I've been looking for the "ideal" 1-6x optic for years. I'd like to try a Nightforce or Elcan Specter ...but... the price tag is ridiculous. The last Elcan I looked at was over $2,000. I'm a big advocate of buying as high as you can, but $2k for an optic makes me wonder what the markup is on these.

I agree Arch those Elcans look and sound like the best set up out there but the cost has always scared me away and you never see them for sale used, which I think is a good sign but means full price only.

I can't see paying $2K for a optic but then again I couldn't see paying $500 for a knife or $2K+ for a rifle. But if it works for the task and the funds are there then things somehow become justified for the "long run".

I'm sure a Elcan is a good choice but I just don't have targets worth the $2500. Even if the glass was clearer than my eyeballs and the build is 100% bomb proof, I don't have the need or the skill set to take advantage of something like that. I actually bought a scope that sells for around $2K a little while back and I'm sure it's worth that to somebody but I couldn't pay that for one. Not for my uses... If I'm lucky I'll use it enough over the next 20 years to eventually eek out some quality time with it. But I just pulled the trigger on a $200 IOR 4x32 "hunting" scope that I expect will see more action than the Swarovski.

I do believe in having the right tool for the job but there also the "law of returns" to consider. If I knew that zombies would be coming in two weeks I'd certainly make some prime choices over the next few days. It's a little harder to make a similar investment in the off chance that I will get a day to go punch holes at the range.

Greaser, I remember seeing a total of ONE used Elcan for sale. I guess this means people like them or are afraid of the loss associated with selling high end used optics.

Lazi, I have a couple of higher end optics (Trijicon ACOG TA31RSR SU-237 and similar) and once owned a US OPTICS which was close to a $2k scope. I cannot understand the premium on "dated" designs. Besides glass and glass coating quality ... How different is a Leupold Mk4 from a Mk6 from a USO or Nightforce. Where I understand additional cost is innovative designs. There is only one ACOG, Aimpoint (lots of red dots but none come close to having SEVEN YEAR continuous on battery life), etc. Now that I said all of the above....you're right. The law of diminishing returns applies.

I really want to try the new primary arms with a 5 year battery life. The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger is the made in china sticker.

I know the PA red dots are popular as budget optics, but I've read really mixed reviews. Without putting too elitist of a point on it, the "my DPMS is every bit as good as a Colt" crowd swear by the PA. People with more educated opinions don't seem to view the PA as anything more than an optic for range toys (i.e. - not for "serious use").

If you're wanting something for a plinker or don't care if it goes down then please buy one and relate your experiences.

Eta My experience with Chinese copied technology hasn't been positive.

I know Chinese labor is basically free, but how much human labor is involved in the production of nitrogen purged optics? They have to be cutting costs some place.

Interesting ...

http://www.tacticalsandwich.com/primary-arms-micro-dot-ultimate-torture-test/

I agree this would be my training rifle optic but that test shows what I have heard, that they are good and would love to put one to the test. I think my 12 gauge AR and 45/70 lever action should put it to a good test. Ok well you talked me into it Arch I will get one in the next month or so and start hurting it with recoil and temperature.

About a year and a half ago I wanted to try a red dot out. The PA micro-dot seemed to be ideal for my purpose. It was about $100 and I purchased an American Defense QD mount to go with it. The optic has worked fine. Granted, I have not used it in a combat environment or even in the rain. But it has survived much range time and I have removed it and put it back on my AR many times for various reasons and it has maintained zero. No complaints from me on this optic.

Thanks Ray I am cash short right now but soon I will own the current gen one.

Alright... I'm thinking SCAR clone! This thing gets some really good reviews.

http://www.rrdvegas.com/anschutz-msr-rx-22.html

I will probably try to sell or trade my standard 10/22 at the next gun show. I have decided to get a takedown model at some point. I think the RX22 will give me all the cool features in a .22 rifle I Have been wanting. I missed the mark witb the Mig-22 but I'm pretty sure about the RX-22.