Need input for choosing optic for Recce

[GDSasquatch]

I'm fixing to have my year end bonus kick in for work, and it's time for me to choose an optic for my Recce. Having had trigger time behind several different types of precision scopes on bolt guns, I have a hard time compromising medium to long range shooting for CQ's style situations and mid range work. Realistically I realize that with a 16" carbine I need to train more close in and then work my way out.

I would prefer a variable power scope, with a 1 or 1.5 low end and around a 4 to 5x top end. The scope that currently catches my eye is the Leupold Mk4 1.5-5 w/ CMR2 reticle. The downside I see with this scope is that the battery life for the illumination is very poor, which would leave me to hoarding batteries.

The M150 and M4CP versions of the ACOG are also appealing. Illumination is relatively eternal, and while I'm very right eye dominant, I am able to close a front lens cap and superimpose the chevron fairly well. I do not have much luck doing so while looking through the optic as my right eye is almost always drawn to the magniification. Closing the lens cap would allow me to do fairly well w/ using the BAC. The holdovers on the sight will still allow me to ring steel at 500-600 yards on my private range at home.

And then there are the aimpoints. Tough, very long battery life and just a good option. That being said, I wear glasses, have astigmatism and I don't see very well past 100 yards. I am able to hit a 20" steel plate at 300 yards with my Magpul Gen 2 MBUS currently, but it's a challenge to keep an 80% hit ratio.

So with the ACOG being the highest priced optic listed, we'll set my budget at $1300.00. I already own an ADM Recon X 30mm QD Mount so a 30mm tube would be preferable.

What suggestions do you have M4C?

[Guns-up.50]

I believe Grant has a post reviewing several varied optics.

the vortex razor 1-6 has nice glass and is pretty close to a true 1x for close work

Now if it were me I would likely go with an aimpoint 2moa t1, for any real carbine use. Don't get me wrong the varied are nice, I just don't see the much of an advantage over an aimpoint not in a "DMR" type role.

[BrigandTwoFour]

My first inclination is to say SWFA 1-6x24
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-1-6x24-Ta...pe-P53845.aspx

The reticle is nicely designed to be a big circle/crosshair at 1x and then grow into a standard mil hash crosshair as you increase magnification. It's a few hundred below your budget, which leaves room for more ammo.

Second up would be the Bushnell Elite 1-6.5x24 with BTR-2 reticle. You can get it in FFP or SFP for slightly cheaper (my preference in this one would actually be SFP). Check with Scott and Libertyoptics.com, he has both listed on his site right now. If you call or email him directly, he might be able to work out a good deal for you.
http://libertyoptics.com/contents/en...html#p147#p474

Third up would be the Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6x24. It probably has the best features out of all of them, but I don't like BDC reticles, especially MOA ones since everything else I own runs in MRADs. They've been hard to get a hold of, but they're out there. Again, call or email for deals.
http://libertyoptics.com/contents/en-us/d58.html

You could drop any of those magnifications down to 4x and save quite a bit, as 6x and 8x are the new "hotness" in the optics industry. ACOGs aren't precision optics, but that might not be an issue for you since you didn't specify precision as a requirement. In an era where really good rugged variable glass is available, ACOGs are losing their luster with me for unless you are just trying to build a KISS style rifle or trying to maximize weight savings. Most here would steer you against the ACOGs you listed, as they have very short eye relief. Better options would be TA-33 or TA-11 (though the latter is a big boy relative to the others).

[Guns-up.50]

My first inclination is to say SWFA 1-6x24
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-1-6x24-Ta...pe-P53845.aspx

This was on my list too, I just have no experience with them to comment on

[shaneinhisroom]

The Vortex has new reticle options out other than the JM BDC. Check with SWFA, they have it listed on their site but I am not sure when they will be stocking them (maybe after SHOT?)

[PatrioticDisorder]

The Vortex has new reticle options out other than the JM BDC. Check with SWFA, they have it listed on their site but I am not sure when they will be stocking them (maybe after SHOT?)

http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-6x24-Razor-...pe-P67733.aspx

Looks like they have a mil/mil version coming, they'll probably debut it at the SHOT. I think my search for the optic for my SCAR 17s is over.

[SkiDevil]

When I was looking for a variable scope for a similar application (mid-range variable optic) it really came down to just two optics for me. The first was the Schmidt and Bender Short Dot 1-4 and the second was the Nightforce NXS 1-4. I wanted a variable that was well proven and had been used combat.

For the budget stated it may be a good fit.

Link: http://www.sportoptics.com/nightforc...opes-C118.aspx

p.s. The TA-11 is also a great optic with plenty of eye relief if you can live with the fixed 3.5X power.

[Saginaw79]

The leupolds run w/o illumination IIRC, and its good clear glass with a reticle you can see, and illumination if you cant so battery shouldn't be an issue. I prefer the Leatherwood CMR myself, or the VR-X from Leupold.

[ccoker]

Meopta 1-4 ZD is in my opinion the best option for under a grand.

Vortex 1-6 is nice but heavy

Then you get into optics over 2k like the Swaro z6 and Kahles 1-6

I am running a Steiner military 1-5 right now and I LOVE that scope

[Boba Fett v2]

When I see "RECCE" I expect to see a 16" carbine equipped with some type of scope which allows for some magnification. A good 1-4x/6x/8x would be what I would be looking at for a dedicated RECCE as well as a general purpose gun. Many perform like an RDS at 1x and can be quickly dialed-up to high magnification to take an occasional long shot. The added benefit of a good LPVO is having an etched reticle which requires no powered illumination in order to be effective. I understand that a lot of people put a lot of faith in their battery powered optics, but Murphy always has a vote. I would either run offset irons or micro dot to supplement. With regard to optic choices, 2014 looks like it's shaping up to be a good year for lower cost LPVO options being introduced in the 1-5x to 1-8x range, so maybe wait until after what's presented at Shot before deciding which direction you want to go. Personally, I'm running a GRSC 1-6x24 CRS and it has been very reliable. It's a great optic at a competitive price point and is often overlooked.

This is actually a 16" upper, but I photo-chopped it down to 14.5" just to see how it would look. You can hardly see them, but I'm running a set of KAC 45 degree offset BUIS: