Scope my AR!!!!

[BBsteel]

I have a BushMaster XM15 - E2S with a sixteen inch barrel and A3 top. I would like to add a scope to it suited for 50-150 yard shooting. I may want to try and reach 200+ yards but probably get something different for that.

Any suggestions on size and brand??

 

[cheygriz]

Get the scope that was specifically designed for your rifle.

The Trijicon A.C.O.G.

Costs a bit more, but the very best always does.

 

[MarshallDodge]

3-9X should be fine. I have experience with Simmons, BSA, Leupold, and Tasco. For the money I don't think the Simmons can be beat.
I have a plain BSA red dot on my CAR and can hit 6" targets at 150. I could do better with some magnification but most of the time I am shooting it between 25 and 75 yards.

I have a 6-20X on my AR varminter, a bit overkill, but I do a lot of target shooting with it and attempt small game out to 300+ yards.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I've tried 3x9x40, 4.5x14x40 and 6x24x44 on my AR and I keep going back to the 6x24x44.

The 3x9x40 dosn't have enough power. The 4.5x14 doesn't have enough FOV.

The big honkin' varmint scope allows me to shoot asprin at 100 yards.

So maybe a 4x12x44 or something like that. Mueller makes some pretty good scopes in that magnification range. http://www.muelleroptics.com/

Is this scope going on permanently or will you be using a QD mount?
Here's my AR with a Larue mount. I can't say enough good things about the Larue mount. It's tough, repeatable and adds a cool tacticool look. Holds zero no matter how many times it's installed and removed.


ZM

 

[Hanzerik]

Simmons 3x9x40, works well for me.

 

[RockyMtnTactical]

I prefer the ACOG, but those tend to be out of the price range for many... I have a Leupold 3-9x40 on my 20" though, works great.

 

[dakotasin]

150-200 yard shooting doesn't need much scope... a 4-12 leupold, or a 4.5-14 leupold will cover you for now, and allow room for another 800 yards or so of growth.

 

[RNB65]

How much can you afford to spend? What are you shooting at? What type of precision are you seeking? How important is fast target acquisition?

Most any type of scope can be mounted on an AR depending on need. On most AR's, I prefer 1x red dots over scopes with magnification. Just put the dot on the target and blast away. Right now I use Burris XTS-135 tactical sights because they're reasonably cheap and they work great.

On a varmint AR (which I don't have), I'd go for something in the 18x-24x high magnification range. But I prefer bull barrel bolt-action rifles for long range shooting.

 

[Full Clip]

A 4-12 Leupold (with a LaRue) does it for my 20".

 

[docgary]

Nikon has discontinued their Monarch line with as much as 60% off....
Don't know whats left...
Check Natchezz, MidlandUSA, and other optic sites.

I picked up a Nikon 6.5-20 x 44 for $329 - original price $479...

Its a fine scope for ranges 100-300 yds.

The Simmons line is great for cost - I have a 1.5-5x20 lov it!
If you can swing it, the Leopold 4-12 or 4.5 -14 one of the best!

I was advised for dedicated target, consider a fixed 25x or 40x.

And dont get cheap on the mounts and rings - theyll make a $1000 scope a piece of shiit:banghead:

my .02 docgary

 

[Nhsport]

Leupold Yeah I know,they are expensive but did you know the "Rifleman" line starts at about $159 (2X7) .
Of course the regular leupold lines are more costly (and even better).
I also own and use several of the mid range Simions scopes that I paid about $99 far and they are certainally useable .
I have bought several $50 scopes of different brands and have seen many similar types on guns at my clubs range and they are generally pretty bad .

 

[CWL]

For the ranges you want, a red dot or holoscope would work very well and be much faster than an optical scope.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I have a Hakko 4x21 Electro-Dot scope mounted on my flat top Colt AR-15A3 Tactical Carbine, using an adaptor that I bought from Cope's Distributing. The setup works well. The reticle is an ~4 MOA dot with tapered crosshairs at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock.

