what scope for 18" ar build

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JBrady555

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Hey guys I'm reconfiguring one of my ar's into a precision gun. Going with a 18" nordic components 223 wylde barrel, 1/8 twist. Already have a giessele 2 stage trigger. My local range only goes to 300 yards max, I'll be using the gun in 200 yard hi power matches also. What magnification would you recommend for 100 to 300 yards, emphasis on 200 yards? Specific scope recommendations welcomed, prices not to exceed 500 dollars would be great. Thanks.
 
I think you might be able to find a used Vortex PST around that price, or at least close to it. Might be worth saving up another 100 or 150 to get solidly into that territory? For the price they are solid choices with great features for a precision rig. That viper listed above is a good choice as well and in your budget NOW and NEW.

The leupold patrol model is also around that price point. Slim and trim and a good fit for a handy little rifle. The SWFA SS optics are excellent, and the fixed power ones are generally very reliable AND solidly in your original price range. All the ones I have used are small enough to be handy, and most importantly had good reliable adjustments. A fixed 10 could fit the bill, or I believe they offer a 6x if you want less magnification.

Inside of 300 yards any magnification COULD be adequate, but I guess it depends on what you are shooting lol. I have a 3.5 ACOG on my carbine and it is plenty effective on steel torsos at distance, BUT it is not much of a target optic. My precision AR15 has an old slimline ergo USO 1.8-10 on it and I could not be happier. That magnification range lets me do anything I would ever want to do with that rifle. Something along those lines ought to fit well unless you are going full on target or bench style.

I would think something with 10x on the high end would do very nicely while not being too bulky.
 
I am not clear on your shooting plan, but I like the option of higher magnification. Probably against the grain. I shoot of a bench (just for fun and to relax) at 18 power and 9 power and I shoot better with the 18 power. I can better center the poi. I just bought a 4-20x Weaver super slam at natchezz. I don't know much about it, but if you want to shoot 1000 yards at 10 power, you can. (assuming the optics are clear), but you have other options too. If you were just hunting go lower.
 
looks like I'll either be going with the vortex diamond back 4-16x or a swfa 12x Fixed. Prices are comparable, which brand has the best durability, clarity, and general overall quality?
 
can't speak to the swfa scope, but I'd much rather have the variable's ability to dial it down to a lower power for a shot a a pig or something, and the higher power for a 200yds bench shot. I can barely see a 22 caliber hole in white paper at 100 at 12x. But maybe your eyes are better than mine.

I will say that vortex has just wonderful customer service and warranty. They also tend to outperform comparable products at similar price points.

now you might also check out http://www.natchezss.com/nikon-monarch-3-4-16x50-custom-xr-refurb.html for $340
http://www.natchezss.com/nikon-prostaff-5-4-5x18x40-custom-xr-turret.html $310
 
I'm no scope or long range expert. But...

I have the Leupold VX-R 1.25 - 4x 20 on an AR. I like it and using the firedot at 1.25 it's easy to use with both eyes open and looking around.

But I would not use it for precision long range - not because of the 4x max magnification though that may be a limitation, but because the reticle (crosshairs) seem too thick. Easy to pick up quickly which is good for fast acquisition, but they cover too much of the target to be very precise.

ETA: Sorry - didn't see OP had already narrowed his choices. Good luck!
 
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Look at the Nikon options

Nikon has the scopes and mounts made for the AR platform.
Check out the 2x8 with either the Nikoplex or the BDC system. I built a 18 inch just like yours for my son and he likes the Nikoplex system. You can order custom turret knobs for specific loads.
I use the BDC set up on a 20" rifle.
 
scope

Sounds familiar....I'm just finishing off a SPR'ish" build myself. WOA 18'', SD-E trigger, KNS stock, etc. I went with a Vortex HS-T 4-16x44. Perfect for hunting or paper punching, not too pricey, great glass, matched reticle/turret. Just waiting on the mount...but here's a pic.

ar15.jpg
 
Yup what I suggested. The PST is the same as an HST but has Illumination I think. The Viper line is a bump up optically from the DiamondBack as the Razor is abump up over the Viper. I use the HST 4-16 Viper on a tuned Colt HBAR Match Target competition in the PEPR mount as a $550 package to hunt Varmints and punch targets in the day time. Don't forget a good bipod on the float tube!
 
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