I just thought it would be a good topic. Nothing in particular but figured there was enough experience with various optics to make for a interesting thread.

over the next couple months i'll be looking at eyeglasses, scopes, maybe binoculars or something similar. I don't have much experience with very many products so I'm probably more questions than input but still would like to read some of you guys thoughts on the topic.
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One I really like (and have on my AR) is actually an Air rifle scope. It's a beeman ss4. It's rated for full automatic fire so I figure it should work fine on my AR, and is fact has. Oh it also has a lighted cross hairs.

I've had a lot of different optics. From memory some of my budget scopes have included:

Fixed and Variable Power Bushnell's
Fixed and Variable Power Tasco's

From memory some of the higher end scopes have included...

(2) Aimpoint ML2's
(3) Burris Fullfield 2 Ballistiplex
(2) EoTech 511's
(1) EoTech 512
(1) EoTech 516
(1) EoTech 517
(2) EoTech 553's
(1) EoTech 556
(1) EoTech 557
(Bunch) Leupold Vari-XII
(Couple) Leupold Vari-XIIc
(Couple) Leupold Vari-XIII
(Couple) Leupold VXII
(1) Leupold VXII Scout
(Couple) Leupold VX2
(1) Leupold VX3
(1) Leupold Mark 4
(1) Trijicon ACOG TA01
(2) Trijicon ACOG TA01NSN
(1) Trijicon ACOG TA33
(1) Trijicon ACOG TA50
(1) Trijicon Accupoint TR21R
(1) Trijicon Accupoint TR24G
(2) Trijicon Reflex

My general comments and feelings:

1) Burris glass is at least as clear as comparably priced Leupold glass.
2) Leupold scopes are more durable.
3) Higher end Leupold variable power scopes are my favorite variable power traditional optics.
4) Old ACOG designs have very poor eye relief. I started using them in 1996, and they have come a long way.
5) The newer ACOG's (like my TA33) has better eye relief.
6) Batteries die at the worst possible moment.
7) For illuminated reticles I prefer tritium power with supplement light gathering tubes.
8) 1-4x is good out to 400 yards.
9) I like 12x for precision or over 400 yards.
10) The mount and/or rings are just as important as the scope. This is why I buy LaRue mounts (with or without integral rings) and Warne QD rings.

What do I have now?

I've sold everything that requires a battery.

I have:

(1) Leupold Vari-XIIc 3-9x40mm on a CZ452 in 22LR
(1) Leupold VXII 4-12x40mm AO on a CZ452 Varmint in 22WMR
(1) Leupold VX2 2-7x33mm on a Ruger 10/22
(1) Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14x40mm Side Focus LRT on a Colt LE901
(1) Trijicon Accupoint TR24G on a BCM MidLength HF M4
(1) Trijicon ACOG TA33 on a RA XCR-M

That's it.

that beeman scope is interesting. saw a few ss2 on ebay but not much info about them on the web. sounds like a oldie but goodie.

currently i have 3 firearms i want to put optics. all of my rfiles have iron sights so it's no rush to scope them. as much as I would like to be proficient with irons i want the low light advantage and the ability to get the most out of each caliber. last deer season my irons diappeared but i think there was still plenty of light for a scope. so i've been thinking about a 1-4 red dot for my AK, 2-7 illuminated for my cz527, and a 3-9 or 4-12 for my m1a scout.

usually i'm okay with spending a little extra to get the right items but for some reason I keep wanting to cheap out on optics. but I could probably sell the guitar i may never play and buy all the optics gear i want. so lately i guess ive been trying to figure out who is the scrapyard or optics... wonder if the big dog needs a new project? lol!

i also wear eyeglasses and i'm pretty much worthless without them. when it comes to shtf i know i need at least one set of rugged eyeglasses. looks can really be deceiving and prices are all over the place whenit comes to eyeglasses. may have to consider something that will allow me have extra frames rather than dump a lot of money into a single pair.

and then there's binoculars. i don't think I'll look for anything fancy here. just a decent pair to give me an advantage on my surrounding.

In looking at glass for a ruger GSR. What would you recommend arch?
I saw leupold makes a 30mm tube scout scope that is 1.5-5 power and is part if their vx-r line. Asked and they will add their cds dial system for another 90

I want something that I can use for low light close work or in. Pinch I can take advantage of the .308 round to reach out and nail a varmint

In rifle optics I am always hard pressed to go past a Leupold of some description. Just depends on what your needs are to see what will fit, at present I think I have sitting in the safe or on a rifle the following Leupolds...

Rimfire 4x
Vari-X II 2-7
Vari-X II 2-7 compact
Vari-X III 1.5-5
Vari-X III 3.5-10
VXIII 3.5-10
VXIII 2.5-8
Vari-X III 6.5-20
plus a straight 6x and maybe an 8x in the back of the safe.

I also have an ACOG TA01(from 1992) that I am very partial to.

My Kahles ZF69 6x is some really really sharp glass....!!!!!

I like to try out newer companies usually as long as they are decent.
I am running a vortex strike fire on my piston AR, I will be getting the two red dots from lucid (HD7 and M7) and selling the one I like the least or maybe both.
I run a Nikon 3-9 50mm on my 308 bolt and will be trying Lucids 6x24 50mm next I really like high magnification on my bolts.
I also have a Nikon on my Remington 597 22lr.
I have always had good luck with Nikons.
I would like to try out the vortex line of high power rifle scopes also.

oh and Lazi look at Wiley X glasses mine made it through a year in Afghanistan pretty much unscathed and they are modular so you can have spare parts.

I am an optometrist, so ask away when it comes to glasses.

What is your lens power? And roughly how old are you?

Or get laser correction done, best thing I have ever done. ever.

I have had my eyes done too, and it has been great.
The company I work for also do surgery.

However laser corrective surgery is not for everyone, and it is not a permanent solution.
Some way along the line you will need some form of correction again. That being surgery again, reading glasses, bifocals or contacts.

And some people simply does not like the thought of eyesurgery...