Rifle Scopes 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

[zx2man]

Hello everyone, heres my first post, and hope im not beating a deadhorse here, but really would like some accurate answers please.

Im looking for a variable power optic that I will put on my Bcm ar15 carbine. I want to be able to engage short range target,as fast to a red dot as possible, and ofcourse have a solid reticle and clear glass to hit pepper poppers out to 400 meters.

So far Im looking at these-

Vortex pst 1-4x24
Meopta 1-4 kdot
Trijicon tr24
Burris xtr-14

I like my equipment rugged and simple. Ive heard illum. washout issues with the Burris. I have zero experience with these type of optics. I was a sniper in a Infantry hhc recon unit, and my experience with "ar15" style optics was acog,compM,eotech. I loved my ta31f acog!, from what Ive heard on these new 1-4 scopes is the eye relief is MUCH better, and thats good, cause I was getting pretty darn good getting that acog into action fast at close ranges even, so anything faster than that is huge plus.

As long as I can clearly see the reticle in most daytime situations, along with some lowlight scenerions.

ps- I have seen the new swfa 1-4,and glass looked awesome,but not digging the reticle options. I do have a 10x42 SS on my bolt gun, just throwing that out just incase someone was going to mention it. Thank you.

*edit* forgot to mention my I would prefer to stay below 800.00

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

elcan is a good quick optic expensive though

NF makes a nice 1-4
the vortex razor is another nice one
i believe IOR makes a low power optic like that as well.
S&B shortdot never a bad choice

though those might be a little more then the ones you mentioned i have heard nothing but good things about them

 

[bryanZ06]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I briefly ran a Trijicon TR24G on my AR. It replaced an EoTech and seemed just as fast to pick up on 1x. Nice, clear glass. I would still have it on there, but it was one of the things that got sold to help make room for the TRG.

 

[ronas]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I have TR24G and I find it quite accurate once I figured out exactly where to aim the tip of the triangle in relation to the bullseye. For shooting 25 yards or so with both eyes open it's easy. I have not used it past 200 yards yet. I bought a nightforce 2.5-10x32 and I've been using that to shoot at 600 yard target. Rifle is AR15 type with 1:8 twist in a 16" barrel.

I am new to shooting with scopes and these to are the first I've ever used.

 

[Trovan]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I struggled with the same decision a little while back. I went with the TR24. I really like it. I am just a weekend warrior hobbyist and so all of my shooting is done during the daylight. The TR24 viber optics are tough to beat in daylight. It was also the least expesnive of the options that i was considering. I recently saw it on the internet for $650

I have shot mine to 300 and it is fine. The triangle is roughly 4 moa tall. ( i think 4.2). Zero at 100 using a 6 o'clock hold and then hold center mass at 300. Works great.

All of your choices are respected and there are more. Any of those choices will make you happy I'm sure

 

[glock24]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

As an experienced 1-4x user, I'd like to comment on a few things.

If fast, short-range engagements are a priority to you, then you are making a common mistake with your current list of scopes. What I have learned the hard way is that with 1x magnification, reticle choice is absolutely critical. What happens with any sort of calibrated reticle in a 1-4x scope is that the reticle must be <span style="text-decoration: underline">very small </span>in order to remain ballistically accurate. Although this is required for long range precision, it is horrible for shooting CQB. Below is one of my mistakes, a 1-4x Nightforce with Mil-Dot reticle. Yes, there is a reticle in there somewhere.

<span style="font-style: italic">Nightforce @ 1x</span>

Don't get me wrong. This NF mil-dot reticle is a dream at 4x. I would routinely engage 12" steel plates at 600 meters without issue. Running such a fine reticle at 1x however is a joke when shooting in dark hallways, wooded areas, or any other lower light situations. I've also owned the Meopta and the Burris. The Burris is just as bad as the NF/mil-dot, and the Meopta is even worse.

