[ACP]

to buy an A3-type AR15 and spend extra cash on an optic and mount, and perhaps a dedicated rail-mounted rear sight, if I also plan to purchase a scoped .308 bolt gun?

I figure I would spend at least $400 more to put an optic on an A3 gun, vs. a fixed A2 sight, and that money could be put towards a Remington 700 or a Savage 10.

FYI, I envision the AR being used for plinking under 100 yards; the bolt gun for precision work 200-600 yards (if I ever become that proficient).

[Mr. Chitlin]

It depends on what you ar going to do with the AR. Shoot paper and cans at under 100 yards?? It is up to you. I use a couple of my AR's for predator and varmint hunting, so a scope is essential for my AR use. The AR's that I compete with are not scoped - Our range is only 100 yards, so I don't need a scoped AR for this.

This is ultimately a decision you will have to make depending on how you are going to use it.

[Triad]

I wouldn't mount a scope on it. A red dot sight is another story.