RDS vs 1-4x scopes

[ridgerunner70]

Was wondering if any has been going or trying the 1-4x scopes for home defense ? Was thinking about trying a 1-4x scope for a spell. I'll be shooting 0-300yds but mostly within 100yds and the scope would be zeroed at 100 Yds. I've been using the Aimpoint T-1 and shoot fair with it and enjoy the light weight but think I could get more satisfaction out of crosshairs.

[VIP3R 237]

For a GP carbine it is tough to beat the 1-4/6x optics, however my home defense carbine has an Aimpoint on it. I am faster and i can still see the dot in compromised shooting situations that may occur at home. Any magnified optic is going to have an eyebox that you must be in in order to see your crosshairs.

[AKDoug]

I have run both. I prefer the red dot for a defensive carbine. I have no issues hitting 1/2# tannerite jars or clay pigeons out to 200 yards with the red dot. Kill zone hits on steel out to 300. If you want to shoot smaller targets, or shoot groups then the 1-4x is going to rule the day. If you want to be fast at short range and have an easier time shooting from weird positions and under barriers, the red dot is better. I got pretty good with my 1-4 Trijicon, but the first day I went back to a red dot I was faster on the timer with the red dot.

[RHINOWSO]

RDS is going to be faster up close, but less accurate at range.

[ridgerunner70]

I have no problem's hitting 100-300 yds with the red dot, off the bench of course at the 200-300yd for me for consistency. I was just wondering if some of you using the 1-4x scopes use them for HD. I was interested in having the same carbine to cover them area's. Basically I should leave my HD carbine alone and build a GP weapon with a 1-4x scope. Just racking my brain here.

[Boxerglocker]

I have 3 rifles with 3 different optics in the safe with a defensive round filled mag on the top shelf. I wouldn't hesitate to grab any othe the 3 in a SHTF HD situation.
My 1-4 scope is set at 1 times power when in the safe. I have used it for up close match stages plenty of times. As long as your familiar with the sustem it really doesn't matter.
The advantage of a Aimpoint of course is it's always on and currently my T1 resides on my Socom 16 M1a in HD mode as well.

[Blayglock]

I am just not near as quick on the shot timer with my 1-4 as I am my Aimpoint. Personally, for home defense I would use an RDS. The weight savings is also nice with the aimpoint micro compared to the 1-4 scope. Maybe I just need more practice.

[RHINOWSO]

To me the biggest difference between a RDS and scope at 1x is that with a quality RDS like Aimpoint and Eotech the reticle is going to be visible faster / earlier, since head positioning is more forgiving. At least IMO.

With they being said, I wouldn't feel bad about grabbing a low power variable optic for defensive purposes.

[David Thomas]

RDS is going to be faster up close, but less accurate at range.

How much faster are you with a rds vs. 1-6 on a drill like the 1-5 or el pres? At what distances?








the dot can get much brighter than what is shown in this pic.

[WadeP]

How much faster are you with a rds vs. 1-6 on a drill like the 1-5 or el pres? At ....

It would be interesting to take a group of shooters and run some drills with rds then re-run with low powered optics to see if there are measurable differences.