Armueller2001
Member
I think I'm wanting to get a 1-4 or a 2-7 illuminated scope for my AR15... any recommendations that are around the $200 mark or less? Thanks
Recommend me an illuminated scope for AR15
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Armueller2001
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Recreational shooting and self defense... I just want to be able to shoot a higher power 200-300 yds easily, and also be able to back it off on the magnification to have it be a "CQB" rifle with a 1x or 2x magnification relatively easily
ugaarguy
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There are plenty of cheap illuminated scopes out there, but the Millet DMS 1-4x24 gets consistently good reviews. The etched glass reticle is stronger than an insert, and it's visible without the illumination turned on. It's at the top of your budget, but it's probably the best of its type at the $200 mark.
RonE
Member
This from another forum, sounds like the guy knows what he is talking about:
I am going to say something very unpopular. I will preface it by saying, I am the gunsmith at a local gun shop. I am also the person who purchases scopes for resale at the shop. I examine them closely and under varying conditions before making a purchase.
Leupold VX-I, VX-II and VX-III rifle scopes are quite overpriced. You do not get proper value for your money when purchasing one. The VX-I and VX-II scopes, in particular, are not good scopes. They are on par with the competition's scopes that sell for between $50.00 and $150.00. I consider them throwaways. They are a huge disappointment to me.
Right now the best glass for the price, in my opinion are:
Sightron - SII and better
These are Japanese manufactured scopes. As far as I know, this company came out of nowhere. I'm glad they did. For $400.00 you can purchase a scope of the quality for which Leupold charges nearly $700.00.
Bushnell - Elite 3200 and better
Yup. Bushnell scopes are manufactured in the Philippines and in their price range they are the brightest scopes available. Their new 6500 line, while more expensive, are fine scopes. I am impressed with them.
Nikon - BuckMaster and better
Nikon's prices have increased this year. They are not the bargain they were in years past. They remain very good scopes, they just cost more now.
Konus
Manufactured in China and proud of it. These are the best budget scopes on the market right now. You don't pay much but you get more than you pay for.
Scopes to avoid.
Leupold
Unless you are willing to spend $1000.00 or more, superior scopes are available. That little gold ring doesn't mean much anymore. It did once upon a time but no longer. You get to pay too much for the "name".
Zeiss - Conquest
You get to pay too much for the "name". The Conquest line is a downgraded line made for the US market. Like Leupold, Zeiss shines at the $1000.00, and better, price range.
Burris
Since Beretta bought them their prices have increased while their quality has decreased.
Tasco
Simmons
BSA
Redfield
Weaver, except for their T-36.
I am going to say something very unpopular. I will preface it by saying, I am the gunsmith at a local gun shop. I am also the person who purchases scopes for resale at the shop. I examine them closely and under varying conditions before making a purchase.
Leupold VX-I, VX-II and VX-III rifle scopes are quite overpriced. You do not get proper value for your money when purchasing one. The VX-I and VX-II scopes, in particular, are not good scopes. They are on par with the competition's scopes that sell for between $50.00 and $150.00. I consider them throwaways. They are a huge disappointment to me.
Right now the best glass for the price, in my opinion are:
Sightron - SII and better
These are Japanese manufactured scopes. As far as I know, this company came out of nowhere. I'm glad they did. For $400.00 you can purchase a scope of the quality for which Leupold charges nearly $700.00.
Bushnell - Elite 3200 and better
Yup. Bushnell scopes are manufactured in the Philippines and in their price range they are the brightest scopes available. Their new 6500 line, while more expensive, are fine scopes. I am impressed with them.
Nikon - BuckMaster and better
Nikon's prices have increased this year. They are not the bargain they were in years past. They remain very good scopes, they just cost more now.
Konus
Manufactured in China and proud of it. These are the best budget scopes on the market right now. You don't pay much but you get more than you pay for.
Scopes to avoid.
Leupold
Unless you are willing to spend $1000.00 or more, superior scopes are available. That little gold ring doesn't mean much anymore. It did once upon a time but no longer. You get to pay too much for the "name".
Zeiss - Conquest
You get to pay too much for the "name". The Conquest line is a downgraded line made for the US market. Like Leupold, Zeiss shines at the $1000.00, and better, price range.
Burris
Since Beretta bought them their prices have increased while their quality has decreased.
Tasco
Simmons
BSA
Redfield
Weaver, except for their T-36.
ugaarguy
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- Mar 19, 2006
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- 13,828
RonE, other than Konus none of the brands you mention offer illuminated scopes (that's scopes, not red dot sights) at the price point the OP asked about.
Not really.
The lower end Bushnells are made in the Philippines, but the Elites are made in Japan. The Bushnell Elites are the new versions of the old Bausch & Lomb Elite line, under the Bushnell name since the corporation pulled the B&L brand out of sport optics.
The frills aren't there, but you still get good glass, a very durable scope, and the best warranty in the industry, backed by the best service in the industry.
BsChoy
Member
I have a Millet DMS-1 and it will do alot better than people think out to medium range. If you go to AR15.com and look in the optics forum under ar15's there is a 53 page read about them. I have one on a 20" ar and absolutely love it. I haven't tried it in low light yet but it I don't think I have anything to worry about.
Bushnell has a 1-4 illuminated coming out that should be nice too. Although I can't find a pic of it online it also has a 30mm tube. It says it will sell for 150-160$. If you wanted to go more the Burris XTR would have been my choice but i have no regrets with the DMS.
Bushnell has a 1-4 illuminated coming out that should be nice too. Although I can't find a pic of it online it also has a 30mm tube. It says it will sell for 150-160$. If you wanted to go more the Burris XTR would have been my choice but i have no regrets with the DMS.
Taurus44
Member
The DMS-1 is the cat's freaking meow! I have one on my 3-gun upper and I love it.
I have a Sightron SII Big Sky 1.25-5x20mm on my Sig 556 and I love it. It was only $300 or so. I wish it had an illuminated reticle, but that feature won't be included at this price. As is, however, the scope is functionally perfect. It is quite sturdy, has good eye relief, very good glass for the job at hand, and repeatable clicks with the well-built adjustment knobs. I replaced a Burris scope with this one and I like the Sightron quite a bit better.
Zak Smith, a mod on THR wrote at length on the subject. This will get you to his site: http://demigodllc.com/articles/fighting-carbine-optics-short-guide/
Also search for his posts on the subject.
Also search for his posts on the subject.
M110
Member
Millet DMS 1-4x24.
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