Rifle Scopes Red dots vs 1-4 scopes for RFB or SCAR 17

[BOL556]

Wanted to see about getting some in put on the difference between red dots or 1-4 for close range shooting with a battle rifle. Plan on shooting 300 yards and closer. I have shot many red dots but never had a rifle set up with a 1-4 or 1-5. There has to be some benefit in the low powered scopes cause I see everyone in 3 gun or other comps shooting the same set up. Is the 1-4 just a band wagon things cause people are using them in 3 gun or is there really some benefit to it vs a eo tech or other red dot system.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[3O8Junkie]

Re: Red dots vs 1-4 scopes for RFB or SCAR 17

I had a 1-4 Trijicon Accupoint that I really liked a lot. My next AR will probably get one as well.
I have shot my buddies Aimpoint T1 a few times on his SCAR 17, and I prefer a 1-4.

Theres something to be said for being able to identify your target at a few hundred yards, and still run the optic like a red dot on 1x.

 

[eleaf]

Re: Red dots vs 1-4 scopes for RFB or SCAR 17

I have 2 ARs. One has a Trijicon Accupoint 1-4x w/ Green Triangle. The other a SS 1-4x w/ Donut Reticle.

My next AR will have one of those. Just as fast IMO as a red dot up close, and they allow for accuracy at longer distances.

 

[Longshot38]

Re: Red dots vs 1-4 scopes for RFB or SCAR 17

A 1-4ish optic is just so much more versatile then a red dot. But they do have some draw backs. I'm just of the opinion that the draw backs are more then compensated for with the flexibly that a low power variable power scope offers.

 

[smokebomb]

Re: Red dots vs 1-4 scopes for RFB or SCAR 17

I have never used a magnifier with a red dot/HWS.

I currently own an Eotech XPS, a Burris TAC30 1-4, and a 2x acog.
They all have their place.

My Eotech excels for me at close range and out to 300 yards on steel silhouettes.
Advantages: very lightweight, unlimited field of view (both eyes open and not much sight housing obstruction) fast acquisition, ability to run irons literally through the sight, zero eye strain running both eyes open, no eye relief constraints....
Disadvantages: no magnification for target detection, no appreciable slow-fire accuracy advantage over irons (for me)

My Burris is a great all-around optic for out to 400 yards (furthest Ive run it so far).
Adv: Good target identification, large field of view, slight increased accuracy from better precision of target
Dis: Heavy and long, shorter eye relief at 4 power, can run both eyes open at low power but more obstructive housing.....

When hunting, even in areas limited to 80 yds visibility, I prefer the 1-4 to tell the difference between deer and tree limb.
For me the 1-4 is slightly slower than the Eotech. I dont have actual numbers as to how much slower, I would say between a blink and a blink and a half. However, it is a huge virtue to ZOOM IN.

The Eotech rifle sits by the door and waits for bad guys, the 1-4 rifle gets carried more. (the acog is beautiful but belongs to the womans rifle)

Just my redundant opinion...

-mike

 

[ddavis]

Re: Red dots vs 1-4 scopes for RFB or SCAR 17

For under 100 yards, quick shooting in competitions, a red dot is excellent. For hunting, I much prefer the 1-4x.

 

[Beef82]

Re: Red dots vs 1-4 scopes for RFB or SCAR 17

I understand some of the 3 gun matches are pushing the rifle targets out pretty far. 1-4 would be better for target ID, shooting partially concealed or small match targets, or hunting when ranges can get a little longer and knowing that you may only wound not kill is simply unacceptable, and should mean not taking the shot.
I have an EOtech on my AR, I don't think you can beat it for speed, or situational awareness while on the gun. I've let several non shooters fire it and most have been able to make first round hits on clay pigeons between 0-100yds. I'd be willing to hunt with it to 150yds or so. But primarily its for a plinking, training, and just in case role. I tried a tandem magnifier with it, but didn't care for it. I do like that the irons can stay on the gun and nothing has to be removed to use them.