Reconsidering the Elcan.

[falnovice]

Having decided to do something different this time around, as opposed to ACOGs or aimpoints, I find myself drawn to the variable scopes. However, I have to wonder if the Elcan SpectreDr might make sense again.
I looked at it a few years ago and dismissed it as being too heavy and far too expensive.
But when I consider the other options, aimpoints with magnifier or 1-4 scope the Elcan starts looking good again.
Weight? It appears that the other options with mounts are approaching the weight of the Elcan.
Price? The Elcan is friggin expensive, but the other options seem to be approaching that too.
My aimpoints have been incredibly tough, and I understand the Elcans are as well. I don't know how tough the 1-4 scopes are.
Am I missing something?
Is the formerly too expensive and too heavy Elcan an option again?

[Apricotshot]

The thing that gives me pause is the use of ARMS mounts to secure the sight to your rifle.

[falnovice]

Hmmmmm.
I am a little embarassed to say I forgot about the mount.
I sort of assumed they would have gone to something different.

Wonder if you can dummy up something else instead?

[a0cake]

With the numerous solid 1-4/6/8/10 options coming out from various manufacturers, the Elcan is no longer a viable or competitive option IMO, especially at its price point.

I've used issued Elcan 1-4's and 1.5-6's pretty extensively, tried to like them really hard, but always ended up swapping for a personal optic. Really not a fan to be honest.

But, as always, optics preferences are highly subjective and your mileage may vary. I'd just recommend looking elsewhere.

[TehLlama]

With the price of used S&B Short Dots already on LT/ADM/Bobro mounts coming into the same price range, I view that as no contest. The one chance I got to look at them side by side, the usability at 1x was night and day in favor of the S&B, and the FOV at 4x wasn't super impressive with either.

[Singlestack Wonder]

I for one like the Elcan. Either 1x or 4x. No in between (seldom if ever used on low power 1-4 or 1-6 variable scopes). No heavier than a scope plus a mount. The only issue is price and perhaps the ARMS mount (although current generation Elcans are available with newer style ARMS mounts).

The IOR Pitbull was potentially a winner but the 1st generation had poor daylight visible illumination. The current generation has great daylight visible illumination but IOR put a BDC reticle in it similar to the higher power scopes and the entire reticle is illuminated instead of just the dot.

I would like to see someone come out with a 1x/4x (no in between)optic with a simple dot or circle dot reticle (no BDC) WITH daylight visible illumination at a price range similar to the IOR Pitbull.

Of course I could live with a Nightforce 1-4x with FC2 if it had daytime visible illumination.

[Alaskapopo]

I for one like the Elcan. Either 1x or 4x. No in between (seldom if ever used on low power 1-4 or 1-6 variable scopes). No heavier than a scope plus a mount. The only issue is price and perhaps the ARMS mount (although current generation Elcans are available with newer style ARMS mounts).

The IOR Pitbull was potentially a winner but the 1st generation had poor daylight visible illumination. The current generation has great daylight visible illumination but IOR put a BDC reticle in it similar to the higher power scopes and the entire reticle is illuminated instead of just the dot.

I would like to see someone come out with a 1x/4x (no in between)optic with a simple dot or circle dot reticle (no BDC) WITH daylight visible illumination at a price range similar to the IOR Pitbull.

Of course I could live with a Nightforce 1-4x with FC2 if it had daytime visible illumination.

I use the in between powers quite a bit on my 1-6 Swarovski. It depends on the targets I am shooting at and the width of the array for field of view. My roommate has an ELcan and its a workable optic but I don't like the fact its only 1 or 4. Otherwise its a good scope. Don't care for the ARMS mounts however.
Pat

[Singlestack Wonder]

I use the in between powers quite a bit on my 1-6 Swarovski. It depends on the targets I am shooting at and the width of the array for field of view. My roommate has an ELcan and its a workable optic but I don't like the fact its only 1 or 4. Otherwise its a good scope. Don't care for the ARMS mounts however.
Pat

Different preferences for different operators.

[falnovice]

Thanks for the replies.*
My only real concern for 1-4x scopes is durability. They just don't appear to be as rugged as an Elcan or ACOG.*
I have never owned one, but I do have a varied of other rifle scopes that I use on my bolt guns. I can't say that even the best of them is really that tough.*


Sent from my iPhone

[jesuvuah]

Thanks for the replies.*
My only real concern for 1-4x scopes is durability. They just don't appear to be as rugged as an Elcan or ACOG.*
I have never owned one, but I do have a varied of other rifle scopes that I use on my bolt guns. I can't say that even the best of them is really that tough.*


Sent from my iPhone

I have the same feeling on my 1-4. It just does not seem as solid as an acog, but I do love the versatility.