Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials. |
1-4x scope selection for 11.5" AR |
Post Reply |
Author | |
DamnYank!
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/01/2011 Location: East TN Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Posted: May/07/2018 at 14:31 |
I recently redid my 556 AR with a BCM 11.5 barrel and was leaning towards a 1-4 scope for it.
Usage will be mainly target and most often 200yds max distance. I'd like to keep it as light as possible within my price range (sub $500) I was looking at: Burris MTAC 1-4 - this is the lowest price of the group and for a LPVO I do like the idea of capped turrets vs exposed. SWFA 1-4 (non HD) - The SWFA fell in due to price, features, reviews, and me liking the SWFA 3-9 I already have. Middle priced. Leupold VXR Patrol - I've been leaning toward the Leupold due to its short length and low weight. Most expensive though. Thanks for any input!
|
|
koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13181 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
For 200 yard max distance you really do not need much in terms of complicated reticles, so simple is good.
Of your options, I'd be leaning toward the SWFA 1-4x24. If you like capped turrets, you should be looking at the RT-6 1-6x24. It is a better design than the 1-4x24 MTAC. Leupold is indeed the lightest and a very nice scope, but not true 1x on the low end, so that is something to consider. ILya
|
|
GiantGreg
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/22/2018 Status: Offline Points: 68 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I've got the SWFA 1-4x24 classic on my 300blk. Its got its strengths any weakness. I've handled the vx-r it seems nice, but not spent alot of time with it. If you price is sub 500, I'd hold out and buy this on sale https://swfa.com/steiner-1-4x24-p4xi-30mm-riflescope.html . A guy i work with alot has it. glass is notieably better than the other 2, his came with a throw lever option. TRUE 1x. Reticle is simple bdc. Daytime illum. Its a REALLY nice scope for the money at full price, and can be had for less than 500 if your paitent (swfa has a sale on blackfriday usually 8-10% off storewide) If i bought another 1-4 this would be it.
|
|
DamnYank!
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/01/2011 Location: East TN Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Thanks guys. I'm open to other options with consideration paid to my $500 max (prefer lower of course).
I don't really want to do a red dot / non-magnified and I'm wanting something better than the Primary Arms or Vortex Strike offerings.
|
|
Rancid Coolaid
MODERATOR Joined: January/19/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9318 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Damn, I was hoping the "1.5" wasn't a typo, I'd like to see that! And fired at night, preferably. On the optic, yours will be a 2 MOA gun at best, I'd say get a 2 MOA red dot and call it good. It'll be fast on target, and the lack of precision from the reticle will nicely match the lack of precision from your rifle. I have multiple 1-4s and 1-6s and even one 1X/4X (Elcan DR - which is awesome but not light or small) but, on the shorties, a 7.5 and a 10.5, I run red dots. If I need precision, that ain't the right tool for the job. Shorties have a place, and in my world, they benefit from very wide field of view optics with very quick engagement times and very good follow-up shot times. That screams red dot. In the $300 or so range, I've had great success with Burris Fastfire 3 (it isn't a combat optic, but you didn't say bombproof was needed) or an older aimpoint. Additionally, backup irons, always always always backup irons.
|
|
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn. Equality is something you whine about not being given. |
|
Rancid Coolaid
MODERATOR Joined: January/19/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9318 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Can you describe for me the circumstance where you need to put a precise round on target at 200 yards from an SBR (that is made for speed and maneuverability over precision and accuracy)? Get the optic that most fits the shot you will be taking, not the one-off you might one day take. Maybe that is a 1-4X for you. For me, it is consistently a red dot.
|
|
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn. Equality is something you whine about not being given. |
|
probably
Optics Apprentice Joined: June/01/2016 Location: Old America Status: Offline Points: 70 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I agree with RC. A PDW is made for rapid target acquisition at close range, possibly even on multiple targets. For that purpose, a red dot or Eotech is the way to go.
I have several AR's with 1-4 and 1-5 scopes. They are comparatively unwieldy and heavy compared to the more streamlined dot sights that I run on other rifles; they also take longer to acquire a target picture. A dot/EO is faster, more forgiving, and accurate enough for the weapon in question - with a 2 MOA dot, I can easily engage steel plates out to 300 yards. IMO The only pros of a scope on a PDW/SBR are that it is superior for hunting if you need to count points to see if the running buck is legal, or shooting at paper targets because of the magnification. And if I was going to do either of those things, I might not leave it on the rest of the time, but just have one pre-sighted in QD mounts to swap on for those special occasions.
|
|
DamnYank!
