Need suggestions for a red dot/scope combo

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GetmeoutaCT

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Hello all -

I just joined a shooting club in Guilford, CT, that has both 100 and 200 yd rifle ranges. I'm looking for a good red dot/scope combo for use with a Stag AR for both ranges. I saw a neat set-up this morning that included an AimPoint with a similar sized 3X scope on a long picatinny rail but am looking for specific product recommendations. Also trying not to break the bank! Thanks.
 
My suggestion is to keep it simple, and forget two different sights for 100 - 200 yards.

Buy a decent quality 1-4x variable AR scope and keep it simple.
And it will work from 10 yards to several hundred yards.

No Switches to Twitch, No batteries to Pitch.
You just look through the Son of --------------
:what:

:eek:
Never-mind!

http://www.opticsplanet.com/ar15-scopes.html

rc
 
100-200 yards? I would forget a magnified scope altogether. A 3MOA red dot would work just fine for such distance on an AR.
 
I disagree, because it depends.

It depends on:
* If you aspire to shooting very small paper target groups at 100 yards?
* If you are shooting golf ball's off T's at 100 yards?
* If you are shooting Prairie dogs or gophers at 200 yards?
* If you are shooting 1/2 humanoid targets hidden in grass at 200 yards?
* If you are shooting clay targets on a berm at 200 yards?

If you do, You will need a scope.

* If you only want to hit in the general vicinity of a beer can most of the time at 100 yards?
* Or the general vicinity of a larger target you can barely see at 200 yards?

A 3 MOA red-dot will do just fine.

rc
 
Don't overlook the Bushnell Throw Down PCL!
http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Illu...46923&sr=8-1&keywords=Bushnell+Throw+Down+PCL

$199.99 @ Amazon, with a current $30 rebate (form at Amazon), so that knocks it down to around $169.99!

Does the job of two items in one package (red dot and 1-4x scope).

You'll see a lot of folks reviewing at Amazon like it - some apparently still haven't figured out what it is!

I bought one of the first ones in my neck o' the woods a while back - a number of folks have bought one after playing with mine.

First non name dropper scope I bought, and it's one of my favorites.
 
If OP wants affordable name brand stuff. Aimpoint PRO + Primary Arms 3x magnifier combo is under $500. Else an Eotech XPS + PA magnifier.
If it's only for range use, Primary Arms brand red dots + magnifier combo can be had for under $200.

If minimum shooting distance is 100yds, I'd skip the magnifier setup altogether and go with a fixed power prism scope from Burris, Vortex, or Primary Arms.
 
Thanks all!

I've done some research (the internet is a wonderful thing). Given my aging eyes, I find I do need some magnification. The Bushnell is a good suggestion; I'm also thinking about a Burris AR 536, an all-in-one with an illuminated recticle and 4x magnification. Can apparently be had for around $400.

Part of the issue with AR scopes is that many folks want something cool looking on their rifle, while a more traditional scope might be best.
 
If you go with the Burris AR-536 (which is actually a 5x magnification) or the AR-332 (3x magnification) Burris has a $100 mail in rebate on the purchase of either one. If you go with a more conventional scope that same "tactical" rebate is good for $20 off of Burris PEPR AR scope mounts too. There's another rebate for $50 off the Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 conventional scopes ($200 or less before rebate at most online sellers). Rebate info - http://burrisoptics.com/promotions.html

Of note, Optics Planet is a THR commercial member that offers members 5% off with coupon code THRFORUM. They may or may not have the best price on any given product, but when they do have the best price that 5% adds up on $300+ scopes.
 
If you're not familiar with First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane reticles, you might want to do a little research before buying.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/video/first_vs_second_focal_plane

FFP scopes aren't common (although they're slowly catching on), especially on lower priced scopes.

The FFP reticle is one of the things I like about the Bushnell Throw Down PCL.

It sure is nice for the BDC reticle settings to remain the same no matter the magnification.

If that's important to ya...
 
Well us young sharpshooters can still shoot well enough with a red dot rc :D

Aging eyes or shooting small groups, magnification is good. Do not bother using a magnifier with a red dot. Quality setups like that are usually more expensive and will not lead to more accurate shooting for groups.
 
Thanks all for the comments and suggestions! If anyone has comments specific to the Burris AR-536, i'd be interested in seeing them. Thanks again.
 
I have a 536 and while it does have a couple quirks, I'd recommend it.

#1 don't trust the factory loc-tite on the mount, re apply it yourself.

#2 the eye relief is tricky if you use a fixed stock, if yours is adjustable should be no problem.


From my review of it in July of 2013:

The 536 optic is a well made, rugged looking piece of kit. It came with a sunshade, flip up lens covers and a lens cloth and the battery already installed. There are 3 rail sections for mounting additional accessories. The mount is solid (see above) and the instructions included torque settings for installation AND the scope can be mounted to a carry handle. If it matters (it might) there is a cleared marked "made in China" sticker on the mount. I suspect that means the WHOLE unit was made there.

The windage and elevation caps are safety wired to the scope, the rear of the scope is a focus ring.

The rear lens cover is difficult to snap closed for some reason. A military style diffuser is available for the 36mm objective.

Adjustments are 1/4inch clicks at 100 yards.

The illumination is available in red or green or can be left off (black) ie you still have a cross hair even if the battery is dead. I shot it with the red setting on 5 (brightest) and the black. Turning the illumination turret is a deliberate action, it will not move 'by itself.'

The glass is coated and optics very clear. The center dot does NOT cover a 2 inch orange target sticker at 100 yards, it was easy to select each circle and engage it. The 'crosshairs' are heavier than I am used to and the fact that they are not connected to the edges of the field of view takes some getting used to.

The BDC is calibrated for 55gr M193 or 62 gr SS109. The top of the center dot is for 100 yards, the bottom of the dot for 200, the next dots down 300, 400, 500 and the hole on the outer ring a "peep' for a 600 yard target.
 
So here's the result

I went with the Leopold AR MOD 3-9X 40mm with firedot and one-inch tube, and the 1 - inch P.E.P.R. mount. Mount was $69 after rebate, and scope $450 from Midway. I got the P.E.P.R. to mount a red dot, which will have to wait until mad money is replenished. Thanks to all for suggestions!
 

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