Leupold or Vortex for AR15

[bkjeffrey]

I working on an AR build and Im having a hard time deciding between two optics. The gun is a bushmaster with a Wilson Combat 16" Hbar 1/9 barrel, PRS stock and free float tube. Ill mainly be shooting 62GR M855 because I have thousnds of it but I will also be shooting a bunch of 55gr when I get them loaded up. Mainly for target plinking out to 500 yards.

Im looking at two scopes for this setup and I have a set of Smith Enterprises high rings, 30mm with 1" steel inserts Id like to use.

First a Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40 or Mark AR 4-12x40 AO, mildot reticles. Price $299-$350

Both are 1" scopes so I would have to use the inserts or buy a new set of rings. Im not a big fan of the adjustable objective either.

Next Im looking at a Vortex Crossfire 4-16x50, illuminated mildot, 30mm. Price $249. I like the 30mm tube but I do not care for the OMG big 50mm objective.

I dont know anything about Vortex scopes, but the reviews are rave on their products. My biggest concern is bullet tracking while changing magnification. All my Leupolds track perfectly. I started looking at the Vortex scopes because of the good reviews and its a little cheaper. I really want to stay around $300 for a scope.

Thoughts, opinions or ideas are welcome........Thanks.

 

[G27RR]

I have the 3x9 Mark AR mildot on a Bushmaster and think it's a great match. It's seems well built, is nice and bright, and isn't an overwhelmingly large optic for a carbine.

 

[slowr1der]

I would go with Vortex, but not the Crossfire. The Crossfire is their cheapest scope and their only one made in China. While it's probably better than other cheap scopes such as a Tasco or something, I've just read of too many people having issues with them to make me want to purchase one especially for $250. SWFA has one I forgot which power, but it's a higher power than that for $99. It's on back order though. I'd step up and get a Vortex Diamondback, or maybe even a Viper if you can afford it. You will have a much better scope.

 

[Rokman]

The Mark AR should be a good choice for what you want to do. It is set up for 55 grain bullets at muzzel velocity of 3240 fps. You will definately have to check the adjustments for your loads. Nikon has a similar scope up to 3-12x40mm. I now nothing about the Vortex except their higher end scopes are supposed to be good.