AR Scope Opinions

[BlayGlock]

I just assembled this rifle. Right now it is wearing a cheap Simmons scope but I want to upgrade. I am trying to decide between a Nikon M-223 and Leupold Mark AR. Gun will be used out to 600 yards mainly paper punching but will shoot varmints as well. I am hoping to hear from some folks who have used one or both of these.

 

[Robert]

I have the 1-4power M223 on my AR but have yet to get to the range with it. But my over all impression of the scope is very good. It is very clear, has great eye relief and for the shooting I plan to do, no farther than 400y at this point, has enough power. The Adjustable zero knobs are neat. Once you get the scope zeroed all you do is pull the knob out, turn it to 0 and push it back down. Then you have your 0 set and can adjust and return to 0 with ease. I know they make more powerful scopes in that line so getting to 600y should be easy.

Is it me or does that scope mount look to be on backward?

My rifle with the LaRue hand stop on backwards...

 

[BlayGlock]

It is. I slapped it on for a quick picture and didnt think about it until I already had it on. That scope isnt staying on.

 

[Birddog1911]

Depending on your budget, try to get something along the lines of the Nightforce Optics 2.5-10x32; allows for wide field of view and adjustment. The 1-4x scopes just aren't going to have what you need to make 600 yard shots.

 

[G27RR]

I have a Mark AR 3-9x40 mildot on an AR. It has good glass around Nikon Monarch quality. Nice and clear, good light transmission, good eye relief. Overall size is a good match with an AR. Turret adjustments are accurate and repeatable, and the BDC is close enough for field work. I don't have an M-223 scope to compare it to. It's a good scope at a good price. Nightforce makes great scopes if you have 3-4x the budget.

 

[dan3]

If you're looking for a dedicated target/varmint scope - for up to 600yds... SWFA.com has their "Super Sniper" SS 10x42mm Tactical scope (10x power) for $300.00 - great scope for the price.
I've used one on a M1A for 6 years with great results. Shooting pal has the SS 16x42mm (16x power) - his is on a .338 - same high praises.

 

[TonyAngel]

What sort of targets are you going to be shooting at? The smaller the target the more magnification you can use. Although variable power scopes are more flexible, a fixed power scope could do you. It will depend on your type of shooting. I prefer a variable power scope. I'm running at 2.5-10X on my AR and a 5.5-22X on my .308. When I practice, i shoot at 1/2 MOA targets, so i like magnification.

As a general matter, I like the Nikons better than the Leupolds. The glass is good and the eye relief doesnt change when yoh dial through the magnification range like it does with Leupolds. Although I'm a Nightforce fan, I'd look at the Vortex Viper line if I needed an inexpensive scope

 

[BlayGlock]

I got a Nikon M-223 3-12 at a good deal so I picked it up. Thanks for the input folks.