View Full Version : 1-4X scope recommendations
If this is a repost, call me out on it and post me a link.
Looking to pick up a 1-4X scope to throw on an AR. Maybe a 1-6X but most likely just a 1-4X. There are quite a few out there so I am not sure which ones are good and which ones to avoid. Not looking to spend a boat load if money but no going to buy some BSA type crap.
All thoughts and opinions welcomed.
Thanks.
TriggerHappy
01-29-2014, 21:59
I'm a fan of the Vortex pst's. They are solid and at a great price.
Burris Tac30 (about $300) or MTAC (about $400). If you want to step up, consider the Burris XTRII in 1-5 (about $800). Sure there are other options, but Burris has a great warranty, great glass, and better value than any other company in the sub $1000 range. Plus, they support the sport and they are in Colorado to boot.
I'm a fan of the Vortex pst's. They are solid and at a great price.
I like them too... I'm in the same boat of what I want to put on a few rifles.
Probably going to go with an red dot on one and a pst or two on the others
Sent by a free-range electronic weasel, with no sense of personal space.
I bought two of the PSTs. They're amazingly decent for the money.
Just picked up a tac30 and so far I love it. But I don't have anything to compare it against. Coat wise it's perfect for my needs, I had a Lt104 mount already and they work well with any optic. For $500 id go that route
Hmmm I am in the same boat and want to check out the Vortex PST...calling ArkTactical, you have any in stock?
The Burris MTAC is a pretty nice setup too as I have shot one of their higher magnification versions and the red reticle really jumps out at you.
Delfuego
01-29-2014, 22:22
I bought two of the PSTs. They're amazingly decent for the money.I thought you were keen on the Leather wood CMR? I was just looking at their CMR4 model.
I have been shopping 1-4 for a while. I sold my Tac30 (bad idea) and have been looking at the PST's and others. Bushnell has a new 1-4 but I have no first hand experience on them. The SWFA 1-4 is very nice but pricy.
I keep coming back to the MTAC/Tac30, maybe the reticle will grow on me. I know MarkCO swears by them (here and on brian enos), maybe he has an old demo I could get (hint...hint...)
I wish me Benny Hill Simmons never broke [Cry]
DocMedic
01-29-2014, 22:37
Lol, the first thing that should had been asked, How much you willing to pay?
SouthPaw
01-29-2014, 22:46
Tac30, MTAC or the older model LRS. Awesome scopes, love mine.
funkymonkey1111
01-29-2014, 23:14
Have you considered a fixed 2.5x?
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary-Arms-2-5X-Compact-Scope-PAC2-5X-p/pac2.5x.htm
Hmmm I am in the same boat and want to check out the Vortex PST...calling ArkTactical, you have any in stock?
The Burris MTAC is a pretty nice setup too as I have shot one of their higher magnification versions and the red reticle really jumps out at you.
None in stock but they're ordered. I would have to agree that the Vortex Viper PST 1-4 is an awesome scope. I like the Burris stuff a lot (and I carry those too) but I prefer the Vortex.
I only looked through the Leupold Mark AR (or something like that) at Cabela's and liked it alot. Nice turrets, glass appeared very nice. I didn't care for the inner reticle circle but other than that thought I may have to own one some day.
TheBelly
01-30-2014, 10:08
I have one of the Primary Arms 1-4x models and it runs just fine. It's pretty durable for a $120 optic. It's the one I loan out to those shooters who are local to me to see if they like the 1-4x concept before they drop several hundred dollars on something else.
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary-Arms-1-4X-24-Illuminated-Scope-PA14X-p/pa14x.htm
ChunkyMonkey
01-30-2014, 10:18
Fixed 4x acog?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Fixed 4x acog?
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Might be a bit more than I am willing to spend. It would be nice though. I love the ACOG.
I was hoping to spend around $500 ish for the optic and a mount.
I just picked up a Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x with the BTR-1illuminated reticle and I really like it. I purchased it from SWFA for only $230.
muddywings
01-30-2014, 11:13
I did a lot of research looking into this myself and for pricepoint/quality/reputation combo I went with the MTAC. I did upgrade the mount with a Warne SKEL though vs the standard burris as it looks heavy.
It's still sitting in the safe for now. My advice is only from my own research and not practical application.
I thought you were keen on the Leather wood CMR?
It's good in that price range. The Vortex is about $100 more. It's a $100 well spent, I think.
Anyone tried one of these Chinese Weavers? $176 through OpticsPlanet.