So I'm sure you're saying right now that the solution is illumination. Yes, it does help some, but now you must ask yourself; do I want to rely solely on illumination to run my 1-4x scope for CQB? Typical battery life on this technology is 60-100 hours. That sure ain't Aimpoint or EoTech runtime numbers! Personally, I don't think it is wise to rely exclusively on a battery when a better reticle choice would allow a 1-4x optic to perform equally and <span style="text-decoration: underline">without</span> the need for battery assistance.

The Trijicon 1-4x does a better job at creating a usable CQB reticle without batteries. What I don't like about the Trijicon reticle is that it sucks at long ranges. The Trijicon is simply a point and shoot reticle. Beyond the flat-line capabilies of your cartridge, you are left guessing as to the proper hold-overs. Forget first-round hits. You'll have to learn how to walk-in your rounds for your 400 meter pepper poppers. And what happens when someone places one at 325 and/or 450 meters? This is why we have ranging reticles.

It seems Vortex has listened to this logic and created a reasonably improved reticle in their 1-4x PST scopes. They have taken their thin, ranging reticle (which is perfect for long-range precision) and added larger aiming points around the center for high visibility when running CQB. I haven't used one, but I'm interested. It appears to be a step in the right direction.

<span style="font-style: italic">Vortex PST @ 1x</span>

What I don't like about the Vortex reticle is that they only added high visibility aiming points in the center. Sure, this keep the FOV uncluttered, but if your target background is exremely busy (like the wooded environment in the photo) you may still have trouble finding this center-only aiming point without the aid of illumination.

Ultimately, I think SWFA has listened most closely to customers with this concern. What is distinctly different about the reticle choices on their new 1-4x is the fact that they have chosen to take the cross-hairs all the way to the edges of the FOV. It sounds silly I know, but having that <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">in your face</span></span>, and <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">X marks the spot </span></span>aiming point is huge when trying to run 1x efficiently in CQB situations. To understand what I mean, pick up any lower powered scope with a standard duplex reticle. Although the design is 100 years old, you cannot dismiss the fact that the full crosshair sight picture creates a center aiming point is absolutely unmistakable. Unmistakable in all lighting conditions, all target backgrounds, and <span style="text-decoration: underline">without</span> illumination. This simple, fool-proof, and matter-of-fact aiming center is what I want in my next 1-4x scope. This, along with the ability to range and hold-over longe range targets. The SWFA reticles provide both, and that is why I have one on backorder. I chose the T-post reticle.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Kasumi]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Natchez is running a sale; take a look at the Bushnell 4200 Elite 1.25x4-24 illuminated. lists $429 on sale $329

 

[Natty Bumpo]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I was also looing at 1-4 power scopes recently. There's been some good info posted. I was liking the Super Sniper and Trijicon, but there about $800 and $650. Does anyone have any experience with Nikon's M223 1-4X24 scope? It's got a duplex reticle with a center dot. Lists for $279.

 

[SWFA]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Here is a link to some of the SWFA SS-HD reticle images.

http://www.opticstalk.com/swfa-14x-ss_topic22981_post356967.html#356967

 

[glock24]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Natty Bumpo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was also looing at 1-4 power scopes recently. There's been some good info posted. I was liking the Super Sniper and Trijicon, but there about $800 and $650. Does anyone have any experience with Nikon's M223 1-4X24 scope? It's got a duplex reticle with a center dot. Lists for $279. </div></div>

I hear good things about that Nikon, expecially the glass. It has a strong, <span style="font-style: italic">point and shoot, </span>CQB reticle. And while the reticle lacks any precision hold-over capability, the exposed 1/2 MOA knobs allow you to dial for long distances. You can't say that about the Trijicon.

It seems like a good scope, especially for less than $300

 

[Strangedays]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I have looked through a bunch of 1-4x scopes and in the end decided on the Burris XTR. The PST would be my next choice.
I have yet to see the SWFA 1-4X which I am sure will be nice but I am not a huge fan of FFP on 1-4X optics. Here is a review I wrote up on the XTR.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...393#Post2297393

 

[mattsnuked]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I have the 1-4 Burris Tac30 XTR and it is really nice for the $300 price tag. Good glass, push button daylight visible illumination, 30 mm tube, and BDC reticle.

