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Optic for AR-10

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Jferguso View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jferguso Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Optic for AR-10
    Posted: March/08/2015 at 08:52

I am looking for a rugged optic for an LMT MWS.  I need some magnification (most of the time I will be shooting between 50 and 200 yds), but I also need to be able to dial back close to 1x and have quick sight acquisition for CQB.  Budget is under $1500, but preferably closer to $1000.  I have been looking at 1- scopes all night and have come up with the following list:

Nightforce NXS 1-4 ($1300)

Vortex Razor HD II 1-6 ($1400)

Bushnell SMRS 1-6.5 ($1100)

Burris Xtreme XTR II 1.5-8 ($1000)

Leupold VX-R 1.5-4 and 1.5-5 ($625 and $750)

SWFA SS HD 1-4 and 1-6 ($800 and $1000)

Are there any I should just discard for some reason?  I have never heard of SWFA so I don't know what kind of quality those are.  Some differences I have noted between models are that some of the scopes, namely the Bushnell and SWFA's, are FFP.  The Burris is DFP, and all others are second FP.  The FOV varies considerably, as does the amount of e/w adjustment.  Parallax for all units appears to be fixed.  Length is mostly similar, but weights vary from 11.5 ounces to 25.2.  I haven't even tried to wade through the different types of reticles at this point.  The NF seems overpriced for what it is, but I included it because I shoot a 5.5-22x56 NXS on my AI and am a big fan of that unit.  Any help with this project is appreciated.  


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3_tens Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/08/2015 at 11:08
I prefer the SS HD 1-6X24 over the SS HD 1-4.  It seems a little easier for me to get behind. The SS HD 1-6 mounted on the SWFA Precision Optic extended mount fits perfectly on my RR LAR-8 Predator.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/08/2015 at 14:31

I have the SS1-4 and like it allot, but see how the 1-6 would be better in several ways.


The the NXS is a good scope, worth the money, the SS options are also good. I have a Razor II - not the 1-6 - and like it allot, great optics, heavy though.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/09/2015 at 08:40
I have the SWFA SS 1-6X planned for my Wilson Combat 308 AR that is coming in.

Also looking at the IOR 1.5-8x26, which is on the high end of your budget at $1495.


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BeltFed View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/09/2015 at 09:28
For the FFP scopes the SWFA SS 1-6 would be my choice. For the SFP scopes the Vortex Razor 1-6 would be my pick on your list, but I have the IOR 1.5-8x26 and I love it, however with a 35mm tube it is a beast.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/09/2015 at 09:35
Originally posted by BeltFed BeltFed wrote:

...I have the IOR 1.5-8x26 and I love it, however with a 35mm tube it is a beast.

How so?  Weight doesn't seem much more than the SS 1-6X.  It is just girth/balance?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/09/2015 at 10:08
In the end, it will come down to whether you like the 1X view of the FFP, or the 6X view - or if you want the always-the-same view offered by a SFP scope.

I like the 1X view of my SS1-4, but it isn't a red dot-like view. Additionally, the reticle is nice at full power for doping the reticle rather than the turret.

At what will you be shooting?  And at what range will you be zeroing?

For a non-precision rifle being used inside 200 yards, I much prefer an Aimpoint.  At 200 yards, a 2MOA dot will cover 4 inches of target, but in most applications, that isn't a problem.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/09/2015 at 10:15
Originally posted by Marine24 Marine24 wrote:

Originally posted by BeltFed BeltFed wrote:

...I have the IOR 1.5-8x26 and I love it, however with a 35mm tube it is a beast.

How so?  Weight doesn't seem much more than the SS 1-6X.  It is just girth/balance?

The SWFA is a FFP; the IOR is SFP, so that's an apples to oranges comparison. The IOR is a big heavy scope, that doesn't mean it's a bad scope. It's a tank, and tanks are nice things to have when you need them, but if weight is an issue.............
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Marine24 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/09/2015 at 11:06
Tru Dat.  If FFP vs SFP is a major factor, the choice is simplified.  Weight for both scopes come in a 20.8 oz on the IOR according to their website and 22.4 oz for the SWFA.  Neither scopes are dainty and if weight is a concern, the VX-R models are a good option if a SFP scope is acceptable.

RC:  My objective is to hit steel out to 100-600 yards and as a pig/predator rifle.  The SWFA 1-6X is well suited for those purpose, but looking at IOR 1.5-8X, 1-10X and March's 1-10X offerings for a little more magnification.  Weight on the IORs and March's SFP design are detractors for me.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/09/2015 at 12:19
My 308 AR wears a 2.5-10x42 Nightforce and a Peq15, it is good for anything from point blank to about 800 yards (though has no ass at 800 yards.)  If shooting piggies at longish ranges, yes, magnification will help.  If shooting pigs and steel at 200 yards, a red dot would be my choice - unless it is small steel, then a gasser wouldn't be my first choice.

That said, I also like offset red dots on higher mag scopes, then you get the best of both worlds. If true point-blank to 500-ish yards for an AR, my favorite setup is a 3-9SS with an offset red dot, usually a Trijicon RMR or Burris fastfire.  The downside is bulk and more stuff to fail, the upside is genuine coverage from muzzle to 500 or so yards without excessive adjustment and headache and time.

For a 200 yard gun, sure, 1-4 or 1-6, and set the gun up for the shots it will be called on to take.  DO NOT set up a 1,000 yard gun that will shoot most often at 100 yards.
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