. Ill mostly run it on 6x but if I should run across any hogs in a CQB setting the 1.5 with its super bright dot does great. As for clearing houses and building I run my MK18 LWRC 10.5 at work!!