AR 15 scope help

[Encoreman]

Hi I am changing an A2 .223 cal. upper to a flattop and am going to use this as a varmint/target gun. I don't want or need to spend a bunch of money. I am looking at a Tasco 6-24X40 Target scope and a Barska with same basic magnification. The Tasco has 1/4" M.O.A and Barska has 1/8" M.O.A. adjustments. With that said which would you choose or do you have another option in the $300 or less category. Also I will use the A2 stock, what heighth rings do I need to look at? Thanks Mac

 

[steven58]

Not wanting to piddle in your cornflakes or anything but Tasco and especially Barska are not well regarded scopes...

Here's a few higher quality / better regarded choices in the sub $300.00 price range. As to rings, generally AR's require very high rings due to the straight stock design. There are many that are designed specifically for the AR flat top. I'd call SWFA and ask for a recomendation

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-16x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P501.aspx

http://swfa.com/Weaver-3-10x40-Grand-Slam-Rifle-Scope-P591.aspx

http://swfa.com/Leupold-4-12x40-VX-I-Riflescope-P1984.aspx

http://swfa.com/Sightron-3-9x42-SII-Riflescope-P5620.aspx

http://swfa.com/Mueller-4-16x50-Sport-Dot-Riflescope-P9135.aspx

http://swfa.com/Millett-4-16x56-Buck-Gold-30mm-Riflescope-P9246.aspx

http://swfa.com/Leatherwood-4-16x50-Top-Angle-Professional-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P11905.aspx

 

[Cemetery21]

You know your purpose better than I, but...
24X is more power than you may need. I've shot paper, coyotes, and prairie dogs for over 40 years. I had a straight 24X scope at one time and did not like it. No way to get steady enough off hand and very small field of view on a bench. On 6-20 variables in prairie dog fields, I would shoot best at 12-16 power. 10X is the most I could hold without a solid rest (and that was when I was a lot younger). 4.5-15 works good for me now and Nikon has a lower end one in your price range that works good for me.

 

[chrome_austex]

Steven and Cemetery are giving good advice. I wouldn't buy a Tasco or Barska unless it was local and with a good return policy.

Its true about AR's needing higher rings than your average bolt gun, and asking SWFA would be my recommendation too (it will depend on the scope you choose, for one thing).

 

[Sky]

You cam probably pick up a Simmons Aztec white tail for around $100 which is a much better scope than the two you listed.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=548040

 

[SentinelStrategic]

Anything sentence that includes "Barska" ends with "disappointment" and "@*$%!!!"

 

[1stmarine]

Do not spend any money or effort in that Chinese junk. I am not sure what upper you have but if the system has potential you will not find out until you get some decent glass on it. At the same time you do not need to break the bank for it.
I do not know about all the scopes in the world but I can tell you about the ones I have. I am going to keep some of the high end out of the list as these might be too much for starters on a budget.


Redfield - Japanese glass made in the USA (owned by leupold) you can get a $200 scope with 3x12 magnification perfect for varmints and ARs. Simple yet awesome glass. Light and compact. No target turrets but the company might have an upgrade to the turrets if you need that feature. Again made here.

Nikon Monarch - Japanese glass in the 300 to 400 prince range. BDC or mildot are great options. not the best reticules in the world but they are great glass and super accurate. Some come with 3 set of turrets for different purposes. The BDC and turret matches precisely to the range as advertised. Very good eye relieve and clarity for a 1" tube.

Burris Timberline and Fullfield models. I have four of them in ARs. Simple but very effective. They have only BDC compensation. in the 150 - 200 range. Great glass. Light, Small footprint, still solid and great reticule and simple. Nothing wrong with something good and simple.

Vortex Viper - Japanese glass. Great scopes for the money. in the $400 area with Amazing MIL and MOA reticules.

All of those are lifetime guarantee. Essentially you have a problem (if this ever happens) contact the manufacturer and take care of them right away. I never had an issue but heard from folks they needed something and those companies stand behind their products 100%.

Personally if you are in a very tight budget get a Redfield 3x12 and do not look back. but if you want something for small varmints at longer ranges then get a higher magnification. at least
4-16.

Cheers,
E.

 

[1stmarine]

I forgot one AR I have a Simmons 5-20x44 with a mil dot. I don't think that this is the greatest glass in the world and sight picture is poor but, hey, it is holding zero for years and it actually works for $150 bucks.
Nothing like the glass I posted above though. Those are in a different league of their own.

 

[Sky]

The Vortex Viper is quite good for the money and CS is above reproach.

 

[David2011]

The Nikons are a very good value. You get solid mechanics and excellent glass at a working man's price. I have a 6-18x40 Buckmaster on my AR (not carry friendly with a bull barrel and tall Harris bipod) and a 3-9x40 BDC on a rifle I built. Both are beyond just satisfactory. Sharpness is very good and contrast is excellent.

Be aware that the BDC reticles are in the second focal plane and sensitive to your power setting, typically only on or close at max power.

David