Rifle Scopes Best variable scope under $1500?

[af1232]

Hi forum members,

Glad to have found this forum!

I am in the market for 1-4X or 1-6X variable zoom scopes. The scope will be used for CQG, target out to 500 yrs, and small game hunting applications and will fit either on an AR-15 platform or a Steyr AUG. Criteria for scope has to be generous eye relief and clarity. I am not familiar with reticle types so I am open to all designs as long as it gets the job done.

As a LE/MIL, I have access to Leupold's generous pricing and looking closely at the Mark 6 1-6X20mm for $1403. I did look at the Mark 4 CQ/T 1-3X14mm (Gander Mountain $999) recently to sample Leupold's optics and was disappointed at the eye relief so I am concerned about the Leupold line.

I have narrowed my choices to the following:

1. Mark 6 1-6X20mm for $1403
2. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6x24mm $1899 (may purchase if discounted)
3. Vortex Razor HD 1-4x24mm $1599
4. Vortex Viper VST 1-4x30mm $599
5. SWFA SS HD 1-6x24 Tactical 30mm $999
6. Trijicon Accupoint 1-4X TR-24 $1000
7. Burris TAC30 1-4X $300

I am open to other brands as long as the eye relief is generous and glass is clear.

Thanks!

 

[1911fan]

That's a huge price spread. I'm a big Vortex fan, so I'd go with them, but you should know that in optics, you get what you pay for. If you're looking at $12-1500 scopes you won't be happy with a $300 one.
For my money I'd go with either Vortex, I used to be a Leupold guy but not anymore.


1911fan

 

[1slow01z71]

You can find the vortex 1-6 used all the time for 1500. Im a vortex fan but I'd go swfa ss 1-6 because the reticle is awesome and you'll save a good chink of change that can go to a betger trigger, more ammo etc.

 

[garandman]

I've had nothing but good experience with Leupold, such that I've never tried anything else.

As was said above, you never get more than what you pay for in scopes.

 

[Ando]

Trijicon Accupoint 1-4 is my favorite. Great optic. Nice bright glass. Green Triangle reticle

 

[KTDLS7]

I can only reference the MK6. I had the opportunity to help a friend set up his MK6 1-6 with TMR-D reticle. I was impressed with the reticle for both CQB and distance. At low power with illumination, you have a red-dot, or dial up the power, and now a good Mil based reticle. It has ZS on elevation and return to Z on windage. Turrets are .2 mil. Hope this helps.

 

[Crosshair]

The Sightron SIII 1-7x24 STAC should probably be on the list too:

Sightron Riflescopes S-TAC Series S-TAC1-7X24IRMH

 

[AZ2000]

Just put a Burris XTR 1x4-24, with an MGM Targets speed ring on my Tavor, (bullpup) Reticle is calibrated for 5.56 and is accurate to MOD at 500 yds, but does range to 1,000. $1,130.00 retail, about $900.00 real world, green on/off, adjustable lit center reticle, with lifetime no bull warranty, which they have stood behind with another Burris product I have.

 

[af1232]

Thanks guys for your opinions. I have seen some reviews on that Sightron SIII 1-7x24 STAC but will wait to see more. BTW, I meant eyebox, not eye relief as I prefer quick acquisition of targets at multiple magnification. Thanks everyone!

 

[leadbullet]

SWFA 1-6 all day, great reticule and company that listen to us on this board

 

[Artifact]

Steiner, Bushnell list goes on.

 

[samnev]

I can only reference the MK6. I had the opportunity to help a friend set up his MK6 1-6 with TMR-D reticle. I was impressed with the reticle for both CQB and distance. At low power with illumination, you have a red-dot, or dial up the power, and now a good Mil based reticle. It has ZS on elevation and return to Z on windage. Turrets are .2 mil. Hope this helps.

Same here. I really ;like the glass on the Mk 6.

 

[af1232]

Same here. I really ;like the glass on the Mk 6.

Good to hear.

So I've whittled my list down to the 1-6X variable scope:

1. Mark 6 1-6X20mm for $1403
2. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6x24mm $1899
3. Swarovski Z6i 1-6X $ Military pricing TBD
4. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6x24mm $1899

The TRIJICON Accupoint is a light, bright scope but wanted to do a little more for for windage/yardage/low light capabilities.