Rifle Scopes Fixed vs variable for SBR?

[AK4900PA]

I recently finished my 12.5" 6.5 Grendel and I'm getting close to being done with my 12.5" .308 so I've started looking into optics. They're very similar builds, one just has way more energy, so I'm going to go with the same optic. I have a Vortex Spitfire 3x prism sight on my wife's rifle and I really like it. I'm debating whether to order 2 more of the spitfires or to get a pair of the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24 scopes. I've narrowed it down to those two, just trying to decide between simplicity and magnification. The primary purpose of these rifles is medium/large game hunting inside 200 yards. At these shorter distances would you guys consider the fixed 3x magnification to be a significant handicap?

 

[Baron85]

I switched all but 1 of my sbrs over to low power variables. I found that I like being able to zoom in during target practice and they also give you the option of 1x. I have never liked the fixed low power optics. They are not as fast as a 1x and not as precise as a 4-6x, atleast for me. Penalty is the extra weight which I gladly will take.

 

[bmash]

I like more power for hunting so I can be sure that doe isn't a spike. I would go with the 1-8.

 

[AK4900PA]

Hadn't really considered the idea of the extra magnification making it easier to identify sex. Very valid point.

The weight difference between the two optics I'm considering is 8oz or less. Not enough to be a deal breaker on these builds.

 

[BurnOut]

Depends on the chambering... I'm running a 1.5x ACOG on a 9" 300 BLK SBR, and it seems to be a pretty good match.

 

[AK4900PA]

Depends on the chambering... I'm running a 1.5x ACOG on a 9" 300 BLK SBR, and it seems to be a pretty good match.

I mentioned the chambering and barrel length in my original post.

I also have a 6.25" 300BLK that wears a 1x prism sight. Not enough usable range shooting subs to really worry much about magnification.

 

[AK4900PA]

I'm very new to hunting myself so I called up a buddy of mine who is an avid Hunter and he also agreed that the 1-8x24 would be preferable. I think that's the route I'll go for these builds.

 

[Random_Scrub]

I'm very new to hunting myself so I called up a buddy of mine who is an avid Hunter and he also agreed that the 1-8x24 would be preferable. I think that's the route I'll go for these builds.

Just a warning...some of the cheaper 1-8 ive looked through weren’t very clear at the 8x end of the magnification

 

[Snuby642]

I have 2 sbrs , 223 and 300blk.
Eotech set over buis on one
1.5x4 illuminated on the other.

For hunting I would much prefer a 1x8 for sure!
Your caliber choices warrant the extra expense of a 1x8.

 

[koshkin]

If you want a 1-8x scope, serviceable designs start at around $1k.

With 1-6x scopes, Burris RT6 is easily the best one in your price range.

In other words, I am not a fan of the Strike Eagle (or of this scope in general in all of its labels).

I suspect it has some all sorts of damage to Vortex' brand equity.

With that out of the way, if you plan to go hunting with it, do you really need to have 1x?

If the answer is no, consider something song the lines of a decent 2-7x32 it thereabouts. If you can stretch your budget to Vortex' Razor HD LH 1.5-8x32 it will work much better for hunting.

Fixed power will work fine as well. The market is full of different 3x, 4x and 5x designs from the same couple of OEMs. They are all serviceable.

ILya

 

[Crews]

I am definitely a fan of LPV for short barreled AR's, especially if you're using them for hunting/field use. However, I'd recommend spending your money on a better LPV with lower magnification, before a crappy LPV with higher magnification.

I've had fantastic luck with a good ole' NF 1-4. Plenty of magnification to kill animals at 300 yards and in.

 

[black5.3]

I run a 1-4 on my 8” 300blk and love it. I started with a fastfire 3 red dot and it lasted about 2 months before i decided to ditch it for the gen 1 pst 1-4... my 300blk sbr runs suppressed and does everything from hunting coyotes to shooting steel out to 500 yards. Going to a 1-4 made all those types of shooting more enjoyable.

 

[Deleted member 113831]

4x is all you need for 200 yds and closer. Not only do you not need more power, but it can be a detriment in the deer woods.
Too much scope is a common error on deer rifles.

 

[wigwamitus]

Top to bottom, carbine setups:

5.56(14.5) with Trijicon RMR + DI Optics 3x flip to side

.223W(10.5) with Holosun 515P + EOTECH 3x flip to side

5.56(10.3) with Trijicon Mk3 60mm 4.5x Thermal and RMR

The RMR seems to be a great reflex dot sight, easy to setup, easy to zero, nice bright dot, the manual says it runs for years, there is no on/off switch, it is always on.
The DI Optics 3x flip to side blows away the EOTECH on clarity. But the EOTECH still gets the job done.
The holosun circle dot reflex sight is better than the old EOTECH sight I returned back during the "issue". It has solar panels so it can change during the day.
And I put another RMR at 45 degrees on the night carbine to give it more day time capability.

So net/net, 3x flip to side works for me ... for under 100yds I like the two eyes open full periperal vision reflex dot sights ...

For out to 300yds the 3x magnifiers get the job done for most targets.

I have another ir-laser for the 14.5 though it is not mounted right now. But in general, the ir-lasers give the carbines night capability as well.

 

[SLG]

You definitely don't want low quality optics if you are hunting before sunrise and after sunset. An old Leupold 2.5-8 VX3, or almost anything else they make would be way better than some cheap vortex. This is an area where glass is way more important than other features, as you are only shooting out to 200. Irons work fine too, and Binos let you id appropriate game animals POint is, there are plenty of ways to skin the cat, but a true 1-X is pretty low on the list if you are going to sacrifice optical quality.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

For similar money as the 1-8x Strike Eagle you could have a Steiner P4XI. Easiest decision ever.