So my eyesight keeps deteriorating and my astigmatism continues to get worse. I love my Aimpoint PRO on top of my primary home defense SBR, but it is getting to the point where I think it is time to switch all my optics to etched reticles.
Now the reason I am running an Aimpoint on my home defense rifle is because of the battery life and the proven reliability and its ability to take a beating in a package that costs $400. In switching over to etched reticle optics I know I have a few options including low power variables and prisms.
I have switched my other rifles over to High power variables and low power variables with others just running simple irons.
For a 10.3" HD rifle, I don't see a low power variables being a good option. This leaves me with 1x power prism scopes. There are a few options here, from decent manufacturers, however, they all seem to be made in China.
I don't have a problem with Chinese made optics per se. But, I do always tread with caution before jumping in. At the moment there are 1x prisms offered by Vortex, Burris, Primary Arms, Athlon, and Bushnell. I am really leary about trading an Aimpoint for a chinese made prism, but my eyesight is telling me it is time. I don't want to be a brand snob, nor do I want to discount a well made optic just because of the country of origin (not everything from China is crap...though most is).
My questions revolve around, the comparative ruggedness and reliability of these optics compared to my Aimpoints and my recently sold of Eotechs. I know that the etched reticles will be there no matter if there is power or not, but since it is a HD rifle and the possibility of night use, I would like to have usable illumination with a reasonable power reserve.
Have any of you made a similar jump?
Also, will all of these have enough eye relief for back up irons?