1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics (Read 24593 times)

drck1000

1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« on: May 18, 2018, 01:22:40 PM »
Starting to look at low powered variable optic for an AR. Mostly to try in a more precision rifle. Would be my first venture into this area. All my ARs have been irons or red dot. I have experience in 3-9x and higher power optics on bolt guns, but not on ARs.

Would like to keep in the $400-600 range, but I am open to more. I’d love to get an USO 1-8, but think that’s not realistic right now. I’ve wanted one of those for a while.

Right now looking at Vortex Strike Eagle, Primary Arms, and Burris. I’m also really interested in a Vortex Viper PST, but that’s a little expensive. I’d love to also have a Steiner or Vortex Razor, but I think those are a little outside the range right now.

I would like the 1x to be close to utility and forgiveness of eye relief of a red dot and decent clarity on the magnified end. Vortex Strike Eagle is probably the leader now, but I really am open.

stangzilla

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #1 on: May 18, 2018, 05:56:06 PM »
I have the PA 1-6 on one of my AR's and 2 PA prism scopes (3x and 5x) on 2 other AR's
I really like the PA optics.  price is not good.  works well.  reticle is very good.
I have a couple Vortex optics on my bolt action rifles, but not the ones you listed above.  I like Vortex too.

drck1000

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2018, 08:53:34 AM »
I have the PA 1-6 on one of my AR's and 2 PA prism scopes (3x and 5x) on 2 other AR's
I really like the PA optics.  price is not good.  works well.  reticle is very good.
I have a couple Vortex optics on my bolt action rifles, but not the ones you listed above.  I like Vortex too.
“Price is not good”? I thought the models I was looking at with the ACSS reticle were decently priced.

Been looking at higher priced scopes last night. Kept playing the “well if I’m gonna spend $500, what’s $700” kinda game. Think I’ll keep this under $1000, but then I’ll see a sale for something in the $1600 range for say $1200 and will tempt me. Haha

stangzilla

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2018, 02:29:13 PM »
Sorry, typo. Haha!
I meant price is very good.
 I didn't read my post after either.
Sorry about that.  :shaka:

Wake27

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2018, 11:02:27 PM »
How far are you looking to shoot with it? I’ve had the Steiner P4Xi for a little while now and it’s a solid optic, especially for the money, but it maxes out at 4x. I’d only ever shot dots so the Steiner was a cheapish proof of concept for me. But I really want the Razor HD in a Geissele mount, it’s possible I’ll have one at the end of the month if I find a good sale. I’ve seen plenty of used P4s and mounts going for under $600, so it may be worth considering. Less manginficantion but probably a better quality optic.

drck1000

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #5 on: May 20, 2018, 12:11:37 AM »
How far are you looking to shoot with it? I’ve had the Steiner P4Xi for a little while now and it’s a solid optic, especially for the money, but it maxes out at 4x. I’d only ever shot dots so the Steiner was a cheapish proof of concept for me. But I really want the Razor HD in a Geissele mount, it’s possible I’ll have one at the end of the month if I find a good sale. I’ve seen plenty of used P4s and mounts going for under $600, so it may be worth considering. Less manginficantion but probably a better quality optic.
Distance wise, I would say I’m looking for “help” in the 200-400 yard range, but realistically more precision in the 100-200 yard range than with a red dot.

I’ve shot a friend’s Accupoint 1-4x a little. I think they would be ok, but I was really wanting to try the 1-6x range, and 1-8x even more, but both as long as the price isn’t too bad and the 1x performance in terms of eye relief was similar to a red dot.

Yeah, I would love to have a Vortex Razor. But that price range also opens up to many other choices. I have a Viper PST on my 700, so I am really tempted to try the 1-6x PST.

Brownells has (or had) a sale on a Nikon 1-4x that got a decent review from Mrgunsngear for around $220 with a mount.

drck1000

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #6 on: June 07, 2018, 09:33:47 AM »
Brownells just listed a sale on the Vortex Strike Fire 1-8 with Brownells cantilever mount for $399. . . so tempting. . .

rklapp

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #7 on: June 07, 2018, 10:22:23 PM »
I have the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x on my AK. Works great at 50 yards...
Yahh! Freedom and justice shall always prevail over tyranny, Babysitter Girl!
https://ronsreloading.wordpress.com/

hojo808

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2018, 06:42:47 PM »
you can find vortex PST gen 2s on tacswap for around 550. thats the best deal you'll ever find.

also i have a vortex razor gen 2 1-6 thats amazing in every way besides weight.

hunta808

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« Reply #9 on: August 25, 2018, 09:03:21 PM »
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« Last Edit: March 09, 2020, 09:56:11 PM by hunta808 »

new guy

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #10 on: August 25, 2018, 11:15:14 PM »
Opticsplanet has a promo on the Razor Gen II-e, thru 08/31, that includes a $250 GC w/ purchase.

