I have two AR's and I have red dot optics on both. I recently purchased a Nikon P-223 for one of them, but haven't had the opportunity to zero that optic yet. I'm just curious what you all might use on your AR's. One final question what kind of accuracy are you getting out of your red dots if you are using them?
Optics for your AR
- Thread starter Mr. T
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My 20" flat-top Armalite has the 3-9X Leupold Mark AR mounted.
With the trajectory compensator set on "5" ( for five hundred yards) it delivers RELIABLE solid hits on a steel IPSC silhouette at that 500-yard range.
This, of course, is after properly zeroing the rifle and setting the scope adjustments to compensate for the distance involved. The ammunition is the 55-grain Hornady V-Max at 3100 fps, and the scope's turret says "55 gr @ 3100".
The system works well, and compensates nicely for varied ranges. Good hits on man-sized targets are pretty much what I wanted. I have other rifles for varmint shooting.
With the trajectory compensator set on "5" ( for five hundred yards) it delivers RELIABLE solid hits on a steel IPSC silhouette at that 500-yard range.
This, of course, is after properly zeroing the rifle and setting the scope adjustments to compensate for the distance involved. The ammunition is the 55-grain Hornady V-Max at 3100 fps, and the scope's turret says "55 gr @ 3100".
The system works well, and compensates nicely for varied ranges. Good hits on man-sized targets are pretty much what I wanted. I have other rifles for varmint shooting.
redneck2
Member
One has a 6.5-20x40 VX-III (varmints). One has a 4-14x40 VX-3 (deer), and one is going to get something like an EOTech, Aimpoint, etc ( HD). Depends on use.
gdcpony
Member
From a review I did a few years back:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=564355
I still have this scope on three of my rifles/shotguns. They take a ton of abuse, and are really fast for a scope.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=564355
I still have this scope on three of my rifles/shotguns. They take a ton of abuse, and are really fast for a scope.
ole farmerbuck
Member
I have 5x20 and 6x24 Monarchs on all of mine.
hardluk1
member
I am try'n a weaver kaspa 1.5-6x32 scope and it has a 5.56 Tac balistic reticle that offeres info distances for a few 223 and 5.56 loads. I like it and its easy on the wallet.
chicharrones
needs more ammo
My only AR has a EOTech 517 which is 7mm higher than a 512 for lower co-witness with the front sight and bolt on rear sight.
For me, accuracy is no better or worse using the red dot or the iron sights. The nice thing about the red dot is it is easier for my old eyes to focus on than the front sight. However, claims of the EOTech to not have parallax are only true if you consider the size of the target it is meant for. For tiny target shooting, the parallax error is fairly evident.
So, if my eyes were better or if that front sight were further down the barrel, I'd probably be able to shoot a bit tighter with the iron sights.
For me, accuracy is no better or worse using the red dot or the iron sights. The nice thing about the red dot is it is easier for my old eyes to focus on than the front sight. However, claims of the EOTech to not have parallax are only true if you consider the size of the target it is meant for. For tiny target shooting, the parallax error is fairly evident.
So, if my eyes were better or if that front sight were further down the barrel, I'd probably be able to shoot a bit tighter with the iron sights.
I've used dots and can usually shoot them as accurately as irons, which means they can be fairly accurate if the dot is small enough. Still have 1 AR with one on it but will sell it soon and replace with a low powered scope. I've found a 1-4X or 2-7X scope with back up irons to be the most useful. On low powers they are faster than dots or irons. More accurate at any range and offer the option for more magnification for longer ranges. Even the military is no longer training with iron sights.
Depending on how the rifle is intended to be used a more powerful scope is an option. A good choice for longer range shooting where precision shooting is likely. But I've found 4X to be enough for ranges out to 200- 300 yards.
Depending on how the rifle is intended to be used a more powerful scope is an option. A good choice for longer range shooting where precision shooting is likely. But I've found 4X to be enough for ranges out to 200- 300 yards.
USAF_Vet
Member
I'm running irons on my AR since I haven't found any optics I really like in my budget.
1. 10.5" SBR, Magpul MBUS, 50/200 zero, 1.5 to 6 MOA so out to 100 yards.
2. 16" carbine, Eotech XPS2-0, 50/200 zero, 1.5 to 4 MOA out to 300
3. 18" 3 gun AR, Nikon Monarch African 1-4x, .75 to 3 MOA out to 300
I have tried a Nikon 4-12 P223 on a 20" HBR I just sold. I liked the P223. I have an astigmatism and a good parallax/focus helps it. I didn't like the focus of the P223, so I sold it. If you have better eyes, it would be fine for most shooting. The P223 was a solid scope, 100 yard zero, .75 to 2 MOA out to 300 yards easy.
