Re: NXS 2.5-10x32 vs. US optics SN-3 1.8x10x37
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: alpha6164</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am always lost for explanation for the 1.4, 1.5,1.8x low end magnification type scopes. What is the point? To me you either get a scope that is a true 1.0X for it to be used as a CQB scope or if not get something that at least helps you on the top end. I have looked at many scopes with 1.5x low end and there is no way i can use those for CQB. I guess others are different.
Hell, even some of the scopes that are 1.1x kind of bother me, let alone more magnification. On my POF 308, i have a 5.5-22x NF with a red dot at the 1 o'clock position with a Daniel Defense rail. This way i can use the red dot from 0-100 yards or more but then drop down and use the magnification to shoot to a 1000yards if needed.
Now something like a 1.1-8x or the March tactical 1-10x i can definitely see since you are getting best of both worlds. I just dont understand the 1.8x or similar at the lower end. </div></div>
Alpha, my 1.5-6 is an experiment trying to get at exactly what you are talking about. I can tell you that the 1.5-6 SN-4 and the 1.8-10 SN-3 behave quite differently at their lowest powers on quick acquisition drills. I played with both of them side-side at SHOT last year for about 40 minutes (much to Jeff's chagrin
) before deciding on the SN-4.
While the SN-4 is better at this type of use compared to the SN-3, it is nothing like a red dot Aimpoint or an Eotech for close in work. If you could be the trailing man/close precision support SPR/SDM guy then the 1.5-1.8 scopes appear to be usable from this non-warrior experienced Internet poser's point of view.
If one understands that the BDCs in the Type II optics on the market (i.e., ACOG) are not calibrated for the Mk 262 ammo as a baseline of optic replacement discussion, my testing concludes that the SN-4 1.5-6 can be one optic that performs the tasks required of the Type II and Type III optics (assuming one memorizes holdovers for Type III distances or adds an EREK with custom Mk 262 BDC). It does not perform the tasks of the Type I optic very well.
I need to do some follow-up testing with the ACOG and using the Bindon aiming concept before ruling it as superfluous in my personal inventory, but right now I am leaning that way. Adding an EREK to the SN-4 will be my most likely move as well as dumping the JNG reticle in favor of a GAP mil scale to unclutter it some given the lack of usefulness of the scope at close range.
The great irony right now for me is this - the more testing I do with the lower power optics, the more I wish my higher power optics were equipped with a 1x red dot observation capability so one could get on target faster with the higher power optic. In search of a way of adding a Docter type optic to the 1.5-6 I will keep my mind on solutions that will allow me to run it on my 3.2-17 as well.
