Aimpoint/Eotech VS. Variable 1-4x

[dart368]

I am sort of looking at an optic for an AR. It has to be durable and a good brand that has a reputation for dependability. Most shots will be at 50 yards or less but occasionally out to maybe 100 yards max.

I was thinking of getting a 1x red dot like a Aimpoint or an Eotech but for the price of $400-500 used, I could get a 1-4x variable for around the same price if I went with a Burris, Vortex, Accupoint or maybe even a Nikon or Millet (The last two not being my best choices).

So why would I want to spend the money on a 1x if I could get the flexibility of a 1-4x variable for the same price? Or, what makes the Aimpoint or Eotech so special that they demand those prices?

[dieselpower]

I am sort of looking at an optic for an AR. It has to be durable and a good brand that has a reputation for dependability. Most shots will be at 50 yards or less but occasionally out to maybe 100 yards max.

I was thinking of getting a 1x red dot like a Aimpoint or an Eotech but for the price of $400-500 used, I could get a 1-4x variable for around the same price if I went with a Burris, Vortex, Accupoint or maybe even a Nikon or Millet (The last two not being my best choices).

So why would I want to spend the money on a 1x if I could get the flexibility of a 1-4x variable for the same price? Or, what makes the Aimpoint or Eotech so special that they demand those prices?

First off I wouldnt put Vortex in the same bucket as a Burris, at least at the $500 range.

I did a near two month long research on a 1-4X. My requirements are nearly the same as yours. I expect to shoot out to 250 300 on small game, 100 and under for defense. I read many many reviews from at least 10 different websites and publications.

I quickly zerod in on Leupold. I was thinking of the Hog, but further research lead me to the Mark AR (1" maintube with P5 dials) and the Mark VX-R, (30mm main tube with standard dials) Both come with a red dot called a firedot at the cross hairs. The Mark AR comes with a SPR reticule with BDC. To get both the P5 dials and the SPR reticule in a VX-R, you need to jump up to a VX-R Patrol or Zombie Scope. Zombie comes with a green dot and flip up lens covers. The standard VX-R has just a 10MOA circle around the crosshairs with the firedot at the center.

Links to them here
VX-R Patrol $750 ($600ish retail)

Mark AR Mod1 $375 ($300 retail)

VX-R $560 ($450 retail)

Note the VX-R (standard) is a Gold Ring with life time warranty. I am not sure what the other two come with...possibly the same.

as soon as I get my mount from the vendor, I will do a review. I went with the VX-R.

[dart368]

I used to have a Vortex Viper. I bought it because it got great reviews and it had a built in range estimator. It also had a lifetime warranty and positive reviews on customer service as well as glass clarity. I DID end up selling it though because I wasn't really going to use the range estimator and the reticles were a little too busy for my taste.

I ended up with the Burris MTAC which had a BDC and was more of a red dot for fast target aquisition at close range, similar to maybe an Eotech reticle. The TAC30 or the MTAC are one's I am looking at but was thinking of getting something a little different since I already have one.

You make some great points though and I will look at the Leupold as well as others. Thank you for your reply and advice. :-)

Anyone else have any opinions as to why I would want to go with an Aimpoint or an Eotech with no magnification rather than a variable?

[JDay]

I was thinking of getting a 1x red dot like a Aimpoint or an Eotech but for the price of $400-500 used

EOTechs start at around $419 for the low end model. I just picked up a new EOTech 517 for $449 today. You might be able to get an EOTech and a Bushnell 3x-4x magnifier for around $600 new.

EDIT: The EOTech I got with this Primary Arms 3x magnifier and 7mm raised mount come to just over $600.

http://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_Deluxe_3X_Magnifier_p/pa3xdlx.htm

[joelogic]

Depends on use not distance. A reflex sight will always be faster than a tube sight. And with a scope you have eye relief to deal with.

1x optics allow for Iron sights.

[Bouy]

My Aimpoint CompM2 is mounted on my M-4 here in Afghanistan. I zeroed it to 300 meters with my ironsights cowitnessed. At 50 meters in I just aim a bit lower if I have to but the rest center mass will hit even 300 meters. I qualified Sharpshooter with 34 out of 40 on the pop-up range and I wasn't really trying.

Don't really need zoom unless you want better target identification beyond 200 meters. The unit I'm with here are mostly on Elcan SpecterDR's now instead of ACOG's or the EOTech+Magnification combo. The SpecterDR has a lever that switches between being a 1X red dot Close Combat Optic (CCO) and a 4X ACOG with crosshair. It's a very awesome one piece optic.

They used to run with EOTech+Magnifier but having the magnifier pushed to the side blocks some view and also gets in the way as it sticks out. Many went back to just using an ACOG because they leave the magnifier on most of the time plus it weighs less as well as takes up less space. A few still use ACOG's since the SpecterDR's are still rolling out to replace the ACOG.

I want a SpecterDR but at $1900+ it's a bit out of my reach.

[dart368]

Excellent Posts guys. Thanks. All of those points make sense to me.

[Mikelarry]

Eotech

[dieselpower]

My Aimpoint CompM2 is mounted on my M-4 here in Afghanistan. I zeroed it to 300 meters with my ironsights cowitnessed. At 50 meters in I just aim a bit lower if I have to but the rest center mass will hit even 300 meters. I qualified Sharpshooter with 34 out of 50 on the pop-up range and I wasn't really trying.

