Variable 1-4X / 1-6X Optics vs. Fixed 4X / 5X Type Optics? Thoughts?

[falconman515]

So I think I have decided to go with a 4X Compact Primary Arms fixed 4X tactical scope .... but I have been seeing some guys say they prefer variable zoom longer tubed scopes over the fixed zoom scopes ... and some say they like the fixed over the long variable.

I know variable zoom would be great over fixed for the simple fact "you have multiple magnification options" but I am not a fan of the long tubed sniper type scopes on my AR15 over the more tactical red-dot'ish type scopes etc.

I would LOVE it if they had the smaller 5-6" long tactical looking scopes with a 1-4X variable zoom but they do not ... they have the 2.5X and 4X fixed and I am not sure if want a 10-12 long scope on my gun.

I will be using this for 95% range use and target shooting from 5-100 yards and sometimes further. not much run and gun that's why I have decided to go with a scope over the red-dot / flip to side 3x mag combo ... but will be mounting a reflex red-dot on the scope for close range stuff on occasion when we go camping and set-up tactical scenarios etc.
But for the most part it will be a paper shooting range gun.

Is there any other reason that one is better then the other possibly?

Who uses what and why?

Just wanting to know what you guys think about these options and what "you" use etc.?

Thanks so much for the feedback.

[ChuckDizzle]

I just took my Leupold Mark AR Mod 1 Firedot SPR to the range for the first time today. It zooms from 1.5-4x

1.5 is really nice for general purpose use and 4x is nice for bench or prone shooting at distance. It is also pretty light, I think weighing in at 6 oz and change. Relatively small too with generous eye relief. The biggest plus is the accuracy of the the milrad clicks. All the budget models I tried could vary about 50% from click to click in how much it was actually adjusting.

After screwing around for a couple years with budget models from companies like Primary Arms it is really nice to finally get a real scope. Trust me, buy once cry once, if I added up all the Barska, Bushnell, and Primary Arms purchases I've made over that time I could have bought one nice optic and been done with it.

I should also add that with this scope, or one of similar quality and features you will not have to worry about mounting some goofy side mount red dot like a mall ninja.

[safety-1st]

I choose the variable zoom to change from CQB to mid range for the tavor. You can do the same with a 4x scope and a mounted red dot reflex either on top or angled. I am not sure if the 4x primary arms allows you to top it with a reflex site. Either way you can run both setups. I have an MP15T with a sparc and a 3x zoom , both are vortex. Runs nice, the 3x zoom works wonders lol The vortex has a flip mount that it comes with.

[falconman515]

I choose the variable zoom to change from CQB to mid range for the tavor. You can do the same with a 4x scope and a mounted red dot reflex either on top or angled. I am not sure if the 4x primary arms allows you to top it with a reflex site.

Ya they have a picatinny rail up top for a reflex red-dot





I would maybe like to give the variable zoom a try but Primary Arms doesn't have the 1-6X ACSS scope in stock!

I may start with the fixed 4X compact prism scope and see how it does ... then when the 1-6X comes in stock give that a try and sell the one I like least ... I dunno.

Wish they had better stock on these products.

Anyone else have any thoughts or opinions on the Fixed vs. Variable Zoom???

[ExtremeX]

I also pick low power variables (I use the Vortex PST 1-4x and the SWFA 1-6x)... I just like the flexibility they offer for the type of shooting I like to do.

I also have a fixed 4x ACOG (TA31F), its an amazing optic, but I find myself using the variables more often.

[whipkiller]

I'm very happy with my 1-4X (Vortex) and the flexibility it offers.

1X - use it both eyes open up close, maybe not quite as fast as a RDS but pretty close.

4X - Helps my aging eyes reach out a little further

I can't help but think a fixed power would be somewhat limiting and I like the idea of having the same cheekweld for close and far shots.

[Droppin Deuces]

I used to be a big proponent of the variable 1-xx optics, and while I have nothing against them now and still believe they are an excellent option, I just find that, for me, a fixed power optic with an offset or piggyback reflex is the better way to go.

Switching from a primary fixed mag optic to a reflex is much faster than dialing from max to min on a variable optic and can save a second or more in a competition or class setting.

[Niviticus]

I personally have an Eotech and a Trijicon Accupoint 1-4 variable scope and for your intended uses I would personally go with a CQB optic like a red dot. 100 yards and closer a red dot will be much faster and more fun to shoot. The accupoint definitely makes further shots easier since my eyes aren't what they used to be. The best setup in my opinion would be a scope with a red dot on top. You have the best of both worlds, red dot for close quarters and the scope for further targets. Only downside is the bulk, weight and cost. I've never tried a fixed scope before but I'm sure they work good with practice. I would recommend you try them out before purchasing. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes so you'll never know what works for you without trying it. When I go shooting I do use the Eotech more since it's just more fun, you acquire targets faster, quicker follow up shots and wide field of view.

[ExtremeX]

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes so you'll never know what works for you without trying it. .

That's pretty much the bottom line...

I've own/owned a lot of different optics and it took me a few tries to really find out what worked best for me for a specific application.

Even to this day, none of them are really a one size fits all in terms of application. Everything on the market has its own pros/cons and strong points depending on what YOU need.

[falconman515]

I wish I had the luxury to try different optics but I do not ... don't know anyone yet that has anything to try.

If I wanna try I have to buy unfortunately ... that's why I am trying to figure out what may be best for me and research and ask questions to formulate a hopefully good choice right out the gate.

I think I may go with the 4X Primary Arms Prism Scope since it;s in stock then later on buy the 1-6X PA scope and try it out ... I will sell whichever one I don't like ... I will lose 50-100 bucks on the whole deal but I will at least know I guess.

But I think the 4X prism scope is a good start with the red-dot reflex mounted up top.

[as_rocketman]

I used to be a big proponent of the variable 1-xx optics, and while I have nothing against them now and still believe they are an excellent option, I just find that, for me, a fixed power optic with an offset or piggyback reflex is the better way to go.

Switching from a primary fixed mag optic to a reflex is much faster than dialing from max to min on a variable optic and can save a second or more in a competition or class setting.

This is where I come down, personally. I found with variable optics I'd either have it at max or min magnification, never in between. Also after I got my technique squared away, I found that too much magnification actually hurt my groupings. So in the last few years I've become a fan of fixed low power.

But it all depends on how you use it and how you train... I like things that are dead nuts simple and reliable. Another knob with another setting to check doesn't necessarily help me. Fixed power scopes are brighter, lighter, and tougher than variables, although the latest crop of variables are indeed quite good.

On my go-to rifle, I have a fixed 3x scope. If it breaks or doesn't seem like it's keeping up for whatever reason, off it comes and I go to irons.

It's really up to you. For 98% of users either option will do just fine, so pick what appeals to you. For the remaining 2%, pick one and go train, and eventually your gear will tell you when it needs to be rethought.

[mrc44]

Love my trijicon tr24g. I switched from the eotech 553 to the 1-4 variable but more than likely will add a transition red dot since it is a lot quicker than zooming in and out with the accupoint. It really is going to depend on what you like, it's different from person to person. If you can't afford to purchase different optics then start going to local gun shops and ranges and ask to check different optics out on an actual rifle. This should be easy when it comes to red dots since most have qd mounts or one quick thumb screw

[falconman515]

I went ahead and got the Primary Arms 4X Compact Prism Scope today.

I will be sure to update with my thoughts in that specific optic thread.

Thanks guys for the feedback though.