I recently bought my first AR15 and want to put a scope on it. I don't know squat about matching a scope to a rifle so I need some input from you pros. The club I belong to has a 50 and 100 yard range but I'd like a scope that will perform at longer distances as well. Is a 4-12x40 enough scope? Should I get something more powerful? I've read that a 30mm tube is more desirable than a one inch but is it really necessary for my purposes? The research I've done seems to generate more questions than answers. I've been on line and quickly learned that I can't afford a Leupold or any other high end optics. The entry level redfield or vortex scopes are more in my price range. This gun will be used purely for target shooting. Any help/suggestions from you folks is appreciated.

For shooting out to 200yds, a 1-4 power scope will do fine. A 2-6 will be better, and a 3-9 would be ideal. If you are interested in shrinking groups to near zero, then yes, a 4-12 would be helpful for that. But not necessary.

Best bang for the buck is the Nikon 223 scope specifically made for the drop of the 223 round in its' reticle. About $180 or so, and it's a 3-9.

One trip out west for prairie dogs and you will want 4.5 x 14 up to 6.5 x 20 power scope. That rifle with a 20-round mag will reach out a lot farther than 100 yards. Think windage, elevation, firepower! Mil Dot reticle is a nice addition.

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S&WHF 366

I like the Nikon P223 in 3-9x30, also. Great optics, crystal clear, and great price.

Ditto on the Nikon P223 3-9x40 mainly because it's made for the AR platform.Good quality at a good price.

If you are going to make your gun a long range target/varmit rifle then you need a higher powered scope, which are usually bigger and heavier and need a larger objective bell to gather light. They are also more expensive and you really need to spend some good money to see tiny targets clearly at long range. For a general purpose scope on an AR I like a 2-7X scope like a Redfield Revenge for about $140.

Better a $1000 scope on a $100 rifle than a $100 scope on a $1000 rifle..
JMHO...
JIM................

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I second Snake's opinion, but that said I will hold off on putting a scope on a rifle until I have the $ to buy the right scope. That said I have friends who rave about the Nikon 223, but none of them hunt with it.

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always trust your cape...

Thanks for sharing your expertise. I'm still researching and reading reviews. One of the things I picked up on in the reviews of the Nikon (on optics planet) is that it is discontinued but the review was a year old and the scope is still listed on their web site. I'm going to call them later and see what's up. I really like the idea of the tactical turret adjustments. No caps to unscrew or lose.

High-end optics are useful for inclement weather, low light conditions and abilty to take abuse. But if the purpose is fair-weather range use then all of that really doesn't matter much. There's a guy at the club who shoots in 500yd matches with a BSA Platinum and does better than most with top shelf optics. I'm not suggesting a BSA scope, just sayin'. Of course you don't want a cheap scope on your rifle when you're on a $20k vacation safari and bang it up against the truck to see the scope fall apart.

Redfield or comparable will perform quite well.

As far as magnification... Over 4x wont be of much use if you are shooting off hand. If you want to sit at the bench and make tiny groups on paper at 100yds then get whatever magnification you like. Greater magnification does not necessarily translate to smaller groups on paper, but some guys like to use their rifle scope like a spotting scope. If that's you, get 12x or higher and you'll be able to easily see the holes in your target at 100yds. 30mm or 1in won't make a lick of difference for range duty, nor will those huge objective bell diameters. Something else to consider is a side focus or adjustable objective.

I made the call to optics planet and the Nikon is still available. The only scope I've seen with a side focus is the UTG scope but I don't want or need a lighted reticle in 36 different colors. I like the idea of using a scope powerful enough to see where I'm hitting on the paper. Can the 3-9x40 deliver that? What is the advantage of an adjustable objective?

At longer distances clarity and parallax must be considered. So definitely buy a good scope. Vortex makes a good scope too.

Rimfire Central has some great information about choosing a scope and explaining things like parallax, adjustable objective, and much more.

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Granted a lot of people use the AR as a hunting rifle at longer ranges but its intended purpose is really close to medium ranges. The AR can of course be multi purpose but IMO having a scope that can do true 1x is most important. I'm using a Vortex Razor HD at 1-6x which is good from zero to ~600 yards. Granted its a pretty pricey scope (and heavy) but there are some pretty good alternatives that are more budget friendly like the Primary Arms 1-6x at around $250 (+mount).

Best (simplest) illustration of parallax adjustment I have seen.

Parallax Adjustment - YouTube

ordy,

Just my $ .02.