 

[Strangedays]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mattsnuked</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the 1-4 Burris Tac30 XTR and it is really nice for the $300 price tag. Good glass, push button daylight visible illumination, 30 mm tube, and BDC reticle. </div></div>
The Tac-30 is a great cheaper choice but they are not family of the XTR series.

 

[Oakland Tactical]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I like my stuff simple too. I just dont see the need for huge target turrets, illumination knobs sticking out and a reticle fit for a LR gun on a 1-4 made for a carbine. Its just more crap to snag stuff when doing the CQB part. If I have to turn knobs to hit targets out to 400, that IMO defeats the purpose of the carbine.

My personal choice was a used NF 1-4 with the FC-2 reticle and capped turrets pruchased on the Hide for 950. It has holdover points and at 1x has the red dot effect for CQB, even without illumination its visible. The reticle is well defined and has the dot in a circle like the EoTech but not as big. I wont feel at a disadvantage out to 600 with the optic. <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">If</span></span> I need more accuracy than the reticle allows for holdovers ill use the knobs.

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I could not disdagree more with you on the SS 1-4 reticle options these reticles are what sets this scope apart. Glock24 above knows what he is talking about. I have spent time with both design. Here is my review http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2242104&page=1

 

[snwghst]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I received my Vortex PST 1-4 beginning of the week and find it to be very nice for the price.

Only complaint I have is the difference between illumination from 5 and 6 settings

 

[zx2man]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Thank you guys, Glock24..what you said sir what pretty much what was on my mind. I dont have experience on these type of optics, hence why Im asking..BUT I have spent hundreds of hours in shoot houses and numorous outside cqc drillS,And what bugged me about alot of these "1-4" scopes was the fact you pointed out, the tiny reticle that will not hit my eyes fast enough. But what sucks is where I live, no gunshops or sporting good places carry anything worth a dam, so Im unable to look through anything with my own eyes. Sometimes what you see online is not going to be 100% realife, so thats why Im here asking.

I love swfa products and saw their 1-4 line, Im not too warm&fuzzy on them, but the donut reticle looks promising, I just hope the illum settings doesnt over power my eyes when Im getting on target.

Id LOVE to see a trijicon horseshoe reticle thats very present sizewise @1x, but refines out @4x, and instead of bdc, just give us mil marks, cause alot of us use different 5.56 ammo. That would be my dream setup,least i "think" lol. The tr24 sounds like a great optic for closerange to 300. I love point and shoot, but its ability to 400 might be pain in the ass, im picturing doing a hold off in my head, with the triangle covering up my target=not cool. How often il be doing 400 meter shots with my 14.5 barrel bcm, is beyond me, I just wanted the ability.

Think Ill narrow down to tr24,pst,swfa ss for now...just drives me nuts I cant put my eyes through myself before I spend a chunk of change.

 

[glock24]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I understand your frustration. Also know that you aren't alone with your Trijicon wish. The 3-gun crowd has been asking Trijicon for a ranging reticle since the introduction of their 1-4x. Of course what do they unveil at 2011 SHOT? Some stupid bow hunting sight. Clearly they aren't listening.

As a suggestion, you might consider finding an online store with a good return policy. Midway USA comes to mind. I've heard of guys in remote areas simply buying and returning scopes until they find the one they like. It's not ideal I know, but such is life.

Or you could do what I did . . . buy several scopes without thinking, and then loose your ass on the selling price!

