Rifle Scopes Best 1-4 or 1-5x optic for $2k or less?

[19dsniper]

I am currently in the market for a new patrol rifle optic. I have been using a Razor 1-6 and had planned on actually switching to a Razor 1-10. However... I just found out that TCOLE will only allow us to run up to a 5x LPVO on our patrol rifle. So, I am now in the market for something that I know nothing about. I have only had experience with 1 lpvo in the 1-4x range before and I sold it as soon as I got my 1-6. So my time behind them is almost nothing. I know how large the eye box and eye relief is on the Razor and I love it for close in, fast target stuff. I am looking for something that is just as good if possible. Capped turrets or locking at a minimum. It needs to be durable as hell and hold a good zero. Again, this is for a patrol rifle. I am not apposed to a 1.5-5 or something along those lines, but would honestly prefer a true 1x. Does anyone make an optic in the 1-4 or 1-5 range that is 99% of what the razor 1-6 is? My budget is really $2000 but I would really prefer that it actually comes in a lot closer to $1,000 or less. Currently when I can get something that is the quality of the Razor Gen 3 1-10, I sure don't want to cut myself short by overpaying for less.

Thanks for all your recommendations.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Have you looked at the Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 - P3TR Illuminated?


The P4Xi riflescope is a compact, tactical optic that is ideal for patrol rifles and AR platforms. This scope features a proven and versatile 4x zoom system with a true 1x that is perfect for close-quarters engagements and 400-yard accuracy at the highest magnification.

High-contrast optics deliver outstanding results under poor light conditions. Steiner’s P3TR illuminated reticle is quick pointing and offers 11 levels of illumination for day or night operations.

OPTIC OF THE YEAR!
The Steiner P4Xi won the NRA's Shooting Illustrated Optic of the Year for 2018. “Lightweight and easy to use, the Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 scope will be a first-rate choice for patrol rifles and AR platforms.... [Y]ou can’t ask much more from a quality piece of tactical shooting glass.”
Get the details here

Field of View at 100 meters110-27.5
Eye Relief3.5 to 4.0
Exit Pupil12.0 - 6.0
Length10.3
Weight17.3
Diopter Adjustment Range+2 to -3
Illumination Control11 settings
Wind/Elevation Click Value.5 MOA
Elevation Range at 100 m.100 MOA
Wind Range at 100 m.100 MOA
Parallax/FocusFixed
Parallax/Focus Range100 yd
Nitrogen FilledYes
Operating Temperature Range-13 °F to +145 °F
Waterproof/Fogproof
Submersible to 33 ft
BatteryCR2032
Warranty Heritage Warranty

 

[Shooter McGavin]

^This right here is the answer

 

[19dsniper]

Sadly I was not familiar with this optic. Thank you for the recommendation! Im looking more into it now. I will continue to do my research on this optic.
Thank you for the heads up.

Any one else have other recommendations, or support of this one?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Sadly I was not familiar with this optic. Thank you for the recommendation! Im looking more into it now. Looks like I should have bought one 2 years ago when they were between $450-$600! I wonder if something has changed or if the award and demand has just driven up the price. I will continue to do my research on this optic.
Thank you for the heads up.

Any one else have other recommendations, or support of this one?

The price increase was in direct correlation to the huge German Optic tariff

 

[308pirate]

Sadly I was not familiar with this optic. Thank you for the recommendation! Im looking more into it now. I will continue to do my research on this optic.
Thank you for the heads up.

Any one else have other recommendations, or support of this one?

I have that Steiner. It's head and shoulders above any sub $1000 1-4X out there and even above some that cost more than that.

I had a Trijicon 1-4X Accupower when I bought the Steiner on sale a couple of years ago. The Trijicon soon went on sale never to be seen again.

The only other scope I think compares to it is the Trijicon 1-4X Accupoint. I prefer the simple post/triangle reticle out of the choices Trijicon gives.

Since your budget goes up to $2k and you can use up to 5X, here's another choice for you: https://cameralandny.com/shop/tags/...b510-0132-d7a7-00163e9110c0?variation=1117284

Can I ask why you're restricted to a certain magnification?

 

[squishee]

Just got the Steiner bundle from Doug at camera land myself .
Very happy with the scope and service.

 

[phlegm]

I've heard enough positive reviews of the Steiner PX4 that I would start with that as a baseline.

The Meopta 1-x scopes have been impressive, despite their limited presence in the market. Something like this might be worth considering: https://www.sportoptics.com/meopta-meostar-528210.aspx

 

[david223]

There is a Kahles 1-5x version as well. Costs around 1.300 here in Germany. Should be similar in quality to the k16i.

