Optic suggestion for 18" AR

**mmike87** · 07-24-07, 22:02

I am having a new 18" high quality AR assembled and am looking for optic suggestions. I have two 16" AR's, one carbine and one middy, both wearing Aimpoints. I am very happy with them, but would like to configure this rifle to have a little more "reach."

I read the sticky on the 1-4 optics, and I think that is what I would like. Some magnification to get out a 200+ yards or so, but the 1x for closer range.

The Short Dot is out of my price range.

I have an ACOG TA11 on my FAL and like it, but it lacks the 1x setting I am looking for.

I am considering the Nightforce 1-4x with the FC2 recticle. It looked like a good compromise rectical for closer up, quick aiming and medium range precision. Anyone familiar with that recticle specifically?

As with all my guns, this rifle is for shooting at the range. As with all of my guns, this rifle is for self defense if it's ever necessary.

LaRue mount, of course.

Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks.

**Low Drag** · 07-24-07, 22:25

I just got one of these:

http://www.valdada.com/vn/ior/03k

It's a 1.1-4X w/CQB reticle from IOR. So far so good. The "horseshoe" reticle really gets you attention up close and the dot is great for longer shots.

**USMC03** · 07-24-07, 23:27

Leupold MR/T. A few hundred dollars less than the NightForce, excellent glass, better power (1.5x - 5x), external bullet drop comp, illuminated reticle, precise reticle (SPR), more power (5x), etc. Just my opinion:

From this thread: https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=4209

Leupold MR/T 1.5-5x vs. Short Dot 1.1-4x

I have both the S&B Short Dot and the MR/T M2 1.5-5x.....Both are excellent glass.

The main advantage the Short Dot has over the MR/T M2 is that it has an illuminated electronic red dot. This was a one of the prerequisites that I had when I was looking for a low powered magnification scope for SWAT work.

If you aren't going to be kicking doors, the MR/T 1.5-5 with SPR reticle is an excellent choice. The only reason I bought my Short Dots is because I didn't feel comfortable kicking doors with the MR/T.

The SPR reticle is extreemly quick at CQB distance targets (ie. daytime CQB stage at a rifle match), just put the big round circle on the target and press the trigger. The glass on the MR/T M2 is exceptionally clear, the reticle is very precise at longer distances. Down side is you can not see the lit reticle during the day.

2 weeks ago I was out shooting steel gongs (18" - 24") at 450 yards with the MR/T, the bullet drop comp dial works as advertised.

I have noticed that I can get tighter groups with the MR/T than I can with my Short Dots or ACOGs. This is due to both the reticle and the higher 5x magnification.

I experience very little occulation with the MR/T, it has generous eye relief, the SPR reticle is very quick on close targets at 1.5x and the inner portion of the of the reticle is fine enought to get very precise shots out past 500 yards because the reticle is thick enough to see, but not so thick that it covers up the target.

Is the S&B better glass? Yes, but at almost 3x the price. Does the S&B have better features? Depends on what you are using it for.

For almost 1/3rd the price, and for your intended use, the MR/T is probably the best bet.

I would not use the Leupold MR/T for home defense or on an entry gun.

Your milage may vary........................

Semper Fi,
Jeff

**Robb Jensen** · 07-25-07, 04:33

You may also want to consider the MeOpta K-dot (1-4x22 Meostar R1 30mm Rifle Scope). I plan to buy one for my 3gun rifle, my Leupold Vari-X III that's on it now would be sent back to Leupolds custom shop for M2 turrets and then used on a training non-game AR. The MeOpta works well in the same mount I have which is the LaRue SPR-EER (SPR-E) 30mm.

http://www.meopta.cz/index.php?id=126&lang=en

**ashooter** · 07-25-07, 06:55

I'd agree with USMC03. The MR/T 1.5-5 would seem to "fit" the 18" rig better than the NF with the FC-2 reticle. I've owned both the NF 1-4 with FC-2, and NF 2.5-10 with NP-R2. The glass was GREAT, but:

- the FC-2 reticle was pretty imprecise at 100m+

- 2.5x magnification was too much for up close

- the NP-R2 reticle was super precise but too faint for fast/close work.

They both seemed to be pretty specialized glass with each filling very a specific role - 2.5-10 for precision SPR's, and 1-4 for M4's. The MR/T would seem to be a good middle ground for an 18" rig that is trying to fill a "general purpose" role, while still being able to do SPRish type work way out yonder.

**mmike87** · 07-25-07, 10:13

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the suggestions.

**macman37** · 07-30-07, 06:34

+1 on the Leupold 1.5-5 MR/T... That is some quality glass.

**Low Drag** · 07-30-07, 07:12

I just got the chance to finally get my 1.1-4 IOR zeroed to my satisfaction this past weekend. I really like it!

And that CQB horseshoe really works up close. It doesn't get in the way when going for precise shots either.

Now all I need to do is get to a longer range up in the mountains to see if the BDC reticle works as advertised.

If the BDC works then I'd have to say it's a "do it all" optic. With the BDC on the vertical cross hair (no moving about) and the horseshoe it would seem to be able to do it all.

**mmike87** · 07-30-07, 15:45

Well, I decided on the Leupold 1.5-5 for several reasons.

1) I have actually handled and looked through Leupold Mark 4 optics and know that the physical construction and glass are excellent. of the optics suggested these are the only I have ever fondled in person. So there is a "known quantity" so to speak with the Leupold. MeOpta's seem pretty well regarded but I have never actually looked through one. I have handled and looked through Short Dots at various gun shows but they are just too expensive for what I am using it for. Never seen a Nightforce, ever.

2) Price. The Leupold is simply less expensive than the Nightforce or S&B options. I ordered a combo from LaRue that includes the SPR mount for under a $1000. That seemed like a hard deal to beat considering LaRue sells the mount alone for $199 on their site. Also picked up the Harris bi-pid adapter while I was there.

The stuff is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I feel confident that I'll be happy with my purchase, and hardly feel like I am "slumming it" with the Leupold. It seems well regarded and is in use nationwide by enough professionals (so I read) that it seemed like a good choice for an Average Citizen like me.

Now I am just waiting for that phone call from gotM4 that my upper and lower are ready ...