New AR Owner - Optics Advice

enacht · Mar 19, 2016

Hello. I recently picked up an M&P Sport II as I wanted an AR to add to my collection of communist rifles. The flip up rear sight seemed to be pretty much dead on at around 50 yards using 55 gr factory loads from PMC and Winchester. I was impressed for a $640 rifle.

That being said I want to add a 1-4 optic on it. The top contender is the Bushnell AR 223 BDC given reviews and the price. I am looking for thoughts on rings or a one piece scope mount or possible alternatives in the $200 range for a 1-4 scope.

Thanks in advance!

Also as an aside, how do these things hold up in the long run? Want to ensure this thing will keep shooting for awhile if I am going to start dumping cash into it.

tcon · Mar 19, 2016

For a 1X optic under $200. Seriously. To me, "ghost rings" are where it's at.

I've got a 6920 with a TA31F on it but my 90's Sporter with the handle sight is normally what I grab when I'm hoofing it in the woods.

enacht · Mar 19, 2016

I think I am going to grab the RRA carry handle. Cheaper than the Bushnell scope and no need for rings.

tcon · Mar 19, 2016

enacht said:
I think I am going to grab the RRA carry handle. Cheaper than the Bushnell scope and no need for rings.

Be sure and check the height of your front sight and make sure it's compatible with the rear sight you select. I'm ignorant of the front sight used on S&W AR rifles.

Also, you might like reading THIS. Consider the 50-yard zero which places the POI at +/- 2" out to 235 meters. The RIBZ post by username "Molon" 1/3 way down on that page is based on an article by Lt. Colonel Chuck Santose and describes a reversible modification to the rear sight which allows for a 50 yard/200 meter zero and at the same time for the dial markings on the elevation drum to be true (theoretically).

enacht · Mar 19, 2016

The front sight is an F type, thanks for all the information. Checking out that website now.

lagavulin62 · Mar 19, 2016

I'm confused. Thought you wanted a scope for the new s&w ar? You are going with a carry handle? Never had a carry handle nor shot one. Isn't that the same as irons? How would that help with a scope?

cyphertext · Mar 19, 2016

If you are not going to be shooting known distance ranges, why even buy the carry handle sight? Just use the MBUS that came with the rifle... sight in at 50 yards, set it and forget it.

I think you need to slow down and figure out what exactly how you want to use the rifle... you just went from a magnified optic to old school with 6 posts in...

Maybe you really want a red dot!

snm8510 · Mar 19, 2016

Don't listen to them, this is what you want:
M600 SR Squad-Level Precision-Guided 5.56 Service Rifle | TrackingPoint

Shootingfun · Mar 19, 2016

I am confused also, if you want a good optic on it I would look into Vortex products, cannot beat there warranty. Also there products are really good also.

ChattanoogaPhil · Mar 19, 2016

I've actually got a Bushnell AR223 1-4x. I got it two years ago around Christmas from Palmetto. Retail was somewhere around $200 but they usually sold for under $150. It was on a special Xmas sale and Bushnell also had rebates. I think it ended up costing me less than $50. I took a look through it and tossed it in the AR parts box. Maybe I'll put it on a .22 some day.

crracer_712 · Mar 19, 2016

The Bushnell AR optics are GTG, I've got the 3-9 and 4.5-18. Both excellent optics, bright, good cross hair. Eye piece end is on the larger side and these scopes are on the heavier side, hard to beat for the price.

F75gunslinger · Mar 19, 2016

I've always had good luck with the Nikon optics that I've bought. They do offer a 223 option in various magnification ranges.

I think others are right here though. You need to determine what you plan on using the gun for first. Then decide from there what type of sight will best suit your purpose. You can spend mucho dinero on sights and not find the one that will be right for what you want to do with it.

McE · Mar 19, 2016

I went through the gamut of sighting options, business AR gets a quality red dot, 3-gun AR gets a 1-4x. I will get a Millett DMS-2 1-6x when the price comes down a tad as I'm in no hurry.

Korbenw7p3c · Mar 19, 2016

Scopes...

I second the Bushnell AR223 1-4x28. I currently have it mounted in my M&P15-22 and it works just fine. Cannot use the drop zone markings as designed because of velocity but it's just what is needed to reach out just a bit. I just got a new Sight Mark R/D and I play mix and match between the 15-22 and the S&W AR15 Sport II.

crracer_712 said:
The Bushnell AR optics are GTG, I've got the 3-9 and 4.5-18. Both excellent optics, bright, good cross hair. Eye piece end is on the larger side and these scopes are on the heavier side, hard to beat for the price.

okiegtrider · Mar 19, 2016

I'm glad this topic popped up. I'm interested in economical, (not entirely cheap) optics for AR-15 type rifles too.

This thread sent me searching this morning. Wondering if anyone here has experience with any of the offerings from Primary Arms?

This one is somewhat appealing, but I'd love to hear from anyone who actually used some of these Primary Arms scopes.

Primary Arms 5X Prism Scope

Shootingfun · Mar 20, 2016

I have heard nothing but good things from Primary Arms, I did own one of the micro red dots and I worked for me but I sent it back cause I could really use it well with Astigmatism in both eyes, this caused the red dot to look really blurry indoors or outside even. It also messes with your eyes made mine get watery real bad trying to use the red dot. So I later went with a Vortex Diamondback 3x9x40 scope.
When I had the Primary Arms red dot it worked well, I also have a few fellow shooters at my range that swear by there products.

okiegtrider · Mar 21, 2016

Prompted by this thread, I began looking around for optics of my own. The Primary arms scopes really sound good and fairly economical, and at least one member here has had a good experience with their products.

Reading here made me remember that I had an old Colt 3x20 scope that has been sitting in a drawer for years. So, over the weekend I found it and mounted to my AR. For a scope that I didn't have to spend any new money on and is likely around 40 years old, I have to say it performed well.

50 yards

75 yards

Ranger514 · Mar 21, 2016

In the price range you requested, I think Vortex would be a good scope bet. I mounted my Leopold 1x4 using the Burris PEPR, which is offered in a quick release model, as well as standard rail mount.

ChattanoogaPhil · Mar 21, 2016

That Colt 3x is perfect. Very nice.

okiegtrider · May 1, 2016

Just to keep the conversation going a little. Even though I found back of the drawer solution and am mostly happy with it, I can't keep from looking around a little. So, anyone had any experience with the Burris AR-332 3x32 Prism Sight?

Reviews that I have found are pretty good, has a "forever warranty". So guys, what say you?

New AR Owner - Optics Advice

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads