What scope & mounts for DPMS AP4 .308?

[Northslope Nimrod]

Just picked up a DPMS .308? (16").
I plan to hunt elk with it, as well as use it as my "just in case" rifle. (I have a Rem. 700 as primary elk stick. Ability to hunt with the .308 AR just sounds fun)

What scope to buy? Here are the criteria?

1. Powered scope 2x to 7x or greater would be nice. Prefer it starts at 2x, 3x at most. (rifle does have front sight that I don't want to see. in scope...keep that in mind)
2. Small and light package but probably want a 40mm objective.
3. Which reticle do you recommend? (I will be hunting elk/deer, often in deep timber, usually close range shots, occassional 350 yard shot, often shooting at moving targets)
4. Like to keep it in the $80 to $150 range. (sorry so stingy)
5. Also, are mil-dots the way to go? I have never had a mil-dot scope.

Which mounts?

1. I must be able to see through scope without seeing front sight.
2. Quality mount with quality screws (I often find some screws of poor quality & the strip)

*Since I'm new the the AR world, feel free to give me any advice regarding necessary add-ons, accessories, etc.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Can you up the budget to at least $225, or no?

Heavy reticle, or duplex.

Mildot==>No.

Without knowing more, if you could get the non-BDC clearance sale Nikon Omega 3-9x40 from Natchez, that'd be ideal. They WERE $135 for refurbs and a little more for non-refurbs, IIRC. This scope is one of the very few that can be mounted completely forward of the charging handle, and give you plenty of eye relief for .308 and a comfortable cheek weld placement. Fine scope generally, and fantastic scope for the money. Another solid choice is the Nikon Omega 1.65-5x36mm - smaller and lighter, and great all-purpose scope. These are around $225, which is why I asked the budget question.

Cut the front sight off, or put in a replacement one with a P-rail if you must retain a front sight. Get the scope as low as is comfortable with something like Warne Maxima rings, extra-high, without a riser.

Add-ons: single point sling, tac-latch, and ERGO grip.

PM me for more info - I've got the Nikon Omega 3-9x40 on my DPMS in .260 right now, and I'm extremely satisfied with the setup.

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

As I have been looking, I now want something with a BDC. I am looking at the Leupold Long Range reticle. If I can't find one for a good price, I may go with the Burris Ballistic Plex.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

How are you gonna pull the charging handle with those scopes? I'm tellin ya, I've been down this road before - PM me.

 

[Geno]

I was over that budget. I had a Leupold Vari-X III 4.5-14 AO on mine. The scope does complicate actuating the charging handle. It still can be done.

Geno