[rickgman]

I mis-read that as VX-5HD on my phone.....VX-3 might be in the same price ballpark.

I've got a few VX-R Patrol 3-9s and they're alright (especially for the discounted pricing when they were discontinued), but have pretty much ignored the VX-3 and Mark 3HD scopes. I presume they're as nice as a VX-3i, which is plenty nice for an optic that won't be going to war.

I think very highly of the VX3-HD scopes. My only complaint is the windage adjustment knob.

By the way, the VX-III 1.5-5X 20 mm scopes did go to war on some of the early SEI M14SE rifles. Most were later replaced by Mk 4 3.5-10X scopes since the high magnification proved to be more desirable.

 

[JEFFJP_N_JJ]

I am in the Muppetmeat for me's camp and would start with a SWFA's MOA 10X... I just bought me one to replace my mil one

 

[Landshark]

The Primary Arms SLx 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope - Illuminated ACSS R-Grid 2B punches above its weight in Biden bucks.

Mr Guns and Gear has a review that made me buy one. I don't hold it against him.

 

[tonyben]

For what it is, the SWFA that I bought from samplelist has been a decent scope so far. It's probably been on 50 to 100 different rifles and I frequently get sub-1" groups out of it. It's my beater scope, but has worked well so far.

Tony.

 

[DetroitMan]

There are two issues with magnification above 1x. First, it limits your lateral field of view (side to side). As magnification goes up, lateral view shrinks in proportion. This makes it more difficult to scan for new targets or transition between known targets. Second, it makes it harder to shoot with both eyes open, which is what you want for CQB. You can learn to compensate for it and do it, but it takes practice. Most people agree that the practical limit for both-eyes-open CQB shooting is 4x, and anything above that slows you down or makes it impossible no matter how much you practice. If you have higher magnification, you will likely need to come off your scope to find a target, then bring your rifle / scope on for the shot. Some people get around this by mounting a 1x red dot in addition to their scope. They use the red dot for CQB. It can also be used to bring the rifle to a new target, then switch back to the scope for the shot.

In my opinion, the LPVO is the way to go for a battle rifle. It is a do-it-all optic for a do-it-all rifle. Neither excels at any particular job, but both will do whatever job comes up. That said, I do think there is merit in mounting a red dot along with a higher magnification scope. Some people even mount them in addition to an LPVO because they prefer the red dot for those quick reflex shots.

 

[weshowe]

Gents,

The Luppie MK IV 3.5 x 10 is arguably the scope best suited to our M-14 rifles. Rugged and reliable I can think of no other better suited. My other choice would be either the Nightforce ATACR 1 x 8 or the 4 x 16.

My TonyBen built double lugged walther barreled rifle with a SWFA 10X. A good choice for those on a budget.

Wes

 

[rickgman]

Gents,

The Luppie MK IV 3.5 x 10 is arguably the scope best suited to our M-14 rifles. Rugged and reliable I can think of no other better suited. My other choice would be either the Nightforce ATACR 1 x 8 or the 4 x 16.

My TonyBen built double lugged walther barreled rifle with a SWFA 10X. A good choice for those on a budget.

Wes

View attachment 478822

Wes, The Leupold Mk 4 3.5 - 10X is an excellent scope for medium range shooting but is very poorly suited for any sort of close range or dynamic shooting application. Low power variable scopes fit that application much better. It all depends on the shooter’s desired application.

 

[smoothy8500]

Since everyone keeps bringing up "battle rifle" and LPVO, I think the OP's statement was overlooked in the middle of this thread:

I think this rifle will be more dedicated as a DMR type of rifle that I shoot from a fixed/stable position....The mid-power range seems like the most appropriate magnification for this rifle.

 

[nf1e]

Since everyone keeps bringing up "battle rifle" and LPVO, I think the OP's statement was overlooked in the middle of this thread:

What better choice than one that was chosen by our military to sit atop one of our DMR rifles. The MK4 3.5 - 10 just fits the bill to a tee.

 

[Grizzman]

If you'd like to buy a new scope today, versus a used one after weeks of searching (while possibly paying more), the non-illuminated Mark 4 4.5-14 x 50mm is still available from MidwayUSA for $699.

 

[rickgman]

Since everyone keeps bringing up "battle rifle" and LPVO, I think the OP's statement was overlooked in the middle of this thread:

Well, not really. He specifically stated in his first message that he sees M14 type rifles as “battle rifles” and he was considering an LPVO. Even if he later stated that he saw his rifle being used mostly as a DMR, he obviously had at least some thoughts beyond a DMR.

You can use a LPVO on a DMR even if magnification is not optimum at medium ranges but a larger scope really can’t be used effectively for short range dynamic shooting. It is a classical trade off.

