1-4x CQB Functionality

[Zhivago99]

I'm looking at a 1-4x optic to mount on my LMT MWS and I'm hoping to gather real world experience.The two optics I'm looking at are the Leupold 1-4x VX-R Patrol and the SWFA SS HD 1-4x Tactical as seen in links below.

Leupold:
http://swfa.com/Leupold-125-4x20-VX-...pe-P49444.aspx

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

Which of these would function best in a red dot capacity at 1x while still being relatively precise at midrange distances on higher magnification? I discounted the Accupoint because the triangle reticle lacks any markings for range estimation though it seems more suited to 1x red dot duty.

[TomMcC]

The Leupold isn't a true 1X, that would make a big difference to me. You might want to consider the Accupoint German reticle with center dot, although it doesn't have any kind of BDC or mil-dots.

[Zhivago99]

The appeal of the Leupold to me is price and reviews saying the illumination is easily visible in daylight. While not a true 1x would it be impaired as a red dot in 20-75 yard ranges? As I understand it, the appeal of a true 1x is being able to keep both eyes open, right?

[SomeOtherGuy]

The SWFA 1-4x is in a class above the VX-R from what I've seen. Its illumination is at least as bright, probably brighter, it has a true 1x low end, and it's probably more rugged. The SWFA is probably the best 1-4x or similar scope under $1000. For a bit less money I also like the Weaver 1-5x models, the African / Dangerous Game model (no illumination) and the Tactical model (illumination and a slightly funky CIRT reticle).

The 1x scopes with a true 1x work well for close distance shooting - not quite as well as a red dot, but close enough for most purposes. The main drawback vs. an Aimpoint is needing to have your eye somewhat centered in the image and at a fairly specific distance from the tube for best sight picture, while with an Aimpoint as long as you can see the dot it doesn't matter how off-center you are or how far back your eye is from the scope.

With practice, most people can shoot with both eyes open even using magnifying scopes up into the 4x range - look up "Bindon aiming concept", then ignore all the hype that implies it only works with Trijicon products - it is a technique, not a technology. However, a true 1x makes it easier by letting both eyes work normally, instead of having your brain basically switch between them depending whether you are scanning or aiming.

[cop1211]

Take a look at the MEOPTA ZD, its a very nice 1-4 scope with an Aimpoint bright dot and bdc.

It's a scope that gets over looked but is better than the two you are looking at currently.

[Zhivago99]

Take a look at the MEOPTA ZD, its a very nice 1-4 scope with an Aimpoint bright dot and bdc.

It's a scope that gets over looked but is better than the two you are looking at currently.

It is indeed a very nice optic but the BDC is for 5.56 and this will be on a 7.62 MWS (not a huge deal for me) and the price is a bit higher than I was planning on (slightly bigger deal)

[jet66]

Take a look at the MEOPTA ZD, its a very nice 1-4 scope with an Aimpoint bright dot and bdc.

It's a scope that gets over looked but is better than the two you are looking at currently.

I was looking at the ZD when I went with the (T-reticle) SWFA. I only went with the latter because I was able to get in on a group buy, getting the scope, Bobro mount, caps, and cat-tail switch for about what the ZD cost by itself.

The SS works well for close-in shooting, no real complaints. (Works well for distance at 4X, of course.) I prefer an Aimpoint or EOTech for most of my shooting, as I don't use/need magnification very often. My wife now has the SS on her carbine and loves it for doing both RDS and magnified duty.

[Zhivago99]

I think my two chief concerns beyond price are daytime visible illumination and some form of BDC

[akrapovic]

I think my two chief concerns beyond price are daytime visible illumination and some form of BDC

The leupold vxr is a viable option for the money. It's red dot is visible in the daylight. As stated, not a true one power. I've cleared houses with one but in the end went back to a red dot bc it was quicker and more suited for what I was doing.

I've run a short dot and nxs in the past. NXS was not visible in daylight, but was a nice optic. Short dot was nice but mucho $.

In my humble opinion the leupold will be sufficient for your intended use.

[Zhivago99]

After doing some more thinking and research, and considering I intend to mount this optic on a 7.62 MWS which is capable of and deserving to be employed in longer range shooting, I am now leaning towards waiting for the SWFA 1-6x.

Am I incorrect in thinking that this would be better suited or is a 6x vs 4x max power kind of a moot point?