I got mine a couple of days ago.
Will be running updates and pics as soon as I get it mounted and setup. I plan on doing a 1000 round evaluation in varying use; Close range, enclosure clearing, mid range (including hasty and unconventional positions), night runs at close and mid range, and if able, try to stretch legs out to 600 meters (or more).
First impressions:
-It’s big. And heavy. Dwarfs 1-4s I have used before, and the 34mm tube looks robust enough to be used as a breaching device.
-Eye-box is a little shorter than I find optimal, but not “bad”.
-Dot is bright. I didn’t do a side by side with my aimpoints, but it looks at least aimpoint-ish in brightness.
-Reticle is great throughout the magnification range. This is the first variable that I have considered using magnifications other than the extremes. In reticle comparison I like 1x, 2x (displays center red dot at 1-2x, bounces to mildot illum over 2x), 4x, and 8x. I think that I will carry it at either 2 or 4x, and adjust from there for specialized applications. If you have never used them, hollow mil-dots are the bees knees, if you have, well…you already know.
-Glass is clear, but should go without saying.
-Illimination Knob is clever. Pull/twist with “off” between each setting. I don’t know how you could accidentally change illumination with their system.
-Turret adjustment: positive tactile clicks, good turret retention with the top lever thing, but doesn’t need tools, which is cool.
Mounting:
I really wish Bobro made a 34mm mount.
It looks like a standard SPR base from LaRue will fit between the turrets and occular bell. The forward placement of the erector housing makes mount selection critical, but the good news is that if the SPR doesn’t fit right there will be a 34mm SPR mount in the EE.
Overall I like it, or really the capability it brings to the table.
I am not able to compare it to the S&B or Leupy, but if they are anywhere nearly as impressive, it would be hard to pick a “bad” one.
I am looking forward to getting shooting.
I am unsure of exactly where in the design/commercial release process this one is from. I know that they were supposed to be redesigned to lower consumer cost at some point, but I don’t know which side of that line I am on. I will check it out and report back.
I’m still waiting on my mount to come.
I didn’t feel good with ordering the mount before I could compare it’s dimensions against mounts and optics I had on hand, and I couldn’t use any of the mounts I already own as they are all 30mm and the PR is 34mm.
Heard that the 1.1-8 is going to be a limited release, They are going back to the design shed for a true 1 power model. Is this what anyone else is hearing?
When I tried to order one from CS Tactical, they informed me that PR was only going to make a few of these scopes, as they wanted to redesign it to be a “true” 1x vs. the 1.1x.
DUDE!!! I got mine in also, and i couldnt agree more with you initial review. if you dont mind me asking, what are you using for a mount? I taught about a Larue but i think that i am going to get a ADM mount.
sorry to hijack but does anyone offer an off the shelf 34mm lapping tool for those monster rings?? Had a call today and did a little looking but appears they may have to have one made from bar stock.
thanks…
Also, I got to fondle my first Premier and was impressed with the glass...it was higher magnification but liked the zero stop / knob adjustment set up better than the NF. I was informed that they are getting their lenses from the same supplier as S&B but will say again that is hearsay.
I hope he does well & was not even aware the son continued the biz to this extent after his father passed away. I have a vintage 6.5-20 leupy bumped to 18-40 on my 6BR:)
Can’t wait to hear the review. Of all the 1-8x I saw at SHOT, the Premier was the only one that made me say “WOW!” I was slightly disappointed with the S&B and hugely disappointed with the Leupold.
Sorry if I gave the impression that this was given to me.
I bought it out of pocket because I was interested in it and wanted one. I am writing the review only because it is a new product, very expensive, difficult to get ahold of, and a bit of interest.
F2S, I’m not exactly sure what you from your description. Do you mean the measurement from inside ring to inside ring on the SPR isn’t wide enough? If so, is the SPR-E wider? I thought it was the same size, just cantilevered further forward.
Putting the SPR mount fore/aft of the erector might put the whole scope too far backwards to get proper eye relief on the receiver. It might require mounting it on the handguards and receiver, something I have heard is frowned upon, although have no experience with myself.
