Finding the perfect scope

[Tommy223]

I have been looking for the perfect scope for my AR. My eyes are not what they used to be, so I need a little more magnification then I used to. Will be used for shooting squeaks, diggers, coyotes, and paper mostly. I want it as short and light as possible. Do not want to mortgage the house so around $1000 or less, and prefer illumination. Been thinking
Leupold vxr 1-4
Leopold Vxr 2-7
Swfa 1-4
Vortex 1-4
The only one I have held is the vortex seemed nice just didn't like the reticle all that much. Just don't want to have buyers remorse on a purchase. I have read so much on all just seeing if anybody has any better suggestions are pro on 1 or the other. Thanks In Advance

[ra2bach]

SWFA is going to be shipping their 1-6 soon. I imagine there will be a whole bunch of 1-4 available for decent prices. these are excellent scopes. check the EE...

[ASH556]

Man, I've been through a pile of optics in the last 2 years. Rather than re-hash all that here, here's a link to my thread where some good questions were raised and answered: http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=120897

Since that thread, I've again made a change as I wasn't a total fan of the dual optic setup I had. Without an unlimited budget ($2,000 +) the do-all AR optic does not exist. There are trade-offs everywhere. You have to either spend $2K or decide what trade-offs you're willing to live with. For me, it came down to a Trijicon TA-11 ACOG. However, I also have another carbine setup differently that fills in the holes in the ACOG's capabilities, so that makes them easier to overlook.

It sounds like most of your shooting will be done with high precision from a static position. At that point, I would think size and weight are less important than magnification and glass quality. Just because its an AR doesn't mean you have to run "AR-style" glass on it. If your're statically shooting small, precision targets, a high-powered target/varmint scope might be the best solution for you.

[Tommy223]

Man, I've been through a pile of optics in the last 2 years. Rather than re-hash all that here, here's a link to my thread where some good questions were raised and answered: http://m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=120897

Since that thread, I've again made a change as I wasn't a total fan of the dual optic setup I had. Without an unlimited budget ($2,000 +) the do-all AR optic does not exist. There are trade-offs everywhere. You have to either spend $2K or decide what trade-offs you're willing to live with. For me, it came down to a Trijicon TA-11 ACOG. However, I also have another carbine setup differently that fills in the holes in the ACOG's capabilities, so that makes them easier to overlook.

It sounds like most of your shooting will be done with high precision from a static position. At that point, I would think size and weight are less important than magnification and glass quality. Just because its an AR doesn't mean you have to run "AR-style" glass on it. If your're statically shooting small, precision targets, a high-powered target/varmint scope might be the best solution for you.

I have a Vari x 3 4.5-14x50 sitting on it now just want a smaller red dot on it. So just might have to buy and sell tell I find the one I like.

[ASH556]

I have a Vari x 3 4.5-14x50 sitting on it now just want a smaller red dot on it. So just might have to buy and sell tell I find the one I like.

So what does the current Leupy not do that you hope a low powered variable will do? Just be different? If so, that's fine, but if you're trying to achieve a certain goal, we could help more if we knew what that goal was. Your original post mentions more magnification for your aging eyes, but you're looking at scopes with less magnification than what you currently have.

[CFII]

Chasing the unicorn is never ending. I own what I consider the best do-all tactical scope ever made (CQBSS H27D) its not perfect.

Maybe the chase is what we like in the end.

[JoshNC]

Chasing the unicorn is never ending. I own what I consider the best do-all tactical scope ever made (CQBSS H27D) its not perfect.

Maybe the chase is what we like in the end.

What don't you like about the CQBSS?

[CFII]

The CQBSS is a huge and heavy scope. I find it a bit large for a light handy 556 rifle. I use it on my OBR for which its awesome.

The glass is steller, the reticle is awesome, and it's impeccably constructed.

[DarkJ]

I was debating something similar to you. I went with the vortex viper pst and have no remourse what so ever. My buddy has the swfa and after checking out my scope he wants a viper.

[diving dave]

Chasing the "perfect optic" is a never ending task..The best solution is have different rifles with different optics ..For what your saying though a Luep. 2.5 to 8x mid range is an excellent scope...I have that on one build, and a NF 1-4X on another..Mission drives the gear.