Optics for S&W MP15a AR

[Expertowgunner]

Ive been looking around for some different optic choices and while ive owned a eotech in the past and have handled some aimpoints are there any other red dot/holo or low power combat scopes that are any good for around $300 bucks. Again i know that the eotech and aimpoints are awesome but im looking for something new to try until i can save up to buy a nice aimpoint. Here are some links to some ideas ive had.

Burris Ar-332 3x tac scope
http://www.burrisoptics.com/ar332.html

Burris xts-135 tac red dot
http://www.burrisoptics.com/xts135.html

Vortex Strikefire red dot
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-strikefire-red-dot-scope-red-dot-only-ar15-mount

The vortex comes with either a red/green or red only dot option is one superior to the other?

any info would help folks

 

[taliv]

maybe search the forums/ebay for something used?

 

[Expertowgunner]

Im most definitely going to do that but that ar332 has got me real interested and there seems to be little to no input on it

 

[Wildyams]

i have an ar332...


but I don't have my upper yet. should be here on monday i hope.

but the scope seems well built, it has red, green reticles as wel as black when it is turned off (meaning it will still work if your battery is dead)

one thing though, the reticle is tilted just a tiny bit, maybe a degree or two, i've read some reviews online about other people having that problem too.

 

[Expertowgunner]

hmm well when you get ur upper be sure to tell me if its good or not as im seriously interested in it. Until then some other suggestions would be appreciated too folks

 

[hub]

Well I just mounted and sighted in my new Leatherwood HI-Lux 1-4 CMR and I have to say I'm quite impressed with it. I had only found a few detailed reviews online and those mostly coming from ar15.com or youtube.

I was looking for a close to mid range scope for my 16in upper and it seemed to fit the bill nicely. Almost every review I read was good but I was still on the fence because it is made in china.

My choice was between the Nikon m223 1-4, Leupold Mark Ar 1-4, and the Leatherwood CMR 1-4. I am a Nikon fan and own several Nikon scopes so that was what I originally planned on getting. In the end I got the Leatherwood because of the features, reticle, price, and because I already had 30mm mount on my upper. If I didn't have the $70-$100 mount I may have went the other way but I am really happy with the Leatherwood so far. I got the Leatherwood for $250 with a $10 rebate from Midway, if I had went with the other it would have been about $350-$400 for the scope and Burris or Nikon mount.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=725900
Leatherwood

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=786479
Nikon

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=582858
Leupold

 

[benEzra]

On a budget, the Vortex Strikefire (red-only model, the red/green model sometimes isn't bright enough for midday use from what I've read) or the Primary Arms Micro (Aimpoint Micro knockoff) both have good reputations for what they are.

Either of those should keep you below $150-$160 including the mount. Once you get into the $200 range, you're halfway to an Eotech ($400-$430).

 

[Mags]

Buy my Aimpoint in the For Sale section, LOL. But seriously if you consider this AR for serious use, buy a used Aimpoint or take the time to save up and get a new Aimpoint. It is worth it.

 

[jimmy0622]

I've been doing some research on the Vortex SPARC / StrikeFire models -- from what i've read they're pretty decent and worth the price. On the red/green version of the StrikeFire, I've heard that the LED isn't as bright as the red-only model and when you turn that version off, whatever color was on last is what will come on; however, there isn't any difference in price ($150) so it should be good to go. The SPARC seems like it would be pretty good too, it's smaller and lighter if that's something that you need, and can be had for ~$200. I'm considering getting one or the other until I can afford an AccuPoint 1-4x24. Good Luck.