The Gen II-e is ~4oz lighter than the original Razor, so perhaps the $250 GC could be used to help defray the cost of a Scalarworks Leap/Mount (assumimg it becomes available thru Opticsplanet at some future date).

Based upon a similar situation, and based on similar purpose, I would consider the Razor II-e (21 oz w/o mount) or the Elcan Spectre DR 1-4.

Good luck on your decision, and let us know what you eventually decide upon!
Your mindset is your primary weapon. - Jeff Cooper

mangosteenqueen

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #11 on: August 28, 2018, 11:49:45 PM »
I bought a Primary arms 1-6x second focal plane (SFP) for $200 blemished and on sale.
If I were to change, I would’ve gone with the 1-6x acss raptor first focal plane (FFP) because the chevron in the reticle of the 1-6 SFP is a bit too small and the horseshoe around it is annoying.
The 1-6  raptor FFP shouldn’t be a problem (when zoomed all the way in and the chevron looks way more bigger and easier to use than the SFP( based on the pictures of the aces raptor FFP reticle in action at the range)
But $200 for a blemished 1-6 SFP that doesn’t look blemished at all, I can’t complain too much.

Also I wish I went with the Aero SPR profile scope mount instead of the extended profile. The eye relief is maybe too forgiving.

mangosteenqueen

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #12 on: August 28, 2018, 11:59:36 PM »
On another note, I was thinking about moving away from variable power optics. Lately I’ve been using a PA 2.5x prism with a macedon KRAM acog mount riser to accommodate my earmuffs and my helmet that was getting in the way of aiming, thus using a semi chin weld (jaw weld?).
So I was thinking about moving onto a fixed power 3x or 4x optic with a pistol red dot stacked on top of it like how you see some guys run acog a with a RMR on top.
Adjusting magnification on a scope doesn’t really fly with me as well as I’d like. A jaw/chin weld doesn’t bother me so much either.

Been trying to look for a Atibal MROC

hunta808

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« Reply #13 on: September 05, 2018, 09:37:53 PM »
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« Last Edit: March 09, 2020, 09:49:33 PM by hunta808 »

hunta808

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« Reply #14 on: September 05, 2018, 09:38:29 PM »
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« Last Edit: March 09, 2020, 09:49:22 PM by hunta808 »

cloggedpitot

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #15 on: September 07, 2018, 06:50:30 PM »
id highly recommend the Vortex Razor Gen II. Really really well made optic, though heavy. Insane customer service and the lifetime no questions asked warranty is untouched in the industry. I hemmed and hawed on the price but couldnt be happier that i bought one. Had it for several years now.

drck1000

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #16 on: September 12, 2018, 01:48:29 PM »
id highly recommend the Vortex Razor Gen II. Really really well made optic, though heavy. Insane customer service and the lifetime no questions asked warranty is untouched in the industry. I hemmed and hawed on the price but couldnt be happier that i bought one. Had it for several years now.
I'd love to try one of those.  I've heard excellent things about that model.  I really like the Viper PST that I have on my Rem 700.  Different line and different uses, but I continually hear great things about Vortex products.  Have been thinking of trying their UH-1 red dot. 

drck1000

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #17 on: March 11, 2019, 06:13:36 PM »
Been putting in a bunch of OT lately, so should have a good amount of “gun funds” coming in. Been looking seriously at a LPVO to try. So far, narrowed down to a few to research more:

1) Vortex Razor HD 1-6 Gen II E - Seems to be one of the best bang for the buck LPVO and has gone through a number of refinements and testing.

2) NF 1-8 NX8 - Little higher than I’d like to spend, but really like the features and the 8x high end.

3) USO 1-6 SVS - First offering after USO’s reboot. Seems like excellent features at a decent price.

mrxpensiv

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #18 on: March 12, 2019, 10:57:33 AM »
I have a Vortex VIPER PST GEN II 2-10X32 FFP that I'm looking to part with. Its unopened and has just been sitting in my safe. I know it might not be what you are looking for but its an option.

drck1000

Re: 1-8x (or 1-6x) Optics
« Reply #19 on: March 12, 2019, 11:05:02 AM »
I have a Vortex VIPER PST GEN II 2-10X32 FFP that I'm looking to part with. Its unopened and has just been sitting in my safe. I know it might not be what you are looking for but its an option.
Thanks for the offer, but looking to stay with 1x (or as close as can). I have a Viper PST FFP 4-16 on my Rem 700. Love that thing.