Difference between 1.1x and 1.5x

[igor]

I'm looking for a variable scope for my AK for 3-gun use.

There seem to be several affordable 1.5-4x tubes available, e.g. the Simmons Prodiamond. OTOH there's the IOR CRT 1.1-4x that costs five-six times that much, and then there are Leupolds and such that start from 1.1x and a grand.

My question is, would 1.5x magnification enable one to work short distances the way one would with a non-magnifying red dot sight? Or does it have to be as close as possible to 1.0 for it to work?

Your experiences would be much appreciated.

 

[BillL223]

I have two ARs, one with glass for "western' matches where I can expect a few 300 yard targets, and one with an Eotech for "eastern" close range matches. My original scope was a Leupold 1.75 x 6. this was fine @ 300, I didn't like it at close range. Currently, this rifle wears a Leupold 1 x 4. This is adequate @ 300 and faster at close range. Check the actual magnification from the makers specs. My 1 x 4 is really about a 1.4 x 4.5. bottom line, If shooting some 200-300 yard targets, I like the low powered glass. If you expect max 100-150 yards, you can't beat a good red-dot.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

It is mostly personal preference. I have no trouble using a 3.5x scope up close; but some people find even the 1.1x disconcerting. It all depends on your personal tastes and the way your brain is wired.

From a practical perspective, I think 1.5x will serve most people pretty well and that even the people who prefer 1.1x are capable of using 1.5x if they need to.

A dot sight will still be faster than even a 1.1x scope because the scope will have limited eye relief and require a consistent cheek weld, two things that good dot sights don't require. However, with practice, the difference can probably be measured in hundredths of a second at 1.5x or less.

 

[Onmilo]

About .4X magnification
In all seriousness, both low power scopes will offer greater clarification of a target at 100 meters than what the naked eye is capable of.
Both could be considered as a visual enhancing, weapon mounted, monocular and the real difference is which one better clarifies a target at the specified range using your eye.

 

[Onslaught]

There's a new scope coming from Mueller very soon (I hope). The magnification will be TRUE 1x to 4x with a very "EOTech"-like reticle. It should run between $300 & $400... not as cheap as the Simmons, but not as expensive as the IOR either.

That said, I run an EOTech on one of my ARs, and I can hit mansized targets out to 300 meters without any problems thanks to the 1moa dot. (The other AR has an ACOG).