Looking to replace my red dot (it’s going in the S&W 15-22) with a variable zoom scope that’s good quality but not in the ACOG range. Best of both worlds for around $400?
You can get a leatherwood cmr 1-4x24 or a burris tac30 1-4x24 for around $300.
Read up on the leatherwood
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/725900/leatherwood-hi-lux-cmr-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-1-4x-24mm-illuminated-green-cmr-ballistic-reticle-matte
I have an extra one sitting here, if you decide you want one then pm me.
Thanks for the info! Only hesitation with the Leatherwood… Is it “true 1x” or would I need an additional red-dot?
The Nikon 1-4 with Bullet Drop Reticle is reasonably priced at 269 on Midway’s website. Buy a Burris mount for it and you are under 400.
I like mine. The reticle has holdovers built in so all you have to do is zero at 100 yards and just use the hash marks for 200-600 yards if using 55gr .223. Point of impact will change with different ammo but I don’t have any issues hitting steel at 300+ yards. I have only had 1 opportunity to try it at 500 yards but it was very windy that day. I didn’t do so well.
It is a pretty decent scope though.
The Nikon is the best you’re going to get under that price with an AR capable mount. I’d still look heavily at the SWFA and Vortex PST options in the same zoom range - a bit more expensive, but they’re better optics.
Damn… Now Im looking at the Vortex PST. I’ve decided I’m not getting enough back from tax refund. I’m going to ask for more. Sounds reasonable to me… 
You will really be pleased with this optic. My range partner has one and I hope he “leaves it my house” When he gets deployed next time!
OP: Did you look at the very first sticky in this Optics subforum?
It’s called “1-4 variable optic options”. It has 713 posts, some as recent as three days ago. It was started in 2006, so it’s likely got an answer for you.
For slightly more than 400 you can get a Vortex PST 1-4x optic. They are definitely a notch better in terms of overall quality than the ones listed above and they won’t break the bank on you. I’ve used one on my SBR and was pleased for the value given it’s a sub $500 scope.
The Burris MTAC is the best in that price range.
Pat
Have you had the chance to shoot with a Leupold VXR? Reason I’m asking is I’m considering one and I’ve read the VXR is significantly better than the Burris.
No I have not sorry. Will have to take a look at one some time. How is the illumination and reticle?
pat
Red dot bright reticle. I’m actually looking at the Pig Plex model for the thicker crosshairs. I figure they’ll make the circle dot easy enough to pick up both eyes open without illumination. I just can’t find one locally to verify and no one seems to choose them over the standard thinner circle dot for unknown reasons.
I guess it depends on what you’re looking for in the scope. I haven’t shot either yet, I have been researching 1x-4x in this price range quite a bit.
Both the Burris MTAC and Leupold VXR have illuminated reticles and my research has indicated they illuminate pretty well even in relatively bright daytime. The Burris has a ranging reticle supposedly built around the 5.56. It’s not my favorite reticle design I’ve seen on 1-4xs, but I do want a ranging reticle.
The Burris offers a 24mm objective whereas the Leupold VXR is 20mm. The Burris offers a wider field of view, 100 ft at 100yds on 1x where the Leupold is 75 ft. at the same. They are pretty close on eye relief.
I keep leaning toward the Burris because it most closely fits the bill that I have for my optic needs. Please let me know your feedback if you pull the trigger on one soon and put some rounds down range. Paper specs and internet chatter only go so far. There are a lot of options in this category, and even in this price range, sometimes my head spins.
Vortex also has an offering in this price range, ~$500 and under. Both in capped turret, and uncapped models with a couple different reticles.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-1-4x24-riflescope-with-tmcq-moa-reticle-capped-turrets
I have the Nikon Monarch Africa 1-4 , This is a true 1X , crystal clean and built like a tank . It sits back further on the gun than in this picture but its the only pic I have of it on the gun
