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Posted: 12/2/2016 10:32:10 AM EDT
[#1]
Price range?
Quoted:
I just build my first AR and need to put some optics on it. I plan on target shooting and hunting with it but wont be shooting outside of 300yd to much. What should I get?? |
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Posted: 12/2/2016 10:41:26 AM EDT
[#2]
Nikon pro staff 3-9 x 40 with bcc, you can find them regularly for $160 or on sale for $99.
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Posted: 12/2/2016 11:01:48 AM EDT
[#3]
I agree, just pick the reticle you like, I'm tired of the bdc. The Nikon app is cool but I never really use it. I find mil dot or duplex to be my current favorites.
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Posted: 12/2/2016 11:03:12 AM EDT
[#4]
Atibal has some pretty nice affordable stuff too.
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Posted: 12/2/2016 11:07:03 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nikon pro staff 3-9 x 40 with bcc, you can find them regularly for $160 or on sale for $99. I picked up 2 this week for 99 -OpticsPlanet |
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Posted: 12/2/2016 11:13:05 AM EDT
[#6]
A 1-4 or 1-6 might be more practical if you also want to use it for home defense. There are a lot of choice in that range for under $500. I'd get a illuminated reticle.
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Posted: 12/2/2016 11:15:11 AM EDT
[#7]
The highest quality optic you can afford.
Trijicon, US optics, Nightforce, Leopold, there are many excellent optics available today. |
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Posted: 12/2/2016 12:59:56 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The highest quality optic you can afford. Trijicon, US optics, Nightforce, Leopold, there are many excellent optics available today. Vortex and Redfield (who are owned by Leupold these days) are also good. OP - you need to decide your budget. Do you have $200 or $2000 or something in between to spend? Sky is really the limit with optics, so if you just say "what should I get?", be prepared for suggestions that can run quite expensive. My suggestion for best-bang-for-your-buck, basic scope would be either Leupold VX-2 3-9x40mm or Vortex Diamondback HP 3-12x42. These are both around $300 scopes that would work well for hunting and shooting out to a couple hundred yards. |
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Posted: 12/2/2016 1:11:28 PM EDT
[#9]
A 3-9x40 is the classic hunting scope choice, and would work fine for target shooting. For hunting, you want the best glass you can afford, for making those low light shots. You definitely want to get out of Chinese glass. I'd say the minimum you should aim for would be the Leupold Rifleman/Redfield Revenge/Vortex Diamondback/Burris Fullfield II/Nikon Prostaff level of optic, all of which are roughly equal in optical quality and are in the $150-200 range new. If you have a higher price range than that, tell us and we can make some more recommendations. The roles you are describing don't require any fancy reticles, turrets, or any of that, so get a scope with a plain duplex reticle and capped turrets, and spend your money on glass quality and build quality.
Whatever you get, you will want a good one piece mount or extended riser+rings setup that gets the optic far enough forward for good eye relief, so remember to budget for that too. The ghost of Eugene Stoner casts a cute little puppy into the fiery pit of hell every time an AR noob mounts a scope directly to the receiver with rings. |
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Posted: 12/2/2016 3:51:55 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nikon pro staff 3-9 x 40 with bcc, you can find them regularly for $160 or on sale for $99. What is the difference between Nikon prostaff and p223? |
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Posted: 12/2/2016 4:09:34 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What is the difference between Nikon prostaff and p223? Though they are the same power range, they are completely different lines of scope with different levels of glass quality. The P223 has fancy turrets and reticle, but is made in China and has worse glass. The Prostaff is made in the Philippines. |
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Posted: 12/2/2016 4:15:52 PM EDT
[#12]
The first question is what are the primary uses for your rifle? Just target shooting? Home defense? Hunting?
Next question is what's your budget. For target shooting I like a lot of magnification. For home defense I want low power (or red dot) with illumination. For hunting I want low to medium power - preferably adjustable. |
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Posted: 12/2/2016 4:23:03 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The first question is what are the primary uses for your rifle? Just target shooting? Home defense? Hunting? Next question is what's your budget. For target shooting I like a lot of magnification. For home defense I want low power (or red dot) with illumination. For hunting I want low to medium power - preferably adjustable. He answered that in the OP. Hunting and target shooting under 300 yards. |
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Posted: 12/2/2016 4:33:27 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
He answered that in the OP. Hunting and target shooting under 300 yards. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
The first question is what are the primary uses for your rifle? Just target shooting? Home defense? Hunting? Next question is what's your budget. For target shooting I like a lot of magnification. For home defense I want low power (or red dot) with illumination. For hunting I want low to medium power - preferably adjustable. He answered that in the OP. Hunting and target shooting under 300 yards. That narrows it down some. I think we need to know which of those two is more important and what type of hunting environment he will be hunting in. If the focus is more on the target shooting side I would probably consider a 4-16x. If the focus is more on hunting and you want to keep it light, perhaps a 2-7, 3-9 or 2-10 or 2-12 (depending on budget and weight concerns). |
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Posted: 12/3/2016 10:10:23 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That narrows it down some. I think we need to know which of those two is more important and what type of hunting environment he will be hunting in. If the focus is more on the target shooting side I would probably consider a 4-16x. If the focus is more on hunting and you want to keep it light, perhaps a 2-7, 3-9 or 2-10 or 2-12 (depending on budget and weight concerns). budget is around $200. weight isn't really a concern. mil dot is preferred |
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Posted: 12/3/2016 10:24:07 AM EDT
[#16]
would you go with a 3-9X or 4-12X magnification
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Posted: 12/3/2016 11:08:57 AM EDT
[#17]
https://www.trijicon.com/na_en/products/product3.php?pid=TR22-2
My son uses this Trijicon on his varmint AR15. But I am a true believer that you use should try to buy the reticle you like. I spend lots of time trying to find quality optics with a reticle I like. I recently landed on this scope for my 458Socom. I love the reticle. http://mylucidgear.com/L7riflescope.php |
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Posted: 12/3/2016 11:31:00 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
would you go with a 3-9X or 4-12X magnification If you can stretch your budget a bit I would look at the Weaver 3-10 midway exclusive. If the $200 is pretty firm I would look at a Redfield or Primary Arms optic from jet.com. Use coupon code WELCOME15 for 15% off to a max of $30. I would do 3-9 if your hunting will be more close range/woods. |
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Posted: 12/4/2016 4:25:53 PM EDT
[#19]
i got the Nikon p223 from academy yesterday and it is a nice optic just doesn't have the magnification I need. I am going to go with something a little more magnification
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Posted: 12/15/2016 4:21:19 PM EDT
[#20]
returned the p223 and tried the Burris Drop tine and now that wont keep a zero. any more suggestions on scopes under $300
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Posted: 12/15/2016 9:31:11 PM EDT
[#21]
Vortex Diamondback HP 2-8x32 or Leupold VX-2 2-7x33. Got both of those and they've been rock solid. I'd give the Leupold the edge for better glass (barely) and weight; the Vortex for $ and the side focus. If you tend to hunt smaller critters out further then take a look at the Diamondback HP 3-12x42. Got one of them and it also is excellent for the $ and should still be under your $300 limit.
