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Rifle Scopes Help me choose an Optic (Poll) FUN THREAD!

Opticsspecialist

Gunny Sergeant
Commercial Supporter
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 9, 2009
1,606
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40
Hammond,Louisiana
have you ever had too many choices? I've got a 16 inch ar in 223 that i want to do some 3 gun shooting with, maybe pop a few hogs, and general plinking. now I've been running irons for a while now but considering i sell optics for a living, I'm starting to feel like an ass. I could put anything on this rifle but i can't make up my mind. what do you guys think and why? what would you mount? hide help me choose an optic. This is suppose to be a fun thread, because i wanted to involve everyone. i could pick out something myself, but hell, that wouldn't be interesting at all.

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Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

Poll not open yet, but I'll jump right in..

I would do a combo per your needs. I would do 1-8x (try to get a TRUE 1x if available) with an etched illuminated reticle, so if the battery dies you still have the etched reticle to use. Then put a MicroDot (manufacture of choice) canted on a side mount.

This should be like a kid in a candy shop for you since you sell. Good luck, can't wait to hear what you go with.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

Nightforce 1-4 seems ideal for 3 gun to me. I myself am putting a micro T-1/magnifier on my 14.5 mid. But it's not for 3 gun.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

i'd going to shoot whatever 3 gun match i can, so lets figure 600 yards. i do want a true 1x optic. if the optic you would choose isn't on the list, heck vote and then let it be known what and why, these optics just came to mind.

why would you do the homie sight or a small rmr in conjunction with a 1x optic? another consideration is mounting a smaller optic in conjunction is it puts you in the open division i believe.

i figured we could all use a little fun and this seemed to be a good way to do it.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i'd going to shoot whatever 3 gun match i can, so lets figure 600 yards. </div></div>

I've heard more than one 3-gun shooter agree 4x isn't enough for 600 yard shots on the clock. 1.x - 6-10 is the range you want.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

Im going Aimpoint micro t, very clear, very precise red dot. Put it on the riser mount and a flip to side magnifier and you will have perfect co-witness with option magnification or non.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

I voted premier, nightforce and "other" (USO 1-4 or 1.5-6)

Ability to have great glass, good reticle and get down to 1x (or very close to it) while still having a little magnification are my idea's.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

Look for something in the 1X8-10 range. Some allow more than one sighting system but I believe most don't unless you go open.

You didn't list the new Leupold 1.1X8!?!?!
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DP425</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I voted premier, nightforce and "other" (USO 1-4 or 1.5-6)

Ability to have great glass, good reticle and get down to 1x (or very close to it) while still having a little magnification are my idea's. </div></div>

The problem IMO with the USO 1.5-6 is that they make a 1.8-10. I almost went with the 1.5-6 once, but giving up so little on the bottom end and gaining 4x on the big end is too tempting.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quickdraw40</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I've heard more than one 3-gun shooter agree 4x isn't enough for 600 yard shots on the clock. 1.x - 6-10 is the range you want. </div></div>

I think that depends on target size and preference.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

My first choice would be the Nightforce 1x4 but I beleive I would like more X at 600.
I also own a Leupold 1.5x5 Mark4 and I have to say it does real well, I would also consider it for your list.

As far as magnifiers go, I like the idea in my head but the weight just sucks when all of that is on the rifle. When the primary optic is on and then the added magnifier and FTS are added, it can really tank your AR. I had the 552 AA battery Eotech and the 4x FTS and it made my rifle a boat anchor. I loved the way it worked but the weight was just hard to ignore. I traded it for a ACOG and it does well for this particular carbine.
I am thinking that the variable power 1 or 1.5 on the low side and roughly 5 on the high side is the best of both worlds without a ton of weight. And to top that, most all of them have lit reticals which can be a great plus on shadows, dark areas or low light shooting.
If someone complains about battery life as being a weakness, hell... Change it out once a year just so you will sleep soundly at night.... I never have any issues with batteries.
Just my opinion..
...SmokeRolls
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jlaw973</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look for something in the 1X8-10 range. Some allow more than one sighting system but I believe most don't unless you go open.