 

[zx2man]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Prairie Dog Dundee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I could not disdagree more with you on the SS 1-4 reticle options these reticles are what sets this scope apart. Glock24 above knows what he is talking about. I have spent time with both design. Here is my review http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2242104&page=1 </div></div>

Well I will "look" more into them. Its nice that your able to field them! LOL. I cant. I just saw the pictures, and the one I did like was the donut reticle, but seeing some pics with the illumin on, it seemed very bright and am worried about overpowering my eyes on target. Like I said before I have zero experience with the 1-4 optics. besides my Leupold m3a scope that was on my m24 and M14 rifles, My main carry rifle was my Army issues m4 with Fulton armory upper and ta31f Acog. I put down alot of bad guys with that optic, from 75-350 meters. I also enjoyed out red-dot optics from time to time, and had zero field issies. But times are changing, companies are bringing out alot of new and sometimes better optics,and the 1-4 class, seems to be where it is at. I will have to give the SS another look, But Iam not "used" to illumination in my optics, and kinda of weary of that, The acog chevron was dam bright on sunny days and I ended up putting some 100mph tape to cover up the fiber.

 

[zx2man]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Awesome article Prairie Dog

Those pictures looked alot better than the ones Ive seen before. Looks like SS did a daen good job. In regards to battery life, any information on this?

If its atleast few hundred hours, then this might be a winner.

Like I siad before I saw another article regarding these optics, and just looked like the illum. was over powering, but not in your photos, seems very ideal. Lucky you for being able to test such products with your own eyes!

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Don't worry about the illumination overpowering your eyes. It is completely adjustable with an off position between each setting so you can find what you like and set the switch to the off next to it. Battery life I'm not sure of. I spent over 20 hours shooting using these scopes and forgot and left them on once. I changed the batteries just before I sent them back but I don't know how long the batteries that came with the scopes were in them or how much they had been used. They will not last like a Aimpoint but I think they will last for several days. In bright daylight the bold reticle at 1X really does not need illumination. That is one of the advantages of the design. If you go back and look at the photos in the SWFA link and ask yourself which reticle would you want if the battery does fail you will see what I mean.

 

[glock24]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Prairie Dog Dundee</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> . . . ask yourself which reticle would you want if the battery does fail. . . </div></div>

Good advice for any potential 1-4x scope purchase.

 

[zx2man]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Yeah solid point on reticle choice if batteries failed. That should be a huge decision factor for this type of optic. As for battery life on a 1-4 as good as a aimpoint, yeah that be nice, but Iam not gonna chase the end of that rainbow lol.

Ive got it narrowed down to tr24 and ss. 95% of my shots will be 300m and below, so the trijicon seems idea for point and shoot @that range. But on days where I might wanna shoot some 75-77gr. match at steel on 400+, then the ss becomes a better choice.

btw Prairie, I like your shooting spot, nice and flat see forever,lucky man. What id give to have that kinda of land to shoot on here in Western Wa.

 

[Hummerdawg]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I use a TR24, tried the triangle reticle and it was great closeup but sucked for precision long shots. After trying a lot of the scopes mentioned above I now use a TR24 with the amber dot reticle. Bright enough on 1x to make close shots very fast but still precise enough for distance shots. If you are shooting over 300 just remove the turret caps and the scope actually dials really well for bangin steel. No problem hitting plates out to 600 or so.

 

[eleaf]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I have the Trijicon 1-4x w/ green triangle. I like it, but will very likely look to get a SS 1-4x w/ donut reticle as a replacement.

 

[BCP]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I don't think you could go wrong with the super sniper or vortex, both look to have useful reticules and the companies are good people.

I've used the tr24 and liked everything except the reticle. Red triangle is great for a hunting dangerous game optic but I like holdovers that milling reticules provide.

 

[lrrifle]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Having played with the SS 1-4s and just received a Vortex PST 1-4 MRAD, I gotta say that either of these options seem great to me. The Vortex reticle is much smaller than the SS, and at first I wasn't sure that I would like it. However, runing some dry fire CQB drills with it on a LR308 carbine, and then dialing up to 4x and observing object 50 - 300 yds away, I really think it's gonna rock (haven't been out farther yet). Though the reticle does not change sizes with power changes, the smaller field of view at 4x makes it seem large enough for solid precision work out to a reasonable distance. The little dot seems very usable, as are the crosshairs with mil-based hash marks, and as mentioned earlier, the quarter circles around the outside really are easy to use in the CQB role (either illuminated or non-illuminated). Haven't been to range yet, but have very high expectations and so far VERY happy with the purchase. (BTW - Doug and Neil at Cameraland ROCK!!)

