I'm thinking about getting a cheap-ish scope for the AR to use as a check on the various bullet trajectories from my gun.  This wouldn't be a constant-use item, here's what I'm thinking:

Sight in the gun with the irons using the 50 yd zero
Mount the scope and zero it at 50 yds
Shoot various ammo types at various ranges to get an idea of the actual precision potential for certain rounds in my gun(s) as well as trajectories
Remove the scope and use my irons as usual with the added knowledge of how my chosen ammo type(s) actually perform
Occasionally re-mount and zero the scope to confirm what my gun likes with different lots or types of ammo

We all (should) know that the trajectory charts produced are only estimations based on a certain gun or oddball test platform.  This would allow me to see how MY ammo works out of MY gun now and in the future.  This seems like it would be good to know and hard to find out using just the irons.

Since it's just for testing, a high-dollar optic seems like it would be a waste.

Any suggestions/criticism/input?

You mention you won't use it much, but what kind of $$ are you talking about.

How much is the most you want to spend?

WIZZO

if you get a cheap scope and it doesnt track true or hold zero and what not then there would be no point in your "test" since the scope wont be accurate.



your gonna have to fork over some money to get what works
what is your price range?

True, but then again we're not talking about a heavy-recoiling gun here.  I was thinking something around $50.

Do a search for the tapco T168 scope....

Your idea will work fine, if the scope is of decent quality.

get a bushnell 3-9 scope, i use one on my ar and its held zero and very clear about 50 bucks

Using a scope makes load testing for a High Power match rifle so much easier. I picked up a used 6x Redfield at a gun show for $40-50. Works great.

You don't know anyone you can borrow a scope from?

Can't really borrow one from anybody I know and I don't really want to go through the mount/dismount/resight in ordeal with the Leupold on my A-Bolt, I was thinking about using it for verifying zero/bullet drop on the AR and then mouting it more or less full time on my very casually used 10-22.

Thanks for the info, I'll look around for a good used scope.

I sometimes mount a tapco T168 scope on mine, $40 and its 6 power.   Comes with a mount that will fit that rifle.  Its now mounted on my Ruger 10/22, and is a very accurate combo for the .22