Help me pick ar15 scope

[laxtond]

Hi guys, I am new to The High Road and would just like to start off saying hi to everyone. I am currently in the process of building an AR and I am now looking for an optic to use. I have a few ideas that I am thinking are looking good, but I am open to suggestions.

I will mainly be using this gun for just general plinking. Shooting paper targets, cans, clays, maybe some varmint hunting. No real range shooting past 250m or so. I would like reasonable accuracy at say 150-200m though. I like the idea of a 1-4x or 2-7x. I do not care about illuminated reticule or any of that, just want to be able to see and hit what I am aiming at.

So a checklist of criteria if you will:

Range: Most common 75m-100m
Occasional 150m
Max 250m

Targets: General plinking - some small varmint

Cost: would love to be under 200 with scope and mount (could maybe stretch to 250)

Appearance: I love the looks of an ACOG or other kind of smaller tactical scope, but most that I have seen are fixed power, which I am not as interested in

Reticule: I like a Mil-dot but regular cross hair would be just fine

Some that I have been interested include

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

http://www.amazon.com/Leapers-Accus...=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1328080169&sr=1-8

http://www.amazon.com/BARSKA-Contou...CHRA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327637936&sr=8-2



Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to listen to me ramble.

 

[greyling22]

I put a burris timberline 2-7x28 on mine. I really like it, and it looks ok on the gun. However they don't make it any more. Take care with some of the 2-7 scopes that you aren't getting a shotgun scope with a weird reticle or short paralax. I'd steer clear of leapers, barska etc.

how about a vortex cross fire http://swfa.com/Vortex-Crossfire-Rifle-Scopes-C1461.aspx
a millet dms, http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=MIBK81002A

my pick of the litter: nikon monarch 1-4x $200 http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=NK8446BR

nikon 223 1-4x $190 http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=NK8485BR

primary arms 1-4x https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_14X_24_Illuminated_Scope_p/pa 1-4x.htm

burris 2-7-32 $150 http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=BU200123

bushnell elite 3200 2-7x32 $150 http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=BH322732M

redfield revolution 2-7x32

 

[rcmodel]

I'd rule out the Leapers and Barska right from the get-go.
Buy a cheap Chinese scope, and thats what you get.

Greyling22 listed several good ones to pick from.

rc

 

[Coltdriver]

Go get a Leupold Mark AR.

They are under $250 and have a reticle made for the AR. If you AR is a flat top you can get rings for cheap and upgrade later.

Don't waste your money on a cheap scope. They are all garbage. Just save an extra month and get a decent scope.

The other thing you might think about is a red dot. I can't recommend a good one because I am not up on them but you can shoot very well with one at the ranges you are talking about.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

For varmint hunting you will want something with a bit more high end magnification. I recommend this Bushnell Trophy:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-trophy-xlt-4-12x40mm-matte-riflescope-with-doa-600-or-multi-x-reticle-734120.html
If you have a flat top AR you can use this Burris PEPR mount:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/burris-ar-tactical-mounts.html
You will need the 1" model. The PEPR mount is a solid mount that can work great for you.

Chase B.

 

[dprice3844444]

checl leatherwood. natchez shooters supply,amazon.com,http://www.ncstar.com/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=28

 

[laxtond]

Thanks for all of the input

Thank you all very much for the informative responses. I really appreciate all of the input. I quite like the aforementioned Vortex and Bushnell.

If I can find some information on the quality of Vortex scopes, and the crossfire lines durability, clarity, and ability to hold zero due to recoil and magnification changes I will most certainly order one.

Thanks again to everyone who has chimed in and help a new AR enthusiast out.

Keep the suggestions coming as it will be a day or two before I do finally order and would still love to hear some opinions.

 

[spazzymcgee]

I second Leapers UTG. I've had a Leapers UTG 4-16x scope on my Remington 700 .308 for about 500 rounds or so, and It's never lost its zero. Maybe they're more of a hit or miss than $200 scopes, but mine is definately a hit, especially for $60.