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Posted: 12/16/2016 11:31:42 AM EDT
[#22]
ACOG
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Posted: 12/17/2016 1:53:30 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
returned the p223 and tried the Burris Drop tine and now that wont keep a zero. any more suggestions on scopes under $300 Yes. At $300 you can get a true MRAD scope with .1 mil per click turrets to match the mil dot reticle you want and also get very good glass. I speak of the MidwayUSA exclusive Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x40mm. High quality Japanese glass and accurate, true tracking, repeatable turrets. $299 when frequently on sale. It is one of the true wonders of budget target/tactical scopes. I don't know how they do it. Glass quality is better than Leupold VX-2, but not quite VX-3. It performs at a level comparable to scopes that cost 50% more. I'm seeing a $350 price on their website at the moment, but if you are patient, look for it to drop to $299, as they frequently do. Weaver GST |
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Posted: 12/17/2016 5:32:00 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
would you go with a 3-9X or 4-12X magnification Neither, both balance poorly on an AR. You can get out to 400 with a 1-4 or 1-3x For a $200 budget, the leupold pig plex, weaver v3, vortex spitfire are decent low-weight choices. But if you're just starting out and want something for general purpose, maybe get a red dot instead? You can get a primary arms advanced micro dot or one of the other holosun manufactured 50k hr dots for under 150. Vortex sparc is another option if you want lifetime warranty, but it is a little bigger and more expensive. After having many budget scopes over the years, I really do not like budget scopes. Lol. |
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Posted: 12/17/2016 6:35:49 PM EDT
[#25]
The vortex or the Pa 1x4 are decent scopes that have held up well for me. The Abital fixed is a bit more , but maybe worth it?
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Posted: 12/17/2016 6:46:56 PM EDT
[#26]
Leupold mark ar mod 1 3-9x love mine
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Posted: 12/17/2016 6:49:36 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Neither, both balance poorly on an AR. You can get out to 400 with a 1-4 or 1-3x For a $200 budget, the leupold pig plex, weaver v3, vortex spitfire are decent low-weight choices. But if you're just starting out and want something for general purpose, maybe get a red dot instead? You can get a primary arms advanced micro dot or one of the other holosun manufactured 50k hr dots for under 150. Vortex sparc is another option if you want lifetime warranty, but it is a little bigger and more expensive. After having many budget scopes over the years, I really do not like budget scopes. Lol. Many 1-4x's weigh more than basic 3-9x's. Plus, it sounds/reads like the OP seems to be looking for something with more magnification. The Weaver GST or the Leupold VX-2 would be my suggestion. |
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Posted: 12/18/2016 1:26:52 PM EDT
[#28]
Nikon. We use to use Leupold, but once actually comparing them side by side in low light situations, not even close, especially once you look at how much better priced the Nikon is, plus the warranty. All my hunting guns have been switched to Nikon now, including 2 of my AR's.
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Posted: 12/18/2016 3:14:42 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nikon. We use to use Leupold, but once actually comparing them side by side in low light situations, not even close, especially once you look at how much better priced the Nikon is, plus the warranty. All my hunting guns have been switched to Nikon now, including 2 of my AR's. What Nikon and what Leupold were you comparing? |
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Posted: 12/18/2016 10:36:11 PM EDT
[#30]
I went scope shopping a few weeks ago after doing a bunch of searching and reading I had it narrowed down to either Vortex or Nikon. When I got to the gun shop I told the owner what I was looking at and he got a few out of the case for me to check out in hand. I instantly eliminated Vortex as soon as I was able to look through both brands. The Nikons were noticeably brighter optics. Image quality was pretty comparable but the Nikon was just brighter for my aging eyes. I quickly fell in love with the P-223. The turrets were really handy. He then pulled out the Buckmasters II. I was sold. The turrets had caps on them but once you took them off it was pretty much the same style and easy to adjust. The price was awesome as well at $114. I grabbed the M-223 mount and while I was there I filled out paperwork and bought me a 1911.
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Posted: 12/18/2016 10:45:57 PM EDT
[#31]
Every once in a while you can catch the Vortex Strike Eagle for around $275 at Sportsmans Guide if you're a member... I like the extra 2x magnification over a 1-4x24
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