So confused by Optics

[1919_4_ME]

Here's the Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 demo for HD with flashlight. With a true 1X you can use it like an Aimpoint with both eyes open. No Zombies can hide from this.

[n8vrmind]

That's my problem, YouTube can be helpful, BUT it can also be too much info. HD is the primary use for the rifle, so no farther than 30 feet in close quarters. I do want to be able to go an outdoor range and shoot at least 100 meters.



I'm shooting Federal 5.56 NATO 55 grain FMJBT. I should be able to reach 200 meters

So either a red dot sight or a LPVO .. which are what I have on my ARs

[unusedusername]

I'd recommend either taking a class where the instructor has a verity of optics, or going to a retail store and looking through a bunch of them.

The differences are pretty easy to tell when you have them in your hand. My experience in teaching is that most new shooters tend to have a strong opinion of what they like best after trying a few different kinds

I'd look at classes first, probably basic rifle type ones. Ask the instructors what types of optics they bring with. I can't give any specific suggestions as to whom to contact as I'm up near SF.

[DDM4556]

Tag

[NoHeavyHitter]

As a NOOB, I don't know where to start or what to ask.

Thanks in advance.

Try to attend a larger gun show. You'll find vendors who sell nothing but optics. They will encourage you to handle them and look through them. There's just no substitute for getting to handle them in person as opposed to just reading about them. If I'd had a chance to look through an Eotech before I bought it, I would have known they don't work well with an astigmatism..

[SirRicky85]

Get a flashlight and red dot.

[Fat Old Guy]

Here's the Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 demo for HD with flashlight. With a true 1X you can use it like an Aimpoint with both eyes open. No Zombies can hide from this.

So, was this at 1x magnification? I did see the brightness change, but I did not see the image in the sight become magnified.

Thanks for the video, very helpful.

[The War Wagon]

So what you plan on shooting a red dot or a lpvo/a cog would work. Red dot will not be as accurate or easy to see out to 200 but target can still be engaged. The a cog is just a fixed power scope that is bomb proof. Easier to hit targets but may be more of an issue at close range. Lvpo would be your best bet. 1x4/6/8 power work well. On the low end the one power works near like a red dot but you have the magnification at further ranges.
Now it comes down to money. I recommend spend as much as you can afford on a LPVO scope. Trijicon vortex Leupold to name just a few brands. Deals to be had used.

^^^SPOT ON - saved me the trouble!

I have a couple of rifles with low power optics (PTR-91 with a Leupold Mk.IV CQ/T; SPR AR with a Vortex Viper PST 1x6), but my other 5 AR's and Bren 805 are all set up for CQB.

MAINLY because, I'm a lousy shot at long distance. Ain't gonna brag about things I can't do. And in my AO, I MIGHT... have a 300yd. shot... at MOST... in one particular direction. Trees, buildings, elevation change - all contribute to SHORT range shooting here, should it all hit the fan.

If your eyes are better than mine ("My ears are dull, my knees are deaf, my eyes are old & bent..." ), a QUALITY red dot (Aimpoint, EOTech, Trijicon) will do you fine at 200m or less. I have bifocals & astigmatism, & I'm getting by just fine with 2moa Aimpoints.

[1919_4_ME]

So, was this at 1x magnification? I did see the brightness change, but I did not see the image in the sight become magnified.

Thanks for the video, very helpful.

That guys demo was at 1X. I have them mounted on a few rifles and they are awesome scopes.

[SloChicken]

Get a flashlight and red dot.

[broadside]

Bushnell AR LVPO are nice and inexpensive. At 1x they are very fast to acquire. At 4x they are good for 500+.

I have both standard reticle and their illuminated tactical reticle, which is very nice and fast. Even two eye shooting at 1x is easy

But they are heavy and bulky.

My current setup is a Vortex red dot and flip out 3x magnifier. Lighter and more compact and both are inexpensive. Great for tactical\sport shooting

[Fat Old Guy]

Try to attend a larger gun show. You'll find vendors who sell nothing but optics. They will encourage you to handle them and look through them. There's just no substitute for getting to handle them in person as opposed to just reading about them. If I'd had a chance to look through an Eotech before I bought it, I would have known they don't work well with an astigmatism..

I am planning to go to a few gun shows later this year when things open back up. Thanks for the heads-up on Eotech, I do have astigmatism and was wondering how that would play a role.

While watching Youtube vids, I came across a review on the Vortex Razor AMG UH-1. the reviewer has been the only one I have ever heard talk about Optics and astigmatism.

[Fat Old Guy]

Has anyone used the Vortex Razor AMG UH-1?

https://youtu.be/yh7eaFH_hCM

[n8vrmind]

I am planning to go to a few gun shows later this year when things open back up. Thanks for the heads-up on Eotech, I do have astigmatism and was wondering how that would play a role.



While watching Youtube vids, I came across a review on the Vortex Razor AMG UH-1. the reviewer has been the only one I have ever heard talk about Optics and astigmatism.

Unless you are talking about SHOTshow (no access to public) or TriggerCon, all you will find at local "gun shows" are Chinese knockoffs and beef jerky. Sign up for a rifle course or find a gun friend who can help you choose

[The War Wagon]

Thanks for the heads-up on Eotech, I do have astigmatism and was wondering how that would play a role.

I owned three EOTechs, and they're GOOD kit; I SO wanted them to work for me.


Problem was, all the LITTLE dots - that comprise the holosight - began "dancing" on me; I couldn't hit the GROUND after looking at it for a few seconds.

One dot - as SMALL as you can get (2moa) - works BEST, with astigmatism. It's GONNA bloom on you, but the SMALLER the bloom, the better.