Scopes with good Eye Box

[rafa1]

Hi Calguns:

I recently acquired a Vortex SE 1-6x scope and like it a lot, except for one thing: The "Eye Box" as I think they call it.

I have plenty of experience with Red Dots but not with Magnified Optics. In coming across so many reviews on variable short-range scopes, I was convinced that a 1-4, 6 or 8 scope would be a good alternative to Red Dots. Numerous times reviewers indicated that the 1x feature is "just like a Red Dot."

No, it is not.

This is quite problematic for me as being used to Red Dots, my eye does not have to be directly behind the optic to see through. With my new SE, I was quite disappointed that just about any position when on 1x that was NOT directly behind the optic meant I couldn't see anything, it would be blacked out.

Are there variable scopes out there with a generous or more forgiving Eye Box?

Your advise or comments are most appreciated.

[Foebia]

I have heard leupold is pretty forgiving

“Eye box (dependent on Exit Pupil and Eye Relief) is strongly influenced by objective lens size and magnification. At 6x any optic will have a smaller eye box than at 4x.”

Could try a scout scope or pistol scope with the long eye relief to see if it helps

[etwinam]

The Viper PST 1-6x has a great eye box, but ya the strike eagle and primary arms 1-6x are pretty small eye box.

I went through the same scenario as you, I wanted a 1-6x strike eagle. ended up going a different route and did an Eotech with 3x magnifier and it suits me much better. I have an MRO that works well with the magnifier as well but the eotech reticle is my favorite.

[HK Dave]

My Razor 1-6 has a very generous Eyebox.

I like mine greatly and practice to get it shouldered in the same position every time to reduce the problem you're having. It is a very forgiving optic.

For me however, a floating red dot has always been faster than a low power variable optic. I'm sure with a boat load of training, I could get the LPVO to be as fast, but I don't have the time to train that.

[tradecraft]

Razor 1-6

[Dirtlaw]

A "scout" style scope ... burris makes a good one.

[rafa1]

THanks a lot for the advice peeps.

I'm afraid the Razor can't work for me as it its way over my budget. I looked into the Burris LPV's which are in my price range and some research says they have a very good eye box, but the problem is that they are really long, well over 11"

I guess what I'm looking for is:

Very Good Eye Box
Compact (as close as possible to 10" and even under)
"decent glass"
Illuminated reticle with range and BDC
Street Price range about $350

I wonder if that is a reasonable goal and if there is such a thing on the market?

[crufflers]

I wonder if that is a reasonable goal and if there is such a thing on the market?

The PSTII 1-6 is really good.

You might check out (in person) the Burris RT-6, Nikon M-Tactical 1-4.

http://forum.snipershide.com/threads/what-is-a-scopes-eye-box-definition-attempted.98465/

[gpark09]

Expensive ones have very good eye relief. Basically, you get what you pay for. Pretty sad.

[crufflers]

Expensive ones have very good eye relief. Basically, you get what you pay for. Pretty sad.

Strike Eagles, PSTII, RT-6, etc... all have decent and similar "eye relief". 3.4-3.8" pretty common range for $200-$1000 scopes. Cheap Strike Eagles are 3.5" eye relief. OP is wanting the side-to-side and up-down forgiveness to be more like a red dot.

[scotty99]

[crufflers]

In many cases, a 24mm exit tube at that.

[scotty99]

In many cases, a 24mm exit tube at that.

Right. The paper towel tube is WAY more forgiving.

[SAD338]

One thing you may want to check is scope mounting position.
I've seen more than a few dudes that have the scope too close to their eye, especially if they run their stocks all the way collapsed.
It is easier to run a scope at 1X when you have it pushed out further with a cantilever mount.

[WallySparx]

THanks a lot for the advice peeps.

I'm afraid the Razor can't work for me as it its way over my budget. I looked into the Burris LPV's which are in my price range and some research says they have a very good eye box, but the problem is that they are really long, well over 11"

I guess what I'm looking for is:

Very Good Eye Box
Compact (as close as possible to 10" and even under)
"decent glass"
Illuminated reticle with range and BDC
Street Price range about $350

I wonder if that is a reasonable goal and if there is such a thing on the market?

I have the first gen Viper PST 1-4x and it fits those qualities, with better than "decent" glass. They pop up on occasion in the marketplace.