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Rifle Scopes low power carbine optic

Mr_Brass

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Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 10, 2010
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45x90 WI.
so i have been on the quest for a few months now and just when i make up my mind something else comes along. these are the 4 optics im looking at

this is on a 14.5" upper for CQC competitions, home defense/ property patrol. My main concern in durability of the optic. I understand the options im looking at are not the most high end but right now its all i can afford.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-4x20-Mark-AR-Riflescope-Package-Deal-P44572.aspx

http://swfa.com/Nikon-1-4x20-M223-Riflescope-Kit-P47976.aspx

http://swfa.com/Bushnell-125-4x24-Elite-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P48249.aspx

http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-4x24-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44569.aspx

I have scopes from all the above makers and love them all but am torn on this because this optic could get banged around a bit and want to know what others think.

I found the Bushnell for down in the $300 mark so its right there with the nikon and leopold. I can afford the vortex but really don't want to spend that much unless its the absolute best scope

Also I'm not sure about the nikon because I run 75gr ammo not 55gr so now sure how the calibration thing would work

any insight would be great thanks
 
Re: low power carbine optic

Thanks but that didn'r really tell me about the optics i am looking for information on
 
Re: low power carbine optic

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">get a true 1-4 power optic,that would be my advice. i like that little nikon, it's pretty nice for the price, light, but it is a 1 inch tube. i also like the vortex.and i shot this optic this weekend.

http://www.sportoptics.com/burris-xtr-scope-1-4x24-plex-201904.aspx </div></div>

Thanks mate. what are the main problems with running a 1.25 1.5 optic vs a 1X one. I have never had the chance to look through many low powered optics so I'm not farmilure with all the ins and outs? Is it just not as fast or look a bit funny or what?

also what do you think of the burris scopes? I was looking at a tac30? i think it was.
 
Re: low power carbine optic

no doubt them SS scopes are good but i can't afford anything over 400 right now that vortex viper is pushing it but can be done.

if money was no object then the SS and a NF would be on the top of my list
 
Re: low power carbine optic

The main problem with shooting anything other than a true 1-4 is when shooting real close it is harder to keep both eyes open at 1 power and keep your focus on the target.
 
Re: low power carbine optic

Burris bad for the $, in fact, my boss took the eliminator on an elk hunt and drilled one at 450 yards. the 1x gives you a wider field of view and if it is a true 1x magnification, it's easier to get behind.

also, the nikon 1-4 comes with a free m223 mount right now, i don't know if that effects your decision at all
 
Re: low power carbine optic

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Burris bad for the $, in fact, my boss took the eliminator on an elk hunt and drilled one at 450 yards. the 1x gives you a wider field of view and if it is a true 1x magnification, it's easier to get behind.

also, the nikon 1-4 comes with a free m223 mount right now, i don't know if that effects your decision at all </div></div>

can you tell me about the Nikons BDC system? how well will the scope run with my 75 gr loads? and can I run the scope with just a 50 yard zero and use it as a normal scope
 
Re: low power carbine optic

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mr06</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Burris bad for the $, in fact, my boss took the eliminator on an elk hunt and drilled one at 450 yards. the 1x gives you a wider field of view and if it is a true 1x magnification, it's easier to get behind.

also, the nikon 1-4 comes with a free m223 mount right now, i don't know if that effects your decision at all </div></div>

can you tell me about the Nikons BDC system? how well will the scope run with my 75 gr loads? and can I run the scope with just a 50 yard zero and use it as a normal scope </div></div>

that scope doesn't use the bdc system, it has a "point blank" reticle and turrets set to a 55 grain bullet. i've run it on my ar and it worked pretty well with the turrets, i was just plinking from 50 to 100 yards. not sure what you mean by run it as a normal scope
 
Re: low power carbine optic

<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: Mr06</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Opticsspecialist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Burris bad for the $, in fact, my boss took the eliminator on an elk hunt and drilled one at 450 yards. the 1x gives you a wider field of view and if it is a true 1x magnification, it's easier to get behind.

also, the nikon 1-4 comes with a free m223 mount right now, i don't know if that effects your decision at all </div></div>

can you tell me about the Nikons BDC system? how well will the scope run with my 75 gr loads? and can I run the scope with just a 50 yard zero and use it as a normal scope </div></div>

that scope doesn't use the bdc system, it has a "point blank" reticle and turrets set to a 55 grain bullet. i've run it on my ar and it worked pretty well with the turrets, i was just plinking from 50 to 100 yards. not sure what you mean by run it as a normal scope </div></div>

just run it as a 1/2 MOA adjusted turrets. I'll need to look into it further i guess im not really understanding how its set for 55gr bullets.

my understanding was that the turrets are calibrated for a 55gr M193 load and it adjusts in yards not so much MOA. If that maces sense.
 
Re: low power carbine optic

the fact that the Nikon comes with a mount is a nice selling point.

what are the main advantages of the 30mm tube vs the 1" tube? other than 4mm of objective.
 
Re: low power carbine optic

actually if that M223 has a point blank reticle and 1/4 MOA turrets (not the ones marked for range) I think I would be happy with it. the fact its a nikon (pretty good from what I know) and comes with a mount is really getting me attracted to it.

I have seen nikon scopes beat to crap ad still work so I think it should be rugged enough for me.

but yeah If i can get confirmation that the point blank reticle has 1/4 moa turrets I guess I'll go ahead and place my order.
 
Re: low power carbine optic

If you're considering a Nikon, I'd look at the African, rather than the M223. The African has covered turrets and doesn't have that funky "point blank" reticle.
 
Re: low power carbine optic

In your price range the Vortex would be my first choice. If money was no object the NF 1-4X24.