You didn't list the new Leupold 1.1X8!?!?! </div></div>

for 4000$, unless they give me one, it's not an option
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

Not sure why you put this "(pick something else, this might be a while)" next to the S&B and not near the Premier as the Premier has been pushed back just as much and is looking at late summer last I heard and the S&B is April.

The S&B 1-8x was my vote.

Nice talking to you yesterday Jay.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

Jay,
Since your tearted me so well I'll chime in with my experience shootinh at 600 yards. I originally had a TA31RCOM4 on my Noveske. 4X just wouldn't cut it for my eyes at 600 yards so I went to the NightForce 3.5-15X NXS. I've been very pleased with it. THe RCOM4 now rests on my 6920.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Not sure why you put this "(pick something else, this might be a while)" next to the S&B and not near the Premier as the Premier has been pushed back just as much and is looking at late summer last I heard and the S&B is April.

The S&B 1-8x was my vote.

Nice talking to you yesterday Jay. </div></div>

nice talking to you man, i should have been more clear, when i said pick something else, i mean also pick something else so i have something to tide me over until they get here :)
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pointblank4445</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why does someone named "Opticsspecialist" need others to choose his scope? Just sayin'......... </div></div>


just having a little fun, and i'm very indecisive
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jay,
Since your tearted me so well I'll chime in with my experience shootinh at 600 yards. I originally had a TA31RCOM4 on my Noveske. 4X just wouldn't cut it for my eyes at 600 yards so I went to the NightForce 3.5-15X NXS. I've been very pleased with it. THe RCOM4 now rests on my 6920. </div></div>

glad to hear your having good luck with it. i thought about doing a higher powered nightforce, but this rifle weights in at 6 lbs as it sits, so i think i'm going to keep it light
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CleanMoostang</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im going Aimpoint micro t, very clear, very precise red dot. Put it on the riser mount and a flip to side magnifier and you will have perfect co-witness with option magnification or non. </div></div>

i'm getting a couple micros, i do like that little optic, been practicing for the ruger rim fire challenge, and this is the optic thats going on the rugers
smile.gif
. just thought i'd add that
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jlaw973</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look for something in the 1X8-10 range. Some allow more than one sighting system but I believe most don't unless you go open.

You didn't list the new Leupold 1.1X8!?!?! </div></div>

for 4000$, unless they give me one, it's not an option </div></div>

Figured you would say that!! I was just kidding.
smile.gif
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jlaw973</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jlaw973</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look for something in the 1X8-10 range. Some allow more than one sighting system but I believe most don't unless you go open.

You didn't list the new Leupold 1.1X8!?!?! </div></div>

for 4000$, unless they give me one, it's not an option </div></div>

Figured you would say that!! I was just kidding.
smile.gif
</div></div>

i hear ya man, i was hoping the leupold rep would tell me the same thing.. no such luck lol
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

I have been playing with a 1-4 accupoint with the green triangle and really like it. On 1x I think it is hard to beat for close engagements. As for longer distance the tip of the triangle is a very precise aiming point( I have shot sub moa at 100 with it). Another plus is that it does not need batteries. My only disapointment with it is the turrets could have been better designed. Considering I bought it mostly to use as a red dot type optic that can also reach out a ways I am very happy with it so far.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

Hey Jay,

I think that you're taking the wrong approach to this optics thing. I really don't think that you're going to find one optic to cover all bases. First I want to say that I HATE magnifier setups. They are bulky and heavy, not to mention that the optical quality of magnifiers leaves much to be desired. The eye relief on them also sucks. That may not be such a big deal for stand up shooting, but shooting from weird positions can make using a magnifier almost impossible.

I also don't worry myself too much about getting a "true" 1X on the low end. In reality (unless you have perfect vision), when you adjust the focus on the reticle, you are adding some magnification and you aren't seeing the same thing out of both eyes anyway. I always shoot with both eye open, regardless of the amount of magnification on the scope.

To get right down to it, I think that you probably need at least two optics if you want to cover all bases. Personally, I shoot a mini ACOG for short range. I believe it is the TA44S-10. It has 1.5X magnification and for me, this has turned out to be a replacement for the red dot. It has a very generous and forgiving eye relief. I haven't had any sort of problem shooting from awkward positions with it and have been successful in consistently hitting golf balls at 100 yards with it in accuracy practice. If you have good eyes and really don't need the little bit of edge that the ACOG gives you in magnification, the T1 is one hell of a little red dot.

