Picking RDS or 1-4 variable *UPDATED w/ Vortex pic*

[Manpants]

I need some opinions or a nudge off the fence in deciding an optic. Currently have on my AR a Bushnell TRS-25 which for all intents and purposes make a great basic range RDS. It has been mostly reliable. Had an issue with it blinking out after shots on lower power but a quick cleaning of the terminals and tightening fixed it.

I recently acquired a Vortex Strikefire in a trade to put on my tacticool AR-22 to replace a broken cheapo barska. I never was a fan of that style RDS or so I thought. Until I got it. I absolutely love it. I immediately wondered why I didn't just put it on my actual AR. It then had me wondering some more. Aimpoint PRO optics are decently priced. I am no operator and don't pretend to be one. I just like the idea of it's reliability and battery life to price point. Fairly impressive from the reviews and such. I like the look of micro dots quite a bit so making the change to that style would be mostly cosmetic hurtles for me. Just when I thought I figured it out and was going to charge it to my card.... I got to check out my friend's Vortex PTS 1-4x24. Yeah... now I don't know what I want.

I know they serve a different purpose and an RDS has advantages in some areas that low power variable scopes don't have. Easier to shoot from weird angles, faster close range acquisition, no eye box or eye relief. I have heard the argument for 1-4's also being at close range it is only slightly slower to acquire, you can obviously ID a target further (in my case very scary paper), more versatile in other ways etc. The issue is, price goes up and more things needed. Mounts are an added cost too. Are a low power variable really the "future" and replacements for RDS like some like to say? I can't seem to see how they would be. I also see them being quite a bit less durable. I know for my range use who cares, right? But what if...

Anywho. Any input? If I could get both I would. So that isn't an option.

[tal3nt]

I would get a 1-4x. RDS' are good too, but a little magnification just unleashes more of your rifle's potential! It'll without a doubt be slightly slower at close ranges, but if it's just a range gun I would definitely go with a scope. I've been wanting a Leatherwood Hi-Lux CMR....

[ExtremeX]

I'm a pretty big fan of low power variable scopes... I have a couple of them.

My vote goes to the 1-4x type optic of your choice.

[Manpants]

Since I only looked through his 1-4 and didn't get to try getting targets... how much "slower" is it really for close up and is distortion or anything in particular an issue for you guys?

[ExtremeX]

Pick the optic that matches your shooting style and application the best.

I do more target and long distance shooting than I do fast action stuff. That said I didn't want to completely loose close in performance by adding magnification on the low end. So the low power variables fit the bill for me very well.

If my primary shooting was fast action / run and gun style stuff the RDS will excel at that.

I still find myself to be pretty fast with a 1-4x and 1-6x scopes. I am still able to shoot with both eyes open and get on target quickly.

Only you can really answer the question as to whats going to be best for you. How much are you looking to spend on a 1-4x scope?

[tal3nt]

The 1x on a variable will be different from a eotech or aimpoint; it will still require a certain eye relief for a perfect picture. And a lot of 1-4x scopes are not "true" 1x. They will usually still have a slight bit of magnification @ 1x, which also slows you down some.

[Manpants]

Pick the optic that matches your shooting style and application the best.

I do more target and long distance shooting than I do fast action stuff. That said I didn't want to completely loose close in performance by adding magnification on the low end. So the low power variables fit the bill for me very well.

If my primary shooting was fast action / run and gun style stuff the RDS will excel at that.

I still find myself to be pretty fast with a 1-4x and 1-6x scopes. I am still able to shoot with both eyes open and get on target quickly.

Only you can really answer the question as to whats going to be best for you. How much are you looking to spend on a 1-4x scope?

The cap was originally at about 400 for an RDS which is why the Aimpoint Pro seemed so attractive. I would be willing to go up to the price point of the Vortex PST for a 1-4 which is $500 then another $75-100 for mount. The issue is I don't quite yet have a niche for the AR. I originally wanted it for close to mid fun or... fun hit the fan. I have a r700 in .308 for distance but the appeal of reaching a little further with the AR is tempting. Why do I have a feeling I will end up building another AR around an optic this time.... RDS for my middy now and 1-4 for...another middy? Brain hurts.

[Manpants]

The 1x on a variable will be different from a eotech or aimpoint; it will still require a certain eye relief for a perfect picture. And a lot of 1-4x scopes are not "true" 1x. They will usually still have a slight bit of magnification @ 1x, which also slows you down some.

So it is very noticeable for you? with my RDS now I can just bring it up and fire it off. Will it be a little bit of hunting through the optic or something training and practice could eliminate quickly?

[tal3nt]

Hardly noticeable I'd say. Once you find that perfect distance to mount the scope to the scope mount & the scope mount to the receiver, and with a little practice & getting used to, it becomes very natural and fast bringing the gun up at 1x and acquiring a good sight picture. Of course not as natural as a red dot. I haven't done any tactical style speed shooting with a 1-4x though to be honest.. just what I can gather from range shooting

[Manpants]

Wish I could just rent a couple to try hah.

[tal3nt]

Haha gosh, wouldn't that be awesome?? Anything that expensive should be available to rent!

[tal3nt]

Honestly though I don't see how you would be disappointed with a Viper PST

[vintagedude88]

You can always do what the 3 gun guys do and have both an RDS and a magnified optic. Get a mini red dot and put it on an offset mount to the side of your magnified scope.

[Manpants]

You can always do what the 3 gun guys do and have both an RDS and a magnified optic. Get a mini red dot and put it on an offset mount to the side of your magnified scope.

True... but I don't know if I would be running 3 gun comps any time soon. Without a purpose I would feel it a waste. But good idea!

[Manpants]

Honestly though I don't see how you would be disappointed with a Viper PST

Thinking the same. Only thing that worries me is my lack of gracefulness and concerns of durability. Warranty is great but I don't want to have to use it :P