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Posted: 1/7/2015 5:51:58 PM EDT
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Building a new AR15 and I am trying to decide on an optic. I want something with magnification and I am looking at a SWFA 1-4x24 Tactical, a Burris MTAC-30, a Primary Arms 1-6, and a Vortex Viper PST. All of them are between $300 and $500 dollars with Primary being the cheapest and the Vortex costing the most. My question is what one is the best bang for the buck? Should I FO in this price range or should I save for 6 more months and get one in the $1000 range. I really like the SWFA SS HD 1-6 Tactical. But I don't want to spend 1 grand.
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Take a look at the Leupold Mark AR 1.5-4x20 with Firedot SPR reticle at about $450. True milrad/milrad and motion activated reticle that comes on when you pick up the rifle and is ready 24/7 with no extra buttons to push (It can be manually powered down for transport).
At the $550-600 price point you can get the excellent VX-R Patrol 1.24-4x20 with better glass along with the Firedot illumination and 30mm main tube. I have the 3-9x40mm version of the Patrol for midrange work. Two things draw me to these scopes beyond the good glass and quality construction: (1) the amazing motion activated Firedot reticles, and (2) they are considerably lighter than their competition while retaining outstanding ruggedness. Model for model, many of the other scopes are 50% heavier than the Leupld.. Weight matters a lot to me. The Mark AR in that power range is only 9.6 ounces. The Patrol only 11.6. Compare this to the others you are looking at (14.1, 17, 17, and 16.2 ounces, respectviely). The Mark AR is featherweight in comparison. Those porky 16-17 ounce scopes are heavier than my 3-9x Patrol! Of course, the reputation of the company is based not only on quaility but also on its lifetime warranty and customer service. |
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In that range there will be some tradeoffs, take your time, decide what is important to you. I would be inclined to start deliberating between a PST 1x4 and a Leupold Mark AR 1.5x4.
Start by comparing the things that matter most: FOV, clarity, distortion, brightness, true 1x. Let your eyes make the decision. If the .2 seconds it takes to power up a scope is a deal breaker you need to consider that as well. I think target turrets on a 1x4 are senseless but I don't know everything. TTC |
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