AR15 Scope Help

[karaz45]

Hello

I am new to thr.org and I need some advice. I have been considering a scope for one of my AR15's but I am unsure what to buy. First, a little background n the rifle. Its a flattop model with a 20in barrel and fixed butt stock. The twist is 1:7 and I currently have rear Magpul MBUS Gen 2 sights installed on the rail. I would like to keep the MBUS flip up rear sights on the rifle since my other AR15 (M4 style) has an EOTech set up on its rail. I was looking at mid range (4-16) and long range (6-24) magnification from many manufacturers. I dont want a cheapo department store model and the premium scopes such as Leupold are out of my price range. I want to stay between $100 and $200. ive looked at BSA, Leapers, AimSport, and quite a few others. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good/decent mid market scope?

Thanks

 

[kis2]

Welcome!

You'll get some good suggestions, but you'll get better one's if you answer this question:

what's the purpose of the AR? shooting for competition sized groups or small game or que?

FWIW, 16x is A LOT of scope. I use it to routinely shoot at 1k yards.

Here is an active thread with a similar question to yours, might be worth a quick read:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=601353

good luck!

 

[dprice3844444]

look at the weaver nitrex line at natchez shooting supply

 

[SentinelStrategic]

If you want the ability to use the backup sights, you will need to invest in a QD scope mount. The problem is that a quality mount from LaRue Tactical, American Defense, US Optics or BOBRO will cost upwards of $200. If you use a cheaper mount, you will not have a good return-to-zero for the scope upon remounting it to the rail. High end mounts are designed to have little or no shift in zero for POI. For a hunting or target AR, backup sights are really nothing more than decoration. If you are looking for a telescopic optic, chances are that it will not be used in a real life tactical situation unless you are .le, .mil or .gov and you carry that weapon on duty. Even then, your ability to use the sights would be affected by your mounting platform. If you don't use a QD lever mount, you're not going to be taking that optic off in any timely manner. You can't co-witness irons/BUIS with a telescopic sight. So basically, getting an optics setup that is compatible with iron sights is absolutely pointless, lest you spend money on a good optic mount like the LaRue, ADM, GDI, etc.
This is not to mention that MBUS are not exactly match-quality sights. They're a cost effective SHTF sight setup that is used if an optic goes down. Consider what you will be using the rifle for, and then ask yourself this: "REALISTICALLY, would I EVER be in a situation where I would need to switch from a telescopic sight to iron sights?"
If you run an EOTech, the answer is "often" due to the battery life. If you have a telescopic scope that goes down, your range session is basically over.
Just my opinion, though.


As for scopes, you're not going to find much in the way of a "tactical" scope for that price range. You'll likely only be able to get a hunting/target scope. To get the exposed turrets and the mil-based reticle, you'll have to spend at least another $100 and get into the $300 range before you can get something that will fit the bill for a decent scope. There are lesser scopes on the market like Barska and BSA, but they'll take a dump on you pretty quickly. Brands to look into that make budget options: Millet, Weaver, Vortex, SWFA, WOTAC, Bushnell.

 

[karaz45]

Thanks for the help everyone. I think I am going to keep it simple and find a decent 3-9 or 4-12 variable power. A magnification step up from the EOTech I have on the M4 style AR. That should allow me to see clearly out to 300 yards. No sense in going over board on magnification powers and buying something I wont use very often. I havent picked out a manufacturer yet but I have been leaning towards the Leupolds because they are American made and have an outstanding warranty.

 

[Rmiller31]

I don't own one but a friend has a nikon m223 3x9 on his AR in the m223 mount and for the price it's a fantastic setup. Im currently running irons on my ar aswell while I save for a decent optic.

Best of luck to ya on choosing your optic. There are several good options out there.

 

[243winxb]

Have a look at the Bushnell "Trophy" models. http://www.bushnell.com/products/scopes/riflescopes/trophy-xlt/ Bushnell has been around a very long time. I would not go lower then the Trophy line, up is ok.