I am considering splurging for an ACOG, however. I'm looking at either a TA-11F (3.5x) or TA-31F (4x), both with the red chevron reticle. My Colt is a defensive rifle, however. If you're going to be using yours for target shooting or varminting, you may want more magnification.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

To give you an idea of what's possible with a Hakko CH mount scope and a flat top, I got off my butt and took pics.

First, a full length view:



Next, a closeup:



A thumbwheel nut was included with the flat top adapter but the threads were wrong for the Hakko's mounting bolt. However, a 1/4x20 locknut from Lowe's fits perfectly, and is probably more secure anyway.

 

[BBsteel]

Dang, thanks for the replys.

would really like the ability to take off my scope and palce it back on so the LaRue mount is a must. What do these typically cost (ballpark)? I think a 4X12 would be great as I will be looking into shooting farther than 200 yards.

Don't really want a red dot.

 

[Erud]

Check out a local NRA highpower match and you might change your mind entirely about mounting a scope. It is a very satisfying feeling to hit targets out to 600 yds with open sights using only a sling and your self for support. You might be very surprised at the kind of accuracy that is possible with the old irons once you learn how to properly use them......

Good luck,
Erud

 

[Steel Talon]

Hello BBsteel...

Look to mueller scopes. I have several models on my rifles. This is the one I have on my AR15 .

www.muelleroptics.com/img/products/MT852544/MT852544.jpg

Target model 8.5 x 24 44mm

I have no problem "Banging the Gong" with it beyond 400yds.
My longest P-Dog strike with it was 417 (lazed)..

FWIW

Peace
Steel Talon

 

[BBsteel]

Erud, satisfying yes but it doesn't look as cool as a big arse scope!

 

[Erud]

True enough, true enough.

Good luck,
Erud

 

[Frog48]

I had a cheap Tasco "Bucksight" 3-9x40 scope sitting around, so I threw it on my Bushmaster, for no real reason.

Probably wont stay long, though. Call me crazy, but on an AR15 I prefer iron sights.

 

[BBsteel]

I'm definitely going to get the LaRue mount and am leaning towards the Mueller scope line. The online prices seem to be very good on these. I want to get an illuminated one and am thinking of the 8x25x50. Maybe overkill for this rifle but if so I'll stick it on my next varmint rifle. Win/Win!

Thanks all

 

[Browning]

IMO these are some of the best. It's a Romanian company that produces really good optics.

Here's the main site.
http://www.valdada.com/

Here's a CQB scope that would be great for a 16 inch AR-15. I love the reticle on this.
http://www.valdada.com/vn/ior/03k

And then here's another scope if you want a little more magnification.
http://www.valdada.com/vn/ior/03v

I actually like it a little bit better than the ACOG.

Then again, alot more people like the ACOG just because you see it in the news in Iraq.

They're both kind of expensive though ($800 to $900).

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This one is a little bit cheaper ($500) and it's a dot that doesn't run on batteries.
http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/
It's only a 1X, but it would be great for close up.

I'm just not really sure what you want a scope for (specific use), so it's kind of hard to tell you pick one. You could be wanting to use it for three gun matches (in which case you'd probably want either a dot or a low magnification scope), you could be wanting to use it on prarie dogs and coyotes (in which case you'd probably want a high magnification scope) or you just might want it for general plinking.
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Or you could just get a 3X9X40 regular Nikon scope, those are pretty good for the money as well.
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=4

 

[johndoe1027]

Dumb question and minor hijack,

I mounted a "affordable" 3x9x40 on my AR directly to the top of the flat top with some rings. The front sight is screwing up the picture (scope too low). I see that many of you are rocking the front sight in the FOV. Does that not bother you or does a expensive scope look around the front sight or some kind of magic?

 

[Frog48]

The scope shown on my AR is certainly not expensive (about $30 at Walmart), and I have no problem. I dont really understand how it works, but for whatever reason the front sight post doesnt obstruct the view.

 

[SnakeEater]

Argghh, RockyMtnTactical, everytime you post that pic it inches me closer to building a copy of that rifle. Matter of fact, you may have pushed me over the edge.

On topic, I really like the idea of the IOR 2-12x32. 35mm tube, illum. reticle, looks good.