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Posted: 3/24/2015 10:39:35 PM EDT
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I am almost done with my "BCM/MAGPUL" rifle.
started with a complete 16" bhf BCM recce upper. got on the free BCG/ comp deal. Added the gunfighter Mod3 CH. the lower is finished with magpul stock, grips, backup sights, enhanced trigger guard, sling. Trying to decide on which optic to go with. Hard to decide w/o checking both in person, but have not been able to find place that carries both. Choices: 1. Leupold 1.25-4x20 VX-R Patrol 2. Vortex 1-4x24 Viper PST what say you? |
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This is only my opinion but....neither. ;)
Ok, in all seriousness I would go with the Leupold VX-R between those two. I have a Mark4 1.5-5x20 on a RRA and I love it. If I ever had to decide between a Leupold and a Vortex I would pick the Leupold though so my opinion might be too "one-sided". I just think that Leupold makes a better scope hands down. I also say this because I have a Viper PST 4-16x50 on my 6.8 and have been pretty unhappy with it. The glass is cloudy and blurry on 16 power and the power selector ring turns VERY hard. I sent it to Vortex and it's a little better. So again, that's just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth to you. Both are nice scopes but I believe the Leupold is better. You really should look through them both before you buy too. Good luck to you on your purchase! |
| Both manufacturers make products that are all over the board in terms of quality. While they both make lines that are top notch, they have not devoted themselves to quality like other companies have, even though their higher end products command premium prices. My gut tells me to avoid such companies because they are obviously profit motivated, while other companies are self motivated to make the best quality they can. Of course I'm talking about companies like US Optics, Schmidt and Bender, Aimpoint, Trijicon, etc. On the other hand, Leupold does have a pretty solid rep, and they have been used for years by various military units. |
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The motion activated Firedot in the SPR reticle of the Leupold is amazing technology. Get the Patrol. I have the 3-9x40mm version. The optical quality is very high for scopes in the $600 range, falling close to VX-3 on Leupold's scale. The Firedot is fiber optic tube fed, very true red, completely round, and has intensity settings from bedroom night time low to full noon day intensely bright. The motion activation creates an always ready state, like an Aimpoint. It comes on automatically when you pick up the rifle. It powers down if the rifle is completely still for five minutes, then reactivates when you move the rifle, remembering its last setting. It is only .3mil in diameter, about 1MOA, so it allows precise shot placement, but is still quite visible. You can turn it completely off for transport or for daytime shooting when not needed. The motion detection extends battery life, typically for years. I am approaching three years now on the original battery.
It seems particularly good in low light situations. In fairness, the turrets could be a bit "mushy" feeling, but they are dead on accurate, calibrated in mils with .1mil per click. The SPR reticle is very effective for rapid target acquisition. I which it had more intermediate milrad elevation subtensions, though, like the TMR on mine. if I recall, they are only at 2.5 mil points. But, unless you intend to do a lot of very long distance shooting (not common with a 4x scope) you would not need a mildot type reticle. The SPR is probably better suited for the duty the scope will likely perform, and the hold over points are well thought out for a 50/200 yard zero. Build quality is excellent. I'm just not hearing of warranty claims on the VX-R line. Very stout 30mm main tube. Not Mark 4, rugged, but I doubt that there are any field conditions that I will ever encounter where I would fear for it to handle. This is a great scope at $550-600. If you get it, spring for the screw in Alumina lens caps. They fold flat against the top of the scope when opened. |
| if you dont care about fine line <1moa reticle, want to be able to see the illumination in bright daylight, and have fast target acquisition; then get Burris MTAC 1-4. Im a 300 max, mostly 0-100, and its perfect. At 14 oz, and a aero lightweight mount, its GTG! Found it new for $300 |
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I would\did get the viper over the patrol. The patrol is nice for sure but I just slightly preffered the viper and the true 1x made it a nobrainer. They are both real nice though so get whichever draws you in more. You won't be disappointed either way. The glass on both is really good for the price and seemed about equal.
The viper isn't daylight bright in the most intense light but is damn bright and the whole reticle lights up, also has a zero stop. The leupold has the really cool motion activation. |
About a year ago I had the same question. I ended up going with the Viper PST and have no complaints. They are both great scopes I just preferred the reticle on the Vortex and the 1x. A lot of people will bash the viper and say the reticle is too small, if you adjust the focus on the scope to your eye, the reticle will actually appear larger.
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Quoted:
I am almost done with my "BCM/MAGPUL" rifle. started with a complete 16" bhf BCM recce upper. got on the free BCG/ comp deal. Added the gunfighter Mod3 CH. the lower is finished with magpul stock, grips, backup sights, enhanced trigger guard, sling. Trying to decide on which optic to go with. Hard to decide w/o checking both in person, but have not been able to find place that carries both. Choices: 1. Leupold 1.25-4x20 VX-R Patrol 2. Vortex 1-4x24 Viper PST what say you? VX-R is a little lighter |
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