Updated S&B 1-4x24 Zenith Short Dot LE *Added Review*

**Tuukka** · 11-09-11, 13:04

Our scope came/was ordered with only one BDC cam.

I think you´ll be fine if those are the biggest gripes

The above scope has been banged up and its nicks, but the dot logo is still there..

**That Guy v2.0** · 11-22-11, 11:15

I'm brand new to the variable optics game and I'm considering this optic in addition to the S&B 1-8 when available. With this 1-4 optic what would be the limits for precision fire? I would be shooting 75gr out of a 16in barrel if that helps.

Ideally I would like to get out to 6-700m but I'm thinking this will not be enough magnification.

**bp7178** · 11-22-11, 12:37

Higher magnification optics make trade offs for that magnification. Size, weight, smaller exit pupil/eye box etc. Higher magnification optics don't help you shoot better, they help you see better.

You have to balance what you will realistically use the rifle for.

I think for 6-700m you'd be better off with a .308. What kind of minimum distances are you looking at? Are you going to want to take any classes with the rifle? Most of those operate within 50 yards.

I have to drive a long way to find a range past 100 yards.

All that being said, for that kind of distance and if you were married to the .223 platform, take a look at the Nightforce 2.5-10x. You can run an offset RDS for up close.

The S&B 1-8x looks like its going to be a nice product if/when it is released.

**That Guy v2.0** · 11-23-11, 04:11

My intent is for this rifle to be a general purpose go anywhere do anything type. With a variable 1-4 or 1-8 I could get out to 6-700 or dial it back to 1 and do close in work. Daylight illum on the red dot is a must.

I know that this will never beat a rifle that has a more dedicated setup like an SPR with a 2.5-10 or a 10.5in rifle with a T-1. But this is the trade off I'm willing to make.

When I get back to the states I was planning to do a couple of rifle courses. One would be a traditional carbine course probably going no more than 200m out. The second would be the SPR course by Central Cascade Precision/Magpul Dynamics. The course req. as stated by the instructor are 16in rifle shooting a 68-77gr projectile and a minimum 4x fixed or a 1-5x. Engagement ranges would be 1-600 m. But looking at reviews of the course they shot a little over 7. Locally on my own I could get to 300 or a little more.

In talking with the instructor by email he recommended the Leopold 1-8. This is way beyond what I would pay for an optic though. The S&B 1-4 or 1-8 at the current price point is as high as I'm willing to go.

This would be my first formal training and shooting with variable power optics so I'm very new to this.

I think what I'm trying to understand is if 4x would be enough to accurately PID, range with mils and then engage a man size target at those ranges.

Thanks BP

**bp7178** · 11-23-11, 11:32

I think it would be pretty hard to range on 4x at 600m. Can it be done? Sure, provided the user is skilled at doing so.

If you are active duty mil/LE, go to www.promotive.com and register for an account and join the mil/LE group. If you use your official mil/le email address I suspect the process is quicker. This will get you the proffessional discount on Leupold scopes. MUCH cheaper than the $4k retail.

If and when the S&B 1-8x is released it should have a very good price point, if that doesn't change.

**snakedoctor** · 11-23-11, 12:14

I too noticed the dot brightness between 6 and 7 is a big jump. I guess 7 will be the standard setting unless shooting in very low light conditions. I threw a "Cat Tail" speed adjustment lever on mine and mounted it in a LaRue SPR-E mount. If I had to do it over I'd probably buy 2 Nightforce 1-4X scopes instead, but I really do like this optic. I just wish it wasn't so damn expensive.

**bp7178** · 11-23-11, 15:27

I was always taught when using a RDS at night to have the brightness set so when you activated a white light, you can still see the dot. Such a setting is typically brighter than one would normally select for night use. To that end, the 7 setting works out good with my Surefire Scout.

I actually found a problem with my Short Dot LE. I had since contacted S&B, and sent the scope into them. I found what looks like five little defects in the coating of the lens just forward of the occular lens. They look like dirt/dust trapped under the lens coating. I took a picture of it, I'll post it later.

For the money paid, it's entirely unacceptable. So now the scope is on the way back, and we'll see what happens. To say I'm a little disappointed is an understatement.

There is a sliding scale as to value with these things. As you go up in price the gains in features get smaller and smaller. I think one of the things that keep S&B's prices high is a limited production capacity. It's not like they are using some space age materials. Less the lens coating problem, it's easily the highest quality scope I've ever used. I'm sure even Ferrari has production issues from time to time, but we'll see how S&B handles this.

**SkiDevil** · 11-23-11, 18:56

Please keep us posted.

I would like to know how they handle your issue as well.

After reading about all of the scopes suitable for an AR/ M4 type rifle, I have decided to go with the Short-Dot.

I was initially considering the NightForce 1-4 NXS but after using one and looking at a few other samples I believe that the S&B Short-Dot 1-4 would be the best choice for a general purpose optic on a 16" Match barreled AR. My set-up is almost identical to yours.

Any advice regarding the selection of the specific model? I have read several reviews as well as the stickied 1-4 thread here.

I am considering the latest model like yours, but with the FD-7 reticle.

SnakeDoc, if you care to share any thoughts that would be great. Purchasing this scope will be a major expense for me as well. But, I have grown tired of waiting for what may be coming-out to the market soon or next year.

Thanks in advance
SkiDevil

**bp7178** · 11-23-11, 20:10

If you want one of the newer versions of the 1.1-4x24 Short Dots, be prepared to wait. I ordered it in June and got it in November. The older ones have a slightly longer tube forward of the turrets and are marked 1.1-4x24 Zenith, and come with the FD7 or FD2 reticles. The new(er) generation are marked 1.4-4x24 Short Dot LE, and can be had with the P3.

I like 2nd focal optics in this low of a power. For something like a 2.5-10x, if S&B made one, would be great in 1st focal with a flashdot.

I like the P3 over the FD7 as they have, an albeit limited, ability to range and holdover/off etc. The mil part of the reticle is pretty fine at 4x, which is good for precision shooting. The bold parts of the reticle give you a nice bracket to place a target in should the dot be off and you're up close.

I'll see what S&B does. I've heard of them sending you a scope to use while yours is being serviced, but we shall see...

**Belmont31R** · 11-23-11, 20:17

Originally Posted by bp7178

There is a sliding scale as to value with these things. As you go up in price the gains in features get smaller and smaller. I think one of the things that keep S&B's prices high is a limited production capacity. It's not like they are using some space age materials. Less the lens coating problem, it's easily the highest quality scope I've ever used. I'm sure even Ferrari has production issues from time to time, but we'll see how S&B handles this.

The Short-Dot has been out for years, and is still easily one of the best low power variables on the market for this kind of use.

Sorry to hear you had an issue. Ive owned 3 SB's and they were all perfect right out of the box. I have no doubt SB USA will take care of you. When I was buying my second Short-Dot the CEO of SB USA personally took care of my order.

As to their production numbers check out the factory on google maps. Its tiny, and they have a huge demand. Many European military and police units use them, USMC, civilian shooters, ect. They are also one of the few optiks manufacturers who grind their own glass in house.