Selecting optics for an EMC

[fnforme]

I recently purchased another member's "Poor Man's EMC"...which is basically a KAC/Noveske EMC clone (has the 16" dimpled barrel). Right now all it has is KAC iron sights and I'd like to mount a variable optic that I can use for a variety of situations. I likely will not be using this rifle for a carbine course, as I'd prefer to run in a 5.56 in such a setting. I'd like to be able to make shots with reasonable accuracy from contact distance to 600 yards (that's the furthest range distance I have easy access to). I definitely don't intend for this gun to fulfill a benchrest style role but I also don't want to miss out on the incredible accuracy potential. Range markers /holdover markings would be nice or maybe I should go with a mildot system that illuminates? I'd like to keep bulk and weight down since this is a lightweight package.

I'm stuck between something in the 1-4x range like a TR24G (but that's probably not the best reticle pattern for my intended uses) or I may also consider a 2.5-10x NXS. I feel something in between these two options might be a reasonable compromise. What would you choose? I'd prefer to keep the cost below $800, but around $1200 is as much as I can possibly devote to this.

[KevinB]

Leupold's 1.1-6x should be out sooner than later - and the price is supposed to be in the 800-1200 range.

[GlockWRX]

Leupold's 1.1-6x should be out sooner than later - and the price is supposed to be in the 800-1200 range.

That sounds interesting. Any word on reticles, turrets, etc.?

[motorwerks]

I pretty much built a similar gun and I ended up going with a Bushnell Elite 3200 10x 40mm. I haven't read anything bad about it, and it seems like the perfect scope for me at least. It was inexpensive at $219 but the build quality seems really good. I figure Ill learn to use mil-dot with this and then if I need something longer or nicer this will go on my .223 gun (because it needs some nicer glass.

[krm375]

Leupold's 1.1-6x should be out sooner than later - and the price is supposed to be in the 800-1200 range.

Is this going to be based on the 1.1x8 CQBSS?

[GlockWRX]

Is this going to be based on the 1.1x8 CQBSS?

Highly doubtful if it's going to be $1200 or less. I'd guess it's based on the MR/T line.

I'd like to see something like the illuminated CMR2 reiticle but based on mil hash marks rather than caliber/load specific hash marks. Throw in the .1 mil turrets and it would be awesome for an SPR.

[HowardHatfield]

Consider looking at the Super Sniper 1-4x and the 3-9x.

Reasonable prices, and offer a good bit of performance. While of course they do not beat the several thousand dollar scopes, they perform better then many others in their price range.

[KevinB]

Its based on the new MkVI 1-6 errector lineup.
Its going to be cheaper due to volume, it will be released for the hunting market - as well as tactical versions.

The Army is looking for a 1.1-6 or 1.1-8x SCO (Squad Common Optic) in which everyone will have the same optic.
Volume for that optic will be 500,000+ optics for the .mil side and so Leupy knows they can make a excellent scope for cheaper due to the volume.

Leupy can built 10,000 scopes a day in their Plant -- the issue is obviously glass and other stuff drive some prices -- but the biggest issue with production is setups and volume of runs.

[krm375]

I think a 1.1x6 would be quite nice on an M4 and the 1.1x8 would go well with my EMC. I hope the 1.1x6 is as rugged as the MK 8

[fnforme]

Thanks for the info Kevin, that sounds like a perfect fit. Now the hard part is waiting....

[elephantrider]

If you are still open to the 1-4 option, and want something that is available now, you could go with the Vortex Viper PST 1-4. Seems like a great value and a good fit for this type of rifle.