Rifle Scopes Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

[amedeo1227]

I need the input from you guys.

Here is my situation - I am about to buy my first scope, literally. I have scopes, but all passed down from my dad from his old hunting collection.

I recently bought a Colt AR15, because I wanted "the best", now it's time for some glass. I have been looking through all different scopes at many different shops. Everything from Nikon, Burris, and Vortex to Zueiss, Nightforce, and S&B. I am not comparing them at a range, but only in the stores. Currently that is my only option.

I have been worried I am about to make a mistake. First, I am not sure which magnification I want, I most go to the range and punch paper, no LE, or military for me. I'm not sure if I want a 1-4x or a 2.5-10x. I am leaning towards a 1-4x though to be honest. Currently I only shot out to 200yrds. I can shoot further, but I have to join a club at a different range to do so. I was thinking that the 1-4x would eliminate the need for a red dot. Because this will also be my home defence gun when SHTF. What are yalls thoughts?

Second, what brand? I am thinking vortex for the 1-4x because I like the price, I think the glass will be good enough out to 200yrds, and the warranty is awesome. The only thing that concerns me is the ruggedness. I don't care how good the warranty is if I always have to send it back.

I plan on getting a 308 bolt gun one day and buying a high mag scope that is top of the line. - keep that in mind.

I can't justify the need to spend double the price of the vortex for a NF right now. I can't tell the difference personally. Not yet at least. And if I decide to go NF, that sets me back months from buy my scope, I'm ready to go play, shooting with irons only is starting to suck. I'm not really looking for groups right now. I would just like to hit bullseye at 100yrds, maybe even 200yrds. Will the vortex do this for me? Or am I wasting money? Will 4x let me be able to do that if I do my part?

But my problem is a petty one, I can be high maintainence at times. I love having the best because I know the only limiting factor is me. Will I resent my vortex if I get a NF in the future? Do I really need to spend $1300 on scope that I feel I can get for $500? Am I being a snob? Or should I save more and get the NF?

I'm afraid I will not be happy later, or have buyer remorse, but I feel like I can build up more of my collection with that $800 extra, and I can always buy the vortex, continue to save, then sell the vortex and upgrade. I'm just lost right now. And I can't justify spending $1300 on a scope right now, if I decide NF, that puts be back at least 6 months. Any input would be nice. Thanks.

 

[-Claybuster-]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3520633#Post3520633

 

[Temp9]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

Congrats on your very nice purchase! I think you owe us some pictures. As for the scope, a 4x will do everything you need it to (besides shooting groups) within about 300 yards. Some people can stretch it out further, but I never did.

The Vortex PST 1-4x is a very, very nice scope. I really don't think you'd be disappointed with it. There are better, of course, but the PST is built much better than other scopes in the price range. Durability might not be up with NF, but it's a whole lot stronger than it needs to be to stand up to abuse.

If you want to spoil yourself a little more, the SWFA SS 1-4x would be the next step up at $800. Also a very nice, high value scope. The biggest advantage over the PST would be the HD glass. If you want to spend even more money than this than it would be time to move up to 1-6x scopes.

Remember, though. A jack of all trades is a master of none. A 1-4x won't be as fast and lightweight as a red dot, and won't be as precise as a 10x. What you gain is the ability to bridge the gap between close range and long range.

 

[dpodgurs]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

I would stay away from Nikon, Burris and Vortex. I've had a Nikon and it preformed so poorly I ended up throwing in the towel and just got rid of it. There are a lot of people on here who will back up Vortex, but I just can not trust any manufacture that uses glass from the Philippians after what happened with my Nikon.

Regardless the price, you should not compromise on glass. For AR15 shooting, it is tough to decide what magnification to use because you are going to also have to decide what you primary intention is for the weapon system. If you are going to be doing more close range tactical shooting I would recommend an Aimpoint simply because you would rarely have to have the magnification for the longer distances. However, if you are going to be doing longer distances with your AR15 then look into a Trijicon. That is just my opinion and how I look at AR15 systems.

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

IF your power range is that low, why not look at an ACOG? IF it were me and I was looking for something in the lower power ranges, the Trijicon ACOG would be on the top of my list. But that is just me.

ACOG would serve you better in home defense than the others you have listed.

 

[1time]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

After Lowlight's review, I would save my money for a bit longer and get the Vortex 1-6. He seemed pretty pleased with it.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

Me personally I would be looking at the 1-6x range too, but when you mention wanting the ruggedness, well that's ACOG all the way.

