Scope advice

[JoJo]

I spent Thursday sighting in my AR15 at a private range. The scope that is currently mounted is a Leupold Prismatic 1X red dot. I now realize that I need more scope for my aging eyes.
This gun is intended for self defense and MAYBE hunting if Obama wins. What is the recommended magnification for this application? I am semi retired so I have to look for the best value.

Suggestions? Burris? Vortex? Weaver? Nikon? :ponder:

[fooschnickens]

Really depends on what kind of distance you're looking at shooting. For general shooting a fixed 3x or 4x optic will probably do you fine out to 100yds and maybe beyond depending on how bad your vision is (I share your pain).

As far as what brand to go with, I'll let the glass experts speak on that.

[Cyberfly]

For durability, my favorite will always be the ACOG, but my pocketbook HATES it.
Even used ones cost a small fortune.
But if money were no object, that would be my scope of choice.

[RC57]

Personally, I really like a 1X-4X zeroed at 50 on an AR. For practical shooting, you're high or low by less than 2" out to around 250. Good amount of, and decent range of eye relief that will work fine. I find 1X-1.5X to work well up close, and up to 4X works well enough for my almost 40 year old eyes out to about 250. Don't know how your eyesight compares to mine. I've tried some fixed powers, but they don't work that well for me for CQB. I have a Burris, a Vortex, and a Trijicon. Each is nice for the money, but they are obviously quite different price ranges.

[PainKillaX]

For your needs, I've used a 4x on man sized targets out to 500 yards. Also used a 3x RCO, gave real tight groups out at 100

[blueorison]

Disclaimer: I don't want to get in a pissing match with anyone, I'm just recommending what I think is best, because I have met JoJo and I think I know the purpose for which he will task his AR. I would not comment otherwise. :cya:

For durability, my favorite will always be the ACOG, but my pocketbook HATES it.
Even used ones cost a small fortune.
But if money were no object, that would be my scope of choice.

ACOG.

IF It is in price range. Get one used for 600-800. They have been more on the market, lately.

IF your main purpose is range use/hunting, and you do not shoot competition. A lot of people follow the competition shooters (though, they will never admit it) because the "tactical" big boys follow the competition shooters, then the fanboys and sheeples follow them. So, now you will see a lot of 1-4/1-6x optics on rifles whose owners don't even use the 1x, because their rifles are mainly sittin on nice rests at their range, shooting at static targets at 100 yds, so they are always at max magnification. Unless they are taking an ultra tactical carbine tactical advanced tactical 80000 course, then they might use that 1x at the 7 yards they mag dump at. Ask me how I know, because I see this very frequently :facepalm:

JoJo; if you are shooting practically, you don't need a 1-6x optic. Or a -20x optic. The best option is less moving parts, and less parts to move. An ACOG will get you dead on at close range on man-sized targets, and you can easily figure out your POI for it under 50 yards. You probably will be shooting 25, 50, 100+yds more than you will be shooting close 50 feet targets.

The ACOG glass is incredible clear, and you don't have to fiddle with any dials. It is very robust, and it comes with different reticles, trajectory cuts, and illumination. I have used Vortex, U.S. Optics, Swa... ok whatever. I've used more than 1 optic in more than 1 setting and I like the ACOG for what it is. I have used one to call hits at 1000 yards. It is that clear.

If you are shooting mainly at 50-500 yards, sir, I would highly recommend it. If you do not shoot handloads or match ammunition, there is not much point past 500 yards. If you do, and you are going to frequently shoot past 500 yards, I would recommend a higher magnification. The ELCAN would be my second vote, but I do not have as much confidence in it as I do with ACOGs.

[Mister Freeze]

Eat carrots. Lots of carrots.

[jgreenberg01]

Eat carrots. Lots of carrots.

I tried that and my 50 year old eyes couldn't care less - they still can't see chit too much beyond 25 yards without magnification.

I'm gonna second (or third?) the ACOG. I have a 4x32 on my AR15 which makes 100 yard shots fairly easy to see. For closer targets I have a Burris FF II mounted at a 45 degree angle.

Back to the less-than-excellent eyesight - beyond 100 yards, I really need some more magnification. When I shoot at 200 yards, I can basically see that there could possibly be a house down range, so a man-sized target, not so much.

Of course you may have younger (better?) eyes so YMMV.

[Mister Freeze]

@ 40yrs, I've NEVER missed the 300m pop-up via irons... But I couldn't tell you where I hit him! :p
Generally, scope choice is dictated by caliber. 4x on a 5.56 is about as much as you need. ACOG's ate nice, but pricey. Not everyone needs reticle illumination.

[NLVMike]

Not an expert, but I tried a friends AR with a Leupold Mark 4 CQ/T and I really liked it.

[JoJo]

Thanks everyone. I looked at the ACOG but the price is a problem. Same time with the Leupold Mark 4 CQ/T ( I really want one). It looks like a 1x to 4X/5X is the way to go. Now to find the best value!

[flyingirish04]

Honestly, if you want the most bang for your buck and don't plan on being blown up, go with the Nikon 223 scopes. The cheap version isn't bad at all, P223, but the M223 scopes are really nice and pretty decently priced. You can get a 2-8 for around 325ish, maybe less depending on your dealers buy deal. I got mine for under 300.

Has very accurate drop turrets for the 55 gr, and you can buy additional turrets for other loads.

[Vortec MAX]

I second the Nikon 223 series. Decent glass for the price.

If price were not an issue, an ACOG is hard to beat.

Mike

[panzermk2]

I like my Bushnell. Does not break the bank and has built in back up sights. Come in 1x and 2x.

http://www.bushnell.com/tactical/rifle- ... -dot/2x-mp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[flyingirish04]

If money weren't an issue I would have a EOTech 553 with 3x Magnifier AND a NF 2.5-10x24mm, all on Larue Quick detachers.

[JoJo]

If anyone is interested, I finally bought a Leupold Mark 4 MR/T 1.5-5 with a lighted reticle. Can't wait to sight it in but I hope I never really need it! No Christmas for me this year but what the hell.

[jgreenberg01]

It's Christmas in November! Congrats!!!

[blueorison]

Awesome. Congratulations.

[Grantness]

hey greenberg, how much you think it would cost to make a prescription scope? :ponder: :laugh:

[PainKillaX]

hey greenberg, how much you think it would cost to make a prescription scope? :ponder: :laugh:

Tactical prescription scope!

Or prescription tactical scope!!

[jgreenberg01]

hey greenberg, how much you think it would cost to make a prescription scope? :ponder: :laugh:

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

You may have just found the new niche market!

[jckilla]

Burris AR-332 - http://www.valhallaarmory.com/Burris_AR ... 300208.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Read the review and watch the video at the bottom. For the price, there is nothing close. This scope is amazing.

Review from Optics Planet on the Burris AR-332 - http://www.opticsplanet.com/reviews/rev ... sight.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[SHEEPDOG]

I am late to the game, Nightforce makes 2 compact scopes, 1x4x24 and 2.5x10x32. Small rugged and accurate.

[flyingirish04]

But unless you have a DMR type AR, you would be wasting your money with those^^^^given the Nikon and Burris options

[Vortec MAX]

I would love to have a Nightforce scope. They look outstanding and I have never heard a bad word about them. They are also made right here in Idaho. But... I really choke on the price. Leupold has been getting my business because they also make outstanding scopes, but at a lower price point. I have bought two high end Mark 4 scopes at over $1,000. The comparable Nightforce scopes are at least $1,500.

For the price, Nikon are a very good value.

Mike