Need Your Help with Selecting Optical Scope
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rockquarry
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Many won't be in agreement with me, but I'd get a good quality scope like a Leupold with a simple crosshair/ duplex non-illuminating reticle - nothing that requires batteries. A magnification of 4X,6X, or even a variable of 3X-9X will be adequate for most shooting to ranges of 200 - 300 yards, the variable a bit farther.
Leupold makes models specifically for ARs that meet such requirements. Other companies probably do as well. Just don't skimp on value. Lesser scopes have little or no resale value and are more prone to failure. Gadgetry scopes with cluttered reticles serve little real purpose. Get a good simple scope that you won't outgrow. You don't want to buy a "bargain" scope and later wish you had purchased something better to begin with.
Leupold makes models specifically for ARs that meet such requirements. Other companies probably do as well. Just don't skimp on value. Lesser scopes have little or no resale value and are more prone to failure. Gadgetry scopes with cluttered reticles serve little real purpose. Get a good simple scope that you won't outgrow. You don't want to buy a "bargain" scope and later wish you had purchased something better to begin with.
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rockquarry
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I bought three new Colt ARs about six or eight years ago. A 6920 I equipped with a Mark AR Mod 1, 3-9x40mm with a duplex reticle. On an Expanse I put Mark AR Mod 1, 1-4x20mm, also with a duplex reticle. Good scopes with very repeatable adjustments. Whether or not these are still available, I don't know. If they are not, there is probably something comparable. Look at the Leupold website.
I know you're interested in scopes, but my third AR is the A4 version with a fixed stock and 20" barrel. I shoot it with the factory aperture sight. To 100 yards, this will work as well as a low powered scope if you're eyes are decent. Good luck-
Octagun
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If you don't want to spend a ton of money, your best bang for the buck would be the Primary Arms SLx 1-6 x 24 FFP ACCS-Raptor. Great affordable optic for the AR. Lots of usable features, very decent glass, and built tough. The ACSS reticle is fantastic. You should do yourself a favor and at least do some research on it.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope - Illuminated ACSS-RAPTOR-5.56/.308
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope - Illuminated ACSS-RAPTOR-5.56/.308
Oldsalt66
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I’d recommend a low power variable optic of from 1-4x through 1-8x on a 30mm tube.
For SHTF you should avoid Chinese products in favor of durability.
Trijicon, Steiner, Leupold, Non Chinese Vortex models, plenty to choose from.
For SHTF you should avoid Chinese products in favor of durability.
Trijicon, Steiner, Leupold, Non Chinese Vortex models, plenty to choose from.
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Fishinfool
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A low power variable power scope on an AR-15 is never a bad choice. Since you want an all around target / self defense optic, I would recommend a 1x6 or 1x8 variable power scope, as is commonly used in 3 gun matches.
Most have a simple intuitive and uncluttered combat reticle that works well at distance at maximum magnification, yet can be used up close and fast with both eyes open at 1x, like a red dot sight. Can't do that with a scope that starts with a magnification over 1x. Reticles are usually illuminated and etched, which means you still have a normal black reticle even if battery power goes south. Kind of combines the best of both world between a scope and a red dot sight.
Price wise, these scopes are very popular, and available from dirt cheap to big bucks. Like most optics, avoid the cheap stuff, and the most expensive is not really needed. I mounted a Vortex 1x6 Strike Eagle (about $3-350 street price) on one of mine, and am happy with it.
Another option might be a low / mid power variable with a seperate red dot attached for quick, close shots. I attached a pic of one of my AR's to illustrate. Its a Burris 2x7 with a Burris Fast Fire dot attached. Also a good working system.
Couple other notes. Yes, Leopold is good stuff, American made, and never a bad choice. But most quality optics these days come from overseas. If you stick to brands that are well known and regarded, like Burris, Nikon, Vortex, Zeiss, SIG, ect., and avoid the cheapest models, you are solid. Pay attention to warranty and quality of service. Right now, Leupold and Vortex probably have about the best in the industry.
I would also avoid FFP reticles for all around use. The reticle will appear to change size as power is increased, tending to leave you with a small, hard to see reticle at low power. They are more appropriate for long range, precision shooting.
