Scope For AR15 For Complete Novice

[HGM22]

I'm sure this thread has been done a million times but from reading other threads I don't know where to start. I have NO experience with magnified scopes or their rings, mounts, etc.

That being said, I'd like a magnified scope that can go as low as 1x and up to at least 4x. I think I want illumination for low lighting? I'd like it to be robust yet not cost too much (is $200-300 a good amount? If I can get significantly better scopes for less or more I'm willing to change this criteria). I'd like to mount it to an AR15 with 16'' barrel and I'd like to have a QD mount (if it retains zero even better, but not deal-breaker).

I have astigmatism if that matters. I'd also like to keep BUIS on my gun so any mount must be able to clear them. I'd like to know if I can use my BUIS through the scope if its set to 1x? If there's anything else I'm missing that seems important please let me know.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Hello,

For the optic, I would recommend taking a look at the Vortex Strike Eagle. For the price ($329) currently, it's a great choice. Vortex offers an awesome lifetime warranty and for the price their optics are top notch.

If you're looking for a QD mount, I would also take a look at the Burris AR PEPR mount. It will be relatively close to 0 when you re-mount it after having it off.

Michael C.

 

[browningguy]

The Burris Tac 30 is one I like. With the PEPR mount and a red dot it's $500.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/119257/burris-fullfield-tac30-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-1-4x-24mm-1-2-moa-adj-illuminated-ballistic-cq-reticle-matte-with-attached-fastfire-iii-red-dot-sight-and-ar-pepr-1-piece-extended-scope-mount-matte

 

[HGM22]

Thank you for the feedback guys. Both look like good options; time to do some research while I save up the money.

 

[basicblur]

Don't overlook the Bushnell Throwdown PCL - I think that might be right up your alley for a first scope!?
My review is the second on the site linked above.

The reticle is etched, so you probably won't have problems with astigmatism as you would with reticles consisting of a series of dots like an EOTech, etc.

It also has a FFP reticle, which seems to slowly be catching on (although I don't know why it's taken so long).

 

[greyling22]

the scopes mentioned are solid, and a 1-4x is not a bad choice, but just a thought as counterpoint, I really like a 2-7x on an AR. at 2x you can still run both eyes open, take a close shot etc, but you have a lot more magnification if you are shooting a bit further. I find they are a bit more versatile. And they're cheaper than a 1-4x. You can get a good one for $150 +/- however, if you never shoot more than 50 yards away, 1-4 is all you could ever want.

and as far as QD goes, my sample size is not real big, nut I don't actually know anybody who has ever take their scope off to run irons. Their QD mounts just sit on the gun, never functioning as anything more than a bulky, heavy, regular mount.

 

[cdb1]

Last summer I was sighting in a couple of rifles and noticed partway through the process that I was suddenly shooting better. I realized that when I removed my glasses to wipe the sweat off my face I'd forgotten to put them back on. I now take my glasses off when using a scope. I have astigmatism, YMMV.

My son's AR has the Burris TAC 30 package mentioned above. I have a Leupold VX-R 2-7 on mine which I prefer. For me glass quality is more important in low light than an illuminated reticle. With your budget I would get a Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35 for $170.00 and the Burris PEPR Riser. The scope is not illuminated.

 

[HJ857]

I have astigmatism if that matters. I'd also like to keep BUIS on my gun so any mount must be able to clear them. I'd like to know if I can use my BUIS through the scope if its set to 1x? If there's anything else I'm missing that seems important please let me know.

You didn't say what your primary use is. If you plan on using it for any sort of defensive purpose, including tactical competitions, you're much, much more likely to benefit from a true 1x scope. True 1x only.

2x scopes are nice but way harder to use if you can shoot with both eyes open. On the other hand, if you always shoot with one eye closed then it doesn't matter.

No scope will cowitness with irons, the optics just don't work that way, unlike a red dot optic. With that in mind, the QR scope mount is a must have item.

There are now some 1-6x scopes available. I don't have any first hand experience, but certainly worth a look and having 6x at the top end would be really nice to have no matter what.

 

[X-Rap]

I think your asking for a lot and wishing to pay too little.You can get good simple medium to high rings/bases that will work well on a flat top upper and mount a solid Leupold 2x7 or similar and probably never need to remove the set up for under $350 especially if you check the used market.
To get what you want with illuminated retical, QD base, BUIS retention and capability I think your looking at double your budget at the minimum for quality matching your requirements.

 

[Jurist]

AR Scope and mount.

I have a Bushnell AR Scope w/BDC reticle 4.5x18 sidefocus $199.00.Mount is a Stoner from Midway USA $60.00 shipped.Great combo,great price.

 

[benEzra]

I've been wanting to experiment with one of these, when finances permit:

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_1_6X_Scope_with_Patented_ACSS_Reticle_p/paps1-6x.htm

 

[yugorpk]

I have a Burris AR536 on one of my SBR's. It took over from the Aimpoint Pro that was one there before and I can actually hit stuff with it now. Great scope for the money.

 

[henschman]

If its something you're going to be using in low light where you'd need illumination, you don't want Chinese glass. The Burris TAC30, at about $280, is about the cheapest non-Chinese 1-4x out there. I have two. They have pretty decent Phillipine glass that I've used on deer and hogs in low light with good results. It has a pretty good reticle that works great for close quarters on 1x, and has BDC dots for distance shooting on 4x.

I don't use one-piece mounts, so I can't help you much on picking out a good QD... though I will say if weight is a concern at all, I wouldn't go with the Burris PEPR. I had non-QD one for a short time back when I used one pieces, and it was extremely heavy. Also it didn't allow me to mount the scope quite as far forward as I like.

 

[griff383]

Its not a QD mount but the Aero Precision mounts are fantastic, they are lightweight and easy to use but most importantly they can be had for a fair price. I basically got 2 for 1 on their black friday sale last year.

As for scopes, dont discount the Leupold VX-1 series, anything with a gold ring on the front objective carries a lifetime warranty. I hunt with one (1-4x) and it pulls in light just as good as my Vortex PST, I am very happy with it for deer hunting.