Weaver Kaspa-Z Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 1.5-6x 32mm Z-CIRT Reticle Matte
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/449264/weaver-kaspa-z-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-15-6x-32mm-z-cirt-reticle-matte
bigbubbaj
01-30-2014, 19:03
Leatherwood Hi Lux CMR with the burris pepr qd mount. heavy but I love it.
TriggerHappy
01-30-2014, 20:13
Vortex has a great warranty. Should be a "no questions asked" replacement. It's also nice to have a MOA/MOA or mil/mil option. I currently have a 2.5-10 and will own a few more in the future. Including a 1-4pst. I seem to like the price and features better than my expensive leupold mark 4...
Great-Kazoo
01-30-2014, 21:46
I have a LRS (burris) sitting on the shelf, if you'd like to road test one. PM me and i can drop it on the mail, as a Loaner. If you're nice, i might throw a buffer in gratis;)
I have a LRS (burris) sitting on the shelf, if you'd like to road test one. PM me and i can drop it on the mail, as a Loaner. If you're nice, i might throw a buffer in gratis;)
Thanks. I appreciate the offer. Think I'll just do a bit more research and then buy one.
[Awesom]
Burris or Vortex is great bang for the buck!
Fixed 4x acog?
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Might be a bit more than I am willing to spend. It would be nice though. I love the ACOG.
I was hoping to spend around $500 ish for the optic and a mount.
ACOGs are great but $$$$.
I have a TAC30, I like it so far but I'm only using it prone at the range, not humping it around bumping into things.
I find myself in the same boat suddenly. I've been shooting an EoTech, and doing quite well with it, but found myself craving just a bit of magnification at a 3-gun Sunday. So, that and I'm re-building an AR for the second time, 'cause I also found myself craving a couple more inches of heavier barrel for the long shot. So, looking like the Vortex 1-4. I thought of the Burris, but just can't get warm to the reticle.
funkymonkey1111
03-18-2014, 18:56
I also found myself craving a couple more inches .
That's what she said
Great-Kazoo
03-18-2014, 22:24
That's what she said
That was you, holding the camera!
See the link in my thread in the photo gallery. Dsgarms has an awesome deal on a vortex pst WITH ADM mount for the same price as 8th you were to buy just the optic anywhere else (maybe a little more).
Phillygunner
05-02-2014, 13:40
I have a Burris 1-4x24 MTAC. The scope is very clear. It has a very useful and user friendly cqb reticle. It's lighweight and practical for use out to about 600 yards.
good luck finding what you're looking for.
No opinions for the Leupold Mark AR in 1.5-4? Too pricey for what it is? You guys all prefer a true 1-4?
bellavite1
05-06-2014, 10:19
Shameless plug:
I have a Bushnell AR 1-4 for sale w/mount @ $!50.00
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/130771-FS-BUSHNELL-AR-1-4-X-24-BDC-RETICLE-150-00
It depends on what you are going to do with it.
If you are plinking, informal shooting, a 1.5-6, the Vortex PST, Nikons, etc are fine. If you must have speed for 3Gun or action rifle matches, the MTAC is a better choice until you get to about $800 or so. Fact is there are not a lot of people shooting 3Gun with their 3Gun scope and rifle. If you do, then the choice field narrows, if you don't, you have a lot more choices in the features and budget.
mtnrider
05-06-2014, 10:56
It depends on what you are going to do with it.
If you are plinking, informal shooting, a 1.5-6, the Vortex PST, Nikons, etc are fine. If you must have speed for 3Gun or action rifle matches, the MTAC is a better choice until you get to about $800 or so. Fact is there are not a lot of people shooting 3Gun with their 3Gun scope and rifle. If you do, then the choice field narrows, if you don't, you have a lot more choices in the features and budget.
^ This is spot on. I just went through the exercise of choosing a 1-4x. I wanted magnification but also wanted to retain the ability for quick target acquisition at close range like a traditional red dot.
I looked at (and through) every one in the sub $800 range and ended up with the MTAC. There were a couple that I liked the redical on a little better but the field of view and generous eye relief on the MTAC was the best.
It depends on what you are going to do with it.
If you are plinking, informal shooting, a 1.5-6, the Vortex PST, Nikons, etc are fine. If you must have speed for 3Gun or action rifle matches, the MTAC is a better choice until you get to about $800 or so. Fact is there are not a lot of people shooting 3Gun with their 3Gun scope and rifle. If you do, then the choice field narrows, if you don't, you have a lot more choices in the features and budget.
