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Low power variable; I have a price problem

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Optics GrassHopper
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    Posted: October/02/2016 at 14:15
I've read and read and read and know most of the "safe" recommendations here, but I'm stuck in indecision due to odd pricing circumstances.  I'm replacing a Weaver Classic Extreme 1.5-4.5 on an AR.  I have to make a decision sight unseen, which is why I'm asking people with way more knowledge than me.  It's going on a chrome-lined barrel, so it's not a cloverleaf gun at all, but I would like better glass than the Weaver.  If the scope can double as a red-dot, that's great, and it won't be used past 300 yards.  Dynamic shooting, plinking, possibly 3 gun. 

Here's what I can get, lowest to highest:
Viper PST
Steiner P4xi, $80 more than the Viper
Burris XTR II 1-5, $150 more than the Viper

I really like Vortex and have an older Viper 3-9, but that's about my only reference point for glass.  I'm ordering a 1.5-8 HD LH for a different target/hunting AR, but for the utility gun above I've narrowed it down to those three.  I hadn't been looking at the Burris because it wasn't really in my price range, but one became available at a really good price.  I understand Steiner and Burris are both owned by the same parent company; is the normal price difference between the Steiner and the XTR indicative of the quality difference?  I THINK the Burris is a no-brainer with that discount, but wanted to check here first.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/02/2016 at 14:58
I can't help with those, but let me know how it goes.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Flats Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/02/2016 at 17:17
You're a fan of the Accupoint, right?  Do you think they're dated at all, or do they still offer good performance for the price?  I did look at several reviews of the Accupower, but I"m not crazy about the limited warranty on the electronics, nor do I want to worry about replacing tritium in 10 years with the Accupoints.

Honestly, the German #4 (it has an LED dot but it's worthless) on the Weaver offers pretty good quick shots in decent light, but most of the scopes in the class I'm looking at have illumination so I've just trended in that direction.  Dang, not every scope in the world needs an LED and 2" high exposed turrets.  I was pretty happy when I saw Vortex offering Razor glass without all of the stuff that I don't need or want for my other rifle.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 338LAPUASLAP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/02/2016 at 19:22

Have you ever had a Sightron SIII in your hand?

They are usually right around $1k and perform with those around $1.5-2k all day and night or low light.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/02/2016 at 19:39
I run several Trijicon scopes compact ACOG and 1-4 Accupoint and have had the 5-20 Accupoint. I like the red post and work off of the point of the triangle.  I find them to be very fast to get on target.  I undersand that 10 yrs then replacement of the tritium vial could be a concern but honeltly not as much as you might think because even if your tritium did not work the fiber optic would still work in daylight which is when we do most hunting and taget work .
 
I have had good luck with all of the Vortex products I own and personall perfer them to Burris.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Flats Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/02/2016 at 20:04
Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

I run several Trijicon scopes compact ACOG and 1-4 Accupoint and have had the 5-20 Accupoint. I like the red post and work off of the point of the triangle.  I find them to be very fast to get on target.  I undersand that 10 yrs then replacement of the tritium vial could be a concern but honeltly not as much as you might think because even if your tritium did not work the fiber optic would still work in daylight which is when we do most hunting and taget work .
 
I have had good luck with all of the Vortex products I own and personall perfer them to Burris.

Ah, maybe you're the moderator who likes Accupoints.  I've read a LOT of posts here and get them mixed up sometimes.  Do you know anything about Accupower glass & eyebox?  I understand that Accupoints are almost Aimpoint-fast for some people; do you have any time with an Accupower?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3_tens Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/03/2016 at 12:01
In the same price range you can get the Aimpoint Patrol. It should be good to go if you are limiting your shots to 300 yards and under. The Aimpoint is a robust scope with excellent battery life.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Flats Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/04/2016 at 09:38
When I was younger iron sights were good to 300 yards, and Aimpoints worked fine for me when I was in the military, but my older eyes don't like them as much.  Fine for short stuff, but a slight astigmatism make the dot a cluster that's too vague for distance.  I have a couple on other weapons and want some magnification for this one.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/04/2016 at 15:45
I don't have an accupower the difference is in the means of illumination.  While most companies run a battery operated system the Accupoint uses tritium and fiber optic.  For my use that seems to work very well.  When you step away from the tritium and fiber optic illumination system I see no real reason to stay with a Trijicon product.  As for Aimpoint I do very much like their products but they are noticeably darker in low light.  The up side of an Aimpoint is no matter where your head is behind the optic if you can see the red dot that is where it will hit. 
There are some value packages that might appeal to you also:
SWFA SS 1-4x24 Tactical 30mm Riflescope Kit SWFA SS 1-4x24 Tactical 30mm Riflescope Kit
Stock # - SS14X24IRKIT
$419.95

 
Leupold 1.5-4x20 Mark AR MOD 1 Riflescope & Mount Kit Leupold 1.5-4x20 Mark AR MOD 1 Riflescope & Mount Kit
Stock # - LEU115387KIT
$469.95

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/04/2016 at 15:47
Vortex 1-4x24 Viper PST 30mm Rifle Scope & Mount Kit Vortex 1-4x24 Viper PST 30mm Rifle Scope & Mount Kit
Stock # - PST14STAKIT
  • Matte
  • Illuminated TMCQ MOA (Red)
  • 30mm
  • 1/2 MOA Tactical Turrets
  • 2nd Focal Plane
  • Comes with SWFA S.S.A.L.T. Scope Mount
  • $29.95 Savings when purchased together
$529.95
Vortex 1-4x24 Viper PST, SWFA SSALT, & Surefire 60rd Mag Vortex 1-4x24 Viper PST, SWFA SSALT, & Surefire 60rd Mag
Stock # - SHOOTERKIT5
$549.95

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/04/2016 at 18:46
You sorta have to make a decision on the price.

If you are looking at the PST, you should also be looking at SWFA's SSDM 1-4x24:


Pick between these two based on which reticle you prefer.

The XTR II is a nice scope, but it is a lot more money.  If you can swing that, you open the door to a fair number of other designs you can look at and there it comes down to what is important to you.

For example, if a bit more magnification is worthwhile, take a look at Sightron S-Tac 1-7x24.  I've been testing one and I like it.  If you want to stretch the legs of your rifle, it is a useful increase in available magnification.

Another option is Leupold VX-6 1-6x24, which is a very nice design.

Put a hard limit on how much you are willing to spend.  Then, choose.

ILya


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