Rifle Scopes VX-R Firedot vs Firedot SPR

[MJY65]

I've been considering the Leupold VX-R 1.25-4 scope for my KAC SR-15. It looks like one model variation comes with capped 1/4 MOA turrets and the Firedot circle reticle. The other has exposed 1/10 mil turrets and the Firedot SPR reticle. Besides that (and $125 difference) are there any other differences I need to be aware of? Compelling reasons to go one way or the other?

 

[Elite_KG]

I think you nailed the differences pretty distinctly. I guess it is a matter od what you prefer or required in a reticle and turrets. I chose the TMR and exposed turrets of the VX-R. I am pleased with its performance for my use. TMR reticle will be more versatile thank the Firedot SPR as In ranging targets, second shot corrections, and multiple holds for extended range targets.
Just a few things to consider....

 

[MJY65]

I chose the TMR and exposed turrets of the VX-R.

Did you order the TMR through the custom shop? I don't see that listed as a standard reticle in the 1.25-4.

 

[Elite_KG]

No it's was standard in my 3-9x40 VX-R.

 

[Scoop]

I've been considering the Leupold VX-R 1.25-4 scope for my KAC SR-15. It looks like one model variation comes with capped 1/4 MOA turrets and the Firedot circle reticle. The other has exposed 1/10 mil turrets and the Firedot SPR reticle. Besides that (and $125 difference) are there any other differences I need to be aware of? Compelling reasons to go one way or the other?

I have had both the VX-R 1.25-4 Patrol and the VX-R 3-9 Patrol. I really like both scopes. The only issue I had with them was the exposed turrets could (and did) turn from time to time when casing/uncasing a rifle. I am attention-to-detail oriented, so it never burned me, but I did eventually sell the 1.25-4 and go with a VX-6 MultiGun with covered turrets for my GP/3-gun rifle. The 3-9 Patrol is currently sitting on top of my gun safe. May end up selling it too. The turrets on both of the VX-R Patrol models are much easier to turn than the turrets on my older MK4 MR/T's and LR/T's.

On a separate note, the FireDot SPR reticle is all but useless for ranging and holdover as the spacing is 2.5 mils. I wish that the TMR reticle was available in the 1.25-4 or 1-6 versions. Even the Ballistic FireDot would be a major improvement over the FireDot SPR.

The illumination on the VX-R’s/VX-6’s is daylight visible though not quite as bright as an aimpoint.

 

[MJY65]

On a separate note, the FireDot SPR reticle is all but useless for ranging and holdover as the spacing is 2.5 mils. I wish that the TMR reticle was available in the 1.25-4 or 1-6 versions. Even the Ballistic FireDot would be a major improvement over the FireDot SPR.

I kind of wondered about that. Do you find the dots to be of any use in close range shooting to compensate for the larger mechanical offset on an AR?

 

[Scoop]

I kind of wondered about that. Do you find the dots to be of any use in close range shooting to compensate for the larger mechanical offset on an AR?

I suppose it is possible to use them this way. I do not. Too slow trying to look for that dot at 1X IMHO. I just hold high with the red dot for extreme close-in shots (3-gun run-n-gun hoser stages). That first dot down would be ~2.25 inches at 25 yards and ~ 1 inch at 10 yards so it would be of limited use anyway.