Inexpensive scope options for Sport

[zip777]

I've selected all my basic needs for my new rifle with the EXCEPTION of scope. I know "inexpensive" is relative. Not thinking $50 for a super basic scope but also don't want to spend $700 on a $700 rifle. I've got a great Weaver scope for my CZ452 target rifle....can place super tight groups at long distances...but I know nothing about what scopes best "fit" an AR. I'd like to keep it $200 or less but may consider waiting if a larger sum is warranted.

One other question. If you scope an AR are the iron sights useless. I bought see thru rings for my CZ but with a 60mm objective even those didn't work.

Thoughts?

 

[oneyeopn]

Just about any rifle scope with the right mount will work. If you use a Quick Release Mount your BUIS (back up iron sights) wont be useless. A burris PEPR mount or a Nikon M223 seem to be a couple of the best. I happen to like Bushnell Scopes but there are lots of options. I dont buy top of the line scopes mostly due to finances but I generally stay away from the 29.95 scopes also. The way I shoot a 3-9 scope is not enough power, a 4-16 minimum 6-24 is really good. I presently have an 8-32 on my sport but am thinking about going back to my 6-24x50 scope. Most of my shooting is beyond 150 yards with the occasional close range. It is mostly up to what you want to do with it. Some people use straight 4x some use variable. I have another forum members Sport right now and he has a 6-20x50 Nitrex scope on it that is pretty nice. Kinda decide what you want out of a scope and then we can help you with choices. but from the beginning your choices are endless.

 

[Maddmax]

I've selected all my basic needs for my new rifle with the EXCEPTION of scope. I know "inexpensive" is relative. Not thinking $50 for a super basic scope but also don't want to spend $700 on a $700 rifle. I've got a great Weaver scope for my CZ452 target rifle....can place super tight groups at long distances...but I know nothing about what scopes best "fit" an AR. I'd like to keep it $200 or less but may consider waiting if a larger sum is warranted.

One other question. If you scope an AR are the iron sights useless. I bought see thru rings for my CZ but with a 60mm objective even those didn't work.

Thoughts?

There will be a Ton of answers for scopes coming soon.

The iron sights are NEVER useless. They are your back up,when all else fails,last resort sights. Sight them in for a 50-200 yard zero.

Then play with the scopes or what ever these great guys tell you about. And do your home work before buying.

 

[zip777]

Interesting. A 6-20 50 Nitrex is exactly what I have on my target rifle! I never would have thought that would be right for an AR. I really think I want something with a smaller profile yet strong enough to put a shot on target at 200 - 250 yards. Not trying to make it a target rifle per se. I have a feeling this might be one of the tougher choices I will make. I sure will do quick detach tho! Thanks. MUST have iron sight quick back up.

 

[oneyeopn]

I shoot Pdogs out past 250yards, that requires a higher power good optic. You will find that the Sport barrel is unbelievably accurate. I just finished loading some 75gr Hornady Amax at a OAL of 2.500, they wont load in the Magazine, the reviews say to make sure I get them started in the chamber and do not let the bolt just slam them home to not mess up the tip but with a 20" or 24" barrel they are shooting x's all day long. Supposedly we are a little limited by our 16" barrel length, and I believe that is true but if I can one shot prairie dogs at 250+yrds there is really no telling with the right combination what our rifles are capable of.

 

[storeyteller]

LOTS of optics out there and collectively we have tried about every one of 'em. Figure out what you want the weapon to do and it will narrow down the field some, then figure out a price point and it will narrow it down even more.

 

[zip777]

More than likely with the right round I'd be looking to plant a round in the boilermaker of a deer at 200 yards or less. Not that a .223 is an idea deer round but it does work with a nosler jsp or similar round.

 

[storeyteller]

Lotta deer been killed with a 3-9x. Nikon makes a P-223 (prostaff) and a M-223 (monarch). The P is good the M is better...and they are priced accordingly.

 

[italyguy01]

I researched scopes for weeks. I ended up spending way more then I first anticipated and bought a Aimpoint Pro Patrol. LOVE IT. Later I am adding a magnifier with a flip out mount. I figured I would get one of the best and be satisfied and have the ability to expand it with a magnifier later. Like having the best of both worlds. Short and long distance capability.

 

[zip777]

The p223 looks in the area of where I want to be in terms of use and price. 179 with rings looks very appealing. The aim point pro looks awesome but a little more than I can afford.

 

[JRader]

I bought an inexpensive Millett red dot that had decent reviews for now. 100 yds is the max for a range close by. Figure I need to learn about the rifle first. I honestly have no idea what I'll use it for other than fun plinking. Need to look into some decent home defense rounds too I guess.

 

[alwslate]

Leupold VX-1 1-4X shotgun matte finished scope is in your price range
and would look right on a 16" barrel carbine. 4X should be enough
magnification to shoot to 300 yds on a deer size target, not that a 16"
.223 is a 300 yd deer rifle.

 

[jwk]

There is no one "best" scope for an AR at any price. The question is what is the best scope you are willing to pay for for an intended purpose.

At one time or another, I have had the following on my lightweight AR

1. Back up iron sights only
2. Leupold 1X4
3. Leupold 4X12
4. Aimpoint Comp 4

I found the 4X12 to be too much for a lite weight AR. If I was running an AR for a prairie dog rifle, it would be on the low end of what I would want but then I would be using a rifle with a heavy barrel, not a lite weight.

Until I robbed the Aimpoint to put on a FAL, it was the clear winner for the type use I will use an AR for. Admittedly it isn't an all around winner with no magnification. After robbing the Aimpoint off my AR, I put the Leupold 1x4 in a detachable mount back on the rifle. It is more versatile than the Aimpoint but not as fast for the first shot sight acquisition.

There are a lot of options in optics in those classes in your stated price range. Some of the inexpensive red dot scopes are very inexpensive and that lets you try one without blowing a budget or being out much if you don't like it and have to resell it. If you want a scope rather than a red dot, pick your favorite brand and go for it. Good luck.

 

[zip777]

I bought an inexpensive Millett red dot that had decent reviews for now. 100 yds is the max for a range close by. Figure I need to learn about the rifle first. I honestly have no idea what I'll use it for other than fun plinking. Need to look into some decent home defense rounds too I guess.

This link may help.

Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo

 

[rtquig]

For an inexpensive one, I myself went with the Nikon P223. I think it not so much what you want as what you don't want in your price range. I spent many nights on Amazon reading reviews on most of the brands in the under $200 price range. You get a lot of interesting feedback from these reviews.

 

[zip777]

The quick detach rings for the p233 are $110. Damn!!

 

[Stebo]

Just got a Fall Cabela's catalog, and here's an interesting scope - Cabela's caliber-specific, 3-12x40, .223 EXT with bullet drop reticle for 100, 200, 300 yds, $149.99. Wonder who makes it.

 

[oneyeopn]

I am using one that is like the PEPR it is called a Sniper scope mount. I will send you a pm with a link to something extremely similar.

 

[gunfighter48]

Check out Primary Arms they make good low cost products at very good prices. Their customer service is outstanding!!

Primary Arms, Red Dot Sights, Holosights, Rifle Scopes, Sights and Accessories. More than 90 brands in stock! Trijicon, EOTECH, Magpul and More!

 

[thumbs]

Ok Iknow I am gonna get jumped on pretty hard here but I can only relate my exp.

Long story short I was headed west for some pdogs. Not a lot of cash so I picked up a Tasco Varmint 6x24x40. Anyway it served me very well. Pdogs to 225 or maybe a bit longer. Is it bright and perfectly clear, heck no. It's pretty clear but if you go over x18 it's not crystal clear but very usable. Heck it was 80 bucks. It is pretty nice though. I put it on a cheap quick detach and she shoots great. Now another option, hold on here, is the CenterPoint. Yeah the one at Walmart. I have one and it's clear and bright. I think I paid about 70 bucks for it and it has green and red recitals. I am thinking about putting one on my 30-06. Great thing is it's from Walmart heck take it back if you don't like it. If I had the money I would buy an expensive scope. My problem is I have to many hobby's.