 

[FltMed13]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I've been wondering about posting this same series of questions. I would love to put my hands on some of these optics and put my own eyes through it, but nobody in San Antonio carries the high end glass. (That I know of..) All of the information is great and much appreciated though.

 

[djkest]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

It seems like the Trijicon TR24 would be really great for shooting silouettes and hunting from 1-400 yards. Not so much for target shooting. I think the PST and others might be better for target shooting, but at that point you may want more power anyway.

The new TR24s with the 1-4x magnification are a significant improvement over the old 1.25-4x scopes.

They are kind of pricey though.

 

[SWFA]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TXMedic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been wondering about posting this same series of questions. I would love to put my hands on some of these optics and put my own eyes through it, but nobody in San Antonio carries the high end glass. (That I know of..) All of the information is great and much appreciated though. </div></div>

We're just a short four hour drive north of you up I35.

 

[chalwie]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Has anyone had a chance to compare the SS and PST side by side? Specifically, what is the quality of optics? Trijicon optics are very clear, so anyone commenting on the clarity in comparison to Trijicon will put these scopes in reference for me.

 

[paulo_santos]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

If you have the cash, the S&B Short dot is nearly perfect, but a little heavy in the wallet and the weight. With the daytime visible reticle, that is the ideal way to do it.

The SWFA scope with the donut reticle is ideal if you do a lot of close range shooting and the SWFA crosshair reticle is better suited for more precision shooting because it is less cluttered. SWFA has put together and excellent 1x4 scope. I have tried a ton of 1x4 scopes and sold them all because I didn't care for them because companies couldn't put it all together. If I get another 1x4, it will definitely be one of the SWFA scopes. Good job SWFA.

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chalwie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has anyone had a chance to compare the SS and PST side by side? Specifically, what is the quality of optics? Trijicon optics are very clear, so anyone commenting on the clarity in comparison to Trijicon will put these scopes in reference for me. </div></div>

I own a Vortex Viper 6.5-20, a Trijicon TA50-4 and have owned a Trilicon TR24. I have also used the SS 1-4 HD SWFA scopes. I would rank the SS HD as the best glass followed by Trijicon then Vortex. The Vortex Viper has good glass and I'm happy with the scope. The SS HD glass is much better than I'm used to buying.

 

[chalwie]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Now I know what my next scope will be... if the SS HD is better than Trijicon. Thanks Prairie Dog.

 

[zx2man]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Atleast when it comes to glass quality, the SS hd scopes seem to be amazing, I dont know how many times i see them compared to s&b,usoptics,nightforce ect. Its either as good or better...listen folks, anytime 800dollar glass can compete with 2000+ shit, thats dam impressive. And to add to that the finish and overall build construction also gets high marks, Right now the ss 1-4 is on my list, think id put it on a Bobro 30mm extended and call it a day.

 

[wjwill]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWFA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TXMedic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been wondering about posting this same series of questions. I would love to put my hands on some of these optics and put my own eyes through it, but nobody in San Antonio carries the high end glass. (That I know of..) All of the information is great and much appreciated though. </div></div>

We're just a short four hour drive north of you up I35. </div></div>


What kind of warranties come with these scope? Full warranty or limited? The warranty issue is one of the biggest factors when I buy optics.

Say I bought a SWFA SS scope today, then 2 years from now the windage bushings go bad. Would y'all still repair the scope even if I don't have the original paperwork, box, or receipt anymore?

Don't get me wrong, the SS scope I got from y'all a few years ago is still going. Just asking..

Thanks, Wesley

 

[shootist~]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

I've had my PST 1-4 out several times, shooting from 10 Yds to 500 Meters; with a few pokes at 600M.

It has an excellent 1x reticle for CQB ranges. The Center dot is 4 MOA at 1x and works for close range precision (upper A zone on an IPSC target); the heavy outer circle works great (illuminated or not)for close range speed - lower A Zone, etc. It's easy to shoot both eyes open at the 1x setting for me, and I have left eye dominance (I shoot right handed). There is no fish eye effect.

