Budget AR 15 Optics

[nelson133]

Since I can't afford $1000+ for the Acog, what would be a good recommendation for something less expensive but still quality? I'm looking for a 1-4 power scope, something with a little more range than a red dot in the $200 to $600 dollar range. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[BADUNAME37]

One word:
Leupold
period

 

[meanmrmustard]

Millet DMS-1. Cheaper than Leopuld, and in its stable performance wise.

Good luck.

 

[Canuc Shooter]

Leupold Mark AR....1.5-4 power.
Works very well for me.

 

[Hunterdad]

Burris Tac30 with the PEPR mount. The best 1-4 out there for the money.

 

[Robert]

I run a Nikon M223 on my AR and I like it, but the Lluepold scopes are decent as well. There are a fair amount of solid scopes available in your price range.

 

[jem375]

The Nikon P-223 and M-223 are really decent scopes for the Ar-15, and they do the job just as good as the more expensive Leupold's.....

 

[h0use]

I would also look Into vortex optics

 

[TexAg]

I took the advice of this forum earlier and got a TAC 30 for about $285. It's superb so far! Very close to true 1x and a very bright reticle that is black if you don't need it lit up red. Very clear, good light gathering, easy to use and a good value. I love Leupold, but I like this Burris better than the VXR I looked through.
To add: I also went with the Larue SPR mount (splurged a bit there, but wanted to be assured of the quality and return to zero after removal).

 

[DesertFox]

My favorite 1-4x This one comes with a mount and is on sale currently.

ACOG clone

These 2 have become my personal favorites, without breaking my bank.

While I have my fair share of much more costly optics, these 2 are what I would call an exceptional value.

 

[jeepnik]

Leupy gets my vote. And, they're American made.

 

[skywalkrNCSU]

I would be interested in trying out Primary Arms new 1-4x scope. It is pretty cheap but if their 3x mag is an indication of their quality it is a bargain.

 

[oldrevolverguy]

I use the Leupold VXI 1 by 4 on both my ARs. Specifically the one they advertise for use on shotguns or muzzleloaders. The 50 yard parallax setting means less issues at the 10 to 60 yard distances that are most typical for defensive purposes. Adjusted to 1 power it is easy to move and shoot with both eyes open. Adjusted to 4 power allows serviceable sized groups at 300 yards. The scope is rugged, clear and a genuine bargain for the performance it delivers.

 

[Sky]

My favorite 1-4x This one comes with a mount and is on sale currently.

ACOG clone

These 2 have become my personal favorites, without breaking my bank.

While I have my fair share of much more costly optics, these 2 are what I would call an exceptional value.

Thanks for posting those I have not seen either one. The ACOG clone looks interesting except I do not care for a 6 MOA dot. Great cheap concept if it works and you are happy.

 

[browningguy]

Another vote for the Burris Tac30.

 

[gotigers]

I like the my Nikon Monarch African 1-4x. Very affordable, very clear glas and great turrets.

I have tried a few others. For the money i think the African is one of the best values out there.

 

[henschman]

I have a Burris TAC30 on my M1A and love it. It has held up very well so far, including seeing some rough use in a run and gun. Highly recommended.

 

[gotboostvr]

I picked up a used ACOG that was right at the upper limit of your price range (TA31F) and couldn't be happier. Trijicon will service them still and even replace the trinium if it is worn out.

 

[Creature]

I suggest you look very hard at the Burris AR332:

3x prismatic scope. I picked mine up for $349. I torture tested mine ... and I couldn't be happier with it. I even prefer this reticule over the ACOG's chevron reticule.

http://www.parallaxtactical.com/store/images/yhst-97257296864170_2131_64795478.jpg

 

[H82miss]

I recently put a burris mtac 1-4x on my AR, love it so far.

 

[gotigers]

Another to look at is the Vortex PST 1-4x.

Speaking of illuminated and non-illuminated: I personally don't like magnified scopes with big illuminated reticles. The trijicon and Leupold small illuminated dots in the center of the crosshairs is nice, but i think the others are way to busy. A friend recently dumped his Burris TAC30 for a leupold because the Burris reticle was to busy and more difficult to acquire the target. Other than that the Burris and Millet scopes are fine scopes, just not for some.

My advice would be to find a shop to look at the reticles.

Edit: to henschman: I posted earlier regarding the scopes i like, but i felt he might like to hear other choices.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I've been using a Nikon 1-4 M223 for the past two years, it does the job but I would suggest a Vortex with your budget. The Burris PEER mount is one of the best.

 

[batmann]

I second the Burris AR332. I have one on my AR and it is excellent. True 3x which lets you shoot longer rangers than a red dot as well as closer ranges and it will also work without batteries. The black reticle requires no batteries, but the red/green are also adjustable for brightness.
I was one who thought the red/green thing was a needless add on, but after shooting the Burris against different back grounds and under different lighting conditions, I am a believer.
One other thing to consider, the Burris AR332 takes up less rail space than some of the others mentioned.
If you want just a red dot that is very good, look at the Lucid HD7 with a 2x magnifier.

 

[henschman]

Another to look at is the Vortex PST 1-4x.

Speaking of illuminated and non-illuminated: I personally don't like magnified scopes with big illuminated reticles. The trijicon and Leupold small illuminated dots in the center of the crosshairs is nice, but i think the others are way to busy. A friend recently dumped his Burris TAC30 for a leupold because the Burris reticle was to busy and more difficult to acquire the target. Other than that the Burris and Millet scopes are fine scopes, just not for some.

My advice would be to fine a shop to look at the reticles.

If you don't like busy reticles, then the Vortex Viper PST is a strange recommendation. It has the busiest reticle I have ever seen in a 1-4x. Honestly I don't notice any difference in glass quality between the Vortex and the Burris. The Burrises are just great glass for the money.

But yes, going to a shop and actually looking through different glass is definitely a good idea.

And I hear what you're saying about the benefits of just having a small illuminated aiming point. The ACOG reticle is just right IMO. If Trijicon would start offering the ACOG reticles in their TR-24 scopes, I would be all over one. Those TR-24s are some SERIOUSLY nice glass, and not really too bad of a price at around $700, all things considered.

 

[wally]

ACOG clone

More of a look-alike.

No magnification, no tritium, no reticle, just a dot. I bet it'll be useless in low light, unless its got a battery & LED that the ad doesn't seem to mention. As has already been said a 6moa dot is not great on a rifle.

On a tight budget, its hard to beat the Primary Arms offerings to have something useful while saving for better, although I find they work well enough you may decide you'd rather have another gun than an expensive optic.