Depends on the purpose. For general use at the range or in the woods, a max magnification of 6x is more than enough especially with my 14.5” barrel.
Most folks I’ve seen with DMR-like builds in 5.56 run at least an 8x as it’s adequate for torso-sized targets up to 400-500 yards.
A couple of my most recent projects… On the left is a 14.5” Block II-ish rifle with Colt, FN, DD, LMT, Surefire, Leupold, B5, Arisaka, ADM, Geissele, LaRue, etc. parts.
And to the right is a cheaper 13.7” with PSA, Griffin Armament, VLTOR, Tango Down, Actus (South Korean optics manufacturer)...
Efiled form 4 trusts are getting approved around 80~100 days from certification for the most part, individuals seem to be coming back a tiny bit faster. There are a couple of trackers you can follow on Reddit (r/NFA) showing a good number of trusts certified in mid-January coming back this week.
Wouldn’t give Springfield too much credit… they’re just importing the Croatian VHS2 (which has been around for almost a decade already), making minor changes, and renaming it. It’s a solid rifle by all accounts; it placed second in trials to equip the French army right behind the HK416.
Went in different directions with my Chinese AKs. Opted for the more traditional spiker conversion using PolyTech parts with the MAK-90. Then went a little more modern with the NHM-90 using SLR, Arisaka, JMac Customs, B5 Systems, MI, and PA accessories.
Finally grabbed another AR. Tried to keep this one simple, focusing mostly on the essentials: optic, backup sights, and light. Details below:
Daniel Defense M4A1
- Vortex Razor Gen 2-E 1-6x24 LPVO
- ADM Scout mount
- Rainier Arms BUIS
- LaRue MBT-2S
- Surefire M600DF
- Arisaka light mount...
The thing is that complete Daniel Defense uppers can’t be had for $400 - $500. That’s the price for low and mid budget uppers the past few years at the very least.
DD uppers are routinely in the $1K+ range and are often out of stock due to demand. One of the cheapest semi-complete (no BCG...
I think you’ll like them. Both the Bren 2 and the 805 have excellent factory triggers with ridiculously smooth actions. Recoil impulse is a bit different from ARs, but still very manageable.
Out of the PCC’s I’ve owned, my old CZ Scorpion was probably the best all around. It was very accurate & reliable, relatively lightweight, and very customizable to suit different needs. My only gripe, which was big for me, was the trigger. It was decent enough after upgrades though.
My Foxtrot...
I tried the tactical route with a couple of my previous AKs... went with ZenitCo, SLR, Rifle Dynamics, RS Regulate, Troy, and Midwest Industries stuff.
Ended up going back to old school with my current ones... refinished surplus Bulgarian furniture, triangle folder, bakelite grip, PolyTech...