Larry
Most have a simple intuitive and uncluttered combat reticle that works well at distance at maximum magnification, yet can be used up close and fast with both eyes open at 1x, like a red dot sight. Can't do that with a scope that starts with a magnification over 1x. Reticles are usually illuminated and etched, which means you still have a normal black reticle even if battery power goes south. Kind of combines the best of both world between a scope and a red dot sight.
Price wise, these scopes are very popular, and available from dirt cheap to big bucks. Like most optics, avoid the cheap stuff, and the most expensive is not really needed. I mounted a Vortex 1x6 Strike Eagle (about $3-350 street price) on one of mine, and am happy with it.
Another option might be a low / mid power variable with a seperate red dot attached for quick, close shots. I attached a pic of one of my AR's to illustrate. Its a Burris 2x7 with a Burris Fast Fire dot attached. Also a good working system.
Couple other notes. Yes, Leopold is good stuff, American made, and never a bad choice. But most quality optics these days come from overseas. If you stick to brands that are well known and regarded, like Burris, Nikon, Vortex, Zeiss, SIG, ect., and avoid the cheapest models, you are solid. Pay attention to warranty and quality of service. Right now, Leupold and Vortex probably have about the best in the industry.
I would also avoid FFP reticles for all around use. The reticle will appear to change size as power is increased, tending to leave you with a small, hard to see reticle at low power. They are more appropriate for long range, precision shooting.
Larry
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lrb1200
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Well op
Not going to get into you bought into a
cheap seats S&W AR,
What I will tell you is, I just changed out a ten year old
CR2032 3V battery in a Leupold illuminated on a Colt I have,
that was still operating flawlessly.
Not going to get into you bought into a
cheap seats S&W AR,
What I will tell you is, I just changed out a ten year old
CR2032 3V battery in a Leupold illuminated on a Colt I have,
that was still operating flawlessly.
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Oldsalt66
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I recommend a 1-4x variable for true SHTF use because a 1X optic is the best option for close quarter use such as home defense and such.
4x allows you to reliably reach out to 3-400 yards if necessary.
An optic with a true daylight bright illuminated reticle is also a plus, keeping in mind that the batteries have storage capacities of more than ten years.
Low power optics are brighter, lighter, and considering scopes of similar quality, less expensive than 1-6, 1-8, and even the 1-10x.
Don’t be fooled by cheap Chinese variable power scopes that offer higher magnification, you’ll be able to see much better and shoot more accurately with a 1-4 Steiner Px4i than with a 1-8x Vortex Strike Eagle.
And scopes like Steiner, Meopta, Trijicon, etc. are much more durable internally than inexpensive Chinese optics with greater magnification.
30mm tubes with their 24mm objective lense collect more light than do 1” scopes and they offer more elevation adjustment as well.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
I have a couple of these Steiner P4xi scopes with German Schott Glass from the Carl Zeiss Factory and have found them to be excellent.
If you shop around you can find them for $629.
I prefer the version 1 with the P3TR reticle, rather than the V2 with the diamond style, but others feel the opposite.
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A minor correction regarding FFP (First Focal Plane) scopes. The reticle DOES in fact get larger/smaller as magnification increases/decreases. On SFP (Second Focal Plane) scopes, the reticle remains a constant when magnification is increased/decreased.
Oldsalt66
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The Trijicon VCOGs are pretty bomb proof although a bit heavy. This is a 1-8x I use on a 5.56/300 SBR. It works very well.
That’s a really nice firearm and scope, but respectfully, your optic is mounted incorrectly.
It should be moved back until the entire scope mount is sitting only on the top rail of the upper receiver, and not mounted across the gap on both the receiver rail and front hand guard rail.
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My current choice for the high end is the Trijicon Credo 1-6x24 LVPO, although I pickup a cheap Victoptics S6 to throw on the Hi-Point/High Tower bullpup conversion for less than 1/10th the price of the Credo and have been impressed by the thing so far.
I have 3 of the Meopta Optika6 1-6x24 SFP RD scopes and couldn't be happier. My son and I use them on our competition carbines and I recent'y put one on a 22LR AR. Great Euro glass and quality.
There is an excellent youtube video, just look up Meopta Optika6 1-6x24 .
There is an excellent youtube video, just look up Meopta Optika6 1-6x24 .
