Rifle Scopes Dot vs 1-4x ?

[Hawk45]

I've currently got a red dot on my AR but was thinking of maybe switching to a 1-4x optic for more versitility and longer range shooting out to 300yds. Most shooting is at paper and for small groups with the guys for fun. Is the 1-4x going to make a big difference over just using a dot. The dot I have now is 3MOA dot.

Since this is just a fun gun and you suggest a 1-4x.. which of these would be the better option? I like the availablity of holdovers and would also like to still have the illuminated part for CQB shooting for matches. And I'd like to keep under $500.. really more like under $300.

Here is what I've found so far in the 1-4x or 1.5-5x range and with Illuminated CQ reticles and 30mm tubes:
Burris Fullfield TAC30 Ill BDC CQ $330
Vortex Viper PST Ill TMCQ $500
IOR .223 Ill TMCQ $520
Leatherwood CMR Ill TMCQ $250
Falcon Menace 1.5-5x30 Ill TMCQ $250

 

[jwsnydes]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

My accupoint 1.5-4 with green dot is really sweet. I use it just like you are talking about.

IF you find it for a good price it will be just a touch outside of your price range.

 

[19818119]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

When I compare my aimpoint to my accupoint back to back I have to say the dot is ever so slightly faster, that being said I'll take the versatility of the 1-4 for 95% of shooting.

Based on the scopes you have listed I would take a long hard look at the new SWFA 1-4. It looks like a winner based on early reviews.
Rath

 

[McLarenross]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

Ive got a Millet DMS-1x4 and like it a lot. Its easy on 1x to use just like a red dot and on 4x is nice for placing shots at a little longer distances. Its 1 MOA center dot is nice for precision and the larger ring around it is great for quick CQB type shooting.

 

[Mr_Brass]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: McLarenRoss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ive got a Millet DMS-1x4 and like it a lot. Its easy on 1x to use just like a red dot and on 4x is nice for placing shots at a little longer distances. Its 1 MOA center dot is nice for precision and the larger ring around it is great for quick CQB type shooting. </div></div>

how is the durability of these? I had looked into one and was told they won't hold up very well.

ETA I also here these are just as good as the milletts

http://primaryarms.com/product.sc?productId=205&categoryId=2

Maybe this as well?

http://swfa.com/Sightmark-15-5x30-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P11971.aspx

 

[justme]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

I've got a Leu 1.5 X 5 illum on one of my 16" AR's and it works out well

 

[justme]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

Another thing to consider is if you NEED to use the rifle and the battery should die you still can aim the rifle! Not the case with the dot.

 

[McLarenross]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

I cant really speak to the durrability of it as I havent really beat the hell out of it. Im sure its not a US Optics but its not NC Star either.

 

[jwsnydes]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: justme</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Another thing to consider is if you NEED to use the rifle and the battery should die you still can aim the rifle! Not the case with the dot. </div></div>

Good point! That is why I got the Accupoint, it is fiber optic and tritium self illuminated. and if it those both go down you still have the cross hairs!

 

[Hawk45]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

I did look at the Accupoint in my searching even though it is out of my price range for comparison. Reviews are great but I would like something that I can do holdovers with, and none of their 1-4x have anything to allow for that. I much prefer a TMR style reticle that allows for vertical and horizontal holdover.

 

[rc2125]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

Recently changed over to a 1-4x cmr on my scar rifle, had been running a newer style eotech dot.
The eotech really shined in close quarters matches 0-75yds, very very fast. Really liked the 1moa dot and the big range of intensity settings, dim to very intense, the high intensity compensates for the small dot size if needed, yet at lower/moderate settings it is ultra precise for a red dot.
The 1-4x cmr serves a more all-around role, but doesn't allow me to run as fast close in. The illumination isn't too bright like alot of scopes, isn't very visible when the sun is out, but adjusts dim enough to use in very low light conditions. Haven't tested it for tracking or adjustment accuracy yet, but when zeroing it sure seemed like it was more than 1/2moa per click. Have yet to run the reticle out as far as possible, to see if the bdc is close or not. The 1x seems to be true 1x via my eyes, no fish eye'ness, no blurry edges, great lowlight performance. $299 W/ssalt mount from SWFA

 

[KeithSF]

Re: Dot vs 1-4x ?

All you need to do is get a 4x magnifier and keep using your original sight. If you have a flattop upper you just move your red dot site forward and put the magnifier behind. I have mine mount eotech and 4x magnifier, the magnifier is on a flip mount also, so I can flip it for cqb shooting. You could probably get a used magnifier from someone or perhaps a 3x in your price range. Only downside is unless you update your red dot site you'll have no reticle.