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/01/2011 Location: East TN Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Rancid, I cannot argue your points. I currently have a 2.5x PA prism scope on that build along with a Vortex Spitfire AR 1x prism on another AR pistol and a Burris FF3 in their AR mount on my AR9 pistol. I've tried the red dot with flip magnifier and not loved it. I may just be stupidly searching for magnification I don't really need. With an astigmatism though, any serious staring through a std red dot for long results in a lot of dot flaring for me...
|
|
supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
What barrel is on your BCM? If its one of their SS410 barrels thats handlapped its likely a shooter. Mine is 11.5 with that barrel and shoots sub moa. I have a 1-4x accupoint on mine and love that mag range. But my primary use is plinking and small game with a suppressor. But with that scope it fills the defensive role pretty well.
|
|
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.
"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
|
DamnYank!
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/01/2011 Location: East TN Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Barrel is their enhanced lightweight Mil-Spec 11595E - Barrel Steel (CMV).
|
|
supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
That one will be a 2 moa gun then. But, i am a big 1-4x fan and think one is fine on a SBR based on usage. I am not a huge red dot fan, i like a little mag. But my primary useage is plinking and hunting.
|
|
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.
"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
|
DamnYank!
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/01/2011 Location: East TN Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
PROBABLY no hunting for me, but paper and steel punching for sure. The MTAC 1-4 still kind of jumps out for price/weight/reticle (ballistic AR reticle) and capped turrets. The RT6 1-6 looks nice but available nowhere and a bit heavier.
I am thinking wise move would be to get it out to range with the PA 2.5X and the Vortex Spitfire AR 1x and see how accuracy / usage is. Then decide if putting a 1-4 Is still appealing. I appreciate the input and ideas fellas :) |
|
probably
Optics Apprentice Joined: June/01/2016 Location: Old America Status: Offline Points: 70 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Various other compact options for people with astigmatism:
1.The HAMR. it is very expensive but fairly compact. 2. an ACOG. I'd take one over a low power scope any day. 3. A used CQT would be about the same size as the VXR, and heavy; I personally did not like mine. 4. The Mark AR 1-4 would be suitable for target shooting, and is even smaller than the vxr 5. German military Hensoldt 4x Z 24. These used to be everywhere, and cheap. unfortunately the supply dried up and they became prohibitively expensive. I used to have one mounted on an ARMS mount on a flattop AR, and it worked well, except for the overly large reticle, which was more like an old Ajack than a new precision optic. 6. If 1.5x is enough, the Leupold prismatics are still out there (not a true 1x, and cannot be used with both eyes open).
Edited by probably - May/07/2018 at 22:55 |
|
DamnYank!
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/01/2011 Location: East TN Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
I'd looked at the Mark AR but I'd like illumination and $410ish is the lowest I'd found which makes a VXR not much more $$.
|
|
probably
Optics Apprentice Joined: June/01/2016 Location: Old America Status: Offline Points: 70 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
and just a thought, but as far as red dots and astigmatism, for target shooting many people pop up their rear BUIS and look through the aperture. that eliminates the starburst mirage and turns it into a nice small round dot again.
|
|
DamnYank!
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/01/2011 Location: East TN Status: Offline Points: 15 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Good tip, thx :)
|
|
ccoker
Optics Master Joined: February/13/2008 Location: Austin, TX Status: Offline Points: 2041 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Steiner P4Xi
Damned nice 1-4 for a great price
|
|
www.TacticalGunReview.com
Pro Staff - Silencer Shop http://tacticalgunreview.com |
|
moose
Optics Apprentice Joined: October/19/2018 Location: NJ Status: Offline Points: 83 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Im running the 1X4 SWFA non hd on a 10/22 and it is a perfect match.The glass is very nice and i like the reticle, It is quick to get on target with and at 14oz it is light weight.
|
|
moose
Optics Apprentice Joined: October/19/2018 Location: NJ Status: Offline Points: 83 |
Post Options
Thanks(0)
|
Im waiting on black Friday sales to pick up another 1X4 SWFA.Hope they run a good sale on them.
|
|
Post Reply | |
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |