good scope for a budget

[UnderPSI]

Many people also report not being able to see the front sight post at 3x magnification even.

^^What he said.

I can confirm that the front sight post does not interfere with my 3x9 Leupold scope mounted on my 15 Sport.

 

[Trashman4015]

Just concerned about the front sight getting in the way honestly. I know I see a lot of scopes mounted on the carry handle, but is that really effective?

 

[Trashman4015]

Ok let's see if I got this right. If I had say the bushnell scope I posted above, if I took the carry handle off I would end up with absolute co witness (dot would line up with front iron sight). If I took the carry handle off and put the scope on with a riser I would end up with 1/3 co witness, correct? Forgive me I'm still learning lol

 

[rojodiablo]

Just to build a little on what's been said already about wanting and ACOG...

ACOG is a scope made by Trijicon. The run $1000 and up. What it is, generally, is a fixed 4x32 scope with an illuminated reticle. A 4x32 scope with illuminated reticle can be found much cheaper. It won't be as good, but you can get that look and those features in the budget you mention.

Like this, for example:
Amazon.com: NcStar 4X32 Compact-Red and Green Illuminated Mil-Dot/Green Lens/Quick Release (STM432G): Sports & Outdoors

Good luck! picking an optic is sometimes the hardest thing to decide on

Anything NC Star is not worth the price paid, regardless of the price.

STAY AWAY from it. You will thank us later.

The optics thing is gone over nearly weekly here; you can use the search function and see the ins and outs.
Suffice to say, best bang for the buck with the highest quality will be the Nikon. Best bang for the buck overall will be the Primary Arms or Leapers.
Beyond that, the range of optics goes via price range, from $200-500 for Leupold/ Weaver/ Burris, to going right on up the scale.

 

[rojodiablo]

Just concerned about the front sight getting in the way honestly. I know I see a lot of scopes mounted on the carry handle, but is that really effective?

Remove the carry handle for a scope; the parallax will be much lower with the scope as low as you can get it.

You WILL NOT see the front sight in any scope with a 3x magnification or greater. The optic's range of view starts about 2ft in front of the optic. You will be just fine.

 

[rojodiablo]

Bushnell AR Optics 2x MP Illuminated Red/Green T-Dot Reticle Riflescope, 2x32mm:Amazon:Sports & Outdoors

This is the one I have my eye on at the moment

Those have decent reviews overall. The good thing about a company the size of Bushnell, if the optic gives you fits, they will take care of it. Primary Arms has a reputation for being excellent when there are problems with their equipment.

 

[bjb4242]

Weaver Classic V 1-3x is a very nice scope that is below $200. It's small and light weight.