I need an optic for my new ar15!

[M-Hawk]

So, I recently acquired another AR15, colt 6920, for a price I could not pass up. I would like to get an optic to help me shoot as tight of groups that I can. I shoot anywhere from 100-200 yards, 100 being the norm.

I was primarily looking at an 4x ACOG but I know there is something I am overlooking. Any input is very much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[kwelz]

For shooting in the 100-200 yard range, you really don't need an Acog. They are very nice but also pricey. Look at the Aimpoint Comp ML3 or ML2. They lack the NV capability of the M3 and M2 version but are a lot less money. You can also consider the various Eotechs but I personally prefer the Aimpoints for Durability and Battery life.

 

[Big_E]

Aimpoint or something like a Millet DMS 1-4x thats what I would get, the ACOG is cool but does cost a lot.

 

[ChristopherG]

When you say you want to shoot tight groups, how tight do you mean?

Do you mean keeping shots inside the A-zone of an IPSC target, or trying to stay inside a couple of MOA? If the latter, then you could use more than 4x. I don't think that's what the gun is best suited for, but you could reasonably use more magnification for 'tight groups'.

I think the ACOG or the other suggestions above are well suited to the gun; my own preference is for a low-power variable like the 1-4x.

 

[M-Hawk]

I would like to get the most reasonable MOA possible, 2-3 would be my goal. Would something with 1-4x get me to that goal with practice? I understand I am not shooting the precision rifle of the century, this is all I have for the time being.

 

[P.B.Walsh]

A 1-4 would easily get you 2-3 MOA.

 

[ChristopherG]

^^^ Agreed. Even my Weaver 1-3 might be good to 200 at that level, though beyond that it'd be a bit sketchy.

 

[orvpark]

If you are talking target shooting I would prefer a scope not any kind of dot. The recommendations made are great for plinking and self defense but not what I would consider target optics.

 

[M-Hawk]

What would you say a target optic is?

 

[EdLaver]

Millett DMS-1 1-4x scope. Very nice short dot scope, good value, and glass.

 

[ChristopherG]

A 'target optic' is something like a 4-16x or 6-24x scope, or perhaps a fixed 10x or 16x. Lots more magnification and a bigger objective lens. Maybe an adjustable objective. They are superior for fine and distant target accuracy, but give up a great deal in speed of target acquisition and transition. They are made for shooting at small, stationary targets.

The reason that's not the kind of recommendation you're getting is that a Colt 6920 is not a target rifle, made for shooting small stationary targets. It's made for moving around, engaging multiple targets, quickly acquiring and dealing with targets. That's what an ACOG, a 1-4x, or a plain old red dot is good for.

 

[bang_bang]

I'm quite fond of my Bushnell Trophy 1x32...also dubbed the "Fake"-Cog. No magnification, though...

I've shot mine accurately out past 200 with it...anything within 100 is toast. The Red/Green T-Dot style reticle is pretty nice as well. I use Red during the day, and when camping or shooting in low-light conditions, the Green settings seem a bit more pleasurable.

 

[benzy2]

When I was testing loads in my AR I used a 6.5-20x I had. It was overkill but it took a bit of the guess work out to find the best loads. At 100 yards with a good rifle I find a good 4x scope enough to shoot 1-2 MOA if the rifle/ammo will. I'm sure a lot depends on quality of the shooter's eyes as well. It gets easier with more magnification but it isn't necessary. If I were looking to hold 2-3 MOA, assuming the ammo/rifle is capable of a bit better I would go with something that hits the 4x magnification range. It can go higher or lower but for me anything 4x and up and I can hold the sized groups you are looking for, though again I normally am using loads that will shoot 1 MOA or better.

 

[numaone]

TA31F ACOG on my Colt 6940. Simply amazing. Holding sub 1 MOA groups at 100 and 200 yds. Expensive, but so is quality American Engineering. My second best gun purchase, right behind the Colt, but ahead of my P226 (and I trust my life to that gun)!