Ruger SR-556 and Eotech 512 -- Save for the Eotech 3X Magnifier or alterntives?

[QuietDan]

Santa-spouse graced me with a Ruger SR-556 FB and the currently owned Eo-Tech 512 now sits atop it. My aging eyes could use a little help and I'm saving my pennies for the Eo-Tech G23.FTS 3X Magnifier -- jeez, a LOT of pennies. I wish it was half that.

I imagine I should just stop whining, but what alternatives exist? Something that's as functional and can take a beating? Hold out for a used one (yeah right)? A conventional glass scope? A cheaper 3x magnifier and base?

I've got an extended-eye-relief Nikon EER scout scope I could put on the SR-556, it being a flat-top and all . . . but it needs rings or a mount . . . co-witnessing iron sights is good . . . (and then, what, sell the Eotech 512?)

I know this isn't a problem like solving world hunger or anything, but . . . I'd like to hear ideas.

Edited January 12, 2012 by QuietDan

[Caster]

Cheaper....eehhhh. Cry now, or cry later.

Buy a GOOD mount for the Nikon now. That'll be significantly less than the magnifier. Put the Eotech in the safe. Save for the magnifier. The eotech, even on aging eyes, would be better for that elusive zombie hoard that looms like a shadow over us all:) Seriously. I learned the hard way. There's a reason cheap crap is cheap and good stuff ain't. It's not snobbery to refuse to accept the substandard or even mediocrity. The Ruger SR556 deserves something quality and you won't come back later cussing Caster for bad advice when you do buy top shelf stuff. Once it's paid for, it's paid for. Give it a few weeks and you'll never miss the money spent.

[crossfire]

QUOTE=Caster;845899]Cheaper....eehhhh. Cry now, or cry later.

Buy a GOOD mount for the Nikon now. That'll be significantly less than the magnifier. Put the Eotech in the safe. Save for the magnifier. The eotech, even on aging eyes, would be better for that elusive zombie hoard that looms like a shadow over us all:) Seriously. I learned the hard way. There's a reason cheap crap is cheap and good stuff ain't. It's not snobbery to refuse to accept the substandard or even mediocrity. The Ruger SR556 deserves something quality and you won't come back later cussing Caster for bad advice when you do buy top shelf stuff. Once it's paid for, it's paid for. Give it a few weeks and you'll never miss the money spent.

What he said:up:

[Lumber_Jack]

Have you looked at the Lucid 2x-5x adjustable magnifier? Runs about $230. Read on Ar15.com a guy ran one behind and Eotech in a 3 gun match and said it performed well. They make standard 2x and 3x magnifiers as well. Maybe not war worthy, but should work fine. Or just buy the Vortex 3x with flip out mount for $230 and save your pennies for the Eotech down the road. I bet the vortex works fine for a long while.

Disclosure: I'm no professional and my advice should be taken with a grain is salt. Just throwing out ideas.

Sent from my Mom's basement

[QuietDan]

Thanks to all for their thoughts.

[Caster]

Thanks to all for their thoughts.

Well, what ever you decide, post some pictures. You don't just walk in here and throw down a "Wife bought me a Ruger5,56" and walk out. We're like a woman in a shoe store, we wanna see every pair there is to see!

[QuietDan]

[/img]

As requested. Ready for target practice, personal defense, home defense, riots & Zombies.

[Caster]

Okay, I double down on my earlier statement. That rifle deserves top shelf optical accessories. Don't skimp. Be patient and save.

[Tempest455]

Save for the G23. Makes a nice combo. I did just that on my LWRC and glad I did.

[hipower]

QietDan, that's a NICE rifle! As for you Tempest...Wow. I'd like that setup myself. It might help me to see what I'm trying to hit.

[QuietDan]

QietDan, that's a NICE rifle! As for you Tempest...Wow. I'd like that setup myself. It might help me to see what I'm trying to hit.

Thank you. And yes, Tempest, I'd like to do just about that. Very together rig you've got there. If I were a Zombie, I'd steer clear of you.