AR-15 Rifle Scopes

[jstevens03]

I am looking for a Rifle Scope for my Stag Arms AR-15. I am a novice when it comes to scopes. I have been doing research and there are so many brands and the price ranges are very wide that I am having a hard time sorting out what would be a good fit for an AR-15. Any suggestions / recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I will be shooting from 100 to 300 yards. I would like to keep the price under $400.00. I am not interested in the red dot scopes.

Also, what is the difference between mounting the scope on the handle rail verse removing the handle and mounting it.

Thanks for your help!

Jeff

 

[SHusky57]

EOTech if you want red dot, Leopold VXIII if you want scope. Both are under $400.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

You will be better off removing the carry handle and mounting the scope to the rail. This lowers the height-over-bore and allows you to get a proper cheekweld.

My favorite AR scope is the Trijicon ACOG (it's what I have on my AR), but since that's out of your price range, I also like the Bushnell 3200 Elite, it's available as a 3-9x40mm or a fixed 10x40mm w/ mil-dot reticle. I have the latter scope on a Kar 98K. The scope is about $180, and you can get a LaRue LT-104 mount for $195, putting the whole package right under your 400-dollar limit. The LaRue mounts are the way to go if you are looking for quick-detach ability while retaining exact zero, they aren't cheap but they are well worth what they cost. If you don't need that feature then any set of good mounts will do.

One thing I don't like about the Bushnell is the fixed 10x magnification. It's hard to find targets sometimes, it would be nice to scan with 3x then zoom in once you acquire the target. But fixed magnification scopes are more rugged, and I opted for ruggedness because I have mine mounted to a heavy-recoiling Mauser.

The mount:
http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=30

The scope (not the same as mine):
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-BUSHNELL-EL...-32-3104M_W0QQitemZ330261318877QQcmdZViewItem

 

[CoRoMo]

What R D said, remove the handle and mount your optic there.

The best thing might be to isolate your search among a couple brands like Nikon, Leupold, etc.

Both of those brands make fine scopes and offer Full Lifetime Warranties. Then narrow your search down to scope power/size.
Look at their tactical lines as well.

hth

 

[hadmanysons]

You might wanted to look at the Millet Designated Marksmen scopes. It's a 1-4x30 scope that has an 3 point reticle with a illuminated dot in the center. Best of both worlds. And when you zoom in the donut expands to a dot in the center for accuracy. My friend has one and it satisfies his need for a ranged scope with the quick reflex of a red dot. About $250 on BravoCompanyUSA http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/Millet-1-4X24-DESIGNATED-MARKSMAN-Tactical-SCOPE-p/millett%20dms%201-4.htm

 

[jbauch357]

I threw a Leupold VXI 3x9x40 on mine using Warn QD rings. I've had it on/off a few times and have no noticable POI change - shooting cheap bulk ammo I'm only getting maybe 2" groups at 100yds so even a 1/2 MOA change from re-mounting the scope is going to be hard to detect.

I also tossed a YHM flip up rear sight on the same rifle and the scope/sighs compliment eachother quite well.

 

[benzy2]

Anything from Leupold, Weaver, Bushnell 3200 or 4200 line, anything from the Nikon Monarch or Buckmaster line, Sightron SII or SIII, Clearidge, Super Sniper from SWFA, and most any other Japan made scope out there will work just fine and give you as much quality as you can get for the money. The closer to $400 you get the more scope you will get but other than that, as long as they have the same basic features and cost the same basic money, you will get equal quality. Just pick the features you want and can afford.

 

[UnTainted]

Some say the mount is also an important feature. I have heard a lot of people say they went through different mounts until they finally owned a LaRue. I don't own one yet (mine's on order), but they seem pretty sweet, and supposedly can be removed and remounted without having to re-zero the scope.

Maybe somebody who owns one can chime in about these.

As to scopes, I'd say something like a 1.5-6 or 2-7x magnification range for the distances you're shooting.

 

[Zak Smith]

While some of these suggestions are out of your price range, I recommend reading this to clarify the "use" vs. the features of the optic


article | Fighting Carbine Optics

 

[C-grunt]

Good read Zak.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

The LaRue is the way to go as far as mounts go. If I had to use anything else I would set it on fire and destroy it.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Wow, that question is still a ways from being answerable.

1. Are you willing to buy used, or new only with that budget?
2. WHAT are you shooting at 100-300 yards - targets & varmints, or just making "hits" on steel/silhouettes? I.e. How much precision is needed / wanted?
3. Will you be hunting/shooting in low light, at dusk/dawn?
4. Would you want it to be serve as a dual function as a fighting/CQB rifle, or not?
5. Is weight a concern? Will you be humping it a ways where you need a lightweight scope? Or not?

But you've given enough info to tell me you probably want a 4.5-14x50 or similar; maybe a 2.5-10x50.

 

[jstevens03]

Thank you all for the great advice. I definately like the LaRue mounts!

To answer a few questions.

1. I would like to buy new.
2. I will be shooting targets from 100 - 300 yards.
3. I will be shooting at all times of the day, but mostly while there is good light.
4. This will just be used for target shooting.
5. Weight is not a concern.

 

[Rubber_Duck]

If you don't need a mil-dot reticle, I would highly recommend the Bushnell 3200 Elite 3-9x40, excellent scope for the money.

 

[SwampWolf]

Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow's queries are well posed. In my case, I use my RRA NM4 for competition and varmint hunting. The handle and open sights are required for service rifle target shooting out to and including 600 yards. When the rifle is used for varmint hunting, the handle is removed and a Burris 3X12 "tactical" style scope is used with Weaver QD, high mounted rings. So I have a very dual purpose AR 15 and this "system" has worked out well for me.

 

[dalv]

This might interest you

http://www.gunblast.com/Leupold-AR.htm