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4/13/2013 9:13:08 AM EDT
I'm currently torn between two scopes for my second AR build. I'm looking to build something that will be good for any type of combat from 50-500 yards. I love making longer range hits, but I don't want to sacrifice short range capability. My current setup is  a PSA 16'' M4 standard upper with a Vortex Sparc. It's easy enough to get combat effective hits out to 250, and anything inside of that is cake. This rifle is a little different.

Specs of the rifle -
PSA lower
PSA LPK
PSA Cold Hammer Forged FN barrel 16''
PSA SQR free-float 11'' rail system
BCM BCG
Undecided on BUIS

I can't decide between these two Primary Arms optics. One is a fixed 3x one is a fixed 6x

Links -
6x with ACSS
3x Compact

Pros of 3x-
Less magnification would be easier to use in CQB
BDC reticule out to 600 yards
Compact
Illuminated
Comes with a mount for the AR

Cons -
May not be enough magnification for accurate hits at 400+
ACSS reticule is more useful IMO

Pros of 6x-
ACSS reticule
More magnification makes the hits easier at longer ranges
illuminated
range estimator
wind and movement adjustments

Cons -
May be too much magnification inside 100 yards
larger and thus heavier
have to buy a mount on top of the price already

What do you guys think is the best and/or most versatile of the two choices?
4/14/2013 10:41:32 AM EDT
[#1]
50 to 500 yards is too broad for a fixed 3x/6x scope and a variable power scope would be a better IMO.

The 6x scope you mention has a 8.75' FOV at 50 yards; I would not participate is a gun battle with this scope at this range.  Probably not any range under 400-500 yards.  A fixed 6x is more of a shoot and scoot optic for me.

The 3x has twice the FOV at 50 yards 17.5'; but that is still bad.

A 1x-4x variable scope would be the best option with a 45' FOV at 50 yards on 1x (more if you keep both eyes open) and you can crank up the magnification for distant targets.  There are also 1-6x24s out there too.

I see you're focusing on Primary Arms; the reticule on their 1-4x24 is terrible.  The one on their 3x scope does not offer any ranging.  Their 6x reticule would be nice on their 3x and 1-4x24 scopes (Their 6x reticule is similar to the Leatherwood CMR/CMR4 reticule).

If you are dead set on a fixed power > 1x; you may want to consider mounting the rapid transition iron sights 45 degrees off to the side for close targets.
4/14/2013 10:59:13 AM EDT
[#2]
3x would be better all around for 50-500 yards IMO, but if it were me, I would buy a 1-4 or 1.5-6 power scope as it would be better suited to whatever range you were shooting at the particular moment.
4/14/2013 12:23:52 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
3x would be better all around for 50-500 yards IMO, but if it were me, I would buy a 1-4 or 1.5-6 power scope as it would be better suited to whatever range you were shooting at the particular moment.


Good suggestions here. (1-4 or 1.5-6).  A 1-4 suits an AR well, but since 50y is your minimum range, 1.5-6 is a great option.

Of the two fixed power choices, I'd go with the fixed 3x.  A good rifleman can get hits at 400 with irons so no excuses with 3x :)
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