Once I decided on a manufacturer (Redfield) I called them to discuss my decision. I wanted to sure that the model that I was planning to buy would work with my rifle (scope body, mounting rings, mounting brackets, etc) I chose the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 mm. While I like the reticle, I am checking to be sure that there are better ones available.

http://www.redfield.com/riflescopes/

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That's what we do!

I checked the rimfire central site and wow! What a wealth of information. It'll take some time for my weak brain to digest it all but it answers a lot of questions that have been puzzling me from what I've read so far. Thanks kanewpadle. Also, thank all you guys for your kind responses. I don't have a lot of extra money so I'm trying to make it count and you have all given me lots of good info.

I just put a meopta 4-16 on my hvy. bbl. ar. then we got the snow and cold so it will be spring before I get to try it at 100yds. they are very clear and bright with no edge distortion. not the price of the zeiss conquest or vx-7 leupolds and much less than Swarovski.

I like a 6-24x scope turned up to 24x at 100 yards. A hole from a .223 at 100 yards is pretty easy to see going in the target, at 24 power.

If you zero at 25 yards (on 6x), that zero is good at 300 yards, as well. If you ever shoot at 300 yards, you're going to wish you had at least 24x magnification.

After much research, I pulled the trigger on the Nikon p-223. It has gotten consistently good reviews as well as recommendations from you guys. I don't see myself shooting prairie dogs from 600 yards any time soon and I think this scope will meet my needs as a target shooter. Thanks again for your input and recommendations...it reminds me why this forum is the best.

I prefer all my scopes to have a mechanical vertical turret so I can have the bullet drop compisation. I have an adjustable distance yardage wise from 100 to 500yds. By adjusting the bullet drop compisation. You use a range finder then dope the scope. All my 30 caliber and 338 caliber rifles have this feature on there scopes. Using this feature on my 338wm I can hit a dime at 200yds. I refuse to use any scope that doesn't have the feature.

When I'm hunting and that record breaking sized bear or deer that comes out in the distance thinking it's safe I can dope the scope and take that one shot of a lifetime that I been waiting for all of my life. With no guessing, no hoping I don't miss, no praying, no Kentucky windage is needed and I can do this shot no problem.

I guess we have different ideas on research. I spent about 6 months researching the last scope I bought.

While I'm not familiar with the particular scope you purchased, I've heard good things about Nikon. Please be sure to report back when you've fired a few rounds with it. Which did you get? 3-9x40 or 4-12x40?

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Freedom isn't free.

Six months?...really? I guess we do have different ideas on research. I've been on vacation for the past week and had the time to read and seek advice from folks on the forums as well as talking to shooters/hunters who's opinion I trust. Sometimes, the more time I spend on something, the more confused I get. I got the 3-9x40 and I think it'll work for my needs.

I've been meaning to ask... how is that Leapers scope working?

"That rifle with a 20-round mag will reach out a lot farther than 100 yards."

So, with a 10 round mag, it will only go to 50 yards? I didn't know magazine size affected accuracy. Or is that only with "spray and pray" tactics?

Yes, really. I spent more than a year researching the rifle I put it on. In fact, I actually started researching the scope while researching the rifle, but didn't work at it until I actually got the rifle.

I learned a lot during that period. Did you know that there are two different places to put the reticle? Second focal plane and first focal plane. Do you know the difference between the two? Did you learn why some like a 30mm tube over a 1" tube? Do you understand parallax better now?

Which reticle did you get? BDC 600?

Funny man! I actually ended up with a Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP with a EBR-1 MRAD reticle. Even though I was saving as I researched, it took an additional 2 months to save up for the scope once I figured out what I wanted. Worth every penny and then some. I put it on a Savage Model 11 chambered in .308Win with a 24" heavy contour barrel. I spent more on the scope than the rifle.

I really do think the OP got a decent scope considering his price range and purpose.

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Freedom isn't free.

You did just fine!! Your original post said you wanted a scope for target shooting and price was also an issue.You have a nice allround scope that suits your purpose and you're not out a lot of cash.

The oldtimers out there would tell you to start with a scope that fits your basic needs and spend the "saved" money on ammo.I doubt that very many people bought the "perfect" scope on the first try.I'd even bet that they have more than one.If your needs ever change or you don't like the scope you bought it's better to only be out $200 than $1000.

Have fun and safe shooting!!

Six months is an impressive amount of time to research anything. Cudos to you for having the dedication to do that. I actually do understand the things you listed in your response thanks to the responses I got from others in this thread. ChatanoogaPhil and kanewpadle were especially instrumental in that as well as talking to shooters and hunters in real time. I did get the BDC 600.