Ar optic question

Flounderfs92

Flounderfs92

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Looking for a scope to put on a 556 AR rifle. I am inexperienced with magnified optics in general aside from a 1.5 to 4 I used to hunt with on a rifled barrel shotgun. I am thinking maybe a fixed 4 power? The use for this rifle will be range toy and general education on some longer range shooting. I have a carbine set up with a red dot for HD so this is gong to be my fun gun. Budget is modest on this say 300 max for the glass and 100 for a mount.
 
Flounderfs92 said:
The use for this rifle will be range toy and general education on some longer range shooting.
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What's the yardage roughly? 50 to 100? 100 to 200? or beyond 200? If more longer range, a 3-9x40 will give you a lot of options due to how common the magnification range is. A fixed magnification scope is a good option too because the inner workings are simpler.

as far as a mount, I would go either aero precision or swfa s.s.a.l.t. both of those mounts work on AR's and won't break the budget.

FYI,
Riflescopes: Under $300
http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=86

Riflescopes: Under $200
http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=85
 
Climberman said:
What's the yardage roughly? 50 to 100? 100 to 200? or beyond 200? If more longer range, a 3-9x40 will give you a lot of options due to how common the magnification range is. A fixed magnification scope is a good option too because the inner workings are simpler.

as far as a mount, I would go either aero precision or swfa s.s.a.l.t. both of those mounts work on AR's and won't break the budget.

FYI,
Riflescopes: Under $300
http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=86

Riflescopes: Under $200
http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=85
Click to expand...
Roughly 200 only cause thats the limit of the range. But i would like to start going out further at some point. I googled my thumbs off yesterday waiting to be called for jury duty, hopefully the brain trust here can help me narrow it down. I was thinking fixed around 4ish power just to keep it simple.
 
Seems like for a decent optic in that range for ARs people say good things about the Leupold Mark AR scopes. SWFA has the 3-9x40 w/ 2 mags and amount as low as $309.99 right now. They also have 1.5-4's and firedot versions depending on what you want exactly. $300-$500 range for all their deals so right in your wheelhouse.

1-4 or 1-6 would probably do the job. If you want to add an illuminated dot you could spend more, but with the other rifle you probably don't need it.

Edit: Maybe hit up Mr. Boyette and see what deals he has right now too. He certainly knows a lot about the optics as well.
 
When I finally decided to scope an AR, I put a weaver K4 fixed 4x on mine. Its very good glass for the money, and so far I've been very pleased with it. Its worked well for me on paper targets out to 300 yards. If I had the opportunity to shoot further, I might would move up to a 6x or 10x scope, or possibly a variable. I went with the K4 because its solid, reliable, and affordable.
 
CZfool68 said:
Seems like for a decent optic in that range for ARs people say good things about the Leupold Mark AR scopes. SWFA has the 3-9x40 w/ 2 mags and amount as low as $309.99 right now. They also have 1.5-4's and firedot versions depending on what you want exactly. $300-$500 range for all their deals so right in your wheelhouse.

1-4 or 1-6 would probably do the job. If you want to add an illuminated dot you could spend more, but with the other rifle you probably don't need it.

Edit: Maybe hit up Mr. Boyette and see what deals he has right now too. He certainly knows a lot about the optics as well.
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I have considered buying irons and spending the rest of the budget on one of his classes.
 
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1-4/1-6 or 3-9. I second SWFA, and take a look at their sample list, you can get great deals. Don't get a fixed, you want variable.
 
I have PA's 4-14x44 and it has a very small eyebox, to the point of being difficult. I dunno how that translates to their other offerings but look through them before you buy.
 
Flounderfs92 said:
Anybody using these? They have a 1x4 thats a little cheaper. How do they compare?
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I've held the 1-4x24 model; the reticles are much different, and the 1-4 magnification range is in 1/2 power (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, etc). It's not a horrible scope...just an entry level scope.

The 1-6/8 scopes are more robust, the dials feel more sturdy (the "clicks" are more pronounced)...just a higher quality.

Refurbished 1-6x for $209 with mfr warranty:
http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-...-advanced-combined-sighting-system-paps1-6x_2
 
I vote for a 1-4/1-6 also. These work well on a do all rifle that will see both close range (1x) and longer ranges (4x/6x). I have a strike eagle 1-6x and use it to shoot 3 gun where targets range from 5-400 yds. My only complaint is the eye box is a little tight.
 
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Most 1-4 or 1-6x scopes are not a true 1x, despite what the manufacturer says. I've had 2 or 3 and none of them were like a red dot where I could comfortably keep both eyes open and focused on the target. I like them, I'm using a Millet 1-4x on my 556 AR right now but it doesn't replace irons or a red dot for me in the quick target acquisition role.

One of my favorite setups is a lightweight 3-9x scope with 45 degree offset irons. That gives you enough magnification to be able to target shoot effectively and also handle anything at close range. I find it very natural to use the offset irons. The $300 Leupold Mark AR Mod 1 3x9 is only 12 ounces!

When you get into talking about variable magnification mil dot scopes the topic of FFP vs SFP invariably comes up. It's not an issue for a 1-4x because you can't see the dots until you're at 4x anyway, and for a 3x9x I find that anytime I'm considering ranging something or using the reticle to hold over I'm at max power anyway so the whole FFP vs SFP thing doesn't really come into play until you are talking about very high magnification variable optics IMHO.
 
