Thanks for your reply. I have seen and heard wonderful things about Steiner.
I am, at the meantime, efficient with Irons. Beyong taking it out to 300+ meters, most of my shooting is with irons. (Matechs, KAC Micros, Carry Handle, and Daniel Defense)
My biggest fear is investing a lot to find out I don’t like utilizing it. While my plans would be to invest more, I am hesitant due to my current monthly budget restrictions.
Of course, resale value does have it’s justification. I know anything sub 100 will have nearly no resale value, while high end tends to hold that value.
Nonetheless, your input is very appreciated, and isn’t taken lightly.
I was just wondering if anyone knew any optics that had quality enough to show me if I like the concept or not. If those options don’t exist, well I will hafta apply the proverbial statement to myself of: “Suck it up buttercup”.
Your best bet will probably be a Primary Arms scope or Vortex Strike Eagle. Unfortunately the LPVO game is not cheap, a good entry level optic like the Steiner and mount will cost nearly as much as a great red dot. I bought a used P4Xi and ADM mount to test the LPVO thing and am very tempted to list mine at a $50 loss so that I can upgrade.
I just went and researched prices again, based on the models you guys mentione, and see that Vortex really seems to be the best in regards to cost and warranty just to get my foot in the door.
If I could find a used PA, I could see that being viable too
Overall, looking at the Steiner, I would be lying to say my brain is not screaming to just wait it out, and find a deal when the money is had.
I think there’s one in the EE right now. I got mine here for $550 IIRC, including the Recon mount and it was barely used. It really is a solid optic, especially given the price. I like Vortex a lot but the original 1-4 Viper was nowhere near the Steiner (at least from what I remember, I didn’t own both at the same time). I should be content with it, I just have a thing for Razor 1-6s in Geissele mounts right now. But it was a great proof of concept for me. I had only ever used red dots and ACOGs and really wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the LPVO. I just wish they weren’t so expensive, for some reason I hate spending money on optics.
If you want budget Bushnell AR 1-4 can be found on sale once in a while for around $100. PA makes a 1x4 that is around a $100 but it is one of there older models. Their newer 1x6 have a lifetime warranty just like Vortex and i like the ACSS better than the reticle in the Strike Eagle.
Give a look at Leupold VXR 1.25x-4x and other Leupold offerings in that magnification range. Decent glass.
There are some older USA and Japanese made scopes that are 1.5x on the low end that can go less than $100 in decent shape that would combo well with an Aero mount, but would still be close to $200 total.
I think if you have had previous scope experience that was with low quality and/or extremely high magnification scopes that cause you to be unsure then there is a good chance that a lpv with decent quality will be a nice surprise for you.
I have a Primary Arms 1-4 in their cantilever mount on a spare mid length build I did last year. I think the optic & mount together were less than $200. I have no complaints about the scope, and actually like the simple, uncluttered view of the reticle. I would buy again.
I could only imagine a LPVO for 100$ would turn you off to LPVO and not be a fair idea of what a good or decent optic is like.
Can you rent one? check it out in a store?
I think LPVO are where it is at. If its good, a true 1x is a big deal to me. The Leupold VX-r is “1.25” and it bothers me. Also my 1.5x ACOG has less magnification than my Leupold 1.25x, imagine that. I’d venture to guess the ACOG is 1.2x and the Leupold is easily over 1.5x.
Also buy once cry once. I have a leupold VX-6 1-6 and a Nightforce NXS 1-4, both are excellent. The Night force is better.
This is a great reason why I turn to our community;
In my initial thoughts, as in the OP, I was concerned that may be the case.
Looks like I am sucking it up and waiting it out. If I can’t cure the itch by the time the 350 or so for a Vortex is saved up, I will pick one up with a good mount; if I can keep my cool I will wait a little longer and pick up a Steiner. Especially with how many LPVO hit the EE here.
Looking around more, it seems like the Steiner is regarded as the “Baseline” for good quality while even Vortex and PA are more entry level.
Ultimately: Truly thanks everyone. I am in a much better place rather than wasting money. As much as I want to jump into the game, I don’t want to be turned off based on my equipment quality not being adequate enough to do what I want with it.
We have a new indoor range that just opened in the last year. Have yet to go due to pricing on the range and rentals. But, if I can go for one quick sessions get a couple boxes down range to see how I like the optics. I would bet they have a rental one.
If not, sounds like I gotta make more friends in high places.
Brother- Memorial Day is soon approaching…ALWAYS good sales on optics all over. I use, and highly recommend, the Steiner P4Xi 1x4 Red Dot. Watch DSG Arms they run good sales on it plus a mount combo.
Will certainly keep a sharp eye open on that day. I appreciate the insight on where to watch too.
My wife is gunna KILL me this year. Two builds, a new CCW, two classes, and it’s only May. It’s a good thing she’s pretty supportive of my hobbies. She stopped asking the safe count about a year and a half ago.
If you’re really stretched on a budget, the Weaver 1-3 can be had under $200. Doesn’t have an illuminated reticle and the reticle is just a standard duplex but it has Japanese glass. Best glass at that budget.
Honestly, as someone who runs a LPV on my main carbine- stay away from them until you can afford a good one. By that i mean ATLEAST $300 for a PA 1-6. Their new FFP model looks amazing. I wouldnt even touch the low price vortex or sig or bushnell. After PA look to leupold. Its like if you bought a cheap red dot, that had bad clarity, weak brightness and poor battery life. You’d probably decide red dots are not for you. HOWEVER if you do decide you like red dots now you wanna spend money on a real one. Same applies to LPV.
If you do get a good mid range LPV like a PA or leuopold and dont like It, you can resell here and get 70% of your money back. Buy a $100 one and you will be out $100 no matter what.
