OK Gentlemen, what scope?

[nearlynormalmike]

I just got an AR, S&W of course, and want a scope. I feel sure this question has been posed several dozen times and answered several hundred, but can't seem to find much in search.

It seems there is a veritable plethora of scope manufacturers, each with a myriad of models too numerous to count, much less narrow down to a few.

I have a borrowed EOtech 552 that I really like, but am thinking about something more traditional with some magnification. Plan on mostly targets at no more than 300 yards. The idea of a variable scope sounds good even though I have never used my 3x9 deer scope on any setting other than maximum. 1x5 up to 3x9 should be more than enough.

Would like something physically small to compliment the platform. Won't be shooting at twilight or very low light situations. Of course would like reasonable price. My net searches seen to indicate I will have to spend at least $400 to $500, probably more. I would definitely prefer to not go over $1000 including good mount like Burris PEPR.

So which one do I want? (please note I did not ask which one do I NEED!)

 

[BlackStallion]

I can't really recommend one specifically but if you're going to be shooting around 300 yards a variable scope would be perfect for ya. With the pending election results make sure you make a good choice. Who knows what's going to happen to the AR platform if Obama gets re elected.

 

[nearlynormalmike]

I can't really recommend one specifically but if you're going to be shooting around 300 yards a variable scope would be perfect for ya. With the pending election results make sure you make a good choice. Who knows what's going to happen to the AR platform if Obama gets re elected.

My thoughts exactly! That is why I got my AR now and want help with a scope decision sooner than rather than later.

 

[jkc]

For general purpose use, I'll recommend a Leupold 1-4x variable --- super wide field of view for close quarters/short range at the lowest setting, plenty of magnification for man-sized target out to 300 yards, and beyond. Leupold also makes a scope especially designed for military use on the M4 platform and etc. that may be worth a close look, depending on your intended use.

 

[KeithR]

I did a lot of online research and for my indended usage(mostly range type) I settled on this:
Amazon.com: UTG 3-9x32 Compact CQB Bug Buster AO RGB Scope with Med. Picatinny Rings, 2" Sunshade: Sports & Outdoors
It was very inexpensive, is compact(8") and if it doesn't work out, I'm not out too much. comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Leapers(USA). Even the best have QC issues. You just never know. That said, mine arrived today(ordered yesterday and no, I did not request next day delivery) and the initial report is that this is a damn fine optic. VERY surprised at the quality! Very solidly built and has a solid heft. You get the feeling that you got a lot more qualty than you paid for. Like I said, I'm not going hunting with it and I don't think I'll be going to war anytime soon. Having been a sports photographer(this will be my 37th season covering the NFL) I have handled a lot of very fine optical equipment(high end Nikon glass) and I would give this scope that same kind of consideration.

 

[storeyteller]

Michael,
You are going about this all wrong. Asking a bunch of highly opinionated individuals which optic YOU need is probably not the best approach. If there are 500 people on this forum then there are 300 different optics being used and we all think that the one we have is better than everybody else's

Try this instead:
Thinking about putting a new optic on my AR for shooting targets out to 300yds. Was looking at the Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator. Anyone have any experience with this particular model?






This post is intended to be partially sarcastic




O yeh, Burris AR-332!

 

[oneyeopn]

Well my choice is not fairly small...but I get a very good view of a small target at 300yrds....I still dont think you can go wrong with a Bushnell but if your willing to spend up to a grand then you can consider a nice EOtech, Nikon, Bushnell Monarch, or even a Leupold.

 

[GMC man]

If your only going out to 300 yards and want to keep it small and willing to spend up to a grand on her

4-16x50mm-NIK8440

Amazon.com: Nikon Monarch Riflescope - Choose Size: Sports & Outdoors

this is all you would need. Its a quality scope with the ability to see at 25 yards or less up to 300 yards, adjustable and worth while to own.

here is another sight to read about them and the crosshair pics

SWFA Riflescopes Nikon Riflescopes Nikon Monarch Riflescopes

I currently use a NCStar 4x16x50E scope on my 15-22 and its awsome up to 300 yards.

 

[cyphertext]

Not sure about the pricing, but have you looked at the Nikon M 223 line? They are supposed to be designed for the AR. I'm sporting a red dot right now, so not much help with a scope. My 30-06 has a Nikon Monarch on it though, with the bullet drop compensating reticle. With the Nikon spot on app on the PC, I enter the bullet info and it will calculate what the drop is and tell me what the range is for each bubble on the reticle. Granted, where I hunt, 100 yards is about it, so I haven't used it much, but it sure is cool!

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

Mine is a Nikon 3x9 BDC. More important for using on an AR is the scope mount. Mine is a Burris AR-P.E.P.R. Mount. Once Zeroed the scope can be removed and reinstalled on the rail without having to re-sight the rifle. I swap it out with my EOTech XPS-2, and it like the scope retains its Zero. Just make sure to make a note, or mark the rail, where both are mounted so they can be re-installed in the same location.

Nikon Hunting

Scopes - rifle scopes, handgun scopes, hunting scopes by Burris Optics

 

[jdad]

I had a Burris AR332, but wanted a variable. I bought one of the new Weaver 1x5 Tactical scopes and couldn't be happier. The Leupold VX-6 is what I really wanted, but it was a bit out of my price range. The scope is mounted in a LaRue M4 (long eye relief) mount (non-QD).

 

[MAD FALCON]

I have 2 Redfield Revolution scopes. they are crystal clear and arent real big Mine are 3-9x40 and 4-12x40 life time warranty made in USA

 

[nearlynormalmike]

Thank you all for your input. As I thought, there is no clear cut winner but a lot of good choices.
I gave up last night and ordered an EOtech. I know I like them. I will keep looking for the right scope and get one later. I hope to be able to switch back and forth as my mood dictates. Until then I will use and enjoy what I have!

 

[MAD FALCON]

Take your time. When you decide what scope you want you should be able to switch back and forth with no or very little problems I do it all the time.

Good luck

 

[SW Gun Guy]

Not sure about the pricing, but have you looked at the Nikon M 223 line? They are supposed to be designed for the AR. I'm sporting a red dot right now, so not much help with a scope. My 30-06 has a Nikon Monarch on it though, with the bullet drop compensating reticle. With the Nikon spot on app on the PC, I enter the bullet info and it will calculate what the drop is and tell me what the range is for each bubble on the reticle. Granted, where I hunt, 100 yards is about it, so I haven't used it much, but it sure is cool!

Agree with this Nikon. My friend has one on his Sport and loves it. Looks like it comes in several variable ranges and priced under $500.

 

[Blondie70]

I got the Redfield Revolution 2x7x33....fits perfectly on the Viper mount. Can leave the rear BUS on and folded down. Redfield is American made and priced rite !