Low power variable scopes

[HoeMuffin]

Hi,

I'm looking for a low range variable scope, probably something around 1x to around 4, 5x ish. I live in New York, and realistically I highly doubt I will ever take a shot over 100 yards except at a range, and all the ones relatively near me cap out at 200 yards. I also figure a smaller scope is lighter and makes it less likely to snag on something. Does that sound reasonable? Most of the people I see at the range are using much bigger scopes, so I'm not sure if I'm missing something important or if a 5x scope isn't enough.

Also, are illuminated reticles useful? I'm looking at either a Leupold VX-R or VX-III, and I'm not sure if its better to get an illuminated dot or just go for (what I think) is the better glass of the VX-III.

Thanks!

 

[jmr40]

I think you're on the right track and one of the Leupolds is the way I'd go. I've always preferred a 2-7X over the more common 3-9X options, but have tried the 1-4's and for a lot of uses they are a great choice. The only downside is that most use a 20mm front objective which will allow less light through late and early than the 32 and 40mm lenses on the bigger scopes. But on 4X or less the difference is minimal. This becomes more of a factor as magnification increases.

The difference between 1X and 2X is a lot more than I thought it would be. For quick fast shots it is far faster than 2X or even iron sights for close shots. 4X is realistically enough for at least 200-300 yard shots. Fixed power 4X scopes used to be the standard which big game hunters used and they often made shots of 300-400 yards, so it is possible.

Never used an illuminated reticle so I can't comment. But I find that I can see well enough to make shots well AFTER it is too dark to legally shoot without them.

I see no reason to spend the extra money over a VX-2, and the VX-1's made since 2012 are essentially the same scope as a VX-2 made 2011 or older. But if you have the money and want to spring for the more expensive versions they are better. Just not enough better for me to justify the money.

The VX-III's with roman numerals were discontinued years ago and replaced with much better VX-1, VX-2 and VX-3's. Even then they were all upgraded in 2012 with no name changes.

 

[HoeMuffin]

Ah OK, thanks for the information, I didn't realize there was a difference between the VX-3 and VX-III, I just thought it was just personal choice. Good to know. No wonder those used VX-III's are so cheap, heh. I can't really find any other 1-4 low range variables that aren't geared towards AR's, I really don't need a BDC, and they tend to be a lot heavier. Good thing Leupold is good kit!

 

[<*(((><]

I have the Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-4x20mm Special Purpose Reticle with FireDot and really enjoy it. The glass is superb, I've been told by someone talking to a Leupold rep that on the Leupold glass scale it is a VX-2.5.

The way I look at it at 200 yards on 4x, it's like you are shooting something 50 yards away. I can handle that. And on 1.25x with the FireDot reticle, it can be used quite well as a red dot. With the clarity of the glass I think that it would work well on larger targets out to 500 yards or so. Even at 500 yards on 4x the object would look like 125 yards away.

Another scope to give a look at is the new Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24mm, I don't have any first hand experience it, but it was the other scope I was looking at before purchasing the Leupold.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I think you are on track. A 1-4 should be more than adequate. I like my 2.5x fixed Leupold a bit more than my fixed 4x Leupold.

 

[Paddy]

If you can spend a little more the swfa 1-6 HD is simply amazing. Best of all worlds, although a tad more weight due to the HD glass. I purchased a viper pst also but ended up not being happy with it. If I see a swfa for around 800$ I'm buying it even without a gun to put it on!

 

[Sniper66]

I have Leupold 2.5-8X and had a 2-7X. Between these 2 low power scopes, I prefer the VX III 2.5-8X and it is mounted on my Rem 541S. I also have a VX 3 3.5-10X and is the best scope I own. I've had several 3-9Xs, but still prefer the 3.5-10X. That may be too much power for you, but would serve you well for those longer shots.