1-4 or 3-9

[Catalyst81]

Trying to figure out the right magnification for an AR I'm building. I'll be shooting paper out at 1-200 yds and plinking plates out to 3-400 yds. I also plan on using it for coyotes occasionally. Originally I was planning on getting a 3-9 and adding an offset red dot, but now I'm starting to think a 1-4 may be more fitting. Any advice for a scope newbie?

[DirtyDave]

There is another current thread on this. Wont be the last though.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=569124

I like a good 1-4x for an AR

[ExtremeX]

Both provide a very usable range depending on the application.

I might lean towards the 3-9x, it seems like the right choice since you said 100+, more magnification is welcome when shooting at longer distances...

If I am target shooting (shooting for groups) I tend to over scope a bit, but as of lately I've been trying to shoot with less magnification.

I can shoot out to 400 with a 1-4x, but its a lot easier being more precise with more magnification... I have a 16x target scope just for target shooting, but I don't use it for anything else...

If you don't plan on doing any close in shooting or CBQ type shooting. The 3-9 might be a better pick for you.

If you said its more of a 0-300 yard rifle, I would have jumped on the 1-4x

[ejhc11]

Catalyst81 you seem to have three different threads going around the same scope question but at different scope powers. You need to decide what you want your rifle to be first, something CQB , something varmint, or just plain paper punching.

Read this:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/straight_scope.htm

First thread

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=567747

Second thread

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=568265

[OpticsPlanet]

This area is a pretty densely packed urban environment, and my AR would be a poor choice for CQ, due to penetration issues and neighbors and the like. If you're expecting the rifle to do triple duty, as noted by ejhc11 above (something CQB , something varmint, or just plain paper punching) the 3-9 with a small offset red dot might work for you. I know I personally spend a lot more time punching paper than I do clearing houses, YMMV.

Mark H.

[Catalyst81]

Not really looking for a CQB. I had a friend talking me into a 1-4, saying its a better fit for an AR. But, thinking it over I think the 3-9ish range is a better fit for me. Thanks for the suggestions.

[newglockster]

How about 2-7? A lot of times they are smaller, lighter, and therefore easier to handle than a 3-9. YMMV

[ExtremeX]

I dont know what your budget is... but how about one of those new 1-8x scopes thats the new hot item.

US Optics 1-8x
Schmidt & Bender 1-8x
Premier 1-8x

All this stuff it at the top of the price spectrum, but they are VERY nice.

[Catalyst81]

I'm trying to keep it under $500.

I dont know what your budget is... but how about one of those new 1-8x scopes thats the new hot item.

US Optics 1-8x
Schmidt & Bender 1-8x
Premier 1-8x

All this stuff it at the top of the price spectrum, but they are VERY nice.

[ElvenSoul]

You should try 1.5 - 5x or 6x

There are a lot hitting the market now.

Some people do not like the 1.5 for low magnification and others don't notice a difference.

[ExtremeX]

For ME... the whole point of buying a 1-4x scope is to get a TRUE 1x scope... If you want something that can ultimately replace the role of an Eotech or Aimpoint for CQB shooting, a true 1x scope is what you want.

Walk around wish both eyes open, and any magnification with hinder your performance for this application.

Its a lot harder for a manufacture to make a true 1x than a 1.1x or a 1.5x... its also why you only find true 1x scopes in the higher end of the general spectrum.

[Catalyst81]

Found a great deal on a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 ($150 off) so I went for it. The more I thought about it the more I realized I'm not interested in a CQB scope.

[DirtyDave]

Found a great deal on a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 ($150 off) so I went for it. The more I thought about it the more I realized I'm not interested in a CQB scope.

You should be happy with that scope.

I like as little mag on the low end as I can get, but that is just my preference for hunting. If you are not kicking in doors and clearing rooms then you dont REALLY NEED 1x.
My old Leupold was a 4-12x. I shot a Boar at 30yds on 4x mag without a problem. Back in South Dakota I borrowed my uncles rifle to hunt deer. It had a 6-18x scope on it. I shot a buck at 40yds and a running doe at 80yds on 6x mag. I would have liked to have less mag in these situations, but it was not neccessary.

[Vacaville]

The low magnification of a 1 - 4X is nice on a rifle that is meant for all-around use. I put a Redfield 2 - 7X on my lever action for shooting out to 250 yards or so, and I find that most of the time I'm at 2X. A 3 - 9X will get you further out, but you won't be able to sight in quickly at very close ranges.

[ExtremeX]

Found a great deal on a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x44 ($150 off) so I went for it. The more I thought about it the more I realized I'm not interested in a CQB scope.

Excellent choice.