Basically I’ve been toying around with lower cost red dots and such over the last couple of years, and I’ve decided to finally get a quality optic. I was going to get an aimpoint H1, but now I’ve been thinking about a decent 1x4 scope. I’ve narrowed it to the vortex pst.
Having never used a scope before I’d like some opinions or first hand experiences on how well a 1x4 works for close quarters/ target acquisition in 1x mode as compared to a standard red dot.
Also if anyone has any thoughts on mounting a small reflex on top of the scope for closer range. I’ve seen some set up this way.
I’ve used 1-4x optics in every position, lighting condition, and temperature range that I can. I wholly embrace them.
That being said, robustness is a major concern, and that is directly related to overall cost.
As far as speed goes, I shoot mine as fast as I shoot my Aimpoints and EoTechs from 3 to 75 meters, and faster/more precisely past that. No need for a doggy-style mini dot sight.
Typos brought to you via Tapatalk and autocorrect.
I really prefer the donut of death for fast shooting, I can hit minute of bad guy out to 300 with little issue. BUT, I’ve been thinking about a
1-?X, as age is trying do overcome my LASIK so the distance shooting might become a problem. Close range (inside 100M) is always the priority though.
I’m due for an optic purchase this year so I’m in to listen to this conversation.
I have been looking into leatherwood CMR 1-4X the reviews and pics online of the glass and Reticle are very good and for the 250$ price you cant go wrong.
I transitioned to an NF 1-4x24 FC-2 from T1’s as my everyday optic starting this year, and I have been very pleased with the results. I am very close with my RDS times inside 25yds, but I am much faster and more accurate from 100-400yds.
I have found the ret. to be a very important factor, so I would take the time to find the right fit for you.
The FC-2 has been great and I highly recommend it for an all purpose ret.
I just purchased a pst and love it. I can keep up with my aimpoint no problem. At 4x it seems as nice as my acog was, but with more versatility due to the reticle. I have only had it for a week so I am not going to come out and say they are the way to go, but as of right now, they would probably be my first choice to add to another rifle. On another note, I have a feeling that the acogs and aimpoints will probably still beat out most 1-4x in the realm of ruggedness.
I’m a red dot guy, but my Trijicon TR24G 1-4x has been great. It’s very fast inside 50 and allows me to make faster, more accurate shots at distance. Outside 100 yards, I’m not a big fan of the triangle though. I’m currently looking into another 1-4x, and the recticle will be a deciding factor in my decision process.
Magnification makes two-eyed shooting just as accurate as single eye, and gives the shooter less eye fatigue. Many top-shelf shooters shoot with two eyes open through magnified optics.
I actually have more of an issue at 1x through “traditional” optics at speed, especially if the low end is not true 1x or very close to it. A good reticle is essential for the fine balance of both requirements (short/fast, long/precise), as is a generous “eye box”.
I would urge you to avoid cheap low powered variables. I have yet to find any that I would find acceptable for less than $750. My threshold is the Trijicon TR24. Then again, my purpose and intent for my optics may not correspond with yours.
yes. some have had it done for free others it was very inexpensive I dont remember the actual price but when I was looking at the Dual Illum. RMR I remember thinking no big deal to replace the Tritium.
I have found that an off set red dot sight is better than 1x in some situations. 1 when your shooting on the move and actively scanning for targets. The scopes eye box is not as for giving as the red dots obvioulsy and I find when your making a hasty shot that the red dot is faster. However once your set in your cheekweld the scope is as fast and with the Swarovski some times faster because the field of view is better and more clear. Not saying you need a off set red dot but I do think they have value. I use mine in matches on certain stages and it does pay off. I know this because at local matches I shoot open and tac optics so I get the benefit of running the course of fire with the side red dot and without and comparing the times and the hits.
As for two eyes open shooting I fully agree and I do it with every thing I shoot even irons. It is just ingrained in me now I don’t have to think about it. I even shoot my precision rifles this way.
Pat
I am still new to scopes and red dots so thank you for that info. makes me want to go out and practice everything both eyes open now.
definitely dont want to go buy a scope then end up wanting a better one in a month or worse breaking it in a month,
no matter price whenever I am shopping around I come back to the Trijicon line and just wait to spend the money on them.
The first ACOG I used spoiled me I think.
Shooting two eyes open will help you to shoot a lot faster on multiple targets. One way to make yourself shoot this way is to cover the front lens cap on your scope or red dot (turn the illumination on the scope) and shoot with both eyes open. If you close your eye you won’t see anything but black and the reticle. But if you keep both eyes open you will see the target with your support eye and the reticle with your shooting eye and your brain will put the two together.
Pat
But not impossible. I practice with a Vicking tactical type barricade and I can do pretty good. The only time I have much difficulty is when shooting on my left shoulder and then I just need to remember to back up off the scope a bit.
Pat
I like the 2MOA center dot surrounded by the donut, the hashes help with fast centering at short range and longer ranges, and each part of the ret. can be used as references for holds at distances out to 500yds. The illumination is also nice in lower light…
Bottom line is that it is very fast, yet it is also very usable at distance.
