Best Optic, 1x4 or 3x9-40 with Offset Red Dot

[kenndapp]

I've found that tech specs do a fairly poor job of representing the actual use of the optic. I default my optic to 1x until I need magnification, and at that point, eye-box isn't too much of an issue. Then again, I can tell in a few minuted of handling if the optic is going to be something I want to work with or not. There are a lot more optics that don't meet my preferences than those that do. I feel your pain on not wanting to drop a lot of cash on something that isn't going to work for you. I invested a significant amount of money into a PR 1.1-8, only to find out that it was not suited for my application.

As far as the VX-6 goes, the reticle is not what I want and reported issues with image turned me off. Much like your position, I did not want to waste my time or money on it.

Unitl I have my own Mk6 to shake out, my current recommendation for a 1-6x is the Z6i.

f2s.... can you take a moment and share what you found disappointing about the new premier 1-8x? i have been mulling over the idea of dropping the coin for my next build.i used the premier 3-15x for a while and was impressed with that. admittedly, all i have seen of the new premier has been youtube videos and google images of the dot and reticle. the little i have seen seems impressive. aimpoint like qualities on 1x with ability to go all the way to 8x. what was missing?

[Failure2Stop]

f2s.... can you take a moment and share what you found disappointing about the new premier 1-8x? i have been mulling over the idea of dropping the coin for my next build.i used the premier 3-15x for a while and was impressed with that. admittedly, all i have seen of the new premier has been youtube videos and google images of the dot and reticle. the little i have seen seems impressive. aimpoint like qualities on 1x with ability to go all the way to 8x. what was missing?

The PR was essentially vaporware, though a few were released.
Mine had parallax issues, was victim of weird mount requirements due to the forward placement of the erector housing, and was heavy.
There were some cool things about the optic, but it just wasn't worth the footprint and weight on a 5.56 gun for my use.
I did little updates/thoughts along the way, I'll see if I can dig up the thread though I know it's on my webiste (unless my f*****g web geek f****d it up again...).

To be completely frank, the Leupold Mk6 1-6 and Swarovski Z6i 1-6 are the current best of the breed in low powered variables.

[kenndapp]

The PR was essentially vaporware, though a few were released.
Mine had parallax issues, was victim of weird mount requirements due to the forward placement of the erector housing, and was heavy.
There were some cool things about the optic, but it just wasn't worth the footprint and weight on a 5.56 gun for my use.
I did little updates/thoughts along the way, I'll see if I can dig up the thread though I know it's on my webiste (unless my f*****g web geek f****d it up again...).

To be completely frank, the Leupold Mk6 1-6 and Swarovski Z6i 1-6 are the current best of the breed in low powered variables.

man, that is disappointing. the pr 1-8x is one of those things i have built up in my head as "this is going to be the be all end all optic for me. this is it. its here." even though i haven't even held one my hands yet. i am sad to hear it wasn't up to snuff. i know what you mean about the weight though. the 34mm 3-15x was kind of a buzz kill in that regard as well.

[Failure2Stop]

Here's the thread:
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=85080