Hello all - I was given a PA 1-6x24mm optic for my AR for XMas and was wondering if I should keep it or if I should exchange it for a Strike Eagle or Steiner?
The Steiner price is a reach so I am not sure if I could really go that route but still toying with the idea.
Many have complained of the PA optics, although I find it to be really clear. Now I have never used high end optics to compare it to so maybe I am missing something.
Any thoughts / opinions / tips would be greatly appreciated.
What’s the purpose of it? First time using an LPVO and just want to see if you like it?
Hi Wake27 - Good question and thanks for asking.
I have one AR which is somewhat a do all rifle for me. Can’t afford multiples.
I had a Red Dot and found it limited at the range. I would like some thing up close if ever needed and also longer range for targeting (no 3-gun). My range has up to 200 yrds, however I want something that will be good up to 500-600 yrds if possible at a given price point. I do not want to mount this if I don’t think I will not like it because then I will not be able to return. I really thought I would like the red dot when I purchased it, but totally fooled myself with it’s liabilities.
Appreciate all your help
I’m fairly certain the Gen 2 PA 1-6x and the Strike Eagle 1-6x are identical, the only difference being branding and reticles. The Gen 3 ACSS 1-6x would be a small step up from there.
The Steiner P4Xi is in an entirely different league altogether, and really isn’t comparable to the other two at all. It has less magnification but is going to be vastly superior in almost all other aspects.
IMO the Gen 3 PA 1-6X is the best deal out there for the bucks.
Sure the Steiner has “Shott” Glass, but is assembled in Colorado and for all intents is an upper end Burris scope.
FWIW I have that PAs scope on a 16” 300 Blk and it has done a good job.
I’m not a “scope snob”, but I have several German Steiner, Trijicons, Leica and other good glass on guns.
If you’re thinking of trading the PA for the Vortex you mention, you’re not gaining anything.
If you want to trade up and add several hundred dollars, that’s a different matter.
If this is your only rifle, I’d probably return that one and get the Steiner. It is a fantastic scope and can be found gently used for a very good price without too much trouble. I think I paid $500 for mine in our EE and that included the throw lever and an ADM mount. If you had other rifles that already had a decent optic that you’d like I would have said to give the PA a shot, but personally if I only had one, I’d want the P4.
Full disclosure though, I’ve never handled the PA and if its already in your hands and you think you like it after playing with it a little, that’s a tough call.
Thank you
This helps me on my choice. As I said, I cannot afford a great deal. I will not be in Afgan so I don’t need the true ruggedness of an ACOG.
I understand there are much better optics, although when I look through the PA 1-6 it looks pretty decent.
If trading up…what would price points/optics would be better suited?
If a 1-4X is adequate for your purpose- I agree with the Steiner P4Xi. You can find one for a couple hundred bucks more than the PA’s 1-6.
If you need/want a 1-6, it’s a different ballgame. Now you’re going from South of $500±, to $1K± for good optics.
I’ll give you my Trijicon Accupower 1-4x for $600.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?202840-Trijicon-Accupower-1-4x-(well-below-retail-never-used-free-shipping)
I know that a few weeks ago the P4Xi was available for $375ish, I bet if you shopped deals you could find one around that mark
No Point in returning for a Strike eagle. Very similar glass and quality but the PA scope has a better ACSS reticle . If you were gifted the gen 3 version it has a lifetime warranty just like the strike eagle. That being said i think the P4XI is the way to go if you can stretch the budget. Better glass and daylight bright reticle are worth the extra money even if you are losing 2x on the high end
I would go with the Steiner. The glass alone is worth the extra money.
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Another option that would be ahead of the PA and Vortex glass wise would Burris RT6. I have read some really good feedback on these and they are made in the same factory the XTR scopes are made in. You would still get the 1-6x mag and come in cheaper than the Steiner
What do you think about the ACSS reticle? Kind of busy to me. have a Strike Eagle 1-6 and for the money it’s a decent scope. I prefer the Strike Eagle reticle over the ACSS - it’s a little cleaner, more simple. I believe the Steiner is even more clean/simple. Just another factor to throw in. I know that no matter how clear the class is, if I don’t like the reticle, then it’s a no-go for me.
I was pretty content with my Strike Eagle until I got my first Vortex Viper PST and Burris XTR II. The differences in glass quality were very obvious to me, particularly at max zoom.
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If you have any leads on a Steiner for that price please share! I would pick one up for that.
I have a bunch of optics.
Skip the low end stuff. Save up and buy a trijicon accupower if you want a 1-4.
I thought the ACSS seemed cluttered before i used it, but once i did I really liked it. I don’t seem to notice the features i am not using and the drops are spot on in my experience. I have also watched some youtube reviews from Garandthumb and MrGunsandGear who have basically said the same thing about the reticle clutter wise… The P4xi definitely has the better glass and a nice simple reticle though. Also daylight bright unlike the Primary Arms options
I had the Accupower 1-4 “Green” reticle and sold it for the Steiner. The Accupower was a nice scope, but I like the simple and daylight bright reticle that the Steiner offers. I have been very happy with the Steiner and do not regret my choice. If they made a P6xi in the same price point as the Accupower, I would be all over it.
Same as SIG above me. Traded the green BDC accupower for the P4xi. Very pleased.
I sold my strike eagle because I didn’t like the reticle was too busy for my tastes. Haven’t tried it out but there’s a P4Xi on EE right now.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?202879-New-Steiner-P4Xi-1-4x24-Model-5201