Optic Choice Between Fixed 3x Prism and LPVO

[DMW1116]

Just planning for my next rifle to be completed. It's intended as a general purpose rifle in 5.56 or 223 Wylde. The likely range will be 300 yards and closer but may rarely stretch to 600 if I can convince the in-laws to let me shoot there.

I like the lighter weight and simplicity of a 3x fixed optic. However, the versatility of a 1-6 or 1-8 LPVO is also appealing, but at more than twice the weight. Price for each is comparable, so that won't help make a decision. Intended ammo will be either 62 grain FMJ or 69 grain HPBT, both home-grown (hand loaded).

 

[armoredman]

The 3X prism is interesting, but for really long range that might not be enough magnification. I bought a SIG BRAVO3 for my 5.56mm BREN 2, and found the reticle was rather small, but usable. However, I didn't like it for the compact BREN, so it sits in a drawer waiting for me to get rid of it someday.

 

[TonyAngel]

Are you looking for an optic to fill some sort of "tactical" role or does "general purpose" mean what the words typically mean? A rifle for grabbing to go humping around in the woods, maybe some small game or varmint hunting?

If you're looking for something in terms of a general purpose battle type rifle, I like a prism with a piggy back red dot. They work great for larger targets and really save on weight. A couple of my ARs wear ACOGs and for their intended purpose, they work great.

For a true general purpose rifle, I think an LPVO would serve you better. There's just more flexibility that comes with a weight penalty. For that matter, why limit yourself to an LPVO? My GP rifle wears a 2-10x32. Out to 500, I can shoot at just about anything that needs shooting.

Which optics are you considering?

 

[CraigC]

For me, prism all the way. I've about come to the conclusion that ANY scope with a 30mm tube or larger is best left to guns where weight is not a concern.

 

[TonyAngel]

Just beware, if you go with a prism. ACOGs and most of the mounts for them are very robust, but the prisms that the market is flooded with now have some weaknesses.

More specifically in their mounting systems. Those little cantilever contraptions that they use for mounts are an inherently weak design and they will bend more easily than you'd think.

I'm not saying that the optics are bad, just be mindful.

 

[dranrab]

Close quarters, a prism or red dot is fine. Stretching it out to the distances you mentioned, I'd go with a scope.

 

[12Bravo20]

I do like a good red dot or prism for CQB type uses. Outside of that I prefer scopes. I have switched to 1-6 or 1-8 LPVO scopes for most general uses since you can use a LPVO like a re dot at 1X and still reach out to 300 or 400 yards. My precision AR's have 6-24 scopes on them.

 

[DMW1116]

If I stick with 223/5.56 it looks like a scope is the way to go, likely a 1-6 or 1-8 LPVO. However, I'm considering other calibers and most of the ones I like would do fine with a fixed 3x prism. These are things like 300 BO, 350 Legend. I'm waiting for inspiration (spelled "money") to buy a barrel, so I don't have to decide any time soon.

 

[Hookeye]

1 gun/ 1 scope............doesn't do it all IMHO.
LPVO are cool, but heavy.
Shooting paper or hunting past 100, personally like more than 9X.

 

[Barnfixer]

Plan on the old switch-a-roo if you like me. I recently built a couple AR’s. First a red dot on one, then switched to a prism, soon to go to a LPVO from the another AR. The gun with LPVO will be getting a higher power scope with less weight. For now anyway.

 

[blackd24]

I recently got the vortex viper 1-6, but it’s wrapped up for Christmas. Took a few looks through it before my wife put it away and it looks really good. The longest shot I have is 200 yards and 6x is plenty of magnification to that range.

I have another AR with a viper 4-16 and that’s more precision.

I can’t use red dots because of astigmatism but even a 3x prism would probably be plenty out to 200 if not shooting groups.

I think you can’t go wrong with either 1-6 or 3x for your purposes. Obviously LPVO will weigh more but provides a little more flexibility.

 

[Hookeye]

If one has the coin...........two good QD mounts, one w a prism, the other w a scope.