So, having purchased an LMT 308 MWS I had an initial plan to run the 16 CL barrel with a red dot & 3X or possibly a TR24, and then run the SS 18 barrel as soon as it’s available with a 2.5-10ish optic.
I had previously not had much interest in the upcoming 1-8 optics as the expected price is a bit high. But thinking more about it, if I were to run/swap the 2 optics mentioned, with mounts I would be in at about 2k or over. So, I see that with just a bit more cash I could possibly have my cake and eat it with one optic. My access to extremely long range is limited and I think 8X would suffice.
I know there is some info on most of these scattered about the forum and I have read much of it. These optics appear to be very similar to me and look to be falling around the 2.5k price point but my experience with this type of optic is limited.
Would anyone care to discuss their various features in comparison to each other here in one place?
So far I see the following;
S&B 1-8 PM Short Dot
Leupold CQBSS 1.1-8
Premier V8 1.1-8
I gather that hands on has been limited to shot show or demo prototypes but what expected features lead you to favor one over the other? Will they all be shipping in the next month or two? Any of these companys do LEO/MIL pricing similar to Swarovski? Any others lurking out there about to drop something, Nightforce or Trijicon?
Talked to Premier. All I could get as far as a commitment was, the V8 will be on shelves later this year. They advised contacting US Tactical for LE sales.
So far, everybody is well past the dates they flung hither and yon at SHOT. Nothing out of the ordinary…
Ever see that Tom Hanks movie, The Money Pit? Every single contractor kept insisting that any job on that house would take no more than two weeks to complete. NONE of those jobs took two weeks.
So…two weeks. They’ll be available in two weeks.
EDIT: For the inevitable illiterate; I’m making a lousy joke, not quoting a time.
I’m discovering in my mid-40s that magnification is a very good thing for reasons that extend beyond simple target identification. These 1-8x offerings should be very well received. I’ve got a S&B 1.5-6x Zenith, and the extra power over a conventional 1-4x makes a significant difference.
Someone not too long ago posted the S&B 1-8 was not ready for prime time. It was having some teething problems. I’m sure they’ll iron it out over time, but the wait may be longer.
In any of these optics, I’m certain they’ll command a hefty price tag. I read somewhere else that the Leupold will retail at over $3K.
IIRC the SHOT show sample was more of a development mule than a true representation of the final product- and I think this is where the comments about the 1-8x come from.
I love my Premier 3-15 and I’d like to see the 1-8.
Yep, KevinB and a few others were not impressed with the Shot Show example. But, that was what 8 months ago? I am hoping that the prototype example is not indicative of the final product. It’s hard for me to believe that S&B will put out a substandard short dot.
While similar in magnification range, it does not really follow the design philosophy at work in the optics being discussed.
So… another 2 months gone by. Anyone have anything new on any of these? ETA Now I’m hearing that Swaro is also coming with a 1.1-8 As they haven’t formally announced yet I would assume they would ship significantly behind the others.
Not to mention no lit reticle. I had a 2.5-16 in one of these scopes. They are good for the money for target shooting precision stuff or maybe hunting. But their reticles stuck for up close fast shooting even on low power.
Pat
I can’t comment on the other brands, but I spoke with Leupold recently.
Last week, a representative from Leupold stated that the CQBSS 1-8X will not be generally available, until well into next year.
He would not provide any specific date. Interestingly enough, he also mentioned that there will be some new similar type (tactical/ 3-gun) scopes being released before the end of the year.
I find myself just like a few of the other members here. I am just about ready to pull the trigger on a new optic. But as for myself, I am only planning on buying ONE, especially if these scopes are running over $2K.
I was also thinking that there is a slight possibility that the S&B 1-4X Short Dot scopes may see a lessor demand once the 1-8X optic is released which could result in a surplus of the optics thus lowering the price. -only time will tell.
I do all my optics shopping over on The Hides equipement exchange. Lots of well cared for used stuff at not bad prices. Last years tacti-cool it this years tacti-deal.
I can’t comment on the other brands, but I spoke with Leupold recently.
Last week, a representative from Leupold stated that the CQBSS 1-8X will not be generally available, until well into next year.
He would not provide any specific date. Interestingly enough, he also mentioned that there will be some new similar type (tactical/ 3-gun) scopes being released before the end of the year.
I find myself just like a few of the other members here. I am just about ready to pull the trigger on a new optic. But as for myself, I am only planning on buying ONE, especially if these scopes are running over $2K.
I was also thinking that there is a slight possibility that the S&B 1-4X Short Dot scopes may see a lessor demand once the 1-8X optic is released which could result in a surplus of the optics thus lowering the price. -only time will tell.
SkiDevil
Any hints as to what was comming from Leupold? I’m looking to buy something mid November…but this may make we want to wait a bit.