AR optics….fixed vs. variable?

[shortround13]

I will preface this with the following. I know everybody has an opinion, and they're all different. That's fine, I still want to hear them. I want to hear feedback from those of you who have these optics and what you like about them and what you don't like as well. Having never handled or shot with any of them, I'd just like as much info from the user as I can before I commit.

So the AR I am building has a little more emphasis on accuracy then 'tacti-cool' carbine cqb type stuff. its a billet upper/lower, stainless match grade 16" 1x8 twist barrel in mid-length gas system, free float hand guards. Kind of like an SPR/DMR whatever type of rifle (and I know the specs aren't spot on for either of them…I don't care, I'm not trying to build a clone….you get where I'm going)

All that being said, I have my 308 bolt gun for truly long range precision. And I have a M&P15 with eotech for more close range fast target acquisition. I just want this rifle to be able to take accurate shots up to its max potential.

Factors for me include:
weight-does it noticeably and adversely affect handling of the rifle
reticle-how cluttered is it, how easy is it for close/long to use
ability for close shots- true 1x vs fixed 4x
ability to take accurate long range shots
and cost….I'm not looking for a $2k scope….Optics Planet has the deal right now and 15% off an ACOG on sale at $1200 brings me into the realm of obtainable.

I am trying to decide on a fixed power scope like an ACOG 4x, or a variable 1-4x or a 1-6x.
From what I gather, the ACOG works well at both short range/fast acquisition and ease of use for longer range with its reticle, but doesn't excel at either. From those of you with ACOGs, how well does the 2 eye open close range acquisition feel/work for you?

would I be gaining enough of an advantage using a variable power to justify it?

some of the variables I am looking at include

SWFSA HD 1-6x (and its 1-4x counterpart)

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-1-6x24-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P53845.aspx

I like the FFP and the reticle on this scope from what I can tell in the pics.

I also hear good things about both the burris MTAC and XTAC

http://swfa.com/Burris-1-4x24-MTAC-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P53420.aspx

http://swfa.com/Burris-1-4x24-Xtreme-Tactical-XTR-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P45511.aspx

I like the price point of these, with included mount and the fast fire dot, which I may just take off and use on another gun…..

let the feedback come…thanks!

[JackRydden224]

I'm a sucker for low power variable scope, especially the Leupold Mark AR Mod1 with the illuminated SPR reticle. The scope is only 9.8oz and the Aero mount I use is only 2.8 oz. The light weight keeps my rifle balanced.

The illumination is day time visible. The eyebox is huge. The only thing you might not like is the scope is at 1.5x at the lowest setting, not a true one 1x. It's not a problem for me because with the illumination on it makes no difference. I pull up the rifle, I see the dot, I shoot.

The FFP reticle may or may not be for you. I thought I would like it based on what I read but it's truly a bit difficult to see the reticle at 1x. If you have not shot with a FFP scope before then be sure you do before making a $800 purchase

[shortround13]

Ok yea, I had kind of been ignoring it if it was a 1.5x…but you don't feel it makes it too difficult to use? good to know.
I will have to try and find somebody with FFP and SFP to see the difference and if I have an opinion one way or the other. trying to remember which scope it was, but it had a dual focal plane that sounded pretty trick….
red dot was SFP so it stayed a constant size throughout the zoom and the cross hair reticle was FFP so it increased in size with increase in magnification...

[d4v0s]

I know it isn't "tactical" but I am extremely happy with my Aero precision mount sporting a 2-7 redfield accurange reticle scope. Gives me BDC from 1-500 yards, and I have a set of Dueck Defense offset irons so my 0-50 is covered. I put a fiber optic front on the iron, and its basically like a red dot in the day, and at night when my flash light is activated.

Aero mount $84
Redfield 2-7 $189
Dueck Sigths used $100

And this setup outperforms my TA31 with RMR, the mark AR, and Mtac I have used. Like I said, its not "tactical" but it works. Eventually I will be putting the dual illumination Trijicon RMR on an offset mount. But I am in no hurry to replace the irons. In the far future I would like to go with a 2.5x10X24 Nightforce NXS scope. My rifle started life as a recce until I was tired of the 1-4x limitations (simply not enough mag to have fun at the range for me). And I really love the look of the NF, not so much the new ones with massive 32 and 44 objectives.

[JackRydden224]

It's not difficult to use at all. People on the internet exaggerate the negatives of a 1.5x as opposed to a true 1x. The whole idea is to shoot with both eyes open and with the firedot you can do just that, 1x or 1.5x. I only talk about the scopes I have personal experience with, not just stuff I grabbed from the internet.

[serjm1a1]

I run a fixed 4x on my 20" and I love it. I can hit steel out to 400 yards consistently, 600 on a good day. 100 yards is a breeze.

[dad4mnc]

I like the Burris MTAC 1x4. It fills the gap nicely.

[ExtremeX]

I have a TA31F ACOG and the SWFA 1-6x...

I prefer shooting with the variable, optically and from a quality standpoint I don't feel like I sacrifice much going from the ACOG to the SWFA.

I think my preference towards a traditional scope vs a BDC optic is why the SWFA 1-6x is a keeper for me.

If you want to save a few bucks, I would consider the SWFA 1-4x and the Vortex PST 1-4 as well.

[teflondog]

I prefer my fixed 4x ACOG. What I noticed when using a 1-4x Elcan is that I never use the middle settings. I either use 1x or 4x so I chose to go with a fixed power.

[shortround13]

thanks I appreciate all the replies… sounds like I need to get my hands on some and see what I like best. I am really torn between a 4x acog and 1-6x scope…most likely the sofa ss 1-6.

[JackRydden224]

At 6x the object will appear 50% bigger than at 4x which is going to be a huge plus when you shoot further out. I think both of your choices are great. It ultimately comes down to what you want your rifle+optic combo to do.

[HK Dave]

I slapped a Nightforce F1 MLR2 and an Aimpoint T1 on Offset 1 O'Clock mount on my 18" precision AR15. You should do the same.

Lets me engage really close quickly... or flip out the bipod and shoot out as far as a 77gr hand load will take me. :P

[HK Dave]

Ok ok, i get it, you want a 1-4 type deal... or an ACOG... on my 16" I put an ACOG TA31HG and a Trijicon RMR on an offset mount. SUPER fast engagement for close and medium range.

While the SWFA 1-6 scope has spectacular glass and reticle... I don't really like the fish eye effect at 1x... although I think all 1-6x scopes do that at 1x.

[shortround13]

nightforce scope looks nice….but I think I'm gonna save the really good long distance glass for my bolt gun, and the 308 ar I want to build somewhere down the road.
would all you ACOG owners say that consistent hits up to 600 yards is realistic?

[HK Dave]

Yes, depending on the reticle, your ammo, and weather conditions, consistent 600 yard shots are realistic.