I have also tried a Weaver Classic 1-3x on my 18". 50/200 zero, 1 to 2.5 MOA out to 300 yards. 300 yard targets were a little difficult for my eyes with the Weaver. Moved the Weaver 1-3x to my 15-22. The Weaver and the 15-2 is a perfect set up.
The Nikon was solid built, clear glass and tracked well. For the price, the P series is fine. The Nikon Monarchs are great glass if you want to step up. Another step up, I would suggest looking at Vortex. I have a Vortex on my bolt gun. I am now a fan of vortex.
The MOA I posted above, is more a function of the quality of ammo vs scope/dot. Most ARs and scopes/dots will shoot 2 MOA or better. I shoot 3 gun, so a lot of my shooting is done with .mil surplus or commercial bulk ammo. Not the most accurate ammo. When I shoot something like Black Hills, I get around 1 MOA with all my ARs.
edit: grammer
2. 16" carbine, Eotech XPS2-0, 50/200 zero, 1.5 to 4 MOA out to 300
3. 18" 3 gun AR, Nikon Monarch African 1-4x, .75 to 3 MOA out to 300
I have tried a Nikon 4-12 P223 on a 20" HBR I just sold. I liked the P223. I have an astigmatism and a good parallax/focus helps it. I didn't like the focus of the P223, so I sold it. If you have better eyes, it would be fine for most shooting. The P223 was a solid scope, 100 yard zero, .75 to 2 MOA out to 300 yards easy.
I have also tried a Weaver Classic 1-3x on my 18". 50/200 zero, 1 to 2.5 MOA out to 300 yards. 300 yard targets were a little difficult for my eyes with the Weaver. Moved the Weaver 1-3x to my 15-22. The Weaver and the 15-2 is a perfect set up.
The Nikon was solid built, clear glass and tracked well. For the price, the P series is fine. The Nikon Monarchs are great glass if you want to step up. Another step up, I would suggest looking at Vortex. I have a Vortex on my bolt gun. I am now a fan of vortex.
The MOA I posted above, is more a function of the quality of ammo vs scope/dot. Most ARs and scopes/dots will shoot 2 MOA or better. I shoot 3 gun, so a lot of my shooting is done with .mil surplus or commercial bulk ammo. Not the most accurate ammo. When I shoot something like Black Hills, I get around 1 MOA with all my ARs.
edit: grammer
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tomrkba
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I use a Burris MTAC 1-4x with true or near 1x.
I attended a class with a Leupold VX 3 1.5-5.5x with circle dot reticle. The 1.5x slowed me down too much inside 20 yards. It makes you hunt around for a split second as the optic moves in line with your eye. I recommend you choose only optics that have true 1x or at most 1.1x. I also recommend that you get a reticle with a bullet drop compensator. It makes a huge difference in performance.
The 1-4x (or 6x or 8x) optic is the most versatile. The 4x ACOGs have all sorts of trouble inside 50 yards. Finding the target at speed and placing the rounds where you want them can be a challenge. The 1-4x eliminates this problem. I zero at 4x and keep the gun on 1x. If I need to take a long range shot, I have the capability and the time. The price point of the Burris MTAC (and similar offerings from them) is good.
I would definitely look at the SWFA SS HD 1-6x24 Tactical 30mm Riflescope. This is a good deal for the money, though other manufacturers have been releasing optics in a similar price range. You can get by with a Leupold VX/R Patrol with a 1.25-4x, but something at 1.0-1.1x is far nicer to shoot with from 5-300 yards.
Also look at the Pride-Fowler 1-4x. That reticle is exceptionally easy to use. I was able to score 28/30 hits on a steel plate at 600 yards on a gun I had never fired before. http://rapidreticle.com/RRCQLR.php
http://swfa.com/Pride-Fowler-Rapid-Reticle-CQLR-Rifle-Scopes-C3298.aspx
I attended a class with a Leupold VX 3 1.5-5.5x with circle dot reticle. The 1.5x slowed me down too much inside 20 yards. It makes you hunt around for a split second as the optic moves in line with your eye. I recommend you choose only optics that have true 1x or at most 1.1x. I also recommend that you get a reticle with a bullet drop compensator. It makes a huge difference in performance.
