Primary Arms 1-4x or 1-6x?

[rgwalt]

I'm slowly building an AR in 5.56. I've owned a couple of ARs in the past, but trade opportunities came up and got the better of me. The last AR I owned, I put a PA micro dot and a 6x flip to side magnifier. I felt that this configuration was too clunky for what I was after. The new rifle is going to be a 16" with a mid-length gas system. For the foreseeable future it is going to be used at the range. I don't do a lot of distance shooting... I mainly keep it to 200 yards or less. However, I tend to like a lot of magnification even at shorter ranges. My build is not top-of-the-line, but it is good quality. Total into the build is around $850 without optics.

After my previous experience with a separate red dot and magnifier, I've decided that I want to go with a 1-4 or 1-6 variable powered optic with illumination. In surveying the options, it appears that I can spend a lot of money really quickly. I've been keeping an eye on the used market (and will continue to do so), but for the money I'm considering a Primary Arms 1-4x (for $110) or a PA 1-6x (for $270, currently OOS). I would add a PA "deluxe extended" mount for $50.

Does anyone have experience with one or both of these scopes? Is the 1-6x with the fancy reticle worth the additional $160? Any reason not to go with the PA mount (with the next step up being a Burris PEPR for $75 or an ADM mount for $120)? I've had good luck with PA's mounts/rings in the past, but I also really like the Burris XTR rings so I figure for $75 the PEPR is a good choice.

Final question, for those who run a 1-4 or 1-6 scope, do you also have back-up sights? I have a set of MBUS sights I could put on the rifle, but with a 1x scope they don't seem necessary (unless I'm missing something).

 

[matefrio]

How far out are you going to shoot? What type of targets?

 

[wakal]

I don't bother with irons on a rifle with a 1-x (or 1.5-x) scope, but I'm just a three-gun guy.

I'm waiting on a case of those 1-6 scopes too; I messed with them at SHOT and thought they would be a nice budget build scope.

A bit more expensive and only 1-4, the Burris TAC-30 is a very nice scope for $300.

 

[BG1960]

I have both of the PA scopes. The 1-4x is an amazing value, but the 1-6x is a steal. I had planned on upgrading when money allowed, but I see no point in it now. Not that I use all it's features, I really like the ACSS reticule.

As far as the mounts, I haven't had any problems with the PA mount. I do have the 1-6x in a LaRue SPR-S just because I had it laying around.

 

[jjminch]

I've been interested in this as well, but have been leaning towards the 1-4. Since it's going on a carbine I didn't really see the need for 6x. Heck I though the Acog was plenty enough magnification.

 

[cajunautoxer]

I have the 1-6 on my 9mm AR. No complaints so far. Only have about 500 rounds thru it

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[40Arpent]

How far out are you going to shoot? What type of targets?

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For the foreseeable future it is going to be used at the range. I don't do a lot of distance shooting... I mainly keep it to 200 yards or less. However, I tend to like a lot of magnification even at shorter ranges.

 

[matefrio]

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Irons then it is. Spend the cash on a spotting scope.

 

[rgwalt]

Thanks for the input everyone. It sounds like the PA scopes are GTG. It also sounds like the extra $160 for the 1-6x would be worth it.

A bit more expensive and only 1-4, the Burris TAC-30 is a very nice scope for $300.

I can get this scope shipped to me for $270, which is what the PA 1-6x runs. After looking at both and comparing them, the 1-6x PA offers some features the burris lacks. That is part of the problem when shopping for optics... you can always add another $100 to the equation and open up nicer options. Since I was willing to go from $110 to $270, why not $375 for an MTAC, or $500 for a Vortex... It gets out of hand quickly.

 

[wakal]

Yeah, and I shoot a Z6i BRT on my...backup...rifle. Just keep adding cash until you get to the good stuff

 

[cajunautoxer]

Not much difference bt the Tac 30 and MATC as far as glass. Honestly since I have PA 1-6 and MTAC and it's for plinking I'd go with the TAC 30. Better glass imo.

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[rgwalt]

I found a used MTAC with PEPR mount for $325 shipped, so I took the plunge on it. For the money it seemed like a good choice.

 

[wakal]

That is an excellent choice at a very good price. The illumination switch on the MTAC is far, far easier to use than the TAC-30. Otherwise they are the same scope.

Alex

 

[SC-Texas]

Definitely give the primary arms 1-4 and 1-6 a try. Great optic for the money.

i am running a 1-6 on my 300 Blk.

 

[Badfish]

Great budget scope. Comes with mount

Leatherwood 1-4x24 CMR Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope Kit