1-4 Variable optic options

Tactical Gear Optics & Mounts
1

I posted this on another forum awhile back and thought I would share it here as well. I will be adding more to this list as I recently got the new Meopta’s in stock.

C4

www.GRTactical.com

I have the privilege of having the USO SN-4, Trijicon Accupoint, Horus Talon and the S&B Short Dot in my possession. I have spent some time with each of these optics and have come to some conclusions about which is the best. Here is a three up and three down review of each:

USO SN-4

Up

  1. Chevron in circle reticle
  2. Glass quality
  3. Ranging capability

Down

  1. Cost
  2. Weight
  3. Illumination not visible in full sun

Trijicon Accupoint

Up

  1. Cost
  2. Triangle reticle
  3. Eye Relief

Down

  1. Not 30mm
  2. No ranging
  3. FOV

Horus Talon

Up

  1. Cost
  2. FOV
  3. Ranging reticle

Down

  1. Illumination not visible in full sun
  2. Reticle very busy

S&B Short Dot

Up

  1. FOV
  2. Controls (pull out on knobs to turn & release to lock again)
  3. Illumination visible in full sun

Down

  1. Cost
  2. Weight
  3. Reticle not visible on 1X (not necessarily bad)

Only the Accupoint and S&B have visible illumintation in full sun. This gives them a big advantage IMHO. The Talon is just as good as SN-4 for almost half the price. The Accupoint still remains the best bang for the buck.

The S&B is now my new favorite. The first 6 postions on the illumination dial are for NV. Position 7 gives you a visible dot on a cloudy day or indoors. Postion 8-11 are visible in full sun. The great thing about the illumination dial is that you don’t have to go back to 0 to turn the dot off. Just go between a number and the dot shuts off!

On 1X the reticle really isn’t all the visible. I at first found this to be a negative, but then began to think about it. If your running on 1X your most likely in a CQB environment and would be using the illuminated dot. The fact that you don’t have the black reticle cluttering up the glass is a good thing IMHO. In 2-4X the reticle is precise and useable. The windage and elevation knobs feel precise and I like that you pull them up and then turn to make adjustments. This does away with the need to have caps over them (smart).

S&B on 1X

S&B on 1X with illumination

S&B on 4X with illumination

2

Grant-
While I haven’t had experience with either the Horus or the Trijicon offering, I used both the USO and S+B models overseas.

I could add an adverse issue or two with the USO but you have defined the pros and cons on these.

I do like the S+B.

3

I have as well found an issue with the SN-4. I broke mine. :mad:

C4

4

Good post Grant, I think these optics are only starting to become more popular. Instead of explaining things to people over and over, I’ll just refer them to this thread. I’ve got a feeling this thread will continue to grow with info.

More pictures of people setups, along with their own personal observations will make this thread even better. I’ll have to dig up some pictures of my current Accupoint setup.

5

Thanks for the feedback. I personally love 1-4 variable optics and think they are the do all optic.

C4

6

Here is a review by Larry Vickers on the S&B Short Dot: http://www.10-8forums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=tacticalgear&Number=4435&Searchpage=1&Main=4435&Words=schmidt+bender&topic=&Search=true#Post4435

C4

7

Does anybody have any info on the new Nightforce 1-4x? Personally I’m a big fan of the Short Dot, but it is pricey to say the least. After reading a few threads on other forums guys seem to be making a big deal about the Nightforce being a “True” 1x optic. What exact difference is this going to make? I know the S&B is 1.1x and it never bothered me in the least. Hell, to be honest I could not tell the difference. Is this “True 1x” talk just Internet noise?

8

Pics and short review of the Nightforce 1-4x can be found here:

http://www.10-8forums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=28017&an=0&page=0#28017

[b]Grant

       Awesome info, this thread should be a sticky......Anyway to make that happen?[/b]

Semper Fi
Jeff

9

Consider it done.

10

I just zeroed my TR21R on my carbine today and I have to say that the adjustment knobs on the Accupoint made it the easiest scope I’ve ever dialed in. I can’t wait to use it beyond 25yds. I like the reticle even more than I thought I would as well.

11

I have a NF 1x4 sitting on the bench waiting on an upper from Grant. I will be taking it to WV for Pat’s 5 day class. AAR to follow.

12

Thanks Steve, I look forward to reading your opinion on the NF.

13

We can start another thread if neccesary, I have heard some conversations NF, that they will be doing a “free” upgrade to the 1-4 scopes allowing the users to the lit recticle in full daylight?

Anyone else heard of this?

14

I too am very interested in the 1-4x24 NXS. I heard on another forum that they were going to increase the FC-2 reticle brightness to what was described as “Aimpoint bright”.

I spoke with a rep at Night Force today and he said that he had not heard anything regarding an illumination mod although he said that he was not in R&D. His statement was that the illumination was primarily designed for “dawn and dusk” shooting.

Take it for what it’s worth…

15

I just got one of these in. I will be mounting it up shortly and will give a review.

C4

16

Well I went out today with some buddies just back from Afghan (mil). My Short Dot’s being eslewhere (with my camera conviently) I picked up a Leupold 1.5-5 MIV MR/T Illuminate SPR reticle – and also got a chance to play with the NF 1-4.

Neither are Short Dot’s IMHO (albiet the Leupold is not a 1-4 anyway). I was going to try the Leupy on a C8 uppered RO921HB – but my trustly (and last piece of ARMS kit) the old #2 decied to shit the bed and broke at the screw that goes thru the carry handle ( I was going to go on an hige ARMS trirade - but this one is over 10 years old and suffered thru a bunch of stuff so I will let this one slide).

Next week I will have all on hand so I can give a decent reivew of the pro’s and con’s

17

An ARMS product broke??? How can this be??? :smiley:

C4

18

Any pics of the NXS yet? Can you get pictures of the reticles and post them as well?

19

Anything for you Marc!

C4

20

Seemed like a good place to post this!

Finally got to do some varied shooting with my NSX 1-4X with FC-2 reticle on a new 6920 upper at a shoot this last weekend. (Thanks Chen!) I shot over 500rds from 5-50yds on paper and steel, moving, prone, obstacle course around cover from strong and weak side.

Some impressions:

  • 1x works great! No eye relief issues with my nose to charging handle mount, no problems coming up from low ready from 5-50 yds. Almost as good as an Aimpoint.

  • Black unlit reticle (FC-2) works fine in daylight, large “wings” really help to center/sight the target even if it is dark colored.

  • 4x eye relief can be tricky to find when dropping quickly into prone. Or maybe just need more practice…

  • SEB/SBU prone works fine at 1x. 4x has above issues.

  • REALLY helps to close one eye when at 4x, with sweat and movement etc, I got some double images when trying to keep both eyes open. Not really an issue at 1x.

  • Reticle was fine at 1x for a 6" plate at 50yds.

  • As in my old post with reticle pics, the glass is super clear with great contrast. Never had a problem with target ID.

  • Aimpoint still rules for Minute of @$$&*!# shooting at 50y and maybe farther. Just so easy to use… But 4x is always better if you need target ID or more precision.

I still need to do more low light and indoor stuff with it, but at 1x I don’t really forsee any major issues. With a white light source you don’t even need the scope illumination.

So overall I am pretty happy with the glass so far. It is a compromise over an Aimpoint because of the eye relief, but you get magnification as well when you need it. And it is much more versatile than an ACOG with the 1x capability.

Any questions, opinions, or recommendations welcome!

Dennis.