Suggestions for optics

[wbwanzer]

Last week I bought a used but unfired CMMG MK-4 AR15 with a SS 16" bull barrel. It has no iron sights. I have not had a chance to shoot it yet. I'm looking for suggestions for optics for this gun. It's usage will be target shooting at 25 yards mostly, and never more than 100 yards. I do not hunt (I'm in Maryland) and hope I'm never in a battle situation (I'm 64 years old).

I was looking at some picture threads and it looks as if many of the AR15s have small tubes on them which I take to be red dot sights. For the shooting that I will be doing, would a red dot be better than a scope? I have a 3-9X scope than I can quickly mount. But when I have the scope far enough back to me where I can see well through it, then I can barely pull back the charging handle. If I move the scope forward then the sight picture gets wonky. Obviously I'm not well versed in rifles and scopes. I've been much more of a hand gun guy.

So for close range target shooting would I be better off with a red dot mounted more forward, or having a scope. What about those holographic sights? I don't know anything about them and have not looked at (or through) one. I would like to be in the $150 range if I need to buy something.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[ranger56528]

Look at a 1-4x or a 1-6x32/34 perfect for what you want to do,you can spend anywhere form 200 to 3k for top of line but again a nice 3-9x40 will also work just fine but there big,you might want to look at a 2-7x34 you can get one for 150 or so and it will be more streamlined then a 3-9x40.

 

[wbwanzer]

Thanks Ranger, but I think the question is more of whether I would be better served with a red dot for fairly close work or is a scope better?

 

[MachIVshooter]

the question is more of whether I would be better served with a red dot for fairly close work or is a scope better?

Depends. Are you just going to be poking holes in paper targets, or more shoot-n-move type stuff?

Red dots are optimal for rapid target acquisition, but will not give the precision of a scope for target work.

 

[wbwanzer]

Thanks MachIV. That's the kind of information I'm looking for. I don't expect to be moving much. Shooting at paper from a bench. So maybe the scope is what I need. But maybe a different scope than what I have. Maybe something like what Ranger is suggesting.

 

[PowerG]

In the $150 range and with the intended use you state a red dot would work nicely. You're not going to get much scope in that price range...you need mounts too?...and at 100 yards or less the red dot will suffice, especially if you're shooting at targets that sound off or fall over when shot (beer cans are great). Primary Arms makes some pretty decent red dots, pretty cheap.

 

[dogmush]

Price range? There are a ton of optics out there for the AR. For the shooting you describe a mid power scope should be pretty good.

On making the eye box fit, I run my scopes a little farther forward, and shoot with my nose close to, or touching, the charging handle. That gives me enough room to operate the controls.

Let me see if I can find a pic.

 

[dogmush]

Like so:


Shooting that far forward can be counter intuitive coming from mor traditional stocked rifles, or rifles that recoil more.

 

[MachIVshooter]

But maybe a different scope than what I have. Maybe something like what Ranger is suggesting.

Tough to beat for your requirements:

http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-p-223-3x32-bdc-carbine-rifle-scope.html

 

[krimmie]

Im in a similar place as the OP, I'm sticking irons right now but am considering this. Should work fine for the OP.
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_Advanced_Micro_Dot_with_Push_Buttons_p/md-ads.htm

 

[TIMC]

An extended charging handle works great with optics!

 

[wbwanzer]

Thanks everyone who chimed in. I think for now I'm going to use the UTG (Leapers) 3-9X32 scope that I took off of my Mossberg MVP. I know, it's not a great scope. Later on I may get the Nikon P-223 if I think that it will fit me better with the charging handle and the eye relief.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Later on I may get the Nikon P-223 if I think that it will fit me better with the charging handle and the eye relief.

Most scopes will leave you wanting an extended charging handle latch, but the little P223 fixed 3x is pretty compact. I run on on my 12.5" SBR with a micro RDS on top:

 

[bfoosh006]

Here are the kind of charging handles the guys are talking about....

I use the BCM Mod 4 and am very happy with it.

http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/BCMGUNFIGHTER-Charging-Handle-s/123.htm

Mod 4

 

[greyling22]

You probably have a scope with a short eye relief. Mean the scope has to sit pretty far back on the gun, and it covers up the handle. If you use one with a longer eye releif you can mount it further forward like dogmush or machIV show.

Personally, I really like the 2-7x scope on an AR. Dial it down to 2x and you can shoot it baoth eyes open at cans and sticks close it. Turn it to 7 and you can easily see and hit coke cans at 100 all day long. (I know some people can do that without a scope, but I can't see a coke can at 100 without an optic.)

 

[tuj]

check out the Ultradot 6. I have one on my HD AR and I love it. I also have 10 other Ultradots. They are great RDS.

http://www.ultradotwest.com/ultradot_2008_009.htm

 

[henschman]

I see no reason why you shouldn't use your existing 3-9x scope for what you're talking about. You just need to learn proper positions and steady hold factors for shooting a rifle, and then get the scope mounted at the proper position and height. It sounds to me like you are scrunching your head too far back on the stock. You actualy want to "turkey neck" forward as far as your neck will stretch, and drop your cheek bone onto the stock, relaximg your neck amd letting the stock hold your head up. Do this in the position that puts your head the farthest forward, and then mount your scope to fit. If you're doing this right, you will find that your scope needs to be mounted out forward of the receiver. That is why extended/cantilever scope mounts are made for the AR.

I highly recommend an Appleseed marksmanship clinic for learning rifle marksmanship. They are in every state, are only $60 for a weekend, and have a fantastic curriculum that is very focused on the fundamentals. You will get some good pointers on mounting optics too. You can go with just your irons. In fact, this is recommended.

 

[ranger56528]

Like said nothing wrong with the 3-9x but if you want something for 50-100 yards and stay around 150 bucks you can't go wrong with a Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32 Dead hold or V-plex.