[cadkins1972]

I recently purchased a S&W MP15 Sport. It's been a great rifle with iron sights and i'm currently looking for optics. I'm pretty sure I want to go with a 3X or 4X compact size fixed power scope. I like the idea of a red dot but I would like to have the zoom available if needed. I plan to shot from 50-300 yards and maybe longer but I'm not interested in tight groups at 200+ yards.

I am looking pretty hard at the Nikon P223 3X fixed power scope and the Primary Arms Compact 3X or 1x4x24 scope. I actually bought two of the Nikon 223 3X at Walmart this week. I am amazed they hard them when no one else does. Anyway they have a great return policy so I decided to get them.

There are not that many review on the P223 online. I mounted the P223 with the offset mounts which are $50 and it fits with good eye relief.

I have read a lot of good things about the Primary Arm Compact 3X scope (Burris AR332 clone). It looks real nice and will fit perfect with my Magpul fold down rear sights.

Since i'm scope shopping I would also like a new scope for my Ruger 10/22. I leaning towards the Primary Arms 1x4x24, Nikon P22, or Nikon P223.

So i'm open too feedback on these scopes and any other suggestions. My goal is to stay under $250 for the MP15 scope and $150 for the 10/22 scope. I want a descent scope but I understand it will have limitations at that price point. I'm running scope barrels, triggers, and bulk ammo so I don't expect sub moa groups.

Thanks for the help!

[fireflyfather]

Stock barrel, stock trigger, bulk Lake City FMJ bullets in (admittedly, handloads, but I am shooting minimum loads that I haven't worked up for accuracy), and I'm shooting .75" groups if I do my part (which, unfortunately, I rarely can...).

No reason you can't shoot 0.75" to 1.5" groups with "stock" AR parts and ammo.

A good optic is important, unless your eyes are ten times better than mine. You don't have to splurge for an ACOG (I did, but you only live once, right? And I'm only buying my optic once...). There are quality optics in your price range.

However, I'd recommend putting your $400 towards one optic for the AR, then do the other scope later as funds allow. For $400, you have a LOT of good options.

[cadkins1972]

Thanks for the feedback and I agree with only buying once. It's hard to find the perfect optic for close shots and still hit long range without having a monster size scope.

So what would you suggest if I was to up the budget? The Burris TAC30 looks nice.

[fireflyfather]

Hah! I'm the wrong guy to talk to about budget scopes. I made an impulse buy on an ACOG TA31 earlier this year. Don't regret it a bit, though.

Honestly, with $400, you're in Eotech Territory...then save up for a side-flip mounted magnifier. The magnifier doesn't need to be a super expensive model if this is a "fun" gun, rather than a working gun.

I doubt you'd regret it.

If, OTOH, you really want a magnified scope, the Burris Tac30 sure looks nice. I'm not sure if the BDC is calibrated for 1x or 4x. That's a variable power scope, right? Looks like you could get the tactical mount for under $400 before tax/shipping/etc...

I have heard good things about the primary arms. I can't give you any first-hand experience. I only run sub-$100 red dots on my guns, except the acog (and a crappy 4x scope I stole off a BB gun to use on an old .22).