Optics opinions/choices for 450 Bushmaster

[JeeperCreeper]

I'm working on a 450 Bushmaster rifle. 16" AR. Looking at options for optics for "general all around use".

Looking to keep whole setup under $300.

The idea for this rifle will be yard defense against bears/wolves/coyotes, some camping usage, and likely some hunting up to 200-ish yards.

Oh, I live in Alaska so toughness is a factor (it won't be my main hunting rifle).

Initially looking at 1-4 or 1-6 LPVO from Athlon or SIG (I like second focal for anything 6 power and under).

But now looking at 3x or 4x prisms from primary arms or SIG.

Might even consider a red dot with magnifier.

Any opinions or advise or experience?

 

[Bartojc]

I was going to say a red dot or low power scope which is exactly what you are looking at. Beyond that I like my 3x P223 Nikon on my 16" AR. It's inexpensive, and works well enough for 100 or so yards. For under $300 you could get a Leupold VX-Freedom that would work, but will likely have more magnification than you want. If you're going to go out to 200 yards I'd think you want some magnification, so that rules out just a red dot. Just my opinion, I know I would.

-Jeff

 

[hq]

Leupold UltimateSlam 2-7x33? I have the 3-9x40 model on my .45-70 and the ballistics are a perfect match for the SBR reticle and LeverEvolution factory ammo, all the way to 300 yards. .450 Bushmaster is pretty close to .45-70 as far as bullet drop is concerned, so that might work for you.

It's listed as a discontinued model at $324.99 MSRP, so street prices should be well below $300 mark if you manage to find one.

 

[LoonWulf]

I used a 1.75-6x32 Bushnell Legend HD on my .458. It was meant for shotguns, but the reticle tracked with my .458 ammo.

I would probably look for an LPV. One specifically meant for hunting tho, as the "tactical" ones tend to be really bloody heavy for what they are. If weight isn't an issue than those would also be a good choice.

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Anyone have experience with a 2-7x say at "yard distance"?

I've never done "snap" shooting with one to know if it's viable. I know past 50 yards, the traditional optics will be much better than the prism or lpvo.

 

[Stevel]

Leupold 2.5x20 fixed power. About $270.

 

[LoonWulf]

Anyone have experience with a 2-7x say at "yard distance"?

I've never done "snap" shooting with one to know if it's viable. I know past 50 yards, the traditional optics will be much better than the prism or lpvo.

Personally I've never really felt handy capped with even higher power scopes unless I needed to shoot thru a really small hole at very, very, close range.

My airguns ware 3-9s or 4-12 etc, and most are shots are from my back porch to the garden, so about 15yds. Rarely will I turn my scopes below 6.

 

[mcb]

Probably not exactly what the OP is looking for but...


My 450 Bushmaster 20-inch.

I put a Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44 on mine. I have beat the heck out of that scope with both recoil and some hard knocks while hunting. It has held up very well to the abuse. The 2.5x magnification works well in the heavy brush and 10X is more than enough for 200-250 yards. Used Strelok to re-calculate the range for the BDC hashes in the reticle. Been a fun deer rifle.

 

[IALoder]

For $300 if you can find a Burris RT-6, it's the best lvpo for the money IMHO. I bought a package deal at bass pro with the pepr mount for $350 a year or so ago. Used the mount on a different AR, and I have the RT-6 on my 45-70 and absolutely love the thing. Works great for deer hunting here. It replaced a strike eagle 1-6 that I wasn't in the least bit impressed with. Every Athlon riflescope I've been around I've been impressed with, so I wouldn't be scared to give one of those a shot either!

 

[Bartojc]

My rig is closer to what MCB has. I have a Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9 on an AR with an 18” barrel.

Jeff

 

[berettaprofessor]

Two options;

I picked up a Leupold VX Freedom Pigplex 1.5-4X20 used for $150 for my 300BO.new they are only
$250 on Amazon....https://smile.amazon.com/LEU-VX-Fre...1606406752&sprefix=leupold+1.5,aps,213&sr=8-1

My own 450Bush has a 3X9 Bushnell Banner on it. Has held up through over 200 rounds without moving zero.

 

[BreechFace]

LPVO, I went with a Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 TMCQ

 

[Hookeye]

1.5-5x Leupold.
If wanting cheaper, the Freedom VX 1.5-4x