AR-15 Optic Selection

[ArMa]

So I'm going to get my first ar-15 or well a california-ized version anyway... I already have a Cooper Montana Varminter in .223 with a Leupold VX-3 6.5-20x40 for long range varmintin and matches and I dont like to buy 2 centerfire rifles that fit into the same category if I can aviod it.

So I'm going with this upper Bushmaster uppper and I'm not sure if I would be able to deal with a 1x magnification like the EOTech holo sights or the AIMpoints, but then again thats why I'm posting. I havent had any experience with the 1x sights, I was also thinking about maybe one of those CQ/T Leupold 1-3x illuminated reticle deals... UGH then I see some nice 2-7x or 2.5-8x or 4.5-14x... hmm this could go on forever I'll make it simple and make a poll

 

[ny32182]

The 1x dot sight is built for speed, not precision. You'll be doing well to shoot better than 4" at 100 yards with a field rest.

If you want to get one, just know that their purpose is the polar opposite from that of your scoped varmint gun.

You could also split the difference and get an ACOG of some sort.

 

[PPGMD]

If it was a non-California rifle I would suggest 1x optics for fun and SD factors. But since it's low capacity no flash hider et al, might as well go for ranged and put a descent scope on it.

 

[Dienekes]

1.5 X ACOG compact, amber triangle here. Rifle is an M4gery.

Inasmuch as it is a 150 yard max weapon, that is enough power for me. It will ding bowling ball sized rocks out to 300 yards, and in close it is both precise and FAST. It is a compromise, but a helluva good one.

I could live with the Eotech but LOVE the ACOG.

 

[GunTech]

I like the Holosight. Great for CQB and accurate enough for anything you'd use irons for. But I agree with the previous poster. If your limited, a low power scope might serve better. ACOGs are expensive. An ACOG can equal the cost of the AR-15 it sits on. Most run around $1000

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=13172&title=AR-15/M16+ACOG+SCOPES

 

[Don't Tread On Me]

Get an ACOG and be done with it. It is the best.

 

[Eightball]

Get an ACOG and be done with it. It is the best.

And costs 2x the price of my AR, at the very least

I would suggest some form of fixed 4x optic that is compact and durable. Slight magnification, but not enough to screw with your brain in a quick "both eyes open" shot. And no, an ACOG is not the be-all, end-all of optics for people not in a battle situation.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

What did you pay for your AR15? $450? Tell me where to get good quality AR15's for that price.

Personally, I swore I would never own an ACOG... but after using one, I saw how effective they were. And then I bought two! Of course I sold the compact ACOG (which run in the $600-700 range but you can get a good deal if you look around) and kept the TA31, but I don't think I would want to part with it. Best optic available IMO.

 

[MMcfpd]

As has been said, one size doesn't fit all. For shorter ranges I love my Aimpoint, and for further out I think I like the Leupold VX II better than the ACOG, although I'm pretty sure the ACOG, which is a fine optic, will be able to take rougher handling than the VX II.

And while I do really like the Aimpoint, yesterday I tried out a Bushnell Trophy MP Red Dot that zeroed quickly and seems like a very good value.

 

[a1huntingsupply]

I dont like to buy 2 centerfire rifles that fit into the same category if I can aviod it.

Get the 1x optics so you can have a bench gun and another for speed to mix things up a bit.

 

[koja48]

I like the EOtech AND irons on my M4gery, but may get/build another topped with an Acog.

 

[Frog48]

Call me crazy, but I like iron sights. I think they're fun, for some reason.

If I were to put optics on my Bushmaster, I'd probably go with an Eotech or similar.

 

[rkh]

I encourage you to check out a US Optics SN-4.

Slightly more expensive than the ACOG, but I consider it to be a superior product.

 

[Eightball]

What did you pay for your AR15? $450? Tell me where to get good quality AR15's for that price.

Please inform me where you can get an ACOG for roughly $800-$900, which would be 2x of your quoted price. I'm curious, honestly--if I could get one for that price, I probably would; though, personally, being "in the industry", I could get a decent pro deal on one of those Leupold MkIVs

 

[glockman19]

I'm in CA too. My Stag Model 2 M4 has a prince 50 magazine lock & EOTech 512.65 co-witnessed with Iron sights zeroed in at 100 yards. My Stag Model 4 A2 has a monsterman grip accepts all of my pre-ban owned hi-cap detachable magazines. I have no optics and use the Iron sights out to 200 yards. My Springfield M1A Loaded has bushnell 6-24x40 4200 scope, Harris Bipod and is accurate to 600 yards, the rifle is capable of up to 1,000 yards I'm only accurate now up to 600 but getting better every outing. My 3rd Gen scope mount also allows for use of Iron sights. For sniping/hunting I use a Remington 700 .30-06 with a 3-9x40 Bushnell 3200.

 

[koja48]

US Optics SN-4

Those ARE downright spendy critters. Probably a great unit, however.

 

[W.E.G.]

Get a rifle with a rail and iron sights.

Then you can swap optics on-and-off as you like.

EOTECH or a scope mounted on a riser-block takes all of 10 seconds to mount, and even less to dismount.

 

[striker3]

I have used both EoTechs and ACOGs in a recent Urban assault course I went through. I found them to both be good sights, but for different applications. The ACOG is great for quick, accurate shots at 100m or more, but for shooting within 100m, I found the EoTech to fit the job better. It is quick to acquire, and is harder to get drawn into tunnel vision. Plus, the ability to see the reticule from almost any angle lets you really maximize cover and concealment.

Basically, I think you need to decide what exactly you are building the rifle to be, and then choose your optics accordingly. I have yet to see an optic made that would be perfect in every possible situation.

The 1x dot sight is built for speed, not precision. You'll be doing well to shoot better than 4" at 100 yards with a field rest.

By that logic, you would shoot even worse with regular iron sights. The front sight post is larger than the 1 MOA dot in an EoTech. Obviously, most of us have seen that a good shooter can put rounds right where they want them. Nothing changes by switching to a 1X holo sight. I have seen them used accurately out to about 300 yards with good groups from an average shooter. A true marksman could extend that range even further.