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Posted: 5/4/2016 11:07:35 PM EDT
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I have no idea what optic to pick up. Torn between a low budget RDS and a low budget 1-4x24. The models I've been entertaining are the PA advance micro, a Holosun circle dot, or something like the Bushnell AR223 FFP 1-4. I'm liking the idea of the flexibility of the 1-4, but there's added cost in a mount. Cost is a very big issue. Performance isn't really an issue as long as it's reliable given light use. I will be shooting occasionally for recreation. I may go deer hunting with some buddies, 150y and under. Probably more like 50y in the woods. I don't shoot much, so ch1nese glass is OK by me, and I probably couldn't tell the difference.
Would a1x4 be a better all around optic for someone who is not an avid enthusiast, or an RDS? Just assembled, waiting on the birdcage and aero grease for the barrel nut. 
CHAD |
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I would go for the 1x4 if you are ever thinking of using it for hunting. I am not sure of hunting laws in MO, but often red dots cannot be used for hunting. Just something to keep in mind. I have read through the regulations and did not see any reference to optics at all. Cartridges, but not optics. I will talk with my Dept of conservation friend. The thing that bothers me about scopes is the fish eye relief. In the $200 range I'm concerned that will be a nuisance. CHAD |
| Take a look at the Nikon P-223 fixed 3 power scope. For your shooting needs it will serve you very well. I would consider a set of OFFSET irons for close in targets. Or a set of normal irons and the scope in an inexpensive UTG quick detach mount. You can probably get the scope, irons, and the mount from Amazon for +/- $200. Check it out. |
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I'd go with the PA micro in that price range. Quoted:
I'd go with the PA micro in that price range. Yes it's been pretty well tested. Vortex has the better warranty, which is why I may lean toward Vortex. Quoted:
Take a look at the Nikon P-223 fixed 3 power scope. For your shooting needs it will serve you very well. I would consider a set of OFFSET irons for close in targets. Or a set of normal irons and the scope in an inexpensive UTG quick detach mount. You can probably get the scope, irons, and the mount from Amazon for +/- $200. Check it out. Ok. Nikon also makes a P-223 1.5-4.5x20 power scope. I read somewhere that all of Nikon is made in Japan, assembled in the Phillipines. Any idea if that's true? Quoted:
The Weaver 1-3x20 is also an inexpensive lightweight option It's now on the list, thanks! CHAD |
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Yes it's been pretty well tested. Vortex has the better warranty, which is why I may lean toward Vortex. Ok. Nikon also makes a P-223 1.5-4.5x20 power scope. I read somewhere that all of Nikon is made in Japan, assembled in the Phillipines. Any idea if that's true? It's now on the list, thanks! CHAD Quoted:
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I'd go with the PA micro in that price range. Yes it's been pretty well tested. Vortex has the better warranty, which is why I may lean toward Vortex. Quoted:
Take a look at the Nikon P-223 fixed 3 power scope. For your shooting needs it will serve you very well. I would consider a set of OFFSET irons for close in targets. Or a set of normal irons and the scope in an inexpensive UTG quick detach mount. You can probably get the scope, irons, and the mount from Amazon for +/- $200. Check it out. Ok. Nikon also makes a P-223 1.5-4.5x20 power scope. I read somewhere that all of Nikon is made in Japan, assembled in the Phillipines. Any idea if that's true? Quoted:
The Weaver 1-3x20 is also an inexpensive lightweight option It's now on the list, thanks! CHAD Nothing about the P-223 series is Japanese, other than the company name. But it is decent and inexpensive. The Weaver, at that price level, is not Japanese, to my knowledge, but has a little bit better glass. Be careful about the fixed power P-223 due to its unusually short main tube. This creates mounting challenges on an AR15 since most companies one piece cantilever mounts have ring spacing too far apart.. If you get it, be sure to use Nikon's own P rings, designed to work with it. I do not recommend cheap QD rings. You will not be happy with them if you tske the scope off very much. |
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If it is for self defense only you could do RDS.. But I think an illuminated scope is the most useful.
