I’m looking for an optic for my Bushy M4 with a 14.5 in barrel 16in with the brake. I’ve narrowed it down to 4 possibilities. The Vortex PST 1-4x24, or the 3-9x44. OR the Leupold VX R Patrol 1.25-4x20 or 3-9x40. They are about the same price magnification for magnification. I’m not to keen on the shim system that Vortex uses to lock zero. I have the budget to ring mount a Aimpoint micro T1 to the higher mag for close up stuff but I’m not sure if the higher magnification is too much for that rifle. Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks
I’m thinking about putting a Leupold 3x9-40 and then doing an offset mini red dot for closeup stuff. That way it is kind of the best of both worlds. Larue Tactical has some good scope mounts they’re just kinda pricey.
Using a scope that provides a true 1x you probably won’t find the need for a separate red dot.
If you have the budget I would be looking at slightly nicer 1-4x and 1-6x scopes and forget adding an Aimpoint on top. In the price range of roughly $1000 (comparing to your $500 scope and $500+ Aimpoint T1) you could get the SWFA SS 1-4x24 or the Leupold VX-6 1-6x24; for a little more you could also consider the Vortex Razor 1-4x and some other very nice options. I would check out the SWFA 1-4x, it is an excellent scope and value.
Of the 2 you mentioned i prefer the Vortex over the Leupold hands down. I’ve been using a Vortex Viper PST 1-4x since may and its has been an excellent optic. It has been reliable, it is very clear, and in low light levels to my eye beats out the leupold in a side by side comparison.
If you are worried about the shims for their zero stop why not just go with the capped model vs exposed turrets? Are the ranges you shooting at requiring you to adjust for holdover? IMO in low magnification optics you dont need tacticool turrets and shit which can get caught on equipment and clothing and have the zero changed on you when you least expect it to.