Don't really need zoom unless you want better target identification beyond 200 meters. The unit I'm with here all use Elcan SpecterDR's now instead of ACOG's or the EOTech+Magnification combo. The SpecterDR has a lever that switches between being a 1X red dot Close Combat Optic (CCO) and a 4X ACOG with crosshair. It's a very awesome one piece optic.

They used to run with EOTech+Magnifier but having the magnifier pushed to the side blocks some view and also gets in the way as it sticks out. Many went back to just using an ACOG because they leave the magnifier on most of the time plus it weighs less as well as takes up less space. A few still use ACOG's since the SpecterDR's are still rolling out to replace the ACOG.

I want a SpecterDR but at $1900+ it's a bit out of my reach.

Would like to hear more on the Elcans. When they were first issued to the SF troops, they stayed in the armory due to problems seen in training with them. They turned out to be unreliable and no one wanted to take the chance on real missions with them. You can search AR15.com for several first hand accounts.

Sounds like they may have worked the bugs out.

Now for a LEO or civilian, they are 100% good to go. There is no credible situation where either LEO or a civilian could find themselves where a Elcan wouldn't hold up.

[Bouy]

I'm looking to put a Leupold Mk 6 Optic on my SCAR-H when I get back. I have heard a lot of great things about it. Mainly the 1-6X CCO to scope.

I've heard some Marine units are issuing those out. The Mk8 is over 2X the price for 1.1X to 8X.

I heard of the issues the SpecterDR's had early on with zeroing but it sounds like they've been all resolved.

Would like to hear more on the Elcans. When they were first issued to the SF troops, they stayed in the armory due to problems seen in training with them. They turned out to be unreliable and no one wanted to take the chance on real missions with them. You can search AR15.com for several first hand accounts.

Sounds like they may have worked the bugs out.

Now for a LEO or civilian, they are 100% good to go. There is no credible situation where either LEO or a civilian could find themselves where a Elcan wouldn't hold up.

[Whiterabbit]

Most shots will be at 50 yards or less but occasionally out to maybe 100 yards max.

I've got a 1-4x that's perfect for your "wants", but I don't think it's right for your "needs".

I'd put a 1-4 on a rifle I was planning to shoot 200 yards occasionally.

But mostly 100 yards, probably steels offhand? bench shooting on paper sometimes at 50 yards? That's a 1x red dot application.

The 1-4x is just weight and bulk for no real benefit.

That's the only downside I see. weight and bulk. If that doesn't bother you, go nuts. I think you'll be happy with either solution. But IMO, if weight and bulk are a factor, even if at the bottom of the list, for YOUR planned use? I'd buy a red dot.

[goodlookin1]

My Aimpoint CompM2 is mounted on my M-4 here in Afghanistan. I zeroed it to 300 meters with my ironsights cowitnessed. At 50 meters in I just aim a bit lower if I have to but the rest center mass will hit even 300 meters. I qualified Sharpshooter with 34 out of 40 on the pop-up range and I wasn't really trying.

Don't really need zoom unless you want better target identification beyond 200 meters. The unit I'm with here are mostly on Elcan SpecterDR's now instead of ACOG's or the EOTech+Magnification combo. The SpecterDR has a lever that switches between being a 1X red dot Close Combat Optic (CCO) and a 4X ACOG with crosshair. It's a very awesome one piece optic.

They used to run with EOTech+Magnifier but having the magnifier pushed to the side blocks some view and also gets in the way as it sticks out. Many went back to just using an ACOG because they leave the magnifier on most of the time plus it weighs less as well as takes up less space. A few still use ACOG's since the SpecterDR's are still rolling out to replace the ACOG.

I want a SpecterDR but at $1900+ it's a bit out of my reach.

Take a look at the SpectreOS 4x. http://swfa.com/Elcan-SpecterOS-4x-O...hts-C3190.aspx

It's a lot like the ACOG in the sense that this version doesnt have the switch between 1x and 4x. I know that's a big selling point, but you save a LOT of money. You can get this version from different places for around $1100 and it still comes with the much coveted Leica glass. Mount issues have been fixed from what I hear. I still dont like the idea much of external adjustments, but it sounds like they've worked out the kinks and many in SF are singing its' praises.

[dart368]

Thank you for all of your input. The other thing I learned is that the smaller the optic, the better field of vision for CQB type stuff, which is what I was looking to use it for.

I ended up with a great deal on an Aimpoint H1 with a AD QD Mount for it. I think that the light weight and size would be beneficial and as stated, would be suitable for CQB and shots out to 100 yards with most being at 50 or under. Thanks again for the posts guys.

[JDay]

Thank you for all of your input. The other thing I learned is that the smaller the optic, the better field of vision for CQB type stuff, which is what I was looking to use it for.

My EOTech has a better field of view than my friends Aimpoint CompM4. The red dot is also smaller at 1MOA, I shoot tighter groups due to that.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

[Whiterabbit]

if you are shooting at paper targets, all you have to do is tailor the target size to the dot size and it makes no difference how big the dot is. Our eyes are AMAZING at lining circles up to be concentric. You could shoot one hole groups with an enormous dot. Really.