Optics for 12.5" pistol??

[BigdanIA]

I just finished putting together a Grendel pistol and am wondering what the horde is using for optics? It's intended purpose is home defense/truck gun and general use.

It's built on a S&W lower with a tailhook mod 2 brace, yhm upper and rifle length mlock fore end... Faxon bolt carrier group and 12.5" bbl. I used a jp adjustable gas block and I'm hoping to get that set today or tomorrow and then to focus on sights and or optics.

I'd love to hear what others are using!

[VASCAR2]

I’m using a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6 but I have also used an old 2.5-10x42 Japanese manufactured Tasco scope with duplex reticle. I like the higher magnification for varmint hunting and shooting small groups on paper targets. For a gun that could be used for self defense or close range hunting red dot sights and low power variable optics work well for me.

[Bigs28]

What's your budget. I use 1-8 and 1-10xs on my 12" but a 1-4 or 1-6x is plenty out to its effective hunting ranges.

[burnsy13]

I went a little further on my 12", PST Gen 2 2-10x

[Cheyenne Bodie]

I've heard good things about the NF NX8 1-8 LPVO. FFP, good glass, reticle works well for red dot work up close. Downside is that it's pricey. For the same money, or even less, you might do well with a hunting 2-10 and use a laser for up close, but that's my take on things.

[SSK shooter]

I have a Vortex Viper 2.5-10 on my 12.5" SBR. It's nice to have the higher power for sighting in, but while hunting I have never used above the 2.5 setting. I am planning on putting a thermal sight on it at some point. If I had to pick something and live with it forever I would go with a 1-6 or 1-8. Just find one with a reticle you like. Personally I find the current reticle options too busy for my taste.

[A5BLASTER]

I'm running a gen 2 pst 1-6 on my 12.5 grendel, works on the steel plates all the way out too 600 for me and nice 1x power on the bottom for close up work.

[danm]

Another vote for a 1-8... I've just got a PA ACSS SF on my 12.5"

[BigdanIA]

I've got a viper 1-6 pst on a 223 wylde, nice glass but heavy... I do like the idea of something more precise than a red dot.

[Heorot]

PA 1-6 ACSS in a Aero ultralight mount ticks all the boxes for me...

[BigdanIA]

There are some crazy looking reticles out there! I may just get another 1-6 viper pst since I like it and it's familiar... Has anyone tried the 1-6 burris? It looks like it might be worth a try, it's got good reviews on midway and the rt6 reticle looks pretty straightforward

[SKelt]

Im planning on a SwampFox 2-12x for my Grendel pistol. I can use Bindon aiming at 2x so that takes care of close work and having a 12x with Horus style reticle will let me play with precision. The size and weight will be interesting on a pistol but I can always stick it on my 7mm magnum if I want to lighten the pistol. Might be a different stance than most but just one guys concept

[Rangerofthenorth]

There are some crazy looking reticles out there! I may just get another 1-6 viper pst since I like it and it's familiar... Has anyone tried the 1-6 burris? It looks like it might be worth a try, it's got good reviews on midway and the rt6 reticle looks pretty straightforward

I have the Burris RT6. Great glass, nice FOV on 1x and 6x, forgiving eyebox and eye relief, illumination is daylight visible at best, bdc reticle is limited (may not line up to your bullet drops), turrets are not crisp or audible unless in a quiet room. To sum up it's a solid optic for $300, but not biased towards precision.

[Shooterrex]

I am running a Leupold 1.5X4 firedot on mine. They seem to have discontinued this scope. The green Dot works well. Shuts off then comes back on with motion. Found it in Florida for $289.00

[Wethepeople]

Red dots on home defense guns for me too. I wanted a bit more versatility on a BO pistol build I did a while back. Picked up a Holosun H5503G from PA for $289. It has the ACSS CQB-M reticle with motion activated feature and auto shutoff. Battery life is rated 10000 hrs.
Dots for 4, 5 and 600 yards are 5 moa I believe. I could hit 12" steel at 300 no problem mounted on 5.56 BCM when testing it on a couple rifles. My old eyeballs didn't let me hit at 400 with acceptable consistency. YMMV.

[LRRPF52]

Once you're outside the house and looking at any kind of distance in hundreds of yards, you want LPVO.

I really like as much FOV as I can get on these little pistols and carbines, so a 1-4x with great glass still holds a lot of value for me, even though 1-6, 1-8, and 1-10 are all the rage (have all of those myself and will be getting more 1-10).

[PNWTargets]

I use Leupold LCOs and D-EVO. I have multiple LCOs and one D-EVO. Good red dot options.

[Kswhitetails]

OP - I am unawares of any SW pistol lower. Make damned sure you're not building that on a rifle registered lower.

[LRRPF52]

Another option that is a lot of bang for the buck is the GRSC 1-10x30 FSO.

[FRB6.5]

Another option that is a lot of bang for the buck is the GRSC 1-10x30 FSO.

@LRRPF52 do you have a line drawing of the new reticle with the measurements stated? Their site does not, nor were there any instructions included. I've watched their videos on it (most of which aren't even linked on their site...) but they do not replace the need for printed documentation for me. TIA