Looking for a 1-6, 1-8, 2-10 type scope for my Ruger AR. What is the best AR scope in the lower price ranges. Would like a mil reticle I could use for running out to 200-400 yards if possible. Would prefer to be at $250 or less.
Rifle Scopes Best low-power AR scope
- Thread starter patriot07
- Start date
Save up, get an ACOG off Ebay for about $700 or so. It'll still have the warranty, so if it looks good in the pictures but somehow comes messed up, just call Trijicon and get a return form.
$250 will get you a nice Badger mount for a good scope. But there aren't any good optics, even used, for that price.
You don't wanna cheap out now. Get at least a good optic for it, and an ACOG in .308 will be perfect for 200-400 and good for a ways past that. And the ACOG will come with it's own mount. And they're great scopes for what they do.
$250 will get you a nice Badger mount for a good scope. But there aren't any good optics, even used, for that price.
You don't wanna cheap out now. Get at least a good optic for it, and an ACOG in .308 will be perfect for 200-400 and good for a ways past that. And the ACOG will come with it's own mount. And they're great scopes for what they do.
Actually there is a pretty damn good deal that just came out on 3-9 Mark AR illuminated mil-hash reticle with mil turret for $299. They're not bad optically but I can't vouch for the reproducibility of the turrets. But the reticle is decent. I am going to get one. Worst case scenario it ends up on a 22LR. The sale isnt everywhere you have to look around.
For that price, iron sights.
You really gotta save money for optics worth a damn.
You really gotta save money for optics worth a damn.
This^.
They are easily found new around $280 if you search by UPC Code: 000381004727. Midway also has refurb models for $269.99. It's a decent starter LPVO that easily outclasses the Strike Eagle or PA or other Optisan options. The build quality seems as good if not better than the Gen II PST 1-6. The glass isn't quite as good, but it is several hundred less expensive.
I have a Strike Eagle 1-8 I picked up on sale for $325. It gets the job done for my purposes but it's first on the list for replacement for a PST or NF.
It’s going on a $400 rifle that I hardly ever shoot. I know I’m not going to get variable power and reliable turrets at that price, which is why I asked for a mil reticle.
I’ve never spent anywhere near $250 for a mount even for my bolt gun that I shoot all the time to 1k+....
I know where you’re coming from, but I think @Strykervet is right. We live in a world of reliable $400 rifles. We do not live in a world where the same price range in optics gets you commensurate performance. I think buying cheap optics new is a poor strategy (used is better).
It’s not just reliable turrets that you are losing, it’s eyebox, FOV, durability and useability at low mag.
I strongly suggest either of these three strategies:
1) look for a used scope on your local armslist. Lots of people sell a rifle with scope, message a few and see if they’ll part with just the scope. You’ll save a lot of money.
2) save for a used professional quality scope that can move across rifles and stay in your safe. Like a Razor Gen2 or ACOG.
3) spend $400 and put an Aimpoint on it. It’s not a LPV, but you get quality and a complete setup that is actually useful and rugged.
Lots of people have done what you are thinking, it’s a popular, easy route to just buy a cheap LPV but it’s suboptimal.
If I may post a few suggestions as well as a follow up of, give me a call to discuss these or other options,516-217-1000
Burris RT-6 1-6x24mm - Ballistic AR Illuminated
Athlon Argos BTR 1-4x24
Endurance 1.5-6×44 30/30 #HK6406
I look forward to discussing options with you
Burris RT-6 1-6x24mm - Ballistic AR Illuminated
Athlon Argos BTR 1-4x24
Endurance 1.5-6×44 30/30 #HK6406
I look forward to discussing options with you
Maybe one of the best deals right now is the Steiner P4Xi, yes it's only 1-4x but that should be fine for AR work to 400yds and it has great glass and excellent reticle, best deal I've seen for them is here: https://dsgarms.com/stn5202
They also have this deal with a MI mount - https://dsgarms.com/KT-MIQD30-STN5202
They also have this deal with a MI mount - https://dsgarms.com/KT-MIQD30-STN5202
The Steiner P4Xi 1-4x24 - P3TR w/throw lever is a great option and we have these for only $519.99 in as new open box 
Suboptimal is exactly what I’m looking for.
I might just put my Bushnell AR223 3-9x40 on there if there isn’t a decent <$250 option. I love that scope for the money. If I could buy another for $99 like I paid for the first one, I’d just do that.
I like good scopes, but I only shoot my AR a couple times a year. I use bulk reloaded dirt cheap Ammo and shoot at big steel targets. I just want something better than iron sights. Anything $300+ is completely out of the question. But I am definitely open to used from a decent brand.
That's by far the best out there for the money! I really liked mine, and my only complaint was the illume wasn't daylight bright.
Get another bushnell
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...8x-40mm-side-focus-1-10-mil-adjustments-matte
Sub 200$
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...8x-40mm-side-focus-1-10-mil-adjustments-matte
Sub 200$
If you want a 1-6x scope, the cheapest I would go is Burris RT-6.
If you want a 1-8x, viable options start at around $1k, in my opinion. That may change after next SHOT, but for now, that's where we are.
If you want something in the 3-9x40 range or thereabouts, there are few options out there, none one of them hugely impressive.
Whichever way you go, get a scope that allows holdover and wind using a reticle. This is not a price range where I would want to be twisting turrets too much.
If you do want to do some turret twisting, Black Friday sale is coming up and you can pick up SWFA SS 6x42 there. It is usually a bit under $300 for Black Friday.
Also, I expect SWFA to get the BDC reticle version of their 2.5-10x32 Ultralight in time for Black Friday. I will probably be a touch over your budget, but it is an exceedingly nice scope for a lightweight AR and the BDC reticle works very well with 55gr plinking ammo.
http://opticsthoughts.com/?p=2317
ILya
If you want a 1-8x, viable options start at around $1k, in my opinion. That may change after next SHOT, but for now, that's where we are.
If you want something in the 3-9x40 range or thereabouts, there are few options out there, none one of them hugely impressive.
Whichever way you go, get a scope that allows holdover and wind using a reticle. This is not a price range where I would want to be twisting turrets too much.
If you do want to do some turret twisting, Black Friday sale is coming up and you can pick up SWFA SS 6x42 there. It is usually a bit under $300 for Black Friday.
Also, I expect SWFA to get the BDC reticle version of their 2.5-10x32 Ultralight in time for Black Friday. I will probably be a touch over your budget, but it is an exceedingly nice scope for a lightweight AR and the BDC reticle works very well with 55gr plinking ammo.
http://opticsthoughts.com/?p=2317
ILya