 

[19dsniper]

I understand the thought process of not wanting someone to try and run their typical hunting optic of a 3-9 or even more so, not wanting someone to run something like a 5-25x etc. on a patrol rifle. It makes more sense that you will need 1x for 95% of your situations. I still prefer to have that 5x 6x or hell, even 10x for better positive target identification. I don't personally see any problems with someone running a 1-6x,8x, or even 10x as long as it dials down to 1x. Why not have a higher range as long as your not neutering your low end.
Anyways, I digress. I will look into the Meopta and the Kahles as well. I like what I have seen in the K16I and if I could find something like that in a 1-5, that is very much something I will seriously consider. I am impressed with what I have read and seen in videos on the Steiner. Do any of you guys have time behind both, and if so, how would you compare them?

Right now I'm back to running a Aimpoint micro T2 which I'm fine with, but out in the wide open county where I am, a LPVO makes a lot more sense to me.
Thanks everyone.

 

[308ftWIN]

Accupoint 1-4 Green Triangle is stupid fast on 1x while being relatively light with a really nice eyebox.

No BDC or holdovers, but you can make it work to about 300yds really easily.

 

[19dsniper]

I will look at the Accupoint. I dont ever expect that I would have to engage anything at that distance. Is it possible? Sure, but not probable. However, the biggest thing for me is getting better positive ID. Who knows, its quite possible that a situation may arise where the only thing visible is a small target even at 75 yards. Or more plausible than that is, what can I see thru those blinds that someone barely has open. Its more about gathering data and information than it is a BDC or anything like that. Im not really worried about if it has a bdc, or a ABC fancy wizbang reticle. I know thats not what your saying, I'm just speaking out loud here. Its definitely all about getting distant or hard to see information.

I will look at the Accupoint as its quite possible that it will fill the role.

All great recommendations. Keep them coming!

 

[makaug]

FYI: I noticed that dvor has the Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 for $589 right now.

 

[army_eod]

SWFA 1-4

SWFA 1-4x24 SS 30mm Riflescope

SWFA 1-4x24 SS 30mm Riflescope Details SKU: SS14X24IR Finish: Matte Reticle: Illuminated MIL-Quad DM (Red) Tube Diameter (mm): 30 Elevation Knob: Exposed Short Target (.1 MIL) Windage Knob: Exposed Short Target (.1 MIL) Parallax Setting: Fixed Focus Focal Plane: Second

www.swfa.com

 

[308pirate]

SWFA 1-4

SWFA 1-4x24 SS 30mm Riflescope

SWFA 1-4x24 SS 30mm Riflescope Details SKU: SS14X24IR Finish: Matte Reticle: Illuminated MIL-Quad DM (Red) Tube Diameter (mm): 30 Elevation Knob: Exposed Short Target (.1 MIL) Windage Knob: Exposed Short Target (.1 MIL) Parallax Setting: Fixed Focus Focal Plane: Second

www.swfa.com

Exposed non-locking turrets make it a no go for me

 

[19dsniper]

The price increase was in direct correlation to the huge German Optic tariff

Thank you for the clarification. I also edited my earlier post as I was guilty of looking at the posted price before checking to see what my "cart price" was. Thats my fault, so I edited it. However, you sir are faster than my edit!
Bravo!

 

[19dsniper]

I have that Steiner. It's head and shoulders above any sub $1000 1-4X out there and even above some that cost more than that.

I had a Trijicon 1-4X Accupower when I bought the Steiner on sale a couple of years ago. The Trijicon soon went on sale never to be seen again.

The only other scope I think compares to it is the Trijicon 1-4X Accupoint. I prefer the simple post/triangle reticle out of the choices Trijicon gives.

Since your budget goes up to $2k and you can use up to 5X, here's another choice for you: https://cameralandny.com/shop/tags/...b510-0132-d7a7-00163e9110c0?variation=1117284

Can I ask why you're restricted to a certain magnification?

For a "patrol rifle", TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) changed what was permitted from 3x to 5x. Anything above 5x magnification is considered a "precision rifle" and requires a different course to be taken.

 

[19dsniper]

Exposed non-locking turrets make it a no go for me

Same. I want at a minimum a very solid locking turret with zero stop, or preferably, just simple capped turrets.
Army_eod, I still appreciate your input and recommendation.

 

[308pirate]

For a "patrol rifle", TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) changed what was permitted from 3x to 5x. Anything above 5x magnification is considered a "precision rifle" and requires a different course to be taken.