At 4x it works very good at distance. It's not going to replace my 10x NF for 700 Meter precision, but for a 4X optic, it works well. The center dot (1 MOA at 4x) will work on an 8" wide gong at 600 Meters. Centering the cross-hairs also works. The center dot won't be visible on a black target at distance without the illum at max, but the illuminated dot is visible. (You can probably come across some extreme conditions where it won't be.)

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: zx2man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Atleast when it comes to glass quality, the SS hd scopes seem to be amazing, I dont know how many times i see them compared to s&b,usoptics,nightforce ect. Its either as good or better...listen folks, anytime 800dollar glass can compete with 2000+ shit, thats dam impressive. And to add to that the finish and overall build construction also gets high marks, Right now the ss 1-4 is on my list, think id put it on a Bobro 30mm extended and call it a day. </div></div>

One thing you need to keep in mind about SWFA and the SS scopes is that you are buying from the manufacture. There is no distributor, wholesaler markup. You have scope savvy people designing scope and having them made to their specifications and marketing the scopes directly to the end user. They don't have the overhead that Leupold or Bushnell has so you don't have to pay for that either. There are very good reasons that the SWFA SS line is consistently recognized as the best value for the money. There is no magic or cutting corners on the product, just honest value.

Regarding warranty. I E-mailed SWFA about this and this is a copy paste of the reply "All SS scopes have a Lifetime, No-Hassle, Transferable Warranty." Excellent product backed by good people whats not to like.

In case your wondering, I don't work for SWFA. I have never even talked to them on the phone. I just order from their web site like everybody else. I got a PM from them out of the blue offering me a test drive of the SS 1-4 HD after they read a posting I made regarding their SS 3-9X42, ( I own two and would not trade them for any scope that sells for less than $1,200.00). They did not know me from Adam. They got their scopes back and I had a good time with two excellent scopes.

 

[FltMed13]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWFA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TXMedic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been wondering about posting this same series of questions. I would love to put my hands on some of these optics and put my own eyes through it, but nobody in San Antonio carries the high end glass. (That I know of..) All of the information is great and much appreciated though. </div></div>

We're just a short four hour drive north of you up I35.</div></div>

Thanks... I may be makin a trip to Dallas and gettin new glass. I'm like my Aimpoint, but would prefer the ability to reach out a bit. Adding a 3x zoom... just not keen on doing that.

 

[CMH]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Was able to get my hands on a Vortex PST 1-4 today. Wow....a lot of optic for $499. I don't have anything to put it on at the moment, but I was still hooked!

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

SWFA SS 1-4.
I'd love to get my hands on one with the "Farris wheel" for 3gun type stuff.

Money's no object? I always like the USO SN4.

 

[zx2man]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

What about the Leopold 1.5-5x20 mark4 with the cmr2 reticle? I love the horseshoe. Anyone with experience on this optic?

 

[BCP]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: zx2man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What about the Leopold 1.5-5x20 mark4 with the cmr2 reticle? I love the horseshoe. Anyone with experience on this optic? </div></div>

Doesn't look too bad but I'd rather have a straight 1-4. Also that reticle is a copy of an IOR one and IOR makes a couple 1-4 type scopes, I would probably get one of those instead of the leupold. IOR glass is nicer. Finally the 1-4 PST is half the price and you can get the same use out of it if you think about it (1/2MOA click turret, holdover reticle, etc etc etc). And then there's the aforementioned Swfa 1-4HD.

 

[ISBe]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CMH</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Was able to get my hands on a Vortex PST 1-4 today. Wow....a lot of optic for $499. I don't have anything to put it on at the moment, but I was still hooked! </div></div>

Can't wait to get mine!