The 1-4x (or 6x or 8x) optic is the most versatile. The 4x ACOGs have all sorts of trouble inside 50 yards. Finding the target at speed and placing the rounds where you want them can be a challenge. The 1-4x eliminates this problem. I zero at 4x and keep the gun on 1x. If I need to take a long range shot, I have the capability and the time. The price point of the Burris MTAC (and similar offerings from them) is good.
I would definitely look at the SWFA SS HD 1-6x24 Tactical 30mm Riflescope. This is a good deal for the money, though other manufacturers have been releasing optics in a similar price range. You can get by with a Leupold VX/R Patrol with a 1.25-4x, but something at 1.0-1.1x is far nicer to shoot with from 5-300 yards.
Also look at the Pride-Fowler 1-4x. That reticle is exceptionally easy to use. I was able to score 28/30 hits on a steel plate at 600 yards on a gun I had never fired before. http://rapidreticle.com/RRCQLR.php
http://swfa.com/Pride-Fowler-Rapid-Reticle-CQLR-Rifle-Scopes-C3298.aspx
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wow6599
Member
I have never wanted to drop hundreds of $$ for a red dot, and never found any with a decent reputation and low cost. But, yesterday I received (Fed Ex) a Vortex StrikeFire red/green dot optic. I paid $129 on Amazon, and Bud's has them for $119.
I need to sight it in, and run it through a few hundred rds to see how it works out, but it seems like a really nice package for the money.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescope-sfrd.html
I need to sight it in, and run it through a few hundred rds to see how it works out, but it seems like a really nice package for the money.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescope-sfrd.html
dprice3844444
member
the type of optics will depend on what type of shooting you do and what purpose you have your ar-15 for,and also,what your financial situation is. trijicon acogs are nice,but a 1k minimal expenditure may be out of the question for some.the nikon rated for 223 is a good reasonably priced option,but a backup standard sighting system should always be in place because of murphy's law,low light conditions, up close targets, or optical failure.long term storage leaves out battery operated sights due to battery leakage and battery failure.
remember the kiss principal.
remember the kiss principal.
It depends on the use of the AR-15.
My 24"-26", heavy barrel AR-15s have 18 to 20 power variable power scopes on them.
My 16" barrel AR-15s have either red dot sights, iron sights, or low power scopes like the Nikon P223.
browningguy
Member
I've got a Burris 332 mounted on one for 3 gun and the other two have red dots currently, although I do have a 1-4 optic I can use on them.
I'm just about to finish compiling my first AR. I'm on a budget though so m going to wait until later in the year to add optics. It's going to be a rural patrol rifle setup (or what I think that should be) with a Primary Arms low variable power scope with a combat type reticle that can essentially be used like an RDS up close and then be used for more precise shots at more distance. I just want to be able to use the full spectrum of what the rifle is good at, and without spending an arm and a leg.
I kind of run upper end on my AR's with optics but I like to see what I am aiming at and like to hit it too. All of these optics are awesome and I have no problem at long ranges with them, I feel they were worth every penny! I learned a long time ago to never scrimp on optics.
FD308 with Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25x50mm
Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel with Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20x50mm
Dreadnaught industries AR in 5.56 with Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40mm
Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf with Burris Signature Safari 1.75-5x32mm illuminated scope
High Standard M-4 with TA31RCO-M4CP
Rock River AR pistol in 5.56 11" upper with Bushnell eotech style sight. This actually works very well.
FD308 with Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25x50mm
Alexander Arms 6.5 Grendel with Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20x50mm
Dreadnaught industries AR in 5.56 with Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40mm
Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf with Burris Signature Safari 1.75-5x32mm illuminated scope
High Standard M-4 with TA31RCO-M4CP
Rock River AR pistol in 5.56 11" upper with Bushnell eotech style sight. This actually works very well.
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arizona98tj
Member
I run a TA11J-G ACOG on my M&P15. I've not noticed a problem trying to quickly find a target inside of 50 yds. Since I typically practice against a timer, it isn't like I'm taking much time to setup the shot. 
The one thing I don't like about it is that you can't focus the eyepiece (ocular lens)....which is handy if you don't want to wear prescription glasses, IMO. (the hassles of getting old)
The one thing I don't like about it is that you can't focus the eyepiece (ocular lens)....which is handy if you don't want to wear prescription glasses, IMO. (the hassles of getting old)
Sounds like a good amount of money spent on low powered scopes and not much performance. If you are having trouble at the range imagine a high stress situation. I think with a lighted front site or even the standard and the ghost ring for short work and the smaller peep for 100-150 yds which is all you need. Trying to find the target close up in a limited eye box that even 1X scope has is not for me
Justin
Moderator Emeritus
Aimpoints 'n' ACOGs.
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