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Fishinfool
Member
You are correct. Brain fart on my end. Corrected my post. Point being a FFP reticle can be hard to see at low magnification.
Larry
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Thanks, everyone, for your thoughtful comments.
I'm inclined to get a new PSA dedicated upper that takes scope mounts, probably this:
PSA 16" mid-length 5.56 NATO 1:7 Nitride 13.5" Lightweight M-LOK Upper with Nickel Boron BCG & CH. First photo, below, and link:
Just a moment...
and this Leupold (thanks to Larry's comment, below, I changed this scope to one that might work on my M&P 15 Sport ii in 5.56 NATO):
VX-Freedom 2-7x33 Hunt-Plex | Leupold
What are your thoughts, pros and cons, of this combination?
For 1" scope mounts, is a pair better or would this cantilever (second photo, below) be better, or too high (or tall) for the scope?
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Monstrum-Tactical-Cantilever-Picatinny-Diameter/dp/B07G2SM28N/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_crs_dp_rhf_k2p_sccl_5/132-1886325-7264120?th=1[/ame]
If so, what brand and height (I think they come in low, medium, and tall) of scope mounts would you recommend, particularly if I can use it on my M&P 15 Sport ii with a fixed A2 front sight?
Finally, I plan to use it for target practice at the range and transport it in a hard case, ie not hunting. So do I need lens caps, or would a neoprene cover suffice? If you recommend lens caps, what brand/models do you suggest? The Leupold 59035 and 59055 apparently fit, but they had mediocre reviews and seem expensive.
And what brand/model and height of bipod (M-Lok?) would you recommend for an M4 in 5.56 with 30 round size mags (actually 10/30 for California compliance)?
I'm inclined to get a new PSA dedicated upper that takes scope mounts, probably this:
PSA 16" mid-length 5.56 NATO 1:7 Nitride 13.5" Lightweight M-LOK Upper with Nickel Boron BCG & CH. First photo, below, and link:
Just a moment...
and this Leupold (thanks to Larry's comment, below, I changed this scope to one that might work on my M&P 15 Sport ii in 5.56 NATO):
VX-Freedom 2-7x33 Hunt-Plex | Leupold
What are your thoughts, pros and cons, of this combination?
For 1" scope mounts, is a pair better or would this cantilever (second photo, below) be better, or too high (or tall) for the scope?
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Monstrum-Tactical-Cantilever-Picatinny-Diameter/dp/B07G2SM28N/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_crs_dp_rhf_k2p_sccl_5/132-1886325-7264120?th=1[/ame]
If so, what brand and height (I think they come in low, medium, and tall) of scope mounts would you recommend, particularly if I can use it on my M&P 15 Sport ii with a fixed A2 front sight?
Finally, I plan to use it for target practice at the range and transport it in a hard case, ie not hunting. So do I need lens caps, or would a neoprene cover suffice? If you recommend lens caps, what brand/models do you suggest? The Leupold 59035 and 59055 apparently fit, but they had mediocre reviews and seem expensive.
And what brand/model and height of bipod (M-Lok?) would you recommend for an M4 in 5.56 with 30 round size mags (actually 10/30 for California compliance)?
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Fishinfool
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The scope you mention is, I believe, a .22 rimfire optic. It is not designed (reticle drop points, parallax) for a centerfire rifle. A "Freedom" scope would be fine, just not the .22 rimfire version. The Leupold neoprene scope cover should work fine for your use. Butler Creek see thru - flip open covers work as well.
I have built several AR's using PSA components, and have no issues with them. The quality is as good as any name brand mid priced AR.
Question is, why replace your upper that came with your Sport AR??
Any non "airsoft" quality cantilever mount from a known name manufacturer will give you proper height. Vortex or Burris come to mind.
For shooting from the bench, a 6 to 9 inch bipod works well. I like Harris, though MagPul makes a popular line as well.
Larry
I have built several AR's using PSA components, and have no issues with them. The quality is as good as any name brand mid priced AR.
Question is, why replace your upper that came with your Sport AR??
Any non "airsoft" quality cantilever mount from a known name manufacturer will give you proper height. Vortex or Burris come to mind.
For shooting from the bench, a 6 to 9 inch bipod works well. I like Harris, though MagPul makes a popular line as well.
Larry
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