Give me Ideas on a compact optic for a hunting AR15

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

R.W.Dale

Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2005
Messages
11,652
Location
Northwest Arkansas
I want to buy another much more compact and faster scope/sight for my 30HRT hunting upper (pictured left). The 50mm Banner pictured below I've come to despise because of it's size and weight leading me to want something much smaller and more befitting this rifle. One important note is the upper pictured is a RRA high rise

I mostly shoot groups and plink with this rig but I also hunt. I'm not against a dot optic but the added precision of a scope would probably be appreciated during the 11 months of the year season is closed. Now I am on a budget and I would like to keep things sub $200 + or - a tad. One really important requirement is that whatever I buy MUST NOT be made in China, I don't care too badly if it's not made in USA but I for darn sure don't want anything chinese for this.

I'm looking at the Leupold Rifleman 2x7x33 , the low magnification Burris timberlines and maybe a Sightron S1 3x9x40 although this scope is a bit big for what I want. I'm completely at a loss on dot optics as the choices seem to go from $50 chinese junk to $500 combat ready sights with NO in between

So please make me some recommendations preferably with pictures of guns

21e802b5.gif
 
krochus said:
whatever I buy MUST NOT be made in China
Click to expand...

Good man!

I have had a 4.5X14 mounted on my flat top. Makes it awkward and heavy. A friend gave me a cheap 4X to try out. That helped size and weight wise but it was a cheap scope. I ran across a 4X Hakko BDC. Hakko (Japan) made the old Colt 3X and 4X handle mounted scopes, their "Blue Ring" model is an upgrade with a illuminated reticle. You can find these as new/old stock sometimes on Gunbroker or evil bay, $150-200 +/-.

I've had the Hakko mounted for just over a year now and I really like it. In fact I just bought a used Colt 3X21 for my A2. The 3X/4X is plenty of magnification for the distances I shoot and if I want to shoot long range, 300yds or more I still have my 4.5X14 flat top mount.
AR001-1.jpg
 
I would recommend a Bushnell Elite 3200 in 2-7x, 3-9x, or 3-10x. The Sightron is a pretty decent scope for the money, but I think the Leupold Rifleman and VX-I has horrible glass (especially for the price).

:)
 
Maverick223 said:
I would recommend a Bushnell Elite 3200 in 2-7x, 3-9x, or 3-10x. The Sightron is a pretty decent scope for the money, but I think the Leupold Rifleman and VX-I has horrible glass (especially for the price).

:)
Click to expand...

JDGray said:
Hows about this:)
http://www.ultradotwest.com/ultradot_2008_005.htm
Or this
http://www.ultradotwest.com/ultradot_2008_008.htm
Or even this
http://www.ultradotwest.com/ultradot_2008_007.htm
Click to expand...

all good suggestions

I actually owned an Untradot PanAV and it was indeed an excellent piece of equipment, but it doesn't seem like it would be all that robust in case of a drop or fall (like last weekend OUCH!:( )

The more I think about it I think a low powered scope fits my needs best. However I want whatever optic I choose to not extend off the front of the receiver any more than possible

What say THR on the Leupold VX-I NWTF Shotgun Scope 1-4x 20mm

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=362259
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=840003

reading the reviews it seems as though these scopes are as popular for AR's than the are for scatterguns
 
What say THR on the Leupold VX-I NWTF Shotgun Scope 1-4x 20mm
Click to expand...
See above quote...I find the glass to be severely lacking (but the warranty is good). Instead, I would look at the Nikon Monarch UCC 1.5-4.5x Shotgun scope, I have plans for this same optic on a Marlin 1895SBL if and when I pick one up. The glass is good, the price fair (but slightly more than $200.00), and they hold up well. Unfortunately, it seems they have discontinued it, but with a little searching they are still around. Here is a link.

:)
 
What say the forum on the Sightron S33 dot optic. I like this one because of my great experience with sightron and it has the 4 reticles I liked so much on my my Ultradot PanAV. But this dot is enclosed unlike the PanAV which seems like a plus to me

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=291505

I handled the rifle without a scope today and now I'm leaning towards something short enough to not extend off the reciever. BUT would I be able to muster enough precision to shoot groups and kill deer out to 250yds or so?
 
