Scope/Red Dot advice please?

[BillK01]

I currently have an Aimpoint Pro on my M&P 15TS - which I really like.

After the weekend at the range I have come to the realization that I'm getting old. My 46 year old eyes just don't work as well as they used to. I was having a hard time at 100 yards with my Pro and I'm thinking I need to do one of two things.

Either...

1) Buy an Aimpoint 3x magnifier - and Larue QD mount.

or

2) Buy a Leupold Mark AR 3x9 scope - and a Larue QD mount.

Either way - I'll end up with the cost of 2 Larue mounts as I already have a Larue LT129 for my Pro on the way. So it comes down to the cost of an Aimpoint 3x magnifier in a Larue mount or a Leupold Mark AR 3x9 in a Larue mount.

In my mind the Leupold is ultimately the cheaper route (but not by much) - however it's more off/on with the Aimpoint & Leupold than just slapping the 3x magnifier on and going. I'm not too familiar with the Aimpoint 3x magnifier. The only other magnifier I had briefly was a Primary Arms which I really disliked. I'm guessing the Aimpoint one is of much better quality.

Perhaps some of you wise folk could give me some direction, suggestions or advice?

 

[RobbW]

Is your M&P primarily a defense gun, or a target gun? That would determine my answer. If for defense, I would get the magnifier and only put it on at the ranger. If primarily a target gun, I would get a dedicated scope.

 

[scooter123]

I'll second RobbW's advice. I'll also add that magnifier will not only magnify your target it will also magnify the dot in your sight. So, if your dot currently covers a 2 inch bullseye at 100 yards it will still cover that 2 inch bullseye at 100 yards.

 

[BillK01]

It's just a fun target shooting gun - maybe one day 3 gun or something. My Glock 23 is my hd gun. I suppose the AR would be a shtf gun if it ever came to that but I'm hoping not.

I like the Aimpoint with shtf in mind or 50 yard or less target shooting and a Leupold for longer ranges.

My theory is with both the Aimpoint and Leupold being in Larue mounts I'll not have to worry about zero issues once swapping them out.

 

[woodghost]

If you want to shoot at 100 yards +, I would go for the scope. You'll get a much better field of view. A Burris mount will probably save you some cash and work just as well.

 

[Bufurd21]

Aimpoint

Aimpoint micro is a sweet rig

 

[Lost Lake]

You have to decide what your gun is to be used for, then build it for that purpose!

MY eyes are 48 years old. I was an expert Army qualifier, 6 years in a row.

Now, probably not, but I'd hate to admit it!!!

MY AR15 is built to protect my butt if the going gets bad. Sure I like to knock down steel at 100 yards and coyotes at 150 yards, but my gun is built to save my butt as job #1.

I have a lot of guns set up for long range shooting, and most will carry a 24x scope on them. I can still hit a nickel at 300 yards. YEAH!!!

But my 5.56 is not for that. I have Troy battle sights and a solid red dot. My AR15 is ready for defense.

I am a firm believer that you need to set your equipment up for it's intended purpose. While you may like to shoot clays at 300 yards with your AR, don't think you can use it as a home defense gun with that 20X scope on it.


.

 

[BillK01]

Thanks for all the replies.

My intent is to leave my Aimpoint Pro on - and either buy an Aimpoint 3X magnifier for my Pro -or- buy a Leupold Mark AR scope for longer stuff at the range and swap to that when I want to shoot long.

My original post was rather poorly written - sorry.

 

[Rsolti13]

That is exactly what I am doing. I have an Aimpoint Pro for HD situations and under 100 yd shooting. Once I go 100+ I swap out my Nikon Buckmaster on a Burris PEPR QD mount. Neither one has lost zero yet. I was looking at the Leuopold Mark AR as well...decided on the Buckmaster. I also tried the new Vortex VMX-3T 3x magnifier, and while the glass was great, just didn't help my eyes much past 100 yards.

 

[don5]

I would mount a scope for the 100yd + shots and then mount either iron sights or the red dot scope on 45 degree offset that way you have the best of both worlds. That is the nice thing about these rifles. They can be configured any way you want or need. I have my 1522 set up with a scope and reflex red dot mounted on a 45 degree offset. It is perfect for squirrel hunting. I have a scope on my OR and I am mounting iron sights on a 45 degree offset for it as well. Best of both worlds. FWIW- I would buy a Nikon p223 3x9 bdc reticle scope. It is good for 600 yards. Not that leupold is bad because they aren't. I have several. I also have several Nikons and they are just as good. But remember this is my opinion right? I hope this helps.

 

[Ronnielc]

I like my Vortex Crossfire ii 2x7 it is not expensive and has lifetime warranty. With larue mounts you can flip on and off at will.