Now, for the longer range stuff. I've gotta tell you, I LOVE the Nightforce stuff. For value price upper end equipment, it's hard to beat. I bought one of the little 1-4Xs from you guys and like it, but really don't use it much (although I can't bring myself to get rid of it). It really doesn't have quite enough magnification for me. I really like the 2.5-10X. It isn't overly heavy or bulkly, it has an ample bottom end and more than adequate top end.

Still, for gaming the little 1-4X Trijicon is pretty popular. That triangle reticle just reaches out and grabs your attention. I'm really not crazy about Trijicon's tube scopes. Like I said, I'm a Nightforce fan, but for gaming, the Accupoint is a nice piece of equipment.

I'm just trying to throw some food for thought out there. Truth is that you could probably "make do" with any of the options that you've listed. I've found that when dealing with the caliber of optics that you are talking about here, it is possible to make a less than ideal choice, but almost impossible to make a wrong choice.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TonyAngel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey Jay,

I think that you're taking the wrong approach to this optics thing. I really don't think that you're going to find one optic to cover all bases. First I want to say that I HATE magnifier setups. They are bulky and heavy, not to mention that the optical quality of magnifiers leaves much to be desired. The eye relief on them also sucks. That may not be such a big deal for stand up shooting, but shooting from weird positions can make using a magnifier almost impossible.

I also don't worry myself too much about getting a "true" 1X on the low end. In reality (unless you have perfect vision), when you adjust the focus on the reticle, you are adding some magnification and you aren't seeing the same thing out of both eyes anyway. I always shoot with both eye open, regardless of the amount of magnification on the scope.

To get right down to it, I think that you probably need at least two optics if you want to cover all bases. Personally, I shoot a mini ACOG for short range. I believe it is the TA44S-10. It has 1.5X magnification and for me, this has turned out to be a replacement for the red dot. It has a very generous and forgiving eye relief. I haven't had any sort of problem shooting from awkward positions with it and have been successful in consistently hitting golf balls at 100 yards with it in accuracy practice. If you have good eyes and really don't need the little bit of edge that the ACOG gives you in magnification, the T1 is one hell of a little red dot.

Now, for the longer range stuff. I've gotta tell you, I LOVE the Nightforce stuff. For value price upper end equipment, it's hard to beat. I bought one of the little 1-4Xs from you guys and like it, but really don't use it much (although I can't bring myself to get rid of it). It really doesn't have quite enough magnification for me. I really like the 2.5-10X. It isn't overly heavy or bulkly, it has an ample bottom end and more than adequate top end.

Still, for gaming the little 1-4X Trijicon is pretty popular. That triangle reticle just reaches out and grabs your attention. I'm really not crazy about Trijicon's tube scopes. Like I said, I'm a Nightforce fan, but for gaming, the Accupoint is a nice piece of equipment.

I'm just trying to throw some food for thought out there. Truth is that you could probably "make do" with any of the options that you've listed. I've found that when dealing with the caliber of optics that you are talking about here, it is possible to make a less than ideal choice, but almost impossible to make a wrong choice. </div></div>


your in Louisiana, we need to grab a beer sometime. you nailed what i'm planning to do on the head (two optics(maybe more) depending on the situation/ what i'm doing)thats why i set it up so that yall could select a few choices.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

I have a NF 1x4, fc-2 on my 3 gun ar, and love it, it'll work for 600, but thats about the limit, I have the NF 2.5x10 on my heavy metal gun (308) and love it, its got the V reticle, I think I might put it on the JP and play with it, either of these two will do very well. I would stay away from red dots/magnifiers, ben there done that, you'll kick yourself. I like the 2.5x10 so much that I've ben thinking about selling my new 3.5x15 and getting another 2.5x10
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

I used to hate magnifiers behind red dots, until I realized that I can't expect the same accuracy from them as a scope and use them for the tool that they are. For 300 meters and in I love my magnifier behind my eotech. It is quite a lethal addition when tgt identification is as important as hitting your tgt.
Anything past 300meters or really small tgts and I want some sort of scope. Either a low power stand alone or a high power with a red dot in conjunction. I run aimpoint T1s on top of or offset of mine.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

For how you intend to use the rifle I'd definitely want one of the 1-8 scopes wen they become available. I like the Premier most followed very closely by the S&B. However, until those are available, I'd probably go with the S&B Short Dot.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

If PR is saying late summer that means early next year.
They didn't take money at SHOT for vaporware this time did they?