 

[samnev]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Redmanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Me personally I would be looking at the 1-6x range too, but when you mention wanting the ruggedness, well that's ACOG all the way. </div></div>
If the OP spends the $$$ to get and ACOG he might as well buy an NF NXS 1-4X24. After buying 4 ACOG's I bought the NF NXS 1-4X24 which runs less than some of my ACOG's (RCOM4) and just a little more than the TA31F and the TAO1 and the NSN. If I had it to do over again they would all be the NF NXS 1-4X24 and I would not have to put up with the short eye relief of the ACOG 4X scopes.

 

[Cornholeo]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

Call Jay or Chris @ Sportoptics.com, they can give you a good rundown on options and their prices are good. mention you are a member of Snipershide as well.

 

[NoFail]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

This http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-1-6x24-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P53845.aspx But you have to wait a little while don't know how long. But should be pretty soon now.... Better features than the new Vortex 1-6x (IMHO) & less expensive, FFP, HD glass, rugged, awesome illuminated reticle........

 

[amedeo1227]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Redmanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Me personally I would be looking at the 1-6x range too, but when you mention wanting the ruggedness, well that's ACOG all the way. </div></div>
If the OP spends the $$$ to get and ACOG he might as well buy an NF NXS 1-4X24. After buying 4 ACOG's I bought the NF NXS 1-4X24 which runs less than some of my ACOG's (RCOM4) and just a little more than the TA31F and the TAO1 and the NSN. If I had it to do over again they would all be the NF NXS 1-4X24 and I would not have to put up with the short eye relief of the ACOG 4X scopes. </div></div>

Thank you for replying what I was thinking.

I am almost positive I want a 1-4x and I'm leaning towards a viper vortex pst or a nightforce, but what does the NF off that the vortex doesn't?

 

[mluning]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

Another option to look at is an ACOG/offset T1 combo. To me this trumps a 1-4 setup, and both optics are practically bombproof. One requires no batteries and the other will last years off a battery and can be left on. With a 5 degree cant of the rifle you do not take your eyes off target, or sacrifice cheekweld. When engaging multiple targets up close and far off, you dont have to take the time and lose a hand to change magnification, enabling you to keep your hand on the rifle, allowing you to work your light/laser/etc and maintain a stable firing position. Also it takes up a small amount of space (a little more than length of receiver flattop) and weighs about the same, if not less, than the best 1-4,6 setup out there, depending on which ACOG model you choose. I personally would opt for the TA11. Anyways good luck on your journey. Mike

 

[evilcoon]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Surgeon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IF your power range is that low, why not look at an ACOG? IF it were me and I was looking for something in the lower power ranges, the Trijicon ACOG would be on the top of my list. But that is just me.

ACOG would serve you better in home defense than the others you have listed. </div></div>

+1 This is an awesome scope!

 

[amedeo1227]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

ACOG is not an option, it's not what I am looking for. I want either 1-4x or 2.5-10

I repeat, no ACOGs

 

[mluning]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: amedeo1227</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ACOG is not an option, it's not what I am looking for. I want either 1-4x or 2.5-10

I repeat, no ACOGs</div></div>

Then what about the Trijicon Accupoint 1-4?

 

[steve123]

Re: Can't decide, first scope, scared to decide!!!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: amedeo1227</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Redmanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Me personally I would be looking at the 1-6x range too, but when you mention wanting the ruggedness, well that's ACOG all the way. </div></div>
If the OP spends the $$$ to get and ACOG he might as well buy an NF NXS 1-4X24. After buying 4 ACOG's I bought the NF NXS 1-4X24 which runs less than some of my ACOG's (RCOM4) and just a little more than the TA31F and the TAO1 and the NSN. If I had it to do over again they would all be the NF NXS 1-4X24 and I would not have to put up with the short eye relief of the ACOG 4X scopes. </div></div>

Thank you for replying what I was thinking.

I am almost positive I want a 1-4x and I'm leaning towards a viper vortex pst or a nightforce, but what does the NF off that the vortex doesn't? </div></div>

I have owned both the NF's you're considering.

My criteria was the opposite of yours because I wanted to use my shorty AR more for shooting out to 600Y with 75 grainers than up super close.

The 1-4 excelled for up close but was lacking past 300Y.

The 2.5-10 with LV600 reticle works kinda OK on 2.5x for up close, it's not perfect but does the job. I've used it a few times for some IPSC 3 gun and on those particular stages it was fine.

On 10x it does very well at distance, surprisingly so in fact. Monday I was using the holdover lines to hit a 10" plate every time at 400Y and a LV steel tiny man at 300Y most of the time.

The nice thing about my 2.5-10 for it's particular application is I don't feel that it can be substantially improved upon no matter how much money I were to spend on another higher end optic so I'm done buying better scopes for this AR. If anything I'd add a offset red dot or irons for up close.