 

[zx2man]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Yeah keep hearing how good the pst 1-4 is, but no solid reviews. Id love to see this in a review: Several photos "outside" of the reticle @1x and 4x. 1X view on mansize target "preferably" @ 20-50ft. And some various 4x views @100-400m

Maybe even a battery test as well. And a full customer opinion on how fast thier eyes pick up the reticle on target. Throw me a bone lol

I have a Cabelas 10 miles down the road that has eotechs and acogs, but very little 1-4 optics, think Nikon 223 is only one ive seen. I have 2 birdwatching businesses that carry Vortex binos and spot scopes,but no rifle scopes. A wholesale outdoorsmanshop that carrys low end Vortex, and couple gunshops around town that focus more on firearms&ammo and all ar15 accessories besides optics!!!!...so yeah its frustrating, to have all these places to go but they dont carry the stuff I wanna see.

 

[Hummerdawg]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Since you are seem to be comfortable with acogs, why not a TA-11 good illumination, stadia tree, and can be shot occluded for up close stuff.

 

[zx2man]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Good point sir. I have looked into them. I want to keep my budget below 800, If I can. Im a ntch shooter, the 4x ta31f I used came up fairly quick, but if theres something better for my needs, then I want to see it. If trijicon would just make their accupoints with the horseshoe reticle, it be done deal lol.

I love the fact of not having to rely on a battery to illuminate my reticle so I can get on target fast. Thats where a trijicon would come in handy. Im not tooo picky am I. Give me a reticle that is right there right now,point and shoot.

 

[bricktop]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Natty Bumpo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was also looing at 1-4 power scopes recently. There's been some good info posted. I was liking the Super Sniper and Trijicon, but there about $800 and $650. Does anyone have any experience with Nikon's M223 1-4X24 scope? It's got a duplex reticle with a center dot. Lists for $279. </div></div>

I have the Nikon M223 1-4x with the Point Blank reticle. Very quick, and a nice, clear image. But, with the big dot it's not great for precision work. Good if CQB is what your after.

 

[BCP]

Re: 1-4 ar15 optic opinions

Alright, I just got my PST 1-4 mounted and ready to go. I bought it from primary arms and opted for their extended mount for an extra 50$. It fits very well. PA answered my questions promptly and shipped the same day I bought it. So Primary Arms is another company that can be added to the "Good People" list alongside Liberty Optics and Cameraland.

Their mount is a nice looking mount as well, I like it better than the 70$ 1 piece burris I had. Only downside is not quick detachable but for the price I wouldn't ask it to be.

The good about the scope:

The box is an attractive box. Really it is. You open it and it's packed in their nice and neat with some extra batteries, allen key for the turrets and a scope cloth. The scope itself is an incredibly nice looking little unit & I can find nothing on the outside of it to "not like." Everything about it is nice and neat in my opinion.

Optically, it is better than my Mark AR and super sniper 10X's were, a little worse than my Mark 4's and way worse than my IORs. So while it won't win any awards I think it will work just fine.

Turret clicks aren't super crisp but they are firm, and the 1/2 MOA turret has 22? minutes in one turn. Turret markings are clean and numbers are easy to see.

Reticle is larger than I thought and makes for a good CQB type reticle at 1x (looks to be true 1x although there's a bit of parallax so not as fast as red dot) and the holdovers are clearly marked. It's a really clean, professional looking reticle.

Illumination is okay, just barely bright enough for outdoor use on max setting. It doesn't wash out and the dot stays circular. Also, only the dot and 1/4 ring things light up on mine, the numbered stadia stays dark. Not sure if that's intended or not. I would like the whole thing to light up but whatever.

The downside:

There's a spot on my reticle! Not sure if it's a particle or what, it's on the very bottom edge of my field of view and about 1/4 to 1/8 the size of the center dot. Really only noticed it when goofing around in the living room using the wall as a white background. The illumination on the 1/4 circle parts is a bit funky too, the inside edges at the top and bottom are extra bright. Not sure if that's intentional or a goof. Finally, there's a small scuff on the rear of the tube only visible in bright light if you're looking for it.

Will update this post after going to the range either tomorrow or tuesday.

All in all I'd give it a 4/5 and honestly, if you're looking for a 1-4 optic and don't want to pay out the ass I think it is your best bet.