Help me decide..Vortex Sparc or Bushnell 1-4 for "Truck AR"

[jblomenberg16]

Building a budget beater AR cabine that could be considered a truck gun. Found some good deals on budget optics over the weekend and trying to decide on the Vortex Sparc or a Bushnell 1-4 with the .223 BDC.

In my current AR collection, I have an Aimpoint Comp M2, ACOG and a Vortex Viper PST...so I get the fact that "you get what you pay for." Since I already have some higher end AR's and higher end optics, I'm ok with this being more of a budget build.

I'm leaning towards the Sparc since I really like the red-dot for quick aiming on a carbine. Then again, I'm intrigued by the claim that the 1-4 Bushnell can function like a red-dot on the 1x setting, but then has the 4x capability if I decided I needed it. Both deals I've found put the price in the same ballpark although I'd have to come up with a mount for the Bushnell.


Anyone use either of them and have any suggestions?

 

[JStang314]

I have the sparc and really enjoy it. Plus for a truck gun you could always throw some flip ups on it too in case either were to come off zero. I don't have any experience with the other one you're looking at. All I can say is I really like the sparc.

 

[jinks]

SWFA has the Bushnell for $260 with mount.

Bushnell 1-4x24 AR Optics 30mm Rifle Scope & Mount Kit

Or without the red Illuminated BTR-1 but with the mount for $183.

Bushnell 1-4x24 AR Optics 30mm Rifle Scope & Mount Kit

 

[jd4320t]

I don't like my Sparc.

Have you ever tried a Primary Arms micro clone?

 

[venenoindy]

You may want to take a look at this 1-4 Mueller as it is an outstanding scope for the money (better than the Bushnell in the price range), I had one but my bro like it so much that I gave it to him.




Mueller 1-4x24 Speed Shot 30mm Riflescope & Mount Kit

 

[Slapstick]

For a "Truck Gun" I went with a Primary Arms micro red dot with co-witness iron sights so my vote would be for the Sparc with BUIS.

 

[snapping turtle]

I guess it is in the need of a truck gun. A roll back to the truck to retrieve it for self defense or a farm truck for the target of opportunity. I would choose the latter and I would go 2-6 or 3-9. I see the long range coyote or ground hog more than the other.

 

[AngryRooster]

The Sparc takes a strange battery that I have never been able to find locally, I've always had to order it online. The sight was nice and the dot was clean but it was the only one that used a different battery. I changed it out for a Bushnell red dot that used the 2032 cells. Something to consider to keep resources in order.

 

[jblomenberg16]

I don't like my Sparc.

Have you ever tried a Primary Arms micro clone?

Just curious what you didn't like about the Sparc. I haven't shot the PA Micro, but hadn't considered it yet...maybe that's option #3.

 

[mammynun]

The Sparc takes a strange battery that I have never been able to find locally, I've always had to order it online. The sight was nice and the dot was clean but it was the only one that used a different battery. I changed it out for a Bushnell red dot that used the 2032 cells. Something to consider to keep resources in order.

I'm pretty sure the current v2 version of the SPARC takes a 2032. I have one of the v1 SPARCs on my truck gun and I like it. I did manage to bend the aluminum housing in front of the objective lens, but it doesn't affect function. I had a Draco with a PA RDS gen 1 on it that worked great. Over 5k on an Ultimak and I never had any problems.When I traded it with the Draco it was still going strong. I love my Vortex PST 1-4x, but I don't think it's as good as an RDS for a truck gun but the OP might envision a different use than I do.

 

[R33D0]

If you like your viper pst why not try vortex's new crossfire II 1-4, its in the 200-250 range and in my opinion much better glass.

 

[Cowboy71]

For a budget build the Primary Arms T1 clone is hard to beat. I also had this PA 1x6 illuminated scope that was pretty decent for the money as well. https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_1_6X_Scope_with_Patented_ACSS_Reticle_p/pa1-6xrbd.htm At 1X power it was a lot like a red dot.

 

[Vendetta]

Primary. Arms micrfor small on a budget.

 

[BehindBlueI's]

The Bushnell TRS-25 is usually available at under $80, and is what our range staff recommended for a budget RDS. I'm sure Phylodog could say what all they tested and how, but they are reliable in their testing to simulate real world use before recommending anything specific.

 

[Tombs]

The Bushnell TRS-25 is usually available at under $80, and is what our range staff recommended for a budget RDS. I'm sure Phylodog could say what all they tested and how, but they are reliable in their testing to simulate real world use before recommending anything specific.

I would agree with this statement. Honestly when going for something cheap, scopes are pretty underwhelming.

I've actually used a TRS-25 and was impressed with it.

 

[jblomenberg16]

Just a quick update. I appreciated all the advice you guys gave me...but still was having a hard time making up my mind. So I did what anyone else with BRD (black rifle disease) would do, and browsed the ARFCOM classifieds. Found a "like new" Millet DMS1 with the Dot in Donut reticle for $125, and found a QD PEPR mount for $85. So...for $210 I'm into a decent combination of optic + mount. Yeah, there are much better choices out there...but thought I did ok for the money.

Looking forward to trying the 1-4 Millet out. I hear a lot of mixed reviews on it, but figure for what I have invested, I'm not going to get burnt too bad, and may find that I like it. The 4x option will be nice for the occasional 'yote that might need whacking when I don't have my other Coyote killers on hand.