Don't you love stupid bureaucrats?

 

[308pirate]

Same. I want at a minimum a very solid locking turret with zero stop, or preferably, just simple capped turrets.
Army_eod, I still appreciate your input and recommendation.

The one thing Steiners have that many others do not is a truly daylight bright, Aimpoint bright red dot in the center of the reticle. You have a Razor 1-6X, yeah it's like that.

On top of that the reticle is very very fast and easy to use without the center illumination anyway. So lack of batteries degrades the scope's capability very little.

 

[19dsniper]

Maybe I can just throw some cerakote over my Razor 1-6 to match my rifle and just keep my damn mouth shut!

 

[mark82]

FYI: I noticed that dvor has the Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 for $589 right now.

dvor?

 

[makaug]

dvor?

dvor.com, it's a discount site run by opticsplanet.

 

[Push]

I would go with the Steiner T5xi. I had a P4xi, it was nice, but I wouldn’t consider it duty grade.

 

[army_eod]

Meopta 1-4x22 ZD Tactical Rifle Scope DEMO-B

Manufacture Part #: 528210 DEMO-B FInish: Matte Black Reticle: Illuminated K-5.56 ZD Tube Diameter: 30mm Adjustment: .5 MOA Clicks

www.samplelist.com

 

[308pirate]

I had a P4xi, it was nice, but I wouldn’t consider it duty grade.

How did it fail?

 

[squishee]

^
Im in for this too

 

[Bakwa]

I wouldn't hesitate to go with a P4Xi at all. Probably the best bang for your buck in that [lower power] LPVO category.
If you just really want to spend more money, the T5Xi is very nice. It's not worth two and a half P4Xi's though.

 

[Push]

How did it fail?

Nothing failed on it, I liked the scope well enough for the price, but turrets were mushy. The T5xi is their military line which will probably offer the durability the op is looking for.

 

[308pirate]

Nothing failed on it, I liked the scope well enough for the price, but turrets were mushy. The T5xi is their military line which will probably offer the durability the op is looking for.

Mushy turrets are not a problem when they are used as designed: you zero the rifle, cap them, and never touch them again until it's time to re-zero.

Not duty grade implies not durable. I was wondering if you had any experience with durability issues.

The M5Xi is their military line. The T5X line is a middle of the road option.

 

[Bakwa]

Nothing failed on it, I liked the scope well enough for the price, but turrets were mushy. The T5xi is their military line which will probably offer the durability the op is looking for.

Turrets are capped. (set it and forget it)
Why should that factor into if it's fit for duty?
I'm sure all the guys out there that use the P4Xi's for Run-n-Gun comps would beg to differ about durability.
Again, the T5Xi is great. Maybe even more durable. But just because my NF is more durable than my S&B doesn't mean I'm going to say that S&B's aren't fit for duty.

 

[Frank_Castle]

One more vote for Meopta ZD-1-4x22. Meopta has LEO pricing and ebay may still have a better deal used that includes a Lucid Optics QD mount $695. (Edit:it’s sold)

If the reticle works for you- it is very day light/red dot bright. Shown was on setting 5 of 7 on a bright day.

No compromise up close on 1x. Its view is clearer than my gen-1 MROs and the eye box is also very forgiving.

Very clear glass and fairly short length (9.8"). I note its length as the little (older) reviews may mix in older model data. Its also 18.9oz not 20oz as some list. I added a Scalarworks mount to cut weight back and save knuckle space on my side charger. If you go with a ZD, Green Light Precision still has some custom CNC T-6 cat tails for it: $25 shipped.

PS \\ Thanks for serving during these unstable times.

 

[army_eod]

I like this Meopta. LE and mil get 35% discount from Meopta.

https://www.sportoptics.com/meopta-meostar-528210.aspx

 

[19dsniper]

I will follow up later today or tonight. I have a graduation to attend today. Thanks for all the great input. I really like to meopta. I just don't know if its worth that much more over the steiner. I need to compare the 2.

 

[army_eod]

you can get the Meopta for about 750 with LE discount

 

[308pirate]

LE and mil get 35% discount from Meopta.

I'm digging through Meopta's US site and can't find any info on that. Where do I look?

Do you know if the discount applies to non-retired veterans?

ETA I just asked them that on their contact page.

 

[army_eod]

Meopta offers 35% off advertised pricing (MAP) for current and former military and LE personnel. We require some proof of service that we can keep on file and then I can send you the pricing and order form. Thanks!



Erik Muller

Product Specialist

Meopta Sport Optics