What type of shooting?
If you are thinking of the 1-4x, a couple of alternates come to mind:
Burris 1-4x Tac30
Leupold VX Hog 1-4x
Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x
For a mount, I have had good luck with the Burris PEPRs.
I'll be using this for plinking and range duty, probably 100 to 400+ yards. I was looking at 2-8x. Do you recommend 1-4(ish) over a higher magnification? Thanks for the info.
I'll be using this for plinking and range duty, probably 100 to 400+ yards. I was looking at 2-8x. Do you recommend 1-4(ish) over a higher magnification? Thanks for the info.
I think what you'll have to balance is how you need to balance speed of acquisition vs. how much magnification you need. Is 4x at 400yds going to be enough magnification? If it is, I would go with that. If you need more, maybe it is time to look for a 2-8 (like you mentioned) or a 3.5-10x.
Something else to keep in mind: SWFA and Vortex are coming out with 1-6x scopes this year.
As for a mount, I've had good luck with Larue Tactical, but you'll need to decide for yourself if you want to swallow the $200 price tag. Just remember it is a rock solid mount with QD capability that will return to zero.
For myself, I only worry about getting down to a 1x if I think quick target acquisition under 50yds is vital. I am normally pretty happy with some that bottoms out in the 2-3x range in hunting scenarios or for most short range use.
Given that, I might look at something between a 2-7x and a 3-10x. If you are not expecting to shoot inside 100yds much, even a 4x at the lower end might be good -- which would allow for something like a 4-12x or a 4-16x (the 4-16x scopes seem to be pretty popular for 3-600yd use.)
There are several good Vortex scopes in this range, and I really like my Weaver 3-10x from MidwayUSA w/ mildots. I might even look for a Nikon with Mildots or a Sightron SII if you can find the right deal.
The only things I really have against the Nikons is the circles on the BDC (which feel too large at distance) and that the BDC points do not seem to be in standard moa or mil increments (which makes calculating offsets for intermediate ranges more complicated.) Just my , however.
At 400+ yards on the range, though, I would look for good turrets and either a 20moa base or a 30mm tube to give you the option of dialing for range instead of being limited to the BDC points. I know I am being somewhat hypocritical in saying that, since I use mil or moa marks for most of my adjustment but I also confident that I give up accuracy for the speed of not having to turn and reset the turrets.
Thank you both for the great info. I think I'll look into the Vortex Diamondback 1.75-5x. The new 1-6x scopes sound great, but I'm in the market now. I didn't think about the BDC points being too large, but that would definitely be an issue. I really want a small point on the reticle for aiming.
sorry for the late entry, ive been at the show all weekend. it seams like cwillour did my job for me. the 1.75-5 diamondback is a great option, i have them instock ready to ship at the lowest price to be found on the web. if you have questions feel free to drop me a email at alan@aaoptics.com
depending on what your wanting to do at 400 yards you will want more magnification. there are plenty of 2-7's in your price range and a great option here just outside of your pricerange Vortex Optics - Viper HS 2.5-10x44 Dead-Hold BDC
i sell them for 399 and its want i use on my personal deer rifle.
Thanks, I'll send you an e-mail when I get home tonight. In addition to the scope and mount, I'm also interested in the VMX3 w/ swing mount to go with my sparc, which will be moving from the 6920 to the M&P 15-22.