1-4 powered optics on a 12" 5.56 carbine?

[BSWilson]

As near as I can tell, SWFA has one of the better 1-4's right now. I think there's promotion they're running to include $300 worth of extras including a Bobro mount.

If you're thinking about one, I'd jump on it.

[cop1211]

I have a TR24 on a 12.5 sbr, and a NF 1-4 with FC2 on a 11.5 sbr.

Both optics are great. The TR24 is super bright during daylight. The NF illumination is not daylight visible but is a non issue for me.
In low/no light the NF illumination is outstanding. I recently bought 2 more NF 1-4 models, another FC2 and the 2nd with the mildot.

The NF is smaller and more compact.

Can't go wrong with either of those or a SWFA, US OPTICS.

[Kraken]

As near as I can tell, SWFA has one of the better 1-4's right now. I think there's promotion they're running to include $300 worth of extras including a Bobro mount.

If you're thinking about one, I'd jump on it.

I ordered this same package on 01/22/12 but I haven't received it. Been on back order...

[SkiDevil]

The dark horse on this argument would be the TR24T - if you don't mind a large glowing triangle and no BDC, then it fits the bill as the poor man's short dot with daytime illumination, and ability to make quick hits up closed. It's also on the lighter side of the low powered variables, which can help to a degree, and is relatively forgiving about eye placement at lower magnifications. If you're shooting within 250m, then it's really a hard to beat optic.

The Trijicon TR24 is a really nice scope for the money.

As a point of reference, I purchased a S&B Short Dot and have just over a thousand rounds shooting experience with it. I have also used the TR24 with the green and red reticles in the recent past.

I would agree, if you are on a limited budget and can live without the the reticle/ reference points it may be a good choice, particularly considering the red triangle is similar to a red dot.

I have seen some pretty good deals on several different gun forums for a Trijicon TR24 with a mount regularly (cheapest I have seen was around $600 w/ ADM mount), so keep your eyes open for a deal.

Also, see if you can attend a 3-gun type competition match because there will be a lot of these types of scopes. Trying one out before you make a purchase would be ideal.

Best advice to consider is get what you want the first time even if it means waiting a little longer for it.

Best of luck,
SkiDevil

P.S. Although it is not a variable and loses some flexibility because of that the Trijicon TA-11 series is also a very practical choice for a general purpose optic. It is more expensive than your stated budget but something to consider as well. After the weight of the combined variable optic and standard quick-detach type mount it would definitely be lighter than the variable. Aside from the Short Dot, the TR24 and the TA11 would be the two optics in the around $1K price range that I would consider after using each one out to 300 yards.

[VooDoo6Actual]

Alot of good solid EEI in the aformentioned comments.

I'll echo regarding NF 1x4 FC2 & NF 2.5x10 FC2 or Mil Dot Ret on that specific optic.
I own them both & use them on different systems (SCAR 17S & LMT MWS).

Just to throw it out there as another viable option, I used a 5.56 12.5" Noveske w/ T-1 & Aimpoint 3X w/ LaRue LT649 flip mount that is another route you can go that offers superb accuracy, low weight, economic reasonableness & system flexibility as well.

Shot all day @ Urban Rifle course I taught at & it performed w/o peer.

HTH

[cabbynate]

Just to throw it out there as another viable option, I used a 5.56 12.5" Noveske w/ T-1 & Aimpoint 3X w/ LaRue LT649 flip mount that is another route you can go that offers superb accuracy, low weight, economic reasonableness & system flexibility as well.

I have a astigmatism and I forget weather the magnifier took the bunch of grapes look away. I would guess it would still be there and that is why I did not like it.

P.S. Although it is not a variable and loses some flexibility because of that the Trijicon TA-11 series is also a very practical choice for a general purpose optic. It is more expensive than your stated budget but something to consider as well. After the weight of the combined variable optic and standard quick-detach type mount it would definitely be lighter than the variable. Aside from the Short Dot, the TR24 and the TA11 would be the two optics in the around $1K price range that I would consider
after using each one out to 300 yards.

I had a TA33-8 and liked it. It had a amber redical and I prefer red so I sold it. One in red might not be a bad idea. I like it over the TA11 for the wight savings. I'm just thinking I would like to dial in the magnification.. Still a though though..

[Pappabear]

Good info above to chew on. IMHO, I like a ACOG if i'm only 4X on the top end of my scope. So here is how I view the Optics world:

RDS (Aimpoint) for CQB and very battle effictive out to 300 yards. I can ring steel all day long out 300 yards with a RDS, and I have OLD EYES.

ACOG, if I need more precision and want to go out to 500 or 600 yards but still want RDS capability i.e. running with both eyes open. Not as good for CQB, but still very good with training and more precision at distance than RDS.

1-6 Variable , At this point in the advances of Optics, I move to the variable 1-6 variety. These little jewels get spendy , but they will give you more reach and precision than your ACOG and still CQB effective. Check out the USO write up. I have never run the NF 1-4, I'm sure I would love it it, (And Trident said he would send me his to run for the summer which is oh so nice of him) but now that 1-6 are available- give me 1-6. They are too new new and I'm too broke.

NF 2.5-10 if you really feel like suffering through your day Great for your SPR rigs and can still be reasonable quick at 2.5 power. Remember your ACOG works at 3-4 power

Optics are really personal preference. I like them all. The further you go down on that list, the more dollar signs $, $$, $$$, $$$$ per optic usually. I don't own a 1-6, but in time...

[ALCOAR]

Hey pappa...I don't currently own a baby nxs(1-4x), but if I did I would certainly send it your way. Obviously with the understanding that I would be receiving then from you a NXS F1 Army Spec Those will soon be unicorns in the mist.