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Type of shooting you want to do drives the decision.
IMO, I would never consider fixed magnification on an AR if I did anything except sit at a bunch. Practical shooting is dynamic and a fixed 4x would be very difficult to use up close, where I have found 90% of my shooting is (this may be different for you, maybe you just want to shoot paper off a bench). If it were a bench gun I would consider a fixed power scope.
Unless it is fixed 1x such as a prism scope. A fixed 1x will get you out to well beyond 200 yards. They are awesome and I love the Vortex spitfire 1x. It's awesome for the money. Think of a red dot sight, but with clear glass and an etched reticle. So although it illuminates (in red or green) it has a black reticle and batteries are not required.

For a variable, there are many options. But for your price point I think your best bet is going to be the Vortex Strike Eagle or PA 1-6x24.
I'd avoid the PA 1x4. Again, 90% of the time mine never leaves 1x.

If I were you I'd buy a Vortex spitfire (comes with mount) or a decent red dot like a Holosun and spend the rest on Boyette.

Or, as you suggested, buy some nice sights and spend the rest on instruction and ammo.
This would probably do most for you as a shooter.
 
This set up will be a target gun. My other carbine will be for my dynamic/practical shooting needs. It has a red dot. I am looking for a magnified optic to have a different shooting experience so to speak. So a scope with no 1x is cool for this application.
 
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Flounderfs92 said:
This set up will be a target gun. My other carbine will be for my dynamic/practical shooting needs. It has a red dot. I am looking for a magnified optic to have a different shooting experience so to speak. So a scope with no 1x is cool for this application.
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I run fixed 10x and a Burris 3.5-15x on two different AR-15's. Both have been shot past 600yds.

If you want a basic rule of thumb 1x per 100yds. So a 6x is perfect for 600yds.

If you want to be smart spend money on a good mount and optic. Do not go cheap on the mount.

If you want I can do a package deal for you mount and all proper for a AR15.
 
JBoyette said:
I run fixed 10x and a Burris 3.5-15x on two different AR-15's. Both have been shot past 600yds.

If you want a basic rule of thumb 1x per 100yds. So a 6x is perfect for 600yds.

If you want to be smart spend money on a good mount and optic. Do not go cheap on the mount.

If you want I can do a package deal for you mount and all proper for a AR15.
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in my mind the mount is as important as the optic. A great optic in a crappy mount does you no good when you cant keep zero or get the eye relief you need. Like i said this is more of a fun gun, intro to scopes on a rifle kinda deal for me.
 
I suppose I should have mentioned that my scoped AR is a heavier gun with a bipod on it. Shoot from the bench or lying down. All of my 'walk around' AR's have a 1x Vortex Spitfire prism optic on them. I've found its a great scope for shooting out to 2oo yards, and with the etched recticle, it still works just fine should the battery go dead (but only in good light)

I also keep an AR with standard iron sights around too, because why not? :D
 
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RedneckFur said:
I suppose I should have mentioned that my scoped AR is a heavier gun with a bipod on it. Shoot from the bench or lying down. All of my 'walk around' AR's have a 1x Vortex Spitfire prism optic on them. I've found its a great scope for shooting out to 2oo yards, and with the etched recticle, it still works just fine should the battery go dead (but only in good light)

I also keep an AR with standard iron sights around too, because why not? :D
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That's a good idea w/ the iron sights. I'll have to build another one o_O
 
I have a Nikon P300 BLK on my 300 BLK AR. With the reticle on it I can sight at 50 yards and hit steel at 200 yards with my subs. I could probably wing some at 300 with the turrets but that's not what the gun is for. 200 yards is stretching it. My HD .223 has a Burris FF II on it. I can hit steel at 200 but not terribly consistent with no magnification. If I get another AR it will get a Nikon P223. I sighted in my buddies AR last week with an ACOG on it. Dead on at 50 and 200 and hit consistent with it at 300, but wow that price tag!
 
I'm getting ready to pick up a Primary Arms 1-6 with the ACSS reticle, seems like its kind of the go-to for a low power scope. As for mounts, I'm leaning towards one of the AMD quick release mounts.
 
Articulate said:
I'm getting ready to pick up a Primary Arms 1-6 with the ACSS reticle, seems like its kind of the go-to for a low power scope. As for mounts, I'm leaning towards one of the AMD quick release mounts.
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I just picked up the vortex strike eagle 1-6x, which seems to be the direct competitor to the PA. I'd be curious to see what the difference is. The Vortex warranty is what put me over the top (and finding one local)
 
Geerubb said:
I just picked up the vortex strike eagle 1-6x, which seems to be the direct competitor to the PA. I'd be curious to see what the difference is. The Vortex warranty is what put me over the top (and finding one local)
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Have you looked into the ACSS reticle? I was going back and forth between the Vortex and PA 1-6 scopes, but that reticle on the PA just looks bad ass. As for the warranty, I've not had to utilize it for anything from PA yet, but this is a direct quote from their website about the new 1-6.

But to your point, the two scopes look identical physically, I wouldn't be surprised if the body was made by the same company.

PA1-6X24SFP-ACSS-5.56 is protected by the Primary Arms Lifetime Warranty. If a defect due to materials or workmanship, or even normal wear and tear, has caused your product to malfunction, Primary Arms will either repair or replace your product.
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Tritium has a half-life of 12.5 years, which means that in that time the lamp will be half as bright as it originally was
 
I've got a x95 Tavor, a .300 BO AR, and a 5.56 AR. I made the mistake of doing either a 1-3 red dot site or a 1-4 AR scope. I'm constantly finding I need more magnification.

Don't make the same mistake I did. Don't get anything less than 1-6. I would even say 1-9.
 
1-9 ??? 1-3 red dot?
 
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For the time being i found an old 1ish to 4ish bushnell hunting scope in my stash. It will work for a couple trips to the range to run some rounds through the gun. I can also get a feel for shooting a scoped rifle again.
 
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