Re: Difference between glass with 1.5 vs 1x?
In my opinion it is reticule dependent especially with FFP scopes. I found that with a SFP Leupold MK4 1.5-5 with SPR I was no slower than I was with a red dot. Same with a SFP Meopta 1-4 ZD, SS 1-4 FFP, and NF 1-4 fc2. However, I tried a GRSC 1-4 FFP, Vortex 1-4 Razor HD FFP, and Weaver Tactical 1-5 and found the reticules too small on 1x to be fast and needed to turn them up slightly for use.
I found that with FFP scopes it was completely dependent on reticule design. The Vortex was a fine scope, but on 1x was useless to me, same with the GRSC, and weaver. The SFP scopes were consistent and easy for me to pick up. The SS reticule is designed around this issue and was surprisingly fast. The MK4 was also very useable and nice. The Meopta was awesome, I borrowed it and shot the LaRue Multigun with it this last year. I wasn't looking forward to using it and had a negative outlook prior to using it. I walked away wanting one for myself! Great glass, bright illumination, great reticule. Hope they make a 1-6 version.
It's all very user specific and until you look through it will be hard to make an informed opinion. That's my experience.