I am writing to ask for advice on an impending scope purchase. I have already used the search function on this and a few other websites but am hoping to receive some more specific information based on the hands-on experiences of people in this forum.
Please help me choose a variable 1-4X scope for use on 5.56 AR-type rifles with 16” and 18” barrels. This optic will be used primarily for competition and hunting. The vast majority of shots will be taken from 5 to 400 yards. Though not likely, there is a slight possibility that it will be used for duty purposes in the future.
I’ve been using this cheap Millet scope and it has served me well (3rd in the 2011 Pecos Run N Gun & 1st in the 2010 Tiger Valley 4-Man Tactical Match) but at the end of the day, it’s a cheap Chinese optic that has some limitations. It’s time to upgrade. My budget is $800 with an absolute max of $900. As much as I would love to buy the S&B Short Dot or a Leupold CQBSS, it’s just not going to happen for me.
Whatever scope I go with, it needs to be reliable and repeatable. While I have no intention of abusing it or conducting some kind of “torture test,” it should hold zero after hundreds of rounds, multiple adjustments, minor jarring, and accidental short falls to the ground. The glass should be of relatively good quality for this budget window and the reticle should not be too “busy.” I strongly prefer to have some kind of illuminated dot or circle for rapid engagement at low power. A 1-6 is certainly not out of the question but I’d rather not be a beta tester for a new product and I doubt a 1-6 would work for my budget anyway.
I am considering the following:
Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR 1-4x 24mm
Leupold Mark 4 Mid Range Tactical M2 1.5-5x 20mm
Leupold Tactical VX-R Patrol
Vortex 1-4x24 Viper PST
Trijicon 1-4X24 AccuPoint with the German#4 Reticle w/ dot
SWFA SS 1-4x24 Tactical with the circle/MIL-scale reticle
Did I miss anything? Does anyone have real-world experience with any of these scopes? Tell me what you like and why. Tell me about the problems and painted-over rust around the wheel wells too. If you have suggestions for any other models or any information about the above listed options, I would truly appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you.
Doug
Please help me choose a variable 1-4X scope for use on 5.56 AR-type rifles with 16” and 18” barrels. This optic will be used primarily for competition and hunting. The vast majority of shots will be taken from 5 to 400 yards. Though not likely, there is a slight possibility that it will be used for duty purposes in the future.
I’ve been using this cheap Millet scope and it has served me well (3rd in the 2011 Pecos Run N Gun & 1st in the 2010 Tiger Valley 4-Man Tactical Match) but at the end of the day, it’s a cheap Chinese optic that has some limitations. It’s time to upgrade. My budget is $800 with an absolute max of $900. As much as I would love to buy the S&B Short Dot or a Leupold CQBSS, it’s just not going to happen for me.
Whatever scope I go with, it needs to be reliable and repeatable. While I have no intention of abusing it or conducting some kind of “torture test,” it should hold zero after hundreds of rounds, multiple adjustments, minor jarring, and accidental short falls to the ground. The glass should be of relatively good quality for this budget window and the reticle should not be too “busy.” I strongly prefer to have some kind of illuminated dot or circle for rapid engagement at low power. A 1-6 is certainly not out of the question but I’d rather not be a beta tester for a new product and I doubt a 1-6 would work for my budget anyway.
I am considering the following:
Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR 1-4x 24mm
Leupold Mark 4 Mid Range Tactical M2 1.5-5x 20mm
Leupold Tactical VX-R Patrol
Vortex 1-4x24 Viper PST
Trijicon 1-4X24 AccuPoint with the German#4 Reticle w/ dot
SWFA SS 1-4x24 Tactical with the circle/MIL-scale reticle
Did I miss anything? Does anyone have real-world experience with any of these scopes? Tell me what you like and why. Tell me about the problems and painted-over rust around the wheel wells too. If you have suggestions for any other models or any information about the above listed options, I would truly appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you.
Doug
