Need Help 1-4X SCOPE

[ExtremeX]

Warranty should not be a primary driving force behind which optic you buy… At least it’s the wrong reason IMO to pick one scope over the other.

More importantly you should pick a scope based on your needs and shooting style. The Vortex PST and Burris MTAC are two very different scopes even thought they are both 1-4x low power variables.

For me reticle design plays a pretty big role.

The MTAC is a hole over reticle, its designed to be faster with pre-selected hold over points based on whatever average of barrel, ammo loading, and ballistic properties Burris used to design it. With that said, it’s probably not perfect when it comes to hold overs as its setup based on whatever ballistic data Burris used.

Vortex uses a more traditional target reticle… there are no preset hold over points and it’s a little more universal since it’s not designed or setup around any specific caliber or load. It’s up to the user to understand the rifles/ammo dope and hold over or dial in correction accordingly.

Personally I picked the Vortex because I preferred a traditional reticle over a hold over reticle, that’s a preference thing. I also tend to move scopes around every once in a while on rifles, and since I got my 1-6x the Vortex PST is sitting on my 10/22. Not having a reticle tied into a specific load is advantageous to me.

[thegreyman2013]

You have made some REAL SOLID points. I have lots to consider, never thought picking an optic would so hard

[k1dude]

? I received my swfa 1-6 a while ago. I love it!

I've seen used 1-4s go $600

Btw they promised the 1-6 less that 10 months ago. . sure I wasn't happy about the wait, but it was worth it.

Shoot ok at 2 years on my wait for my Jae 700 stock.

I stand corrected. I didn't realize they actually started delivering. The first promises for the 1-6 was much more than a year ago. I had pre-ordered the 5-20x50 and the pre-order for the 1-6 came out a couple months after. So it's been a loooong time. I waited and waited and waited, and finally broke down and bought their 1-4x24 about a year ago. I probably waited a year for the 1-6 before I broke down and bought the 1-4.

They make great stuff, but they need to keep quiet about their future products until they can actually deliver.

[HK Dave]

I stand corrected. I didn't realize they actually started delivering. The first promises for the 1-6 was much more than a year ago. I had pre-ordered the 5-20x50 and the pre-order for the 1-6 came out a couple months after. So it's been a loooong time. I waited and waited and waited, and finally broke down and bought their 1-4x24 about a year ago. I probably waited a year for the 1-6 before I broke down and bought the 1-4.

They make great stuff, but they need to keep quiet about their future products until they can actually deliver.

Frankly I think the 1-4 is superior to the 1-6 at 1x. Obviously the 1-6 is superior in the high end in terms of sharpness and reticle... but at 1x, I remember the 1-4 having very little fish eye effect... and it almost felt like i was looking through an empty tube. The 1-6 does not feel that way.... def has some fish eye, but it's still nice considering it's got a 6x HD top end.

[whipkiller]

I bought the Vortex Viper PST 1-4X a while back, largely due to some of the points ExtremeX makes above, (Thanks again Extreme) and I am VERY happy with it.

I was actually out playing with it yesterday which sadly, was the first time since I bought it that I've been able to shoot it at any kind of real distance. I was very pleased with my ability to see and hit targets both close and (for me) far away.

When I was shopping for this I was really trying to talk myself into the Burris, 'cuz it would have saved me $100, but the Vortex just seemed to have a clearer, crisper, "Hi-Def" picture and I like the reticle better.

If I had it to do over again, I'd still go for the Vortex.

[ExtremeX]

Frankly I think the 1-4 is superior to the 1-6 at 1x. Obviously the 1-6 is superior in the high end in terms of sharpness and reticle... but at 1x, I remember the 1-4 having very little fish eye effect... and it almost felt like i was looking through an empty tube. The 1-6 does not feel that way.... def has some fish eye, but it's still nice considering it's got a 6x HD top end.

I never used the 1-4x SWFA scope, but I think I know what you are talking about...

I found the Vortex PST at 1x performance better than the 1x performance on the SWFA 1-6x scope. Still completely usable, but to the eye its not a perfect seamless empty tube effect on the 1-6 SWFA... still has some type of optical effect which plays with the eye a little. Good thing I spend more time on the top end otherwise it would probably bother me more.

The Vortex PST did deliver on the true 1x "empty tube" performance... I just wish the illumination was brighter for use outdoors. I guess there is still reason to buy a SWFA 1-4x besides just saving a few bucks over the 1-6.

From what I read its very difficult to design low power variables with true 1x performance when you start to stretch the top end. I would love to get my hands on a USO 1-8x to see how they did.

[HK Dave]

I remember reading some technical journal on why it's literally impossible... something to do with how it would look different depending on the distance of the objects or whatnot.

But for what it is... SWFA did an excellent job.

[IPSICK]

I get that it is the current trend but I am not really sure if higher and higher magnifications at the top end is all that useful. Low power variables are perfect for rifles used for short to medium range situations. If one needs more power isn't it better to just use your precision rifle.

[ExtremeX]

You are right... there comes a point where you need to just move into a different magnification bracket like the 2.5-10x or change up the rifle for longer distance work.

I got into these low power variable because I didn't like RDS units that much for the type of shooting I like to do. My 1-6x is sitting on a "RECCE" style 16" AR with a stainless barrel. It was built more like a short barrel target gun than a typical carbine or run & gun setup. I personally enjoy target shooting and banging steel at a distance but I still wanted to maintain some level of short distance performance with a nice field of view without having to be stuck with a RDS.

As long as the weight remains reasonable I wouldn't mind a higher top end for this type of application.

Makes for a nice jack of all trades setup and its pretty versatile, but not specialized in any one area.

[IPSICK]

How heavy is your RECCE? You'd be surprised at how heavy the run & gun setups can get.

I see what you mean about RDS. Unless you throw up a magnifier, I don't really favor them for anything longer than 300-400 yards with most of its work coming in below 200 yards and more realistically 75 yards or much less.

[ExtremeX]

I just threw it on the bathroom scale...

That setup weights 9.2lb with rifle, 1-6x optic, and mount. (no bipod or mag)

SWFA 1-6x optic is about 1.33 lb of that weight.

Vortex PST 1-4x came in at around 1lb.

[HK Dave]

9.2lb is a nice weight.

My SPR probably comes in at 13-14 pounds. :P

[gunboat682000]

Leatherwoood CMR 1-4x Scope Rocks

I bought a Leatherwoood CMR 1-4x Scope three months back for the same reasons posted; close to medium range shooting & true 1x power for run and gun shooting. This scope ROCKS! It is also illuminated in either red or green. I payed $330 for the scope and $68 for the Burris PEPR mount.

[piratebike]

Any thoughts on this?

Primary Arms 1-4X 24 Illuminated Scope PA14X

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_1_4X_24_Illuminated_Scope_PA14X_p/pa14x.htm

[ExtremeX]

Any thoughts on this?

Primary Arms 1-4X 24 Illuminated Scope PA14X

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_...4X_p/pa14x.htm

I'm sure its a viable option for someone on a very strict optics budget... PA has built themselves a reputation for budget glass which isn't total crap and typically a good value for the money. Generally a safer bet than the Barska or NcStar options IMO.

I haven't personally used their 1-4x, but I seriously doubt its going to compete with any of the options listed in the OPs first post.

In the world of optics, you really do get what you pay for.