Narrowing down scope choices

[Mike OTDP]

I'm picking out a general-purpose scope for my AR, would like some inputs. 5.56mm, distances to 300-400 yards.

As of now, I'm thinking of a variable scope. Right now, I'm thinking either a U.S. Optics SR-6S 1.5-6 , a Leupold Mark 4 2.5-8, or a Vortex - either a Razor HD 1-6, or a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10. I can get the latter at a very reasonable price. I can also get another ACOG.

I'm torn...a 6-power scope should be OK for my uses, I think. On the other hand, I don't use a rifle scope a whole lot.

Opinions?

[Darrell]

I've put 1-4x "tactical" scopes on two of my ARs--a Leupold on one, a Burris 30mm on the other. I wish I had more magnification on both of them.

I've heard good things about Primary Arms' new 1-6x scope, but it's expensive for a Primary, around $1,200 IIRC. Heavy too.

[PawPaw]

I've used a 6X at 300 yards with no problem. It's good enough for a deer-sized target and easily lets you see that 9" sweet spot. Some folks like a lot more magnification, and that's fine, I've also used a 10X and an 18X at 300 yards. Both worked fine.

With a variable, I normally put it on the lowest setting and leave it there. Most of my variables are 3X9 or 4X12 or something like that. However, it's nice to have that extra magnification if you need it. My favorite variable right now is a 3X9 Nikon that sits on my deer rifle. It's a whole lot more scope than we were able to buy 20 years ago at any price.

There are a lot of "popularly priced" scopes in the $300-500 range that are light years ahead of the very best scopes we could obtain 20 years ago. I know a lot of folks that think you should spend as much on the scope as you spent on the rifle, but I normally don't spend much on my rifles, picking them up at pawn shops or deep discount stores.

[JAG2955]

Nightforce.

Nightforce.

Nightforce.

Nightforce.

I have one of their 2.5-10x32mm ones from my now-disassembled and parted out M14 EBR build. It rides on my LaRue PredatOBR/Seekins AR-15, and it's about the neatest thing on the planet. 2.5x is low enough to *almost* be a red dot, you can shoot it with both eyes open, and it has generous eye relief. The clarity is awesome, I can see 5.56 holes in paper easily at 100yds. I *may* eventually get a Nightforce 1-4x, and put the 2.5x on a future AR-10 build, but it will be a tough sell. If you're not planning on engaging under 25yds, I'd go with the 2.5-10.

Darrell, if I'm going to spend over $1K for an optic, it most certainly will not be a Primary Arms. I think that the Nightforce 1-4x goes for about $1,300.

What kind of AR is this going on, anyways?

[First Shirt]

I'm a big fan of 4X scopes, especially the Leupold M8 version. (I currently have 7 in the house, and two more on The Minions' rifles.) It will suffice for anything that I'm going to shoot at out to 300 yards or so.

[Mike OTDP]

Nightforce.

What kind of AR is this going on, anyways?

A Nightforce is a little more than I want to pay. I know they have a gilt-edged reputation, but I can get an excellent deal on the 2.5-10 Vortex. Instructor's discount.

Not sure which rifle it's going on. I have a Larue OBR, and a mixmaster with a Suarez SPR upper on a Fulton Armory lower with a Geissele DMR trigger.

[Darrell]

LOL I wouldn't spend $1,200 on a Primary Arms scope either.

I've heard good things about this Vortex 1-6x, $329 at Optics Planet:

http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-stri ... ticle.html

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vor ... le/reticle

[JustinR]

I guess it comes down to what you'll be using the gun for. If there's any chance you'll be making shots over 400 yards in the future, you'll want more magnification. On the other hand, I have a Millett 1-4x24 on my Sig 556 and with just a little Kentucky elevation (100 yard zero) can hit a pie plate size steel target pretty easily at 300 yards. If you go with higher magnification, there's always the option of putting on an offset 45 degree rail with a micro red dot if you want more flexibility.

The Millett does fine in the day, but at night doesn't have enough light gathering capability AND the reticle illumination bleeds everywhere horribly. I bought an Eotech for my .300 Blackout gun until I can afford a PVS-14 monocular and infrared laser setup for night hog hunting.

[Mike OTDP]

I went ahead and went with the Vortex Viper. The price was too good to pass up.

[rightisright]

I went ahead and went with the Vortex Viper. The price was too good to pass up.

I have several Vortexs (Vortices?) and am impressed w. their quality/price ratio. Their warranty is unbeatable.

On a related note, I just picked up one of their Spitfire 1X etched reticle sights. I have only played around w. it a bit in the backyard, but the etched reticle does not blur or starburst when when I use it w. naked eyes. My astigmatism causes some issues w. other RDSs.

This guy: http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vor ... oa-reticle

It's also available in 3X