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Posted: 11/3/2007 4:48:20 PM EDT
| I need a little help choosing a scope for my 16" AR. It is a bushmaster A3f16 with a flat top. I would like to know what would be a good scope for this rifle. I use it mainly just for plinking, but I am going to be doing prairie dog shooting over in eastern Oregon. So I will probably be shooting a 100+ yards. This is basically my all purpose gun, so I need an all purpose scope. Since i have a flat top, I wouldn’t mind getting a mount that i can take off real fast, and just slap my caring handle back on for up close stuff. So yeah tell me what you think, and pictures would be great too. I don’t know a whole lot about this stuff, but I am willing to learn. So go easy on me. |
| Wow guys I think you are thinking a bit to0 nice and expensive for me. I was thinking in the 100-200 dollar range for a basic magnifying scope. My gun is bone stock, and I don’t really have any interest in putting all kinds of money into it. I just want something simple to help me have more fun plinking around and just haven fun. Those things are sweet though!! |
Do you have a pic of your set-up? |
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Millet DMS-1 is a nice scope for the price (from what I read, have not used one yet) its in your price range and I think it would be fine for what you are using it for, and you would not have to take anything off because it is 1x-4x. If however you would want to take it off quickly you can mount it on a Larue SPR mount (Yes I know its as much as the scope but it is worth it). |
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Here is what I just bought for my M4- Burris Fullfield II I went with the 2-7x35mm version with the ballistic plex recticle. It will be used for target shooting, as well as coyote/crow harrassment. It was shorter and lighter than the 3-9x40, but should still be fine for 0-400yds. Haven't had the chance to shoot it yet, but after mounting it and looking through the glass, I'm very happy so far! Very clear and bright, especially for the money (about $150). |
What a topic! Mostly, you get what you pay for. Better optic = more money. The good news is: you probably will not need a high-end optic. The bad news is: when you upgrade to a better optic, the money you spent on the first scope you bought is a sunk cost and you will probably not get back anywhere near what you paid for it on the used market. Best advice? Buy the best optic you can afford. For your price range, I would stay away from Tasco, Barsaka, Bushnell, BSA, Millett, and Simmons. The problem is: those are about the only producers of scopes in your range. I would suggest getting a Leupold (1st choice) or a Burris, the best you can afford. At least you know you will not regret that choice, and you will be able to get most of your money back if you decide to sell later (provided that the scope is in good shape). |
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If all you want to do is fun shooting, save your money for ammo and don't get a high end scope. If you don't intend to use it for combat or 1000 yard shots then why bother. Go to your local gun shop, look through and touch everything they have, and see what tickles your fancy. Then go to ebay or search google for that exact model and try to get a deal online. You may not get the very best quality optics or all the fancy features, but at the very least you will have magnification. Don't totally cheap out on the scope rings though... |
USED AIMPOINT or Eotech Good for 0 to 300yards I think for a carbine AIMPOINt is the BEST bet! If your AR15 ISNT for protection then go for a CHEAPY |
Stay as far away from NcStar as you can. I have never been stupid enough to buy one, but a friend that did constantly complains of zero shift. I tell him that it would be a better used as a target than a sighting device. Buy the best that you can afford; cheap optics can be very frustrationg. That is not to say that there aren't any reasonably priced, decently performing ones out there. |
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here is a pic of mine. this scope also has side focus on the left side instead of having to adjust the objective lens for range. Glass is VERY clear and bright in good to mid light conditions. for low light or dusk i'd go with the 50mm lens. i picked up a CAA scope mount becuase i needed something cheap and "right now" and couldn't afford a larue. larue will be coming but i have to put some cash back in the bank first. the caa mount so far has been a good SOLID mount. it would be more than capable for the range although for serious use i wonder how well it would hold up. 
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Burris 3-9x40 combo w Free binoculars $199 at Dick's CAA mount $20 Total is under $250 Hands down!!!! Burris is the best quality under $300. This setup would be more than adequate for plinking, range, varmints. You can always upgrade to a larue spr mount later. This is the same setup i'll be putting on my RRA carbine once I out-shoot my .22 setup, then on to a Rem 700P and the big money 
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for 60.00 more you can go with a nikon that is 10x the scope of the burris and better magnification. |
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For prairie dogs, you'll definitely want some magnification. For under $300, there is a handful of brands that will serve you. The most important thing is to get decent quality so it'll hold up. You don't want the cheap scopes (under $150), as they have a habit of disappointing over time. No Barska, Leapers, Tasco, or other known or unknown junk brands, and be careful with Bushnell and Simmons, who make a few decent scopes and a bunch of cheap junk. The tradeoff is always over quality vs. features, and I'd recommend fewer features and better quality for starters (though a ranging reticle like a mil-dot can be useful for longer-range shooting). A few brands that are good bets in that price range: Leupold VXI Burris Fullfield II Weaver V series Older Nikon Monarchs |
And what Nikon might that be? From all of the research i've done, users tended to think that you get less for your money in a Nikon sub $300 than a Burris FF II. you say $60 more but, his range was $200. You're putting him over $300. I have yet to find anyone tell me "No, don't get a burris!" They all say that Burris is the best quality glass under $300. I was recommended the Burris over a Leupold VX-II! This is all in a thread I started not too long ago. |
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Here is a web site you can go to for great info. SWFA Optics Talk They also sell optics and accessories. |
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I put a Leupold VX-11 1x-4x in ARMS 22H rings directly attached to the flattop on my 16" 6.8 SPC. Very handy and quick. Works really well for me, but even with the A2 stock, I could just barely get it forward enough for a full scope. You may want more magnification if you're planning on killing some smaller vermin. I hope to be able to pop a coyote or two with this over the winter. I got some good deals, only into this for about $300 new for the scope and rings. |
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