Which scope for AR?

[d2wing]

I just put together a Delton kit. I ordered a Bushnell DZ 223 AR scope for it. While looking through my scope shelf I realized that I have a new Weaver Grand Slam scope that I forgot I had. This will be a mostly hunting rifle. I plan a future upper build for precision that I have a Leupold V3i for. They are 3-10 scopes. The Bushnell is noticeably heavier but have parallax adjustment and is graduated for the .223. Any recommendations meaning which would you use or which do you think is a better scope.

 

[BigBL87]

Not knowing everything about the scopes, my guess is the Weaver Grand Slam likely has better glass. That being said, I do like the Bushnell AR Optics line of scopes, my AR currently wears one of the 1-6's and I've also owned a 2-7 and 4.5-18. If it were me, I'd go with the Bushnell for the parallax adjustment and BDC reticle and keep the Grand Slam aside for another rifle.

When I had my AR set up for hunting, I had a 4-16 on it because I wanted a little more magnification for coyote. That's more of a personal preference, I don't think you'll have any issue with a 3-9 or 3-10 I just like more. My AR wears the 1-6 to be more of a generalist rifle now though because I bought a Weatherby Vanguard in 223 which wears a 4.5-14 for the hunting role.

 

[LoonWulf]

For a pure hunting gun I would go with whatever has the best glass, and weights the least.

 

[jmr40]

My personal opinion is that something with a 1-4X or 1-6X is the perfect all around scope for an AR. Some only go as low as 1.5X and that would be OK too. I find that 1X or 1.5X is the fastest option for getting on target quickly when either hunting or for personal defense. And that includes irons and dot sights. And on the top end 4X or 6X is enough for big game farther than a 223 round has the power to cleanly kill.

If you want more precision for varmints at longer ranges then more magnification might not be a bad idea. And if I just had a 3-9X or similar scope sitting around unused and didn't want to spend money on a new one that would work too. I just find magnification less than 3X to be more useful than anything over 6X.

 

[stillquietvoice]

I have a 3 - 9 x 40 Bushnell, likely a banner package deal scope, ony Ar. I took a chance on it at a second hand clothing shop, paid 10.00 for it. Glass is pretty good for what it is. Used it 3 weeks ago at 300 meter steel plates.
I wouldn't have any problems using it hunting, within the 5.56's limited range.

 

[hps1]

For a pure hunting gun I would go with whatever has the best glass, and weights the least.

No experience with either of the scopes mentioned, but good advise from LoonWulf. You should be OK with the 3-10 range. I don't worry much about weight, but I don't venture too far from the jeep.

A lot depends upon your eyesight. I used 3x9 for years on my hunting rifles, still do for bigger game. @ 84 YOA, eyesight is not what it once was so my preferred predator hunting scopes are now 4.5-14x42. I just replaced a 3x9 Burris E1 for a Burris 4.5-14x42 FF E1 which is more suitable for those coyotes that hang up beyond 200 yds.

The E1 is best predator reticle I've found for my eyesight, as it is just a bit bolder than the ballistic plex reticle, but center cross hairs fine enough for the longer shots. I keep power set @ 4.5x when calling, which provides enough field of view for quick target acquisition on closer shots and there's always time to crank up power on the shots over 200 yds.


ETA: There is really no single answer to the question. The area you plan to hunt also has a bearing on the power best suited. The heavy timber or brush makes for closer/quicker shots = lower power.
Regards,
hps

 

[d2wing]

I decided to try out the Bushnell. It would be fine for hunting. I had a little trouble seeing my shots at 100 yards. But with the eye trouble I am havingI I am not sure if it's me or the scope.

 

[CraigC]

My personal opinion is that something with a 1-4X or 1-6X is the perfect all around scope for an AR. Some only go as low as 1.5X and that would be OK too. I find that 1X or 1.5X is the fastest option for getting on target quickly when either hunting or for personal defense. And that includes irons and dot sights. And on the top end 4X or 6X is enough for big game farther than a 223 round has the power to cleanly kill.

If you want more precision for varmints at longer ranges then more magnification might not be a bad idea. And if I just had a 3-9X or similar scope sitting around unused and didn't want to spend money on a new one that would work too. I just find magnification less than 3X to be more useful than anything over 6X.

Agreed 100%.