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Choice for AR-15 / 50-250 yards

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jonbravado View Drop Down
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    Posted: September/27/2016 at 13:36
Howdy folks - long time no post.

I finally got around to building my first AR and want to put some decent glass on top.  Definitely leaning towards reticle instead of red-dot.  Want a multi-purpose for defense and varminting out to around 250 yards (or better) - low light handling is a plus.

I have it narrowed down to the Burris M-Tac and the SWFA (older ones) for this build.
My next build will have nicer everything - very interested in the SWFA HD's.

http://swfa.com/Burris-15-6x42-MTAC-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P53421.aspx

or

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-1-4x24-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P78365.aspx

questions are:

1. which one has better glass?  low-light performance and resolution?
2. Better dual purpose reticle (for close up and for reach out and touch)
3. I won't be clicking the windage/elevation after i sight it in for 100 or 200 yards, more than likely.

I know it won't be ideal for both applications, but am looking for a decent compromise one way or another.

Thanks in advance!

J
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/27/2016 at 14:40

Jon, if you are looking to replace at a later time with one of the SS HD scopes, you should give this one a try:

SPL22528 Leatherwood 1-4x24 CMR Tactical Rifle Scope DEMO-A


I've had one since 2010 and had it pretty much on every AR I own, including the NEMO Omen.  Low light performance is very good.  It has held up to everything I've thrown at it, and I've been rougher on this scope than any other I've owned. 








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sucker76 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sucker76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/27/2016 at 14:59
I can second the CMR4.  I love mine for the compact size and nice illuminated reticle.  It also has very good adjustment knobs.
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jonbravado View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonbravado Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/27/2016 at 15:12
I haven't given these a look - is the glass optically on-par with the other two?

It says multi-coated - not fully multi coated - In my past experience, there is a big difference.

Thanks for the input.

I will be keeping this scope on this particular rifle, so I don't want it just to get me by.  The HD one will go on my next build - which will be nicer all around.

J
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sucker76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/27/2016 at 15:18
I haven't looked through the SWFA 1-4. I have compared the Leatherwood and the Burris and preferred the CMR reticle better.  my application is different from yours.  Mine is on a 300BLK SBR so I wanted a reticle with more hold over.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/27/2016 at 15:32

Originally posted by jonbravado jonbravado wrote:

I haven't given these a look - is the glass optically on-par with the other two?

It says multi-coated - not fully multi coated - In my past experience, there is a big difference.

Thanks for the input.

I will be keeping this scope on this particular rifle, so I don't want it just to get me by.  The HD one will go on my next build - which will be nicer all around.

J

I've not picked up a SS1-4 in quite some time, but, yes, they were very close.   As I said, it performs extremely well in low light and I have used it in a number of low light situations.  I've shot varmints by the moon with it.  For me, it is a "keeper".  Otherwise I would not have swapped it around so much.  It is pretty much the first scope I put on an AR.  It has also been on several of my hunting rifles, my CZ700 and my CZ550 in 375 H&H.  It is now on a 5.56 and that is probably possibly where it will stay since the reticle is calibrated for 5.56.  Useable for other calibers, but takes some math and shooting... not tough, just tedious. 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/29/2016 at 18:15
In low light, the SSDM 1-4x24 is a touch better than the CMR4, but it is close.  Generally, if you are looking for a a 1-4x24 in the sub-$500 category, it really comes down to the two scope I already mentioned and the Vortex PST 1-4x24.  The choice between them really comes down to which reticle works best for your applicaiton.

SSDM is the quickest.

CMR4 has the most complicated reticle, but once you get used to it, you can do a lot with it.

Both designs have been extremely durable in my experience and performed well beyond what I expected based on their pricetags.

Now, if you are really particular about low light performance, these scope are quite good in low light, but larger objective lens designs do better, like the 1.5-6x42 Burris you mentioned above.

However, the Burris does not offer 1x on the bottom and is a fair bit bigger, so these are really not designed for the same use case and for the same customer.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/30/2016 at 08:30
I pretty much agree, except with the "SSDM is quickest".  The semi-circle/dot on the 14CMR is as fast as any reticle, to me, and easier to put "on target" than the quadrilateral/dot.  Zeroed for 300 yards it is as fast as anything I've used.  But I don't ever intend to shoot 5.56 beyond 500 (though the CMR is capable). 
In fairness, ILya has spent a lot more time with the SSDM, which probably frames his assessment.  Either will perform very well… spending the time to learn the scope will determine its utility to the user.   Though the 14CMR is tough, I would rate the SSDM as heavier duty.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/30/2016 at 09:20

Good to see you around jon.

I agree that a bigger objective would be better for low light. I like my 1-4x24 SS but it is not great in the lowest of shooting light, especially for varmints.

I would go with the Burris, for sure. I have a 1-6x40 Burris that works quite well in low light with a non-illuminated #4 reticle. Interestingly, when I look at the MTAC it looks very similar to my Steiner that has very good glass. Since the Steiner is made in Greeley, CO I am very curious. The Burris may be very, very good.


Doug
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jonbravado View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonbravado Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/03/2016 at 20:18
thanks guys. 

I pulled the trigger on the Leatherwood Hi Lux and will put it through some paces. 

will post pics and findings soon. Thanks for the input. 

J
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