Funny you say a true 1X is needed, yet list 1.1-8's.

I'd do a USO 1.8-10 with w MRD on a 1:00 clock to bore mount.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

I'd go with one of the wide mag range scopes and be done with it. I had a Bushnell E6500 1.2-8x for three gun and it did EVERYTHING fine.

I could run and gun with both eyes open @ 1.2x. I could ring steel all day long at 500 yards on 8x. Heck 'nam snipers used 8x scopes to beyond 1000.

I mean what else is their?

My only gripe was the bushy had a duplex reticle. But it had turrets and I had a data card and a range finder. For longer ranges I'd range, dial for correction and bang away.... a wide range scope with a mil or moa reticle? DROOL!
crazy.gif


To me, and my opinion alone with the quality of todays optics, having back up sights of any style just adds needless weight to the weapon, makes for more clothing/sling/ barricade/doorway/deck snag points and is just a little silly.

If I was going behind enemy lines as a spotter with one other man and my/our lives might depend on the support of the autoloader? I might pack along BUIS, but prolly not.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

I disagree. I like a back up irion sight on everything I shoot for combat. Batteries die, electrionics short out, scopes shatter or break.
I put national match front sight posts on all my rifles BUIS and zero them at 200 meters. This is why I like QD scope mounts. The ability to ditch your primary optic and go to BUIS is a matter of seconds and doesn't require tools.
In my opinion every time you pull the trigger it should be seen as rehearsal for combat, be it overseas or defending your family, anything less and it is a wasted training opportunity.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

Jay,

I am in Louisiana. I've been by your shop and have bought at least three (that I can think of) Nightforces from you guys. I've had my hands on your rifle too. That is a nice stick and it does look better in person. I still like the roll mark that you got.

Personally, I can understand why you would post such a thread. For you guys that have never seen Sport Optics, I wouldn't be able to make up my mind either, if I was there. Their inventory is kind of overwhelming. I've kind of had to just put it into my mind what it is that I'm going in there for and try not to look at anything else.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1kz45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a NF 1x4, fc-2 on my 3 gun ar, and love it, it'll work for 600, but thats about the limit, I have the NF 2.5x10 on my heavy metal gun (308) and love it, its got the V reticle, I think I might put it on the JP and play with it, either of these two will do very well. I would stay away from red dots/magnifiers, ben there done that, you'll kick yourself. I like the 2.5x10 so much that I've ben thinking about selling my new 3.5x15 and getting another 2.5x10 </div></div>

i had a gentleman in here yesterday who was set on a 3.5-15 until i set a 2.5-10.

there will be another thread when i pick up an ar10 type rifle, i'm hoping to keep the rifle light and quick.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: broke_again</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Throw a NF 1-4 on there and send it to me, I'll test it out for you.
wink.gif
</div></div>

come on down and we'll head to the range
smile.gif
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Carter Mayfield</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You handle is "Opticsspecialist" and you are polling the Internet on which optic to buy? That is just a little ironic... I'm not hatin', I just had to point it out. </div></div>


you've never had too many choices?

to be honest i know what i'm going to do, i'll let it be known after the poll closes. i just wanted to see what everyone would do and wanted to have a little fun.
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: J.J. McQuade</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I disagree. I like a back up irion sight on everything I shoot for combat. Batteries die, electrionics short out, scopes shatter or break.
I put national match front sight posts on all my rifles BUIS and zero them at 200 meters. This is why I like QD scope mounts. The ability to ditch your primary optic and go to BUIS is a matter of seconds and doesn't require tools.
In my opinion every time you pull the trigger it should be seen as rehearsal for combat, be it overseas or defending your family, anything less and it is a wasted training opportunity. </div></div>

i'll be keeping the good old irons for fun, what ever i mount i'm not going to have to take them off
 
Re: Help me choose an Optic (Poll)


J.J.

Good points! I dont even know if the Army still issues irons with the M24 any more..
confused.gif
but I get what your saying.