BUT would I be able to muster enough precision to shoot groups and kill deer out to 250yds or so?
Click to expand...
With a red-dot? For me...no, but it depends upon your eyes (and the dot size). I think the 1-4ish optic is your best bet for that range, use, and size/weight constraints. Besides, everyone knows you can't kill a deer with a AR-15 anyway. :neener:
 
I like the the Trijicon accupoint series. My bud had one it was real clear.
Click to expand...

The Trijicon Accupoint 1-4 is an excellent option for an AR-15...but a bit pricey...
 
Maverick223 said:
See above quote...I find the glass to be severely lacking (but the warranty is good). Instead, I would look at the Nikon Monarch UCC 1.5-4.5x Shotgun scope, I have plans for this same optic on a Marlin 1895SBL if and when I pick one up. The glass is good, the price fair (but slightly more than $200.00), and they hold up well. Unfortunately, it seems they have discontinued it, but with a little searching they are still around. Here is a link.

:)
Click to expand...

Well I have no beef with the optics of these lower magnification leupolds and I'm indeed leaning this way fro a few reasons.

1 Warranty, Ive used leupold CS before and have always been delighted with the experience

2 made in USA

3 features found on this scope are just RIGHT for my application

4 nobody else bothers to make a decent variable power 20mm scope for under $300 if they do please fill me in


The Nikon probably is indeed a nice scope. IF YOU CAN FIND ONE! But here's my beef with nikon and It's primarily with their complete lack of CS on a scope with which I had with issues. I now have a policy of only buying Nikons cheap enough to not be upset if they die.
 
Last edited:
Maverick223 said:
I would recommend a Bushnell Elite 3200 in 2-7x, 3-9x, or 3-10x.

:)
Click to expand...

THIS, I have been happy with the 3200 series

For a dot, the Bushnell Holosight can be had for about the same money. Basically an Eotech without the shroud. I have one on my hunting AR and have taken three deer with that setup.
 
nobody else bothers to make a decent variable power 20mm scope for under $300 if they do please fill me in
Click to expand...
Well the one I linked to...but I can understand if you have had issues with CS. I am the same way (just not with Nikon, never needed service). Leupold has excellent customer service and they offer more options and models than any other optics company I am aware of.

I have heard good things about the Weaver Classic series, but I while back I had an opportunity to look through a few Weavers (but I am not sure of the model or series) and was disappointed in the glass quality. The 1-3x20mm clocks in at well below $200, but make sure and look through it (if you like it at all), before buying.

Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance; Mav. :)
 
I have a Weaver Classic V series. The clarity is good for the price, my biggest complaint is the pretty low eye relief. Of course that really doesn't matter on an 5.56 AR15. I've found the glass on my Nikon Buckmasters to be better, but it is a more expensive scope.

The Weaver rides on top of my Marlin now, and the Nikon on my Savage 10FP. Realistically I am happy with both.
 
But.... if I'm wrong please correct me.....aren't the current weaver scopes made in china? The weavers I've looked through made in the past decade were as bad opticly as anything from BSA or NcStar.


I want to limit this discussion to optics only avalible NEW. I've been searching high and low and one thing Ive noticed is 20mm scopes just don't get resold
 
Last edited:
Well I went up to a gunshow in Springdale AR and turned a Argentine m1891 sporter into a nice used 2x7x33mm Leupold VXII. Since I got my scope at $0 to me on a trade I'm now strongly considering sending it off to Leupold's custom shop to either have a custom BDC reticle or turret installed.

Anyhow this scope fits well enough on the rifle and is small enough to satisfy me about the only fly in the ointment is it's gloss finish looks a bit of out of place.
 
Anyhow this scope fits well enough on the rifle and is small enough to satisfy me about the only fly in the ointment is it's gloss finish looks a bit of out of place.
Click to expand...

1987841.jpg
 
Weaver K-4, fixed power 4x38mm scope. Made in Japan, terrific glass for the $150 or so price that they sell for. Some Weavers may be made in China, but the K-4 and K-6 are made in Japan, and stated as such on Weaver's website.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top