Least Expensive 1-4x That's "Rugged Enough"?

[Tomac]

What's the least expensive 1-4x that might be considered rugged enough for SD or patrol/duty use? Thx!...
Tomac

[a0cake]

At $799, the SWFA SS 1-4 is what I consider to be the least expensive 1-4 that is rugged enough for serious duty use. Used one in Afghanistan with good success. It was not babied or just carried around the FOB. It took abuse. Only negative is short battery life on the illumination, but IMO the donut-dot reticle is useable without illumination. The only time I felt the need to use the illuminated reticle was during heavy rain, when the lenses got dirty / muddy.

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-1-4x24-Tacti...pe-P48362.aspx

[ryan]

At $799, the SWFA SS 1-4 is what I consider to be the least expensive 1-4 that is rugged enough for serious duty use.

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-1-4x24-Tacti...pe-P48362.aspx

Any reason your discounting the Leupold VX-R Patrol?

[a0cake]

Any reason your discounting the Leupold VX-R Patrol?

That's 1.25X rather than 1.1X on the bottom end, isn't it?

[ryan]

That's 1.25X rather than 1.1X on the bottom end, isn't it?

I dont know, thats why I asked you!

I was just looking at it as an upgrade from my VX-2 1-4, the price fits my budget and the scope fits my uses.

[lethal dose]

Tomac, my preference is the tr24. However, I don't recommend a 1-4 for HD. SD or patrol use is ok. I still believe an RDS is king inside 300m. Finding eye relief on a magnified optic while engaging from awkward positions can prove to be a challenge.

[a0cake]

I dont know, thats why I asked you!

I was just looking at it as an upgrade from my VX-2 1-4, the price fits my budget and the scope fits my uses.

It was kind of a rhetorical question.

The Leupold VX-R Patrol is a 1.25-4X and not a real 1.1-4X optic (an actual 1X where you can co-witness with irons is not currently possible with variable magnification optics).

I suspect this is how they're keeping the price down. This is why I didn't consider the optic when making the recommendation. In my view it's more of a hunting optic suffering an identity crisis.

If the extra .24X magnification is not a detriment for your purposes, then the Leupold is a fine optic. For most who want as close to a true 1X as possible, it doesn't fit the requirement.

[ryan]

It was kind of a rhetorical question.

The Leupold VX-R Patrol is a 1.25-4X and not a real 1.1-4X optic (an actual 1X where you can co-witness with irons is not currently possible with variable magnification optics).

I suspect this is how they're keeping the price down. This is why I didn't consider the optic when making the recommendation.

If the extra .24X magnification is not a detriment for your purposes, then the Leupold is a fine optic. For most who want as close to a true 1X as possible, it doesn't fit the requirement.

Gotcha, was wondering if there was any reason durability or functionality wise. True 1x isnt that important for me, its mostly a predator gun anyway. Thanks!

[Tomac]

Tomac, my preference is the tr24. However, I don't recommend a 1-4 for HD. SD or patrol use is ok. I still believe an RDS is king inside 300m. Finding eye relief on a magnified optic while engaging from awkward positions can prove to be a challenge.

I have another rifle w/an Aimpoint Micro for primary use, I'm exploring general-purpose possibilities for my 2nd rifle and want it rugged enough to survive some abuse.
Tomac

[lethal dose]

I think the trijicon tr24 will serve you well.