I STRONGLY agree with this, too. There's a huge difference between an optic review from somebody competing (or actually putting their life on the line) and somebody taking their rifle to a static range for some recreational plinking. While they're both perfectly valid viewpoints they shouldn't be put side by side.
On topic I have been using a Burris XTR 1-4 on a LaRue mount for many years in 3-gun and have been happy. If I was shopping today I'd probably go for the MTAC for the "lower budget but still good" end of the spectrum.
Great-Kazoo
05-06-2014, 15:27
On topic I have been using a Burris XTR 1-4 on a LaRue mount for many years in 3-gun and have been happy. If I was shopping today I'd probably go for the MTAC for the "lower budget but still good" end of the spectrum.
The XTR has better eye acquisition. The spouse has the MTAC i have the XTR. She "thinks" the xtr is going to magically appear on her sbr, soon. [ROFL2]
Um, it will, when she upgrades you to an XTRII. [ROFL2]
beast556
05-08-2014, 12:38
My vote goes to the leupold mark ar. Super nice glass and top quality, plus its american made.
JohnnyEgo
05-10-2014, 00:30
It's out of your price range, but I really like the Trijicon AccuPoint, and feel it is underrated. I have the Burris MTAC calibrated for .308 sitting on a Ruger GSR. I'm ambivalent about it. Does it's job, but the illumination has been a little wonky and the large outer circle really blocks a fair amount of target at distance. I've never found the best of all worlds, but for cheap/expedient/flexible, I have a lot of EOTechs and one Aimpoint Magnifier that I bolt on when I might need a little more distance.
My vote goes to the leupold mark ar. Super nice glass and top quality, plus its american made.
+1 on Mrk AR. I typically run an EOTech but I pop it off an put on the Mark with the SPR Firedot when I want magnification.
I just bought a used Mark AR in an ADM, I've liked the Leupold 1.5-4 the first looked through it. I just didn't care for some of the heavier reticles on some of the other scopes. Being red/green colorblind the red in some scopes just doesn't work for me but the Leupold is green (almost white to me) and can adjust to be very bright, very easy to pick up.
I now get the 1x by 1.5x argument, It's not as fast as a typical red dot both eye's open optic, but maybe with practice...
My other little pissy gripe is I didn't like is the intensity button, I'd rather it turned instead of having a push button, doesn't seem as handy. Otherwise I think I'll be happy with it.
I am looking for a new optic too, and looked at the Mark AR, VX-R, Vortex PST, and TAC30.
I find that with a 1.5x magnification like on the Mark AR my eyes strugle to focus through the optic. The 1.25x low end magnification worked with my eyes.
Can anyone tell me how the MTAC compares to the VX-R? I found the VX-R a bit clearer optically than the TAC30, Cabelas did not have a MTAC to look at. The VX-R had the red dot going for it and the fine reticle. The TAC30/MTAC reticle was a bit busy. I don't recall how the Vortex compared optically to the others, but I found the scope heavy and clunky.
Is the $200 premium of the VX-R bringing much better glass? Any other options?
Vanniek71
08-18-2014, 19:53
I just picked up a Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24 for a good price. Like it so far and it is set up for .223 windage and drop. Not the best by any means but I am pretty happy with what I got for $120
I don't thing the VX-R has better glass than the MTAC. I just got back from the CTC #MG3I and used the 1-4 MTAC on my 16" AR. I have tried a lot of optics in low/no light and the MTAC is a great optic for those conditions.
For my main match 3Gun rifle, I am running the new Burris XTRII, yep, it is more scratch than the ones you have been looking at, but if the features appeal to you, it is a great choice with phenomenal glass. Comparing it to optics at twice its price is a fair test for the XTRIIs...they are that good.
BuffCyclist
08-19-2014, 09:33
I just picked up a Leatherwood Hi-Lux CMR4 (new version) 1-4x, green illumination, mil-rad reticle with 0.1mil clicks.
Haven't shot it that much yet, but I already love this thing! It is by no means a true 1x, but if I had to guess, I'd say its around 1.1-1.25x. Still very easy to look through with both eyes open.
strm_trpr
08-21-2014, 17:29
I too just picked up a Leupold Mk AR mod 1 1.5-4 with the firedot, I threw it on an ADM mount and it is perfect on my 16 inch middy.
I like my leupold 1-6 with firedot, but a bit above the suggested price range. How about the Mueller Speed Dot? It has received good reviews on various gun sites, but rarely get mentioned. I plan to pick one up and try it on my AK.
This:
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-spitfire-3x-prism-scope-with-ebr-556b-moa-reticle
Better than the ACOG I had.
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