Rifle Scopes AR optic selection assistance

[308FTW]

Hey guys. I am looking at three optics for my AR. I’m shooting 55gr‘s at a-zone sized targets out to 400 yards from a 14.5” barrel. I‘ll be holding, not dialing. Illumination is important as I’ll also shoot stages up close for speed. Weight is also very important and I need whatever the lightest thing is I can get away with. Durability is HUGE. I’m not kind to gear. I’m looking at:

Steiner Px4i 1-4
Razor e 1-6
Zeiss 1-6

I have shot with the Px4i and really liked it. It’s light, with very bright illumination, and 4x is about all I need at 400 yards. The razor is a favorite, but it’s over 1/4 lb heavier than the other two. I can find nothing on the Zeiss at all so I’m scared to jump in with no data.

Thoughts?

 

[drewthebrave]

Of those, I'd go with the Steiner. Hard to beat for the price, and 4x is plenty for your range.

 

[308FTW]

Cool.

My only concern with the Steiner is durability. I’ve read of a few broken ones on the web. Not sure of anyone can comment.

Are there any other 1-4’s to consider? The Trijicon led offerings look really nice but are not daylight bright. Good glass though. They are the same price as the steiner so I’m still figuring out where to get the most fit my money.

I also considered a TR24 at 14oz and tough as nails. In that scenario I’d buy a aftermarket elevation turret and dial in. Its kind of a dinosaur at this point tech wise....

Optika6 maybe but no data on those anywhere either.

 

[308pirate]

Cool.

My only concern with the Steiner is durability. I’ve read of a few broken ones on the web. Not sure of anyone can comment.

Are there any other 1-4’s to consider? The Trijicon led offerings look really nice but are not daylight bright. Good glass though.

I also considered a TR24 at 14oz and tough as nails. In that scenario I’d buy a aftermarket elevation turret and dial in. Its kind of a dinosaur at this point tech wise....

Anyone can break anything. Steiner is durable enough. Your other choices won't be any worse in that regard but they also won't be any better either.

An LPVO doesn't need daylight bright illumination if the reticle is well designed, but it IS a plus.

Another choice to consider are the 1-4X and 1-6X Trijicon Accupoints with the triangle reticle

When you say A zone hits at 400, how quickly are you expecting to make these hits? The A zone is pretty fucking small at that distance........

 

[308FTW]

I’ll be on the clock, so as fast as I can. But that is the longest shot I’d be asked to make on the smallest target. Majority of shooting is well inside that.

Right now I’m shooting a 1x prism with a 3x mag behind it, so anything will be a huge upgrade over that. But I do really well with it.

You think the triangle with an exposed elevation turret would be better?

Is the accupoint or Steiner the better buy you think? The red segmented bdc looks like a winner to me on the accupower/Credo 1-4.

 

[ssc45]

I also shoot in various carbine competitions. I have both the Razor and two of the steiners. I also have a Kahles 1-6 with the SM1 ret. The steiner and kahles both weigh in the 17oz range and the RG2E is in the 22oz range. I prefer the lighter weight and the ret of the razor and steiner. The glass and eyebox on all 3 scopes is good with the nod going to the razor and then Kahles followed by the steiner. The steiner and razor have daylight bright dots. The illumination on the kahles is not as good. Frankly, I don't like the ret nor the illumination of the kahles and will probably sell it. The ret is a personal choice, so whatever works for you.

Between the razor and the steiner is a weight issue. The money may be an issue for some folks. I like both of them. I had to send the razor back to vortex because the mag ring was way to stiff, even with a switch view. It is better, but still stiff. The glass is a bit better on the razor. Hence, decide what ret works for you. Then decide if lighter weight is more important than the extra 2 power. In regards to durability, I can't answer. I have not had any issues, nor do I try to destroy my gear.

Cheers, Steve

 

[308FTW]

Thanks for the excellent reply!

For matches, in general, does the illumination of the kahles hold you back significantly? I am guessing it’s only an issue on short fast stages? I’m assuming the led trijicon has a similar illumination where it’s daylight visible, but maybe not daylight bright.

 

[ssc45]

I can't comment on the trijicon. I grew up hunting with simple duplex ret's, so the kahles ret is not to my liking. I don't find too much of an issue with short fast targets with any of the scopes. However, for a bit of precision shooting at longer range steel I absolutely prefer the Razor/steiner ret. That's just me. YMMV

Cheers, Steve

 

[koshkin]

If the weight of the Razor Gen2 is a problem, I'd be looking at Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 or Delta Stryker HD 1-6x24.

ILya

 

[Charles Follett]

A bit off topic but worth considering when choosing any LPVO is FPL (Forward Projected Light) -(I always wanted to make up an acronym). In my own testing the FO illuminated scopes (e.g. Delta Stryker 1-6, Steiner P4xi, Razor Gen.2, et al.) project virtually no light, whereas conventional reflective illumination puts nearly as much light forward as it does back to the user. Doesn't matter in 3-Gun, but...
I used to prefer more of the reticle detail illuminated, but I have now have 'seen the light'.
Charles
Darn Fine Shot