'Scope choice for AR?

Kind of depends on your budget and your planned useage. I have a Redfield 2-7X on my carbine and a Vortex Viper 6.5-20X Mil-Dot on my Stag Model 6 Varminter. I have reliably hit steel targets at almost 500 yards with both. I like the field of view and light weight of the Redfield Revolution 2-7X. I like the magnification and adjustable parallax on the Vortex. The weight of the 30mm tube isn't that big a deal on the Stag, with it's 24" heavy barrel. A lot of guys shoot out to 600 yards with 10X fixed scopes. I have a .308 bolt gun with a Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14x40 that I like a lot and have shot it out past 800 yards on steel. It depends on what you are doing with it, and how much you want to spend.

What's the closest range you'll be shooting at?

I would put on something with a little magnification if you plan on any precision shooting and want to take advantage of the excellent barrel on that upper. AA optics currently has some Vortex refurbs you can get at a nice discount. They still offer a lifetime waranty and are a step up from the Nikons IMO. Here is a Viper PST 4-16x50 for under $450 which is a great deal http://aaoptics.com/REFURBISHED-VIPER-PST-4-16X50-EBR-1-RIFLESCOPE-_p_257.html . They also have some other options if you want FFP, higher magnification etc, but you will pay a little more

I like my Leupold Mark ARs for their yardage marked elevation dial (dial 1 for 100 yds, 5 for 500 yds. etc) and put the crosshairs on your target. Good glass and excellent warranty.

The 4-12x40mm mildot is $445 today at optics planet with a free additional $50 gift card (for a mount later?)

bison said:

Probably 100yards...thx

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I might look at something like this:

https://www.leupold.com/scopes/rifle-scopes/mark-ar-mod-1-6-18x40mm

If you're shooting from 100 to 500 yards with nothing closer, I'd start with 6X optics and greater, assuming you shoot with both eyes open. Closing one eye with higher magnification will make you either cry or cuss.

I mistakenly got the M223. It has great optics, but unless you are Mr. Super-sniper or
something, the exposed turrets suck. They move when they come in contact with anything,
cloth, cusions, car-seats, etc. If you really like doing windage adjustments, fine, otherwise
I'd stick with the P223.

bison said:

That looked like a great deal - bought it! Thanks all for your input.

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Solid choice, and you can't argue with the price!

You done good. I have a Varminter AR that has a 6.5-20x40 VX-III. I seldom run it above 12x even on prairie dog hunts.

I have a personal aversion to Nikon. I've seen several lately and their glass is considerably less than stellar. Lots of distortion and waves. My hunting buddy had a Nikon 223 scope and got rid of it after using a Leupold.

NightForce 1X8 is getting tremendous reviews, but is definitely way out of my price range sub $3,000 range.

bison said:

I'm upgrading my AR to be able to shoot out to 500 or so yards, mostly plinking targets for fun but also the errant coyote or other critter that may stray into range.

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I built a rifle about 10 years ago for pretty much the same purpose. It's a BCM 20 inch upper with a Noveske lower (the lower got changed out to a PSA and now my Noveske is complete again). At any rate the scope I went with is a Trijicon Accupoint 2.5-10x56G. The rings and mount are La Rue.

The clarity is what puts it above the Nikon's you've mentioned. The Nikon's aren't bad for the money, but they aren't a Trijicon.Once you get spoiled on scopes with some clarity you aren't going to be happy on scopes that are just okay though.

I'd go with something like that or maybe the Leupold that GrandpaJack linked to

Walkalong said:

There is a lot of truth to that. That said, I use scopes that were priced from $150 to $1000 (Bought the 1K scope at half price recently), and enjoy them all. Sure, it's awesome to use the better scopes, but most folks can't afford to put that kind of quality on multiple rifles.

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True enough.

I'd rather have one really kick ass rifle that's set up exactly how I want it as opposed to several mediocre rifles where I settled and where I'm not exactly pleased with their performance though.

Watch for closeouts and sales and upgrade when you can. Just don't buy junk, it's not worth it at any price. Buy at a price level that hurts a little when it comes to scopes.

