Rifle Scopes 1-8x variable optics

[bigten109]

Hey guys, new to the forum! I've been looking at variable optics choices for my AR-10 platform and narrowed it down to this magnification range for my purposes:

200-700yds, with similar red dot like magnification for close range.

I like the idea of a swaro 1-8 that just came out, but I'm still really intrigued by the Minox zp8 and the leupold MK8 CQBSS.

The march 1-10 seems like a great scope, I just worry about tunneling at the low end with that 10x power design.

I've read through some of the other posts here regarding similar subjects, and I know people really love the S&B short dot, the Leupold 3-18, Steiner TX, but I haven't really seen a direct comparison between the Minox zp8 and the CQBSS.

I also don't get the Minox 10mil total elevation adjustment. I read somewhere that this is a military requirement. I figure with the 34mm tube the total adjustment has got to be more than 20mil so in the worst case scenario I have to keep raising the elevation knob to zero at 100yds, I'm guessing I can reset the zero and still keep that 10mil elevation, or will I run out?

Also, how bad is the eyebox of both the minox vs cqbss at 8x? Glass comparison? I wish I could look through both but these are a little higher end than most of my LGS will carry in terms of optics.

Thanks again in advance

 

[CSTactical]

Mike here at CS Tactical has been an early adopter of both the MK8 and Minox and would be happy to answer all your questions between both models, please PM me your number or feel free to call 916.670.1103

 

[Glassaholic]

You might find 8x a bit lacking at 500+ yards. Might I suggest a different type of setup, here was my Ultra Short 5-20 with a Doctor Optic sight attached, I think this is the ideal setup for AR-10's. Not everyone can afford the Ultra Shorts, but an excellent "budget" optic is the Bushnell DMR IIi 3.5-21x50, all of which Mike from CS Tactical can set you up, he is great to work with and a fount of knowledge.

 

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

If 200 and in isn't a concern, than I don't think a 1-8 is the right scope either. It isn't that 8 isn't enough for 500+ yards, it is just that the real advantage of the 1-8 is that it will work up close if you have to. I have the CQBSS and it will do what you want, but if accurate shots from 200-700 are the key, I'd look at a 3-15 and a red dot offset for the close in shots. If I had only one scope for a 7.62AR, it would be a 1-8 since it is a great all-around option. Just maybe not the optimum of what you need.

 

[longshot2000]

^^^

+1

 

[jakhamr81]

The 1-8 range is sort of like an El Camino, it's not really going to be ideal for anything. That said, 8 power can be plenty unless you are having to identify targets at great distance. If that's the case you can always supplement with a decent set of binos or spotter. I typically find myself shooting below 10x when I'm engaging multiple targets. But if all your wanting to do is shoot little groups at one target from the prone position on a square range then you may be more comfortable with more magnification.

 

[Tonsofguns]

after running many of the best 1-8 on my ar 10s, I am no longer a huge fan. I ran the mark 8, Schmidt bender high power 1.1-8, and the minox 1-8.

if I were to keep a 1-8, it would be the minox. Mainly due to the scope being in the second focal plane at low power for fast shots, and first focal plane at power above four for ranging. This set up makes the most sense for a 1-8.

The sb was more precise at distance with a smaller reticle, but it was hard to see at low power. The glass on the sb was phenomenal.

the mark 8 was good, but not precise at higher power with a larger reticle, and glass was not on par with the sb.

also if you shot dawn and dusk, those thin tubes are horrible for transmitting light.

so to replace my 1-8 I've gone with an acog/rmr for my scar 17, and I am starting to look for a 3-12 ish optic for my lmt mws with 20 inch barrel. Will look at the bushy

 

[MOUNTIC]

If 200 and in isn't a concern, than I don't think a 1-8 is the right scope either. It isn't that 8 isn't enough for 500+ yards, it is just that the real advantage of the 1-8 is that it will work up close if you have to. I have the CQBSS and it will do what you want, but if accurate shots from 200-700 are the key, I'd look at a 3-15 and a red dot offset for the close in shots. If I had only one scope for a 7.62AR, it would be a 1-8 since it is a great all-around option. Just maybe not the optimum of what you need.

I will third this.. the 1-8 is great if you must have the versatility of CQB and ability to make hits out at distance. A 3-15/18 seems it would fit better for what your after. If you need inside 200, an offset RDS would be the ticket like mentioned above. I ended up with a RDS on my SR25 ACC over the CQBSS on it, and then went with a 3-18 on my SR25 APC over the 1-8 on that rifle. Best decisions I have made, and the 3-18 makes life much better on the APC as I use that for the same 200+ as you are after. Bang 10 inch plate out at 725 yards regularly. Much harder with the 1-8 at that distance but it can be done, just not as effectively.