First, let me start off by saying that I know you get what you pay for, and my “grail” optic is a Trijicon TA33 or similar.
Soooo…with that in mind, I am broke.
I just need a good, basic, durable optic that costs under $400 that will “get me by” while I scheme, save, sell blood, and otherwise eat nothing but ramen until I can afford that Trijicon.
I used to have a couple of Aimpoints, but I’m leaning away from red dots for now. I want something that is decent up close and far away.
I’m tempted to mount one of those Chicom military scopes that used to sell for cheap for SKS’s, but of course I’m overcome with a basic “Puh-leeeeeeez…”
I have been putting Redfield Revolution 2.5-7x33 simple duplex scopes mounted on an Aero Precision 1" SPR mount on hunting oriented budget builds for people. Pretty good scope for the price, assembled in USA, simple. It is really light with the Aero mount too, 14.1oz. The SPR mount is required though with the 2.5-7x33 since the regular Aero mount rings span too far and get into the taper of the objective lens.
One of the Primary Arms (1-4 or 1-6) offerings may get you by in this pinch. I have a PA Micro-Dot and PA 1-6 that I swap around on an M&P 15-22, and haven’t had any issues with either of them in this application. You can get the 1-6 with a mount or rings for less than $400. I am only assuming that you are looking for 1-x variable type optic.
My other experience is with a Vortex 1-4. New and with a mount seems to be around $500, but you can usually find them used with a good mount around ~$400. The reticle leaves plenty to be desired, but it is a decent optic for the money, I think.
Save now, buy later. Or just get a Vortex PST 1-4 and a decent mount. They can be had for 425 with mount if you wait around long enough and jump on one when they become available.
Check out SWFA sample list, also google “demo / open box scopes for sale” to find other deals similar to those on the sample list. Also check out the vortex strike eagle. I have not tried it but there is lots of buzz about it. The leatherwood 1-4 is also supposed to be really good value.
I completely forgot about the Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6. Vortex has a bombproof warranty, and the few reviews that I have seen have been very positive. At $335, I would say that it is one you should definitely look at.
I totally agree with shopping samplelist as well as looking for a Vortex Viper or the newish Strike Eagle on sale. I have done both of these and am happy with results.
I doubt you will hear anyone else suggest this because it is not very “tactical.” But you should consider a Weaver 1-5X24 Super Slam Dangerous Game.
Compared to a Vortex PST 1-4X24 side-by-side, the images are sharper, clearer, and brighter (and of course a little larger) with the Weaver when both are at maximum magnification. My guess is that the Weaver is more durable too. And yes I’ve have both, and have had to send my Vortex 1-4X back for warranty work.
What you will not get with the Weaver is hash marks on your reticle (if you like using them for hold overs or ranging) and illumination. You get both with the Vortex 1-4X. The Weaver reticle is just a plain duplex style reticle.
The Weaver is currently on sale for $299 from Natchez, which is well within your $400 budget.
I’ve never used the new Vortex 1-6X Strike Eagle. But the glass is not great (in my opinion) on their their higher end Viper PST 1-4X. So I am guessing that the glass on the 1-6X is worse.
The Primary Arms 1-4x is actually great for it’s price. The glass is quite good (actually slightly better than the Vortex Viper PST 1-4X24). But the adjustment knobs on the Primary Arms Scope feel very cheap when making adjustments. I don’t trust them at all. Also, my guess is 5-10 years from now, you would still be using either of the Vortex scopes or Weaver mentioned above on some gun. But you probably won’t be using the Primary Arms scope. So the PA scope isn’t really a good investment in my opinion.
Nikon makes nice scopes. Mine have been utterly reliable (I have four), and when I’ve contacted customer support (for extra turret caps!) they were fast and accomodating.
Primary Arms or Vortex. Find a reticle that you like and go from there. I’ve had my first LPV (capped Vortex 1-4) for several weeks but was just now able to find the Bobro mount I wanted in stock so it’s been sitting on my desk. Looks to be pretty awesome though, definitely worth the price. If you like the reticle in the Strike Eagle, go with that.
Only a rich man can afford cheap optics. I would wait. If you absolutely can’t wait for some reason, then I’ll cast my vote for the Strike Eagle. My father-in-law has one, and it seems well made for the price.
I also recommend trying (or at least looking through one) before you buy. Do you have any shooting buddies who could lend you a scope while you save up? Is this for competition, plinking, or something else?
I agree. Shoot irons until you’ve got enough stashed away for the optic you want. I’ve been putting aside $200 for myself with each paycheck I get. I’m currently doing that with my MWS, saving up for the Nightforce ATACR I’ve got on order. After 4 weeks of saving I’m already halfway there. Don’t settle for bullshit.
So you guys will probably laugh at this but I got a Leupold 1-4 “Pig Plex” because the LGS was having a sale and I decided “a bird in the hand” at a bargain price for a name-brand will get me by until I have the cash for something better.
Kinda don’t like how the reticle says “Pig Plex” but the price was right and I do like the cross-hairs.
It will be my “beater” scope until that TA33 ACOG becomes feasible.
EDITED TO ADD: Since posting this I’ve been toying with the “Pig Plex” and I think I’ll take it back to the store. The words “Pig Plex” on the reticle are just too distracting.
From the SFWA sample list provided earlier in this thread is a Nikon 1-4x20 M-223 for $229.95. I paid $300 for this scope a couple of weeks ago at SFWA. Has the BD 600 reticle. Glass looks crystal clear and the reticle is good. I have not mounted it yet, but it looks and feels like a very nice scope. I have the M-308 4-16x40 on my .308 bolt gun and have been happy with it. Must be, or I wouldn’t have bought another Nikon scope.