 

[weshowe]

rickgman,

I agree with you wholeheartedly. For "close" work there are probably better rifles and optics available. That's from a retired Marine with two combat tours under his belt...
Personally, I'm a great fan of the supressed Swedish "K" for close work.

Wes

 

[rickgman]

Wes, we can both agree that specific weapons perform better in some roles than others. Where things get complicated is when someone desires a single weapon that is versatile. I can identify with that desire. In a way, that is what the M14 was initially all about. It was to be a rifle that was intended to meet all roles. Of course, that is not possible but with some care in choosing hardware, I think one can improve the rifle’s versatility. One of those hardware items is optics. LPVO’s enhance versatility but sacrifice performance in specific applications.

 

[Grizzman]

Since the OP owns a Vortex PST 1-6, it should be simple for him to decide if an optic with a low end magnification between 2.5 and 4.5 times is usable under the conditions he'd likely be using the rifle. All he has to do is turn a magnification ring. With a maximum range of 500 yards, there should be minimal operational differences in the top end magnifications of all of the mid power optics so far mentioned in this thread.

Marines have been using 4x32 ACOGs successfully since 2005, so an optic with a bottom end magnification above 1 can certainly me made to work under all circumstances....it just won't be "ideal". It should not be difficult for a serious user to practice enough (obviously with both eyes open) at 3.5 magnification (or more) to quickly make hits at close range.

I agree that a 1-6 through 10 LPVO is very suitable in a DMR role. Shooting tiny groups at greater than 200 yards isn't the goal, so higher magnification isn't necessary.

 

[HutchS]

From your original post, and what you're looking for, the first scope that popped into my head was an NXS 2.5-10x32. Although they don't make it anymore, you can find one on the used market.

The best advice I can give is that everyone has their favorites. It really comes down to trying out a bunch and seeing what you like. I've been fortunate enough to look through some decent scopes from Nightforce (ATAC-R), Trijicon (ACOG/Accupoint/Accupower), and Leupold (Mark 5 HD). They all have their quirks. Glass on all of these are great to excellent. Trijicon's reticles are behind the times a bit. Same with Leupold.

I have, and have had some stuff from Primary Arms. Their Platinum series stuff I would consider "LOW upper tier". I had a 6-30x56 with the .308 HUD DMR reticle (sold it and upgraded to the Leupold Mark 5 HD). Their old Gen 3 line wasn't great; this was moved to the "SLX" series or "Silver Line". Some of them are OK. I have a 1-6 with the ACSS Raptor reticle. Their "GLX" or "Gold Line" is OK for the price. I have the old version of the 3-18x50 with the .308 HUD DMR reticle. It's usable, but "busy" inside the scope. The only thing this brand has going for it are the BDC type reticles you can choose from.

For your price point (and from my brand suggestions) I would go with something from Trijicon or Leupold. I have never looked through the upper-end Vortex scopes, but their lower tier stuff didn't impress me that much.

For my "ultimate build" on the M14 platform, I've narrowed my choices to a Leupold Mark 6 1-6 (bought used, should be in the mail shortly), Trijicon Accupoint 1-4 or 1-6 with green triangle, or possibly the Trijicon 1-6 VCOG. Everyone has their own tastes, likes, and dislikes.

If you want any detailed information on any of the above scopes I've used, just ask.

 

[Chris17404]

Is an illuminated reticle important?

Yes, to me it is. The only portion of the reticle I want illuminated (if any) is the very center dot. No other part of the reticle or hash marks. That’s one of the things I really like about the VMR-2 reticle on the PST Gen 2 1-6x. If any other part of the reticule is illuminated I’d rather just not use any illumination at all.

 

[phil.feiner]

Nightforce Scope. Can't beat it. It's on my M1A Crazy Horse Scout modified by Smith Enterprises.

 

[vilebill]

Vortex PST 1-4x on a 308 M110 at 600yds workout. However, I don't do run-n-gun with my M14 or M110. The illuminated center isn't very bright so I don't think it would be fast enough for that shooting. Red dots seem better and are adequate for up to 150yds.
View attachment 478779

Where is that club/range? It looks pretty nice. No doubt out here in the West . . .

 

[Grizzman]

The only medium power variable optics I'm aware of with a simple illuminated dot, instead of the entire reticle being illuminated, are from Leupold. It seems that with the Mark 3HD, the purchaser chooses between side focus or an illuminated reticle.....both aren't an option.

If a Leupold doesn't interest you, or other options unknown to me, and you buy an optic with a fully lit reticle, you can always leave the battery in the package.

 

[smoothy8500]

It looks pretty nice. No doubt out here in the West . . .

MCB Camp Pendleton, San Diego. Santa Margarita gun club matches.