The weight and maybe the size. BIG fan of the reticle. My brother Steve raves about it. In fact, I'll likely sell it to him with a good brother discount.

So, any recommendations for a better, lighter, and smaller variable power scope and keeping it under $700? And a similar, or at least not vastly different, reticle? I can't break the bank but I can buy-up a moderate amount.

How about the Vortex Viper PST 1-4?

The PST is probably a little heavier. I've handled both but not at the same time I'm afraid.

All the reasonably priced 1-4x or 1-6x scopes I've seen have been around 16-17 ounces. (Even the pricier ones seem to be only a couple ounces lighter.) An affordable one piece AR scope mount is typically another 8-10ish ounces. So together, you're pushing 1.5 to nearly 2 pounds for a mounted variable power scope.

Going with a fixed power 2x/3x/4x optic, either a traditional scope or a prismatic optic (ACOG or similar), should save you some ounces. Especially the compact prismatics.

A real ACOG Compact isn't within your price range, unless you happen to find a good deal on a used one. But Primary Arms and Vortex have some inexpensive 3x and 4x compact prismatic optics. They weigh ~16 ounces with the mount, which is only a few ounces heavier than something like an Aimpoint PRO red dot with mount.

And prismatics are much more compact than your Strike Eagle. Here's one of my ARs with a Primary Arms 2.5x prismatic:


A fixed power optic isn't quite as versatile as a variable power optic, but with the ACOG-like prismatics with illuminated reticles, you can use them up close in a similar manner to a 1x red dot after some practice. (Read up on the "Bindon aiming concept".)

Take a look at the Leupold line up. There are several that might fit your needs and they are some of the lightest scopes around.

If you want uber light in the 1-4 range, the Leupold Mark AR Mod 2 1.5-4x20 is the way to go - it's <10 oz. However, if you want a more durable 1-4, or move up to the 1-6, 17oz is the going rate. Maybe hit the arms a little harder?

There's no such thing as a free lunch.

Thanks for the input.

I just put a leupold 2.5x ultralight on my ruger. 6.5 oz, Weaver quad lock high 2.8oz (I'm cheap), or Seekins 1" rings 2.8oz. I figure it is good for ringing steel out to 300yds.

Ken

I didn't think the Strike Eagle was all that heavy. Of course I mounted mine to a Sig 716 patrol.

quote:

Originally posted by jbcummings:
I didn't think the Strike Eagle was all that heavy. Of course I mounted mine to a Sig 716 patrol.

My Razor weighs 25+ ounces.... LOL.

quote:

Originally posted by jbcummings:
I didn't think the Strike Eagle was all that heavy. Of course I mounted mine to a Sig 716 patrol.

Could you post a picture of this setup?

As I stated, I like it a lot. And it has great value for what you get (which is a lot). I was just inquiring into an upgrade, something a little lighter, smaller, and better quality glass (ideally with similar reticle).

Thanks.

I run a Leupold AR scope on my Match rifle

http://www.cabelas.com/product...av%26WTz_stype%3DGNU

the first option, 1.5x4,

a friend of mine runs one as well, very good scopes,


I also have one of these, just to try it out when I get a chance

http://www.cabelas.com/product...av%26WTz_stype%3DGNU

again, the 1-4x model,



another friend has one of these Leupold's,
it works fine, but the word hog hunter or something similar are printed on the big part of the duplex reticle,,, which is odd to me

http://www.cabelas.com/product...av%26WTz_stype%3DGNU

I ditched my Strike Eagle after looking through the Primary Arms 1-6x24 w/ ACSS reticle. They don't really weigh less and are about the same size. They cost a little less than the Vortex, but the glass quality is significantly more crisp and a lot less edge distortion/discoloration. The reticle is similar, but to me it seems much easier to see and use. It just has a sharper look to it.

On YouTube, TiborasaurusRex did a fairly thorough review on these scopes - BEST AR/DMR Scope for Under $300 - Primary Arms 1-6x ACSS ~ Rex Reviews

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
If you want uber light in the 1-4 range, the Leupold Mark AR Mod 2 1.5-4x20 is the way to go - it's <10 oz. However, if you want a more durable 1-4, or move up to the 1-6, 17oz is the going rate. Maybe hit the arms a little harder?

Ah ... yep. That sum's it up.

I've had a couple 1-4x20 and just didn't think it was for me ... then I got a Leupold. Any other brand and I need a 6x but the Leupold just has the clarity and crispness that I don't need more magnification ... or maybe its just me.

quote:

Originally posted by pepsiblue:

quote:

Originally posted by jbcummings:
I didn't think the Strike Eagle was all that heavy. Of course I mounted mine to a Sig 716 patrol.

Could you post a picture of this setup?

I didn't have one so here's a crappy cell phone pic of it sitting in my reloading area.

Thanks!!!

Vortex just came out with a new version of the Strike Eagle. It's a 1-8x24 with a slightly different reticle and supposedly better glass. It's about 1 ounce lighter, not much I know, but maybe the higher magnification will make up for it.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/pr...scope-ar-bdc-reticle

quote:

Originally posted by rlbuzz:
Vortex just came out with a new version of the Strike Eagle. It's a 1-8x24 with a slightly different reticle and supposedly better glass. It's about 1 ounce lighter, not much I know, but maybe the higher magnification will make up for it.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/pr...scope-ar-bdc-reticle

Wow on a $240 prices jump for that 6-8x