Posted: 3/21/2014 5:51:27 AM EDT
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I have decided to go with a higher magnification inexpensive scope for pure accuracy testing of my AR15 at 100 yards and plinking at the range. I know a lot of people say not to spend less then $200 on a scope, but again this is just for testing accuracy/plinking, and it will allow me to save money for an ACOG/RMR combo. Both have basic crosshairs with a few BDC aiming points. ETA: Both are about $190 shipped without a mount. Nikon Prostaff 4-12x40  Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44  |
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They are both nice entry level scopes. Id go with which ever you could get the best price on. Cabelas often has a sale on Nikon stuff. Cabelas has this one. I have one and like it a lot. 3-12X40 and a BDC reticle Alpha series |
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You don't want the ACOG/RMR combo. It puts the dot up too high to really be of much use, and the ACOGs are easy enough to use with both eyes open for short range anyhow.
You want the 3x power ACOG anyhow. My favorite is the TA33G-H. Next, between your two choices it doesn't matter that much. The only difference to me is Vortex's lifetime warranty, which sways my choice in that direction. |
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I own both Nikon Prostaffs and a Vortex Crossfire2. For the money, it's hard to beat either one.
I voted Vortex, mainly because my last to purchases have been from them. To me, it seems like newer Prostaff models have more plastic parts (knobs and turret covers) than previously. This may not actually affect the quality, but my perceived value has gone down. |
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You can't beat Vortex' customer service, I broke a 1-4x24 Viper PST, running slammed the top turret going by some trees. Printed out the Vortex warranty form, (took literally 1min) and sent it off to them, had my scope back in 9 days, fully repaired.
Unlimited unconditional lifetime warranty regardless of what happened to the scope or who owns it. Can't really beat that. On a 1-10 I'd rate the glass an 8. My nikon prostaff 3-9 would also get an 8. My Zeiss 3-12x56mm Victory Diavari T* would get a 10, for comparison. ETA: When I broke the turret, the scope was sill 100% functional and held zero, and it was a pretty good lick. |
Like Leupold is in the Tier 1 bucket. lol|
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Nightforce or Leupold Tier 1 or nothing Nightforce is nice but you pay more for the durability/tracking and warranty (very similar to vortex) than actual glass quality. Depends on e Leupold. Some of their lower/mid range stuff seems to be pretty shoddy. Quality/Price, you'd be hard pressed to beat a Vortex, and the amazing warranty is just the icing on the cake. |
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Quoted: You don't want the ACOG/RMR combo. It puts the dot up too high to really be of much use, and the ACOGs are easy enough to use with both eyes open for short range anyhow. You want the 3x power ACOG anyhow. My favorite is the TA33G-H. Next, between your two choices it doesn't matter that much. The only difference to me is Vortex's lifetime warranty, which sways my choice in that direction. |
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Quoted: I own both Nikon Prostaffs and a Vortex Crossfire2. For the money, it's hard to beat either one. I voted Vortex, mainly because my last to purchases have been from them. To me, it seems like newer Prostaff models have more plastic parts (knobs and turret covers) than previously. This may not actually affect the quality, but my perceived value has gone down. |
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Nikon, only because I have never heard of one failing. That said, I'd buy another Viper over a Monarch any day (I have both). my neighbor has a vortex. during the first range trip trying to sight it in the redicle came loose somehow. it was fixed by vortex and the optic is nice. i love my nikon though. |
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Nikon , as stated above for the price point they have very nice products , For a little more money the Redfield would be a buy. For $400+ Leopold . Redfield is made in the same factory as Leupold. 
OP I have a few Nikons. I have made tons of great shots with them. I picked up the BDC one recently and put it on my Weatherby .308 Vanguard. I am hitting .5" right and .5" high cold bore shots at 200 yards and 300 yards. Nikon is GTG. |
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Quoted: I own one of each. I voted for Vortex simply because of their warranty service which is GREAT. Two years ago I damaged my Crossfire II and it was completely my fault. They replaced it in 10 days and sent me a cap!! (since then bought 2 more of their scopes) |
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Nikon, only because I have never heard of one failing. That said, I'd buy another Viper over a Monarch any day (I have both). I sold both my Monarchs to fund a Viper PST purchase. It was a very good choice too. I've never owned a prostaff or Crossfire, so I really can't recommend either. |
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The picture of the Nikon Prostaff is for the older model. The newer models are slightly better. With quick focus eyepiece and finger turn turrets. The older Prostaffs you needed a coin to adjust cross hairs. Since you said one of your uses was precision shooting I will say the standard cross hairs used on the ProStaffs, think it's call Nikoplex, even the one with the BDC, the cross hairs seem quite large. At 12 power you might be surprised how much of the target area is covered by the cross hairs.
My precision rig is a Nikon Monarch 6-24 x 50 w/fine cross hairs. The fine cross hairs make a huge difference at the target. I know that's more than you want to spend but something to think about anyway. Other than that I think the Nikons have good glass. Can't comment on the Vortex since I've never used one. |