Hakko of Japan AR-15 carry handle 4x21 scope

[meh92]

A while back I was looking at a Colt 4x20 carry handle scope for my Colt AR-15. I don't need a battle-ready optic and can't afford one (ACOG, CQT, Elcan) either. I looked at several auctions and the original Colt scopes seemed to always sell for around or over $200.

I learned that Hakko/Japan originally made these scopes for Colt and that Hakko/Japan also made the same scope under their own brand name after they stopped making them for Colt. Finally I learned that Hakko was recently sold to a Chinese company and they began producing the same scopes under the "Blue Ring" name and that the Chinese scopes were not nearly as good as the older Hakko/Japan scopes.

Does this sound like good information based on anyone's experience and knowledge?

Anyway, does anyone have one of these older Hakko/Japan 4x21's on their AR-15? I'd love to hear some feedback. Hakko/Japan also made an illuminated version and Hakko/China did as well. I'm a little interested in this version too, but think that a sub-$200 lit reticle optic is not necessairly a wise expenditure.

The Hakko/Japan non-illuminated version is still readily available for about $100 and I'm leaning towards it.

Thoughts? Opinions?

Thanks

 

[greg531mi]

I have an older Hakko, a 3x21, which is clear and was sold by Beeman, looked at a new one, and was not that bright, or clear.
You really have to be up on who bought who, and what quality are the new ones, compared to the old ones...
I would not buy a scope without looking through that model in a store.

 

[Will Learn]

In my humble opinion you are heading into a very frustrating area by trying to mount optics on the carry handle. I've wasted time and money doing this only to end up switching my receiver out for a flattop:banghead: . One thing you could look into would be the Ben Cooley(sp?) co-witness mount for smaller optics on the bushmaster website. As far as Hakko is concerned I have heard no complaints, try a search on this site. good luck!

 

[meh92]

I really appreciate the input. Since my gun has a falttop there are plenty of options. I really wanted a Leupold CQT, which would be the best of all worlds, but the budget isn't going to allow that. The carry-handle option would negate me having to buy a mount, which would save a few bucks. Hakko having made the Colt scope made me feel better about buying from an unfamiliar company. Also, if this didn't work out I'd only be out abut $100, even if I couldn't sell it.

I haven't committed to anything yet and I'm still researching.

Thanks