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That's what I did on that one. I saved, I sold one gun that I hardly ever shot and that mostly just sat, I waited for a sale and then bought the thing. I did the same thing when I bought my ACOG. It's pretty much the only way working folks ever get anything nice.

Anything over a thousand bucks is a lotta money for a scope.
I put $1500 aside. But I don’t think I will spend that much.

I' running a vortex viper hst on my white oak, more than enough

Browning said:

That's what I did on that one. I saved, I sold one gun that I hardly ever shot and that mostly just sat, I waited for a sale and then bought the thing. I did the same thing when I bought my ACOG. It's pretty much the only way working folks ever get anything nice.

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I used to do that. Had dozens of guns, most never being used. You can sell one or two and get a really nice scope that you'll actually use. Honestly, if you're gonna go out and shoot, most likely you'll pick the same few guns every time.

Walkalong said:

Watch for closeouts and sales and upgrade when you can. Just don't buy junk, it's not worth it at any price. Buy at a price level that hurts a little when it comes to scopes.

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Now I have VX-3's, etc. As some have stated above, once you get used to good glass, the "this will get me by" glass is inadequate. What I used to think were OK scopes are either laying on a shelf somewhere or have been given away

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redneck2 said:

I used to do that. Had dozens of guns, most never being used. You can sell one or two and get a really nice scope that you'll actually use. Honestly, if you're gonna go out and shoot, most likely you'll pick the same few guns every time.

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Yeah, I mean I only have 3 kinds of guns.

• Guns in the permanent collection, they almost always serve a specific purpose and fill a specific niche.

• Heirloom guns that I can't bear to part with.

• Guns that I'm trying out that may or may not end up in the first category.

If they don't end up in the permanent collection they're going to get sold eventually anyway. So might as well get the ones that are staying to exactly where I want them.

Excellent choice with that Leupold! I have the same scope with the fine duplex.

The elevation dial is marked with drop for a 55g .223. I just ignore those markings and dial the Mil adjustments.

I'm going to put a Nikon P-223 on my R- AR- 556

I have a Nikon P223 on my AR and like it.
Is it the best scope out there, no not by a long shot.
Could it get mangled without me having a heart attack, yes.
If they are in the price range you want to spend I think they are a good choice.
Of course 2X or 3X more money will buy. you a nicer scope

WaynePatrick said:

Anything over a thousand bucks is a lotta money for a scope.
I put $1500 aside. But I don’t think I will spend that much.

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1000.00 Is a lot in my budget, but in the world of high end scopes, its just entry level. For the better/best glass, 2,000.00 would still have to be fixed power. To move into adjustable power, over 3,00.00 is required.

I just cant do that. The good news is, the world of less expensive scopes has opened up considerably, and their quality is higher these days. For fixed power and longer range use, I have a SWFA 12 x 42. Glass isnt perfect, but way good for what it is. The value is in the turrets and internals that track well, especially at the 299.00 price point. as you rise up in price your glass gets better. Scope snobs tell me, "stick to the fixed power until you get above 2,000.00" Well, I may never own anything but fixed if I stick to that rule.

As several have said, take time and seek bargains. A really nice 2K scope on sale for 1K can be found with sufficient shopping. I also for some purposes, will go for a scope with a really nice reticle, even if it doesnt track that great if it will hold zero. Some of Primary Arms scopes with the HUD type reticle can allow the average guy to range, allow for movement and so forth without math, at least to 400+ yards or so. They also hold zero. The turrets and internals? Well they may not track perfectly, but it will hold zero...something has to give at lower price points. Best reticle, Best tracking, Best glass...you just cant have them all without high price.

I look at 1000.00 dollar range adjustable, Sightron, and as others have said other manufacturers have similar quality at similar prices, just shop carefully and find out where the compromises are, there will be some. I see Nightforce has an offering in the 1200-1500 dollar range now, but I dont know anything about it. I would love one of their high 3 to 4K units, but it isnt going to happen in the foreseeable future. My shooting would likely make it a waste, but it would be sweet. For now, the better less expensive options from higher quality lesser priced outfits are going to have to suffice!

Russellc