Buy my dad a scope for AR15

[SamT1]

So my dad wants a scope for Christmas. I have some help in buying it so I can spend a fair amount. I was going to get him an athlon Argos and they just went on sale!
https://cameralandny.com/shop/athlo...c-00163ecd2826?variation=1618141&query=Athlon

I have some athlons and like them a lot. But I fear that in this line the reticle is too busy for him and the exposed turrets aren’t really his speed. What other options are there that maybe a little simpler. Descent glass, but less “features”. He will just use it for shooting pigs or coyotes, maybe a target here and there. He has a red dot now and doesn’t like it. Say we can spend up to 400.

 

[SamT1]

I like this one too, but the reticle is a little busy still.
https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optic...ing-goods&sprefix=+vortex+&sr=1-32&th=1&psc=1

 

[SamT1]

This one maybe fits the bill. You recogn it’s better than the vortex?
https://cameralandny.com/shop/athlo...2-00163ecd2826?variation=2075536&query=Athlon

 

[BigBL87]

It's out of stock at the moment, but doesn't get much simpler reticle-wise.

https://www.primaryarms.com/primary-arms-1-6x24-sfp-rifle-scope-gen-3-illuminated-kiss-reticle

 

[brasscollector]

I think of those three choices the 1-8x would probably be the best choice, reticle-wise. However, a 24mm objective @ 8x isn't going to gather much light at dusk and dawn, regardless of the illuminated aspect. I have a friend with a 1-8x strike eagle and low light is nothing to write home about. Things to consider..

 

[mavracer]

I think of those three choices the 1-8x would probably be the best choice, reticle-wise. However, a 24mm objective @ 8x isn't going to gather much light at dusk and dawn, regardless of the illuminated aspect. I have a friend with a 1-8x strike eagle and low light is nothing to write home about. Things to consider..

Light gathering is going to pretty much the same without spending a lot more money and yes I hardly ever crank my Strike Eagle to 8x unless conditions are near perfect. Mine is on a 308 so 6x is usually plenty for hunting medium game, I got other as for vermin.
It's gonna be the little things that matter which reticle do you like better and what about extra features I love the extra battery compartment on Vortex. The only other brands I've used in LPVO is Burris, Bushnell and Leupold. Leupold has the best glass but you pay for it. I really like my Bushnell AR optics 1-6x the reticle is good and I love that it has an off position between each power setting on the lighted reticle, just one click to the #4 setting I use most.

 

[Bartojc]

Leupold makes a VX-Freedom 1.5 - 4x model for an AR for about $300.
https://www.leupold.com/scopes/rifle-scopes/vx-freedom-1-5-4x20-ar
There are cheaper. Glass is good and warranty is excellent.
If you are looking at camera land look at this for 349. Better glass same warranty and simple reticle
https://cameralandny.com/shop/leupo...bbc7-0133-e7bb-00163e9110c0?variation=1211161

Jeff

 

[LoonWulf]

I've had a bunch of Athlons and been happy with them. I currently have two Argos gen2 HMRs and a first-gen Midas BTR.
Optically they are excellent, and Ive had no issues with them.

I'd be inclined to go with the Athlon, or the Vx-3i....in fact, one of those may get bought for one of my project guns.

Id pass on the freedom if you can spend more, they are decent enough set it and forget it optics, but a noticeable step down from a Vx-3i

Ive had no experience with the strike eagles so can't comment on those.

 

[SamT1]

Thanks guys. I believe that Vx 3i is what I’m looking for. Something in a brand he will recognize, no batteries, no turrets, no funky reticles.

 

[horsey300]

Thanks guys. I believe that Vx 3i is what I’m looking for. Something in a brand he will recognize, no batteries, no turrets, no funky reticles.

You say coyotes and hogs, how far away??

 

[FL-NC]

Something from vortex will probably give the best value for the $ and excellent warranty. The AR10 I have set up for hunting wears a vortex 1-6x

 

[js8588]

https://cameralandny.com/shop/meopt...cdd6-0138-a7ae-00163ecd2826?variation=2779757

 

[Skylerbone]

https://cameralandny.com/shop/meopt...cdd6-0138-a7ae-00163ecd2826?variation=2779757

Double like on that^^^! I Tried getting my own dad to commit to one but to him there are 4 names in hunting optics: Bushnell that’s “good enough”, Nikon that’s “almost Leupold money”, Leupold that “makes the best affordable scopes”, and Zeiss which he “just can’t bear to pay for”.

Most recently I talked him into a few Bushnell offerings up to an Elite, but his mind was simply stuck on Leupold. Rather than allowing him to jump on another VX-Freedom I ordered him a simple duplex VX-5HD Firedot.

While that particular model would scuttle your budget quickly, Leupold does make a few decent models that can fit the bill. My own father doesn’t have enough years left to change his mindset when it comes to good, better, and best which means “best” is what he prefers despite others knowing better.

A good deal on a VX-3i would be my pick assuming your circumstances are similar in nature.