1-4X optics on ARs

[Mr. Goodtimes]

I was wondering if a RECCE with a 1-4 could essentially replace an SPR-type rifle with a 2.5-10 (I would sell the SPR upper and move the 2.5 onto an AR10 for the longer-range shooting).

One thing that made me consider this was that most WWII snipers did quite well with 4x or lower powered optics....

I think so. Considering 5.56 isn't exactly ideal past 400-500 yds. I have no trouble seeing stuff 400 yds away with a 4x optic. I'm going to be placing a Accupoint w/ german #4 on my recce rifle.

[ra2bach]

I was wondering if a RECCE with a 1-4 could essentially replace an SPR-type rifle with a 2.5-10 (I would sell the SPR upper and move the 2.5 onto an AR10 for the longer-range shooting).

One thing that made me consider this was that most WWII snipers did quite well with 4x or lower powered optics....

my take on this is depending on how far you are able to successfully make "hits" on a target with a RDS, you can increase that range by four times. I think this power matches pretty well with the effective range of the 5.56.

or, alternatively, you will have increased accuracy and target discrimination within this same or greater distance. this is while giving up little to the RDS for close encounters.

I like them for what they are. I wouldn't use one as an indoor optic but at anything over 15 yds or so, I think it's great. it seems like it defines the Recce rifle concept.

[MTechnik]

I was wondering if a RECCE with a 1-4 could essentially replace an SPR-type rifle with a 2.5-10 (I would sell the SPR upper and move the 2.5 onto an AR10 for the longer-range shooting).

One thing that made me consider this was that most WWII snipers did quite well with 4x or lower powered optics....

It all depends. Are you shooting paper targets, where group size is most important? Or are you shooting animals, where quickly finding the target and getting the shot off is more important?

[bp7178]

I don't think a 1-4x would increase your range 4x over a RDS.

What magnified optics do well is aid in target identification. Also, people / animals aren't generally trying to get shot, they won't square up to you like on the flat range. If engaged with someone who is actively trig to take cover etc, magnified optics will aid in letting you identify and hit those small target areas that may be all that is presented.

I agree that the 1-4 is pretty well suited for the 556/.223 round.

[ra2bach]

I don't think a 1-4x would increase your range 4x over a RDS.

What magnified optics do well is aid in target identification. Also, people / animals aren't generally trying to get shot, they won't square up to you like on the flat range. If engaged with someone who is actively trig to take cover etc, magnified optics will aid in letting you identify and hit those small target areas that may be all that is presented.

I agree that the 1-4 is pretty well suited for the 556/.223 round.

I agree completely. other factors, including the external ballistics of the round would severely impact your accuracy at longer range so my statement was theoretical, at best.

but you are right about one thing - you can't shoot what you can't see and if the 4x allows you to identify a target 4 times further away, you at least have a shot at it...

[wild_wild_wes]

It all depends. Are you shooting paper targets, where group size is most important? Or are you shooting animals, where quickly finding the target and getting the shot off is more important?

Paper. But my main concern is just getting the rounds into the Black, as far as "groups" go.

[Kissel]

A few thoughts on this.

IMHO the 1-4 is ideal for the close-to-mid range 5.56. As already stated elsewhere, it isn't perfect at anything but can be pretty darn good at everything you need it to do.

I agree with nickdrak about the TR24--that green triangle is FAST to pick up. It is a great scope and you'll learn holdover indices pretty quickly. I use one on a 16 and am sold on it for use from up close to about 300 yards on man-size targets.

I also have an IOR that I think is one of the best illuminated 1-4 scopes you can buy and I say that also owning a Short Dot. Only my opinions.

[Alaskapopo]

A few thoughts on this.

IMHO the 1-4 is ideal for the close-to-mid range 5.56. As already stated elsewhere, it isn't perfect at anything but can be pretty darn good at everything you need it to do.

I agree with nickdrak about the TR24--that green triangle is FAST to pick up. It is a great scope and you'll learn holdover indices pretty quickly. I use one on a 16 and am sold on it for use from up close to about 300 yards on man-size targets.

I also have an IOR that I think is one of the best illuminated 1-4 scopes you can buy and I say that also owning a Short Dot. Only my opinions.

From what I have seen the IOR is a good scope but the illumination leaves a lot to be desired. (not working in bright sun light)
Pat

[mnoe82]

I had a burris 1-4 for about a month. I traded it on an H-1. For me, it was just too heavy. I can see its advantages, but for my one and only rifle, it wasn't the right optic for me. I will probably put a TR-21 on my next rifle build.

[Belmont31R]

I had a burris 1-4 for about a month. I traded it on an H-1. For me, it was just too heavy. I can see its advantages, but for my one and only rifle, it wasn't the right optic for me. I will probably put a TR-21 on my next rifle build.

A 1-4X does add a lot of weight and built over an RDS but you gain a lot of precision over an RDS esp past 300 yards.



FWIW I make good hits out to 750 with a KAC EMC out to 750, and at 500 hits are a literal breeze compared to an RDS. The RDS dot just simply covered too much target at distance to make accurate hits. You can make area hits but not accurate hits. Then you have to deal with hold over, and with a good variable you can just dial in adjustments to be much accurate instead of basically guessing.