Love my 1.5-6 recce set-up which is very much like what you have there. Weight with the scope on it is not an issue, I can carry it all day long with no problem. Just hope I can get my groups tightened up to what they should be. |
| For informal/light duty range use, it doesn't really matter what type of optic you have -- you will have fun no matter what. Even irons would work just fine. And you are right that glass quality isn't a big concern, as that mainly comes into play in low light, with hard-to-spot targets, or extended distances. If there is the possibility of hunting, that would tip things in favor of something magnified. Glass quality is a lot more important for hunting, but it sounds like that role is more of an afterthought and this rifle's main use will be as a range toy. Still, you don't want a total piece of junk that is likely to break on you. For a decent Chinese made 1-4x, my main advice would be to avoid the real bottom of the barrel stuff like NcStar, UTG, and pretty much anything in the sub-$100 range. The ones others have recommended (Primary Arms, Weaver 1-3x, Nikon P223) are all good choices. As far as fish eye on low power, it isn't really that big of a deal. Even the real high dollar low power variables tend to have some distortion around the edges on 1x. On 1x, you usually shoot both eyes open and the reticle is superimposed on your non-scope eye's vision, so you don't really notice it. |
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For informal/light duty range use, it doesn't really matter what type of optic you have -- you will have fun no matter what. Even irons would work just fine. And you are right that glass quality isn't a big concern, as that mainly comes into play in low light, with hard-to-spot targets, or extended distances. If there is the possibility of hunting, that would tip things in favor of something magnified. Glass quality is a lot more important for hunting, but it sounds like that role is more of an afterthought and this rifle's main use will be as a range toy. Still, you don't want a total piece of junk that is likely to break on you. For a decent Chinese made 1-4x, my main advice would be to avoid the real bottom of the barrel stuff like NcStar, UTG, and pretty much anything in the sub-$100 range. The ones others have recommended (Primary Arms, Weaver 1-3x, Nikon P223) are all good choices. As far as fish eye on low power, it isn't really that big of a deal. Even the real high dollar low power variables tend to have some distortion around the edges on 1x. On 1x, you usually shoot both eyes open and the reticle is superimposed on your non-scope eye's vision, so you don't really notice it. Funny you mention NC star. I saw a torture test video yesterday where a guy a drove a truck back and forth over one on concrete and it still worked. Don't think the thought hadn't crossed my mind. But, I'll try to stay up near that $200 mark in quality, hopefully used - and for less. I will be watching the EE to see what comes available, which might help form my decision. I'm pre-shopping for a *hopeful* father's day gift to open in front of the kiddos. CHAD *edit: here's that video if you're super bored: https://youtu.be/Vt-wPpK-E_Y?t=2m26s |
| I have the Bushnell 1-4 scope you mention. I'm very happy with it, especially given the price. It's very clear, decent eye relief, and the illumination works well (but it's not as bright as a red dot). I have it in the Burris PEPR mount. It's a great budget combination and I highly recommend it. Drawback is weight, and it's not as "fast" as a red dot for quick target acquisition (read: home defense). There are lighter 1-4 scopes and lighter mounts, but you're saving an ounce or two - a red dot is significantly lighter. I keep the Bushnell on my 5.56 16" AR, and a Bushnell TRS25 red dot on my 9mm AR. I like them both - they each have their uses. |
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I would go for the 1x4 if you are ever thinking of using it for hunting. I am not sure of hunting laws in MO, but often red dots cannot be used for hunting. Just something to keep in mind. Got this note back from a buddy at the Missouri Department of Conservation: "Yes you can use any sight as long as it does not project a beam at/on the animal. So a simple red dot sight used on ARs or shotguns for quick target acquisition is fine. Just no lazer dots that actual show up on the target like you'd have on some handguns." CHAD |
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The only thing stopping me from jumping to a 1-6 is A. Durability. Just not as robust as a red dot. And B I love the field of view and eye relief of the red dot Field of view is the thing I'll have to overcome to get a scope. I may road trip to Cabelas. CHAD |
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The only thing stopping me from jumping to a 1-6 is A. Durability. Just not as robust as a red dot. And B I love the field of view and eye relief of the red dot Yeah but many 1-6x also have etched glass so if the batteries die or the emitter gives out you can still use it. We shall see about durability long term but based off the reviews I have nothing to worry about. If I decide to throw it into a brick wall and it breaks Vortex will fix it or send me another. |
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