From a man with too expensive sights (numerous EOTechs / magnifiers, an ACOG, a Trijicon SRS)...
I'm throwing together a poor man's (semi) 3-Gun based on a 15-22 (fun, cheap practice).
You might check out some of the Nikon P223's etc? Our local shop has one for $149 - I think it's 1-4x, in a nice, tidy package (I have a P22 on the way for my 15-22).
http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/Nikon-Products/Scopes/AR-MSR/index.page
I'm going to give the
Burris TRS-25 a whirl ($100) - I plan on mounting behind the scope on a
45 degree offset, but I have a friend piggybacking on my research that ordered a Burris to use as his primary optic on his 15-22.
You can see / handle them at Walmart, but I ordered the
HiRise version - like the muted Bushnell logo (gray vs. gold), and it comes with a riser to allow lower 1/3 co-witnessing. It sounds like the OEM riser is cheesy, so I have a few inexpensive risers of various heights coming in.
The more I read / research the Burris TRS-25, the better it sounds, 'specially for the price!
(Yeah, I know it ain't Aimpoint, EOTech, Trijicon tough, but it's for my 22).
'Course, a lot of folks seem to be running 'em on shotguns and larger (than 223) caliber rifles, so it sounds like a relatively tough little red dot?
Various height risers
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008HKL6L2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008HKHMNI/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/UTG-3-Slot-Un...d=1371021930&sr=1-8&keywords=UTG+3-slot+riser (much cheaper @ Optics Planet, but no pix there!)
The 15-22 is the first AR I have with a folding front sight, so I think I may go with absolute co-witness instead of lower 1/3 as on all my EOTechs and the OEM Burris riser.
Nothing wrong with Magpul BUIS, and I see Amazon finally has 'em for $36 (the front)!
http://www.amazon.com/Magpul-MBUS-F...F8&qid=1371021232&sr=8-1&keywords=Magpul+BUIS
Folding rear Magpul BUIS ($50 plus shipping, which is too high)
http://www.amazon.com/Magpul-MBUS-R...F8&qid=1371021232&sr=8-2&keywords=Magpul+BUIS
I currently run Troy Folding Battlesights on 2 AR rears, but I have a GG&G Spring Assist folding rear on the way (I kinda like the Magpul spring assist sights).
'Course, based on your post, they may be a bit too pricey for you?
Now, how much of this stuff you'd want to use on a 223 AR I can't tell ya, but much of what I'm playing with is going on a 15-22.
The UTG / Leapers risers etc get pretty good reviews - I probably wouldn't put 'em on my big ARs, but a lot of folks apparently do, and for the price, they might not be bad options to get you started as you sort out what you want?
Mebbe some of the above will help you with your budget?
I know I'm trying to experiment on the cheap on my 15-22.
The darn thing looks like a test mule - some stuff I like I may move to a bigger AR down the road, or I may get a higher quality? identical item that I like for the big ARs?
My 15-22 currently has a Trijicon SRS with Bobro QD perched on top of it!
Hey, we all have our stupid moments... :banghead:
Where IS Jeff Foxworthy when you need him?
You miiiiight be a redneck if you have a 15-22 running a Trijicon SRS...