Leupold 1x14 Tactical Prismatic Rifle Scope?

[jmart]

This has been an interesting thread. One of these days I might pull thr trigger on a Prismatic, I've had me eye on them for quite awhile.

I certainly agree, these wouldn't be my first choice for a job that required constant patrolling after dark, the battery life isse would be a deal breaker. But for a civilian who uses his AR at the range and for defense where illumination requirements (if applicable) after dark would range in minutes to tens-of-minutes, this isn't a huge issue. Especially when the intensity level required when it's dark is very low, and the units get a couple of hundred hours at that level.

What this thread really is a debate about IMHO is whether or not illumination is a requirement on a battle optic. Is it necessary for the reticule to always be illuminated so that it "pops" and stands out to the user?

In the cases where a reticule is simply a dot, then probably so. In cases where you have a reticule consisting of a plex or multiple concentric circles, maybe not so much. But I can see for the illuminated reticule crowd, how if you buy into that, then logically you'd insist on long duration and reliable illumination, and that's why Aimpoints would be a no-brainer selection over a Prismatic. But if you fall into the "I only need illumination in selected scenarios" crowd, then the Prismatic becomes an attractive alternative, and the glass quality factor and reticule sharpness advantages may sway you.

As others have said, it's just another option. Evaluate your requirements, score the features/benefits of each option, and select accordingly.

[Tokarev]

One potential benefit to the removable illumination module is that it can be detached without taking the optic off the rifle. If the module craps out, it could be replaced without returning the entire optic to the factory.


Kyle Lamb running the Prismatic on his 396 drill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH5grmELZw4&feature=plcp

[Canonshooter]

One potential benefit to the removable illumination module is that it can be detached without taking the optic off the rifle.

You can use the Prismatic without it entirely, and the optic remains fully sealed/waterproof.

Kyle Lamb running the Prismatic on his 396 drill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH5grmELZw4&feature=plcp

Obviously Kyle isn't a "serious user" either.

[ChocLab]

I got rid of mine for several reasons (tunneling at different angles of view, poor battery life (and while the black reticle is visible, it is still all but invisible when looking into dark backgounds even in daylight)).

For someone who only owns RDS like me, wouldn't these same things apply to all 1x4 scopes? Except maybe the TR24s because of the method of illumination of the reticle.

I am having a hard time weighing both sides of the argument how the prismatic differs than a 1x4 set on 1x.

I have put off going to scopes to rather 'just shoot the gun' but would look forward to F2S test since he is an admitted favorable user of 1x4 etc

[Canonshooter]

For someone who only owns RDS like me, wouldn't these same things apply to all 1x4 scopes? Except maybe the TR24s because of the method of illumination of the reticle.

I am having a hard time weighing both sides of the argument how the prismatic differs than a 1x4 set on 1x.

I have put off going to scopes to rather 'just shoot the gun' but would look forward to F2S test since he is an admitted favorable user of 1x4 etc

If you can live with the extra weight, cost and bulk (and the need to manually turn on reticle illumination as needed), and value the utility of an optic that can be used without a battery, the 1-4/6/8X scope seems to be the top choice for a rifle that may be used to engage targets at any distance.

If your primary concern is CQC in any kind of lighting conditions and don't mind being 100% dependent on batteries/electronics, an "always on" RDS remains king.

If you're interested in a compromise solution between the two above, the Prismatic may fit the bill for you.

[Tokarev]

Finally, with the advancements in variable scopes, I see the 1X optic as an evolutionary dead end.

This would certainly seem to be true. Same goes for the 3x and 4x options on the market. I have to wonder why Leupold has introduced the HAMR in a fixed power format rather than making a similar optic with a variable power option.

[Canonshooter]

If you are using a 1-4X scope, how often do you set it at (for example) 2.4X?

At least in my case, all I need is the 1X and the 4X, and could live without else everything in between. The Elcan and Pitbull optics offer this and IMO makes more sense than infinitely variable scopes - especially if the transition between the settings is faster and easier than having to turn a stiff power ring 90 to 120 degrees.

Wouldn't it be nice to have an easily settable 1/3/6/10X scope with the recticle illumination battery life, weight and size of an Aimpoint T1?

[Tokarev]

Wouldn't it be nice to have a 1-10X scope with the reticule illumination battery life, weight and size of an Aimpoint T1?

With the field of view of a drinking straw....

[ChocLab]

.......

[Singlestack Wonder]

You can use the Prismatic without it entirely, and the optic remains fully sealed/waterproof.



Obviously Kyle isn't a "serious user" either.

Trying out a product is far different from having 110% confidence in real world, SHTF situations. Please find a military unit, swat, or private contractor company with men in the sandbox using the Leuplod prismatic as an issued unit, then your reference would have merit. Until then, it's just a fanboy favorite, turkey hunting optic, or perhaps oddity.

With that said, if someone likes it and uses it for non-critical use such as ipsc matches, have fun.