Over 50, eye issues and first 1 to something scope. Which reticle is the easiest....

[SW CQB 45]

To use and see?

My budget around $500 but can go a little more if the optics/reticle out perform the others

I have no time behind this type of optic and my dominent eye has a scar so I see a small comet with a red dot.

I would like a true 1 power and the rifle (14.5) will be an all around (home defense, LE carry if my assigned rifle is down, training and for extended range 200-300.

I am looking at both Vortex PST and Primary Arms but both reticles seem busy. If they are not and easy to use, then I can make a choice

Just making sure someone in my boat has been through the same process and can steer me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance

[mack7.62]

The closeout Steiner 1x4 is a couple of hundred over your budget but is quality glass and a military grade European made scope with a daylight bright dot, original retail was close to $2,000. However there is a reason why these are bargain priced, they are big and heavy for a 1x4, the Leupold MK6 1x6 is smaller and lighter but also 3 times the price. If you can live with the size and weight penalty then they are worth considering.

http://www.eurooptic.com/steiner1x-4...fle-scope.aspx

[TXBK]

I have the Vortex PST 1-4. The reticle isn't great, but it isn't unusable either. You can find the optic and a good mount in your budget (maybe second-hand). I know you have an issue with it but if you already have a RDS, it may be an option to add a 3x magnifier which can be removed for home defense and/or training if needed. The Vortex 1-6 Strike Eagle may also be an option in your budget. Out of your budget is the Vortex Razor 1-6, but it is worth the extra coin over the Vortex PST 1-4.

[GH41]

The Leupold SPR Patrol SPR's reticle is about as simple as it gets but it isn't true 1 power. Are any of the scopes mentioned above true 1X?

[TXBK]

I haven't looked through any of the others to compare to the Vortex 1-4. I don't notice any magnification on the Vortex, but my friend says that it is there. He hates on most of my optics, but it may have some.

[SW CQB 45]

Mack, if you have this optic....

How positive are the adjustments/clicks for windage and elevation?

I don't want anything rotating pulling quick out a bag or similar.

While I did not mention capped turrets are a plus, I am not opposed to non capped if they don't turn easy.

[SW CQB 45]

I have the Vortex PST 1-4. The reticle isn't great, but it isn't unusable either. You can find the optic and a good mount in your budget (maybe second-hand). I know you have an issue with it but if you already have a RDS, it may be an option to add a 3x magnifier which can be removed for home defense and/or training if needed. The Vortex 1-6 Strike Eagle may also be an option in your budget. Out of your budget is the Vortex Razor 1-6, but it is worth the extra coin over the Vortex PST 1-4.

Thanks....I need to look at the Razor too.

[SW CQB 45]

Reference the Leupold, at what distance does the 1.25 or 1.5 power really become effective or useful?

The potential for a close battle in LE is always a strong possibility.

[JackFanToM]

I have the viper as well, and yes the reticle appears a bit busy, but on 1x you really don't notice it as you simply use the red dot, and on slow precise shots I find the reticle usable.

[SW CQB 45]

I have the viper as well, and yes the reticle appears a bit busy, but on 1x you really don't notice it as you simply use the red dot, and on slow precise shots I find the reticle usable.

good info. thanks