Lots of opinions and options here. My take, first ask yourself (and be brutally realistic), just what are you planning on doing with the gun? Second, factor in cost v value (features, cust serv, etc). Third, what features are essential to the first question.
I really like the new PA 1x8, but with other needs higher up on my list, it's still in the later category. I don't like a simple red dot for about any optic on a rifle, so I'm looking at the reticle as a integral part of that scope and the task I'm setting for it. If all I'm doing is runNgun at cardboard short range, then a 1x4 is perfect. If I'm thinking of double duty shooting doing some hunting, it's 1x8 with a good reticle all day. The problem with any red dot (and any other reticle for that matter) is the amount of the target it subtends at distance. For me, a 4moa dot is a non starter.
I really like the new PA 1x8, but with other needs higher up on my list, it's still in the later category. I don't like a simple red dot for about any optic on a rifle, so I'm looking at the reticle as a integral part of that scope and the task I'm setting for it. If all I'm doing is runNgun at cardboard short range, then a 1x4 is perfect. If I'm thinking of double duty shooting doing some hunting, it's 1x8 with a good reticle all day. The problem with any red dot (and any other reticle for that matter) is the amount of the target it subtends at distance. For me, a 4moa dot is a non starter.