AR Optics

[giggitygiggity]

I truly believe that we are in the golden age of ARs. Just about everyone is making ARs or AR parts and it has driven the price down such that we can have reliable $500 ARs. I've also observed a similar trend regarding AR optics. 10 years ago, if you wanted a tough and reliable optics for your AR, you pretty much had to go with an Aimpoint, EoTech, or Trijicon (I am talking mainly about red dots and low-magnification optics). And yes, before someone posts how their $30 red dot has been utterly reliable, that might be true, but that is the exception and not the rule. Now days, it seems like we have more manufacturers making AR optics that are reliable for half the price of the Aimpoints, EoTechs, and Trijicons.

I don't want this to get into a "your $200 optic is inferior to my $1000 optic" or "you wasted your money by buying a $1000 optic that my $200 optic can do" type of thread. I own an Aimpoint M4 as well as less expensive (but still reputable branded) red dot/low-magnification optics and the functional differences are very subtle. Unlike everyone else on the internet, I am not fighting through war-torn streets with my ARs or firing tens of thousands of rounds a day through them so those true warriors on this site who battle zombies daily or swim with their optics 150m under the ocean, or fight enemy forces on the battlefields of Antarctica can tell me how I am wrong and how everyone of my ARs must have a $500+ optic on it. I'd venture to guess that the internet warriors who say that optic X is necessary because it can be submerged 150m below the ocean's surface probably don't have the physique to tackle perform such a task in the first place.

Do I think my Aimpoint M4 (paid $500 used, retails closer to $700 new) is tougher and better than a Vortex SPARC or Holosun or another ~$200 optic? Yes and anyone who debates that is probably biased or looking to justify their optic choice However, I believe that the $200 optics will do just about everything that the AR enthusiast requires of them and will do so remarkably well. And I appreciate that lower prices have enabled more people to throw optics on their ARs and join the black rifles matter movement.

Anyways, I just write this because I think that the AR culture has been blessed by an abundance of options and good options at that with regards to optics and accessories. In closing, spend your money how you'd like. My point is that we have so many great options and the competition is driving prices down... capitalism and a free market econoy at its finest!

 

[jmr40]

This does 90% of what I need to do with my AR's.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-4x20-VX-1-ShotgunMuzzleloader-Scope-P51851.aspx

On 1X I find it much faster than either irons or dot sights, especially in low light. On 4X it has enough magnification for deer or human size targets out to 300-400 yards. Weight and size are light and compact and they have proven very durable.

If I were using an AR for smaller varmint size game at longish range more magnification would help. But that is about the only limits to a good 1-4X20 scope on an AR.

 

[badkarmamib]

When I built my AR, I had never heard of Vortex. After checking reviews, I got a StrikeFire as the Gen2's were rumored to be coming out. PSA had a deal, so I got it for $105 shipped. No, it doesn't have the battery life of an AimPoint, but it does everything I need it to, for a price that fit into my budget at the time.

 

[Everready73]

Agree. I eventually do want to get an aimpoint, but I just put together my first ar to learn the platform and figure out what I like and didn't want to put a $700 dollar red dot on it not knowing if I might prefer a variable scope etc.. I ended up finding a nib vortex strikefire 2 red dot only for $120. I really like it for what I paid. Nice bright dot and works fine for plinking at the range.. I also want to try a fixed 2.5 or 3x and a 1x6 variable. Been looking at primary arms options. They will all be serviceable for my uses and when I figure out what I like i can then spend the money and put it on my next rifle which will be for more serious usage. This platform is addicting though! Already started building my 2nd lower

 

[taliv]

yep, i've been very happy to see budget optics getting more reliable. (which is not to say the nc stars and such of the world have improved at all, just that there are decent options under $700 now)

 

[md7]

I've been shooting irons only since 2012, and recently purchased an aimpoint PRO. Probably not the latest/greatest optic on the current market but I think it's pretty fantastic (for me at least) and have enjoyed using it.

Glad we have choices, and hope to see more options and advancements as time goes on. The op is right..... It's really a golden age

 

[Lloyd Smale]

vortex strikefire and sparc are good 200 dollar sights. The battery life isn't what a aimpoints is but its decent. they may not be hammer strong like an aimpoint but seem to hold up well at a 1/3 the price.

 

[Sembob]

Anyone have any experience with the Leupold Mark AR series? They are very affordable. I am leaning towards more magnification 6-18. I need to put glass on a precision AR I just built.