Need input for choosing optic for Recce

[davidjinks]

How about a Nightforce 1-4x24 with one of the FC reticles or mil-dot reticles? You could also try a NF 2.5-10x24/32 and go with that.

I run a 2.5-10x24 on my MK12 and a 1-4x24 (Mildot) on my RECCE. Hopefully the deal I have working on another 2.5-10x24 will work out and the 1-4 will be replaced with a 2.5.

I have no issues running the 2.5 in close for "CQB" purposes. I usually run my 1-4 on about 1.5 power up to 2. I much prefer to have a bit more mag when running 0 to about 100 yards.

Battery life on the NF scopes should be around 700 hours with a CR2032 battery. I don't remember which setting it has to be on for that but that came directly from NF. I just changed my battery out on my 1-4 for the first time in a year. Still had plenty of juice left in it but did for piece of mind. I've been using this scope every other weekend at level 5.

[ALCOAR]

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:

Nice....I mistaken that rifle org. for a 14.5" IIrc. I like that configuration a lot.

I'd have to agree with David on the Recce optic.....2.5-10x is where it's at in my book. If you ever want to really ring out your rifle, i.e. 700-800+ shooting....you'll really appreciate the 10x on the top end. I think a real world use Recce should have both Primary/secondary optics, thereby negating any real usefulness for the low end on the primary optic. A T-1 in a 1oclock offset is about as fast as one needs.

[cop1211]

Leupold VXR 1/4,Leupold 1-5, Vortex1-6, Meopta 1-4.
The Vortex 1-6 is super good, heavy but the glass, eyebox and illumination are outstanding.

[davidjinks]

Once you decide that you're going to buy me a T1 offset, I'm definitely putting it on!

Nice....I mistaken that rifle org. for a 14.5" IIrc. I like that configuration a lot.

I'd have to agree with David on the Recce optic.....2.5-10x is where it's at in my book. If you ever want to really ring out your rifle, i.e. 700-800+ shooting....you'll really appreciate the 10x on the top end. I think a real world use Recce should have both Primary/secondary optics, thereby negating any real usefulness for the low end on the primary optic. A T-1 in a 1oclock offset is about as fast as one needs.

[Tejasmtb]

Thinking about turning my KAC SR-15 mod 1 into a light Reece build. I'm torn between the Leupold Mark 6 1-6, Leupold Mark 8 1-8, and the NF NXS 2.5-10 x 34 compact. The Vortex 2.5-10 might be a budget option as well. Thoughts???

Also which of the reticle options would be best suited for this application?

Thanks!

[TehLlama]

I basically let the optic be dictated by what I want to do on the low end. My HCS Recce upper has the Mk6 just because I still want a 1x optic with a dot centric setup to use it as a simple carbine. The Centurion SPR upper gets a 2.5-8x Mk4 because I still want the lower 2.5x zoom end, and I don't run that rifle enough to justify the cost of the NF NXS.

If you're looking at light recce, 1-6x is the answer, if not a high end 1-4x. My Mod0 SR-15 ran an TR24RT for the longest time, and I love that setup - that optic now lives on my DD V5 (poor man's SR-15), and my URX railed recce upper runs the Mk6.

The SWFA, Vortex, and Leupy 1-6x are all fairly heavy, the but the Mk6 is the least offensive of the group for weight. Locking turrets and a BDC that works for anybody who worked well using an ACOG, so I can't really consider that optic outclassed by anything out there. Sure the Mk8 exists, and USO have stuff in that range; but those things are honestly quite heavy, and probably more at home on an SR-25 to justify the weight in exchange for wider capability spectrum.

5.56 in my opinion just doesn't need that much zoom for a carbine setup - 4x zoom does okay at 550 yards to be honest, and 6x really takes anything other than a top end SS barrel running Mk262 well past the really effective ballistic range. The weight of the glass to make anything more work well just doesn't make sense on a carbine that otherwise weighs under 7lb

[Tejasmtb]

TehLlama, I agree about the 556 not needing more than 1-6 and even a good 1-4 would suffice. Of the 1-4 optics I like the NF NXS the best for its quality and price, the S&B Shortdot is nice but just too much $$$. The Vortex stuff at all levels is good if not great but it's too heavy for this application. I also agree that the MK8 is too much for the 556 unless it's an LPR, it's much more are home on an SR-25 or Scar 17s.

My goal is a Light Reece, your typical lightweight 16" carbine with a good trigger, long rail, and a powered optic. I think my host, the KAC SR-15 E3 fits all of those with it's light weight, 13.5" rail, and 2-stage trigger. I honestly think the best optic for this setup is the Leupold MK 6 1-6. I plan to run some KAC 45 degree angle offset irons and an XT07 for my SF300U and be done with it. I'll pick up one of the new Mod 2 11.5" SBR's this spring and the Aimpoint Micro can find a new home there.

Thanks for all of the input/advice, I'm now looking forward to completing this build.

[TehLlama]

For whatever it's worth, I don't think you're in poor company there.



This now has the LT-135 mount, but otherwise this is how I'm running it.

[Tejasmtb]

For whatever it's worth, I don't think you're in poor company there.



This now has the LT-135 mount, but otherwise this is how I'm running it.

Nice boom stick.

[BrigandTwoFour]

I think its really going to come down to use. While I certainly agree that you don't NEED more than 6x on the top end for most practical distances with an AR, I having that little extra never hurts. I've become a fan of the 2.5-10x as well, especially for the style I've been shooting lately (which is not super-fast uber dynamic tactical).

There are a lot of good options out there, but I think you need to further define your need and use.

This is the Vortex 2.5-10x32 that replaced my TR24 mounted on my "recce"