Help Me Pick an Optic and Mount for My “Budget Build” Upper

[jab00]

I’m looking for suggestions for a “budget build” AR15 upper that I’m putting together using some spare parts that I’ve got sitting around.

Ideally, I’d like to stay below $1600 for the scope and rings/mount combo but I’d spend a little more if needed. I’m looking at both FFP and SFP scopes (my range maxes out at 300 yards and I don’t plan on having to do any estimations with this)

The upper is being built around a Wilson Combat 20” varmint barrel. I’ll primarily be shooting paper with the occasional steel target.

My first thought was a Viper PST 3-15 in one of their cantilever mounts but I’m not 100% certain.

Anyways, let me know what you guys would suggest.

 

[winniethepooh]

SWFA 3-15 or the PST gen 2 are great choices for the distance you will be shooting.

I’m currently building an AR10 but will be putting either a 1-6/1-8 scope on it. I want to keep handy for a variety of purposes

 

[The DFC]

$1600 would get you in Gen2 3-18x Razor territory. Midwest Industries 34mm mount would be in the $200 range.

$1600 would get you in a lot of great glass/mount territory.

Kind of a baller budget build-I like it

 

[jab00]

$1600 would get you in Gen2 3-18x Razor territory. Midwest Industries 34mm mount would be in the $200 range.

$1600 would get you in a lot of great glass/mount territory.

Kind of a baller budget build-I like it

Haha! Yeah, I figured that I’d keep the actual upper itself in the “budget” realm and splurge a little on the glass without going crazy.

I’m circling around the Gen 3-18 Razor and a Vortex extended 34mm mount. If I want to save some $, I may go with the PST 6-24 with a 30mm extended mount. x24 May be a bit of overkill for 300 yards but I can always crank it down to ‘11’

 

[sabrecross]

I concur with The DFC. It's cheaper in the long run to buy a better optic the first time. Can't go wrong with the gen 2 Razor...

 

[jab00]

I concur with The DFC. It's cheaper in the long run to buy a better optic the first time. Can't go wrong with the gen 2 Razor...

It’s definitely a valid point. I might as well “buy once”

 

[Eoddave27]

Take a look at the Steiner P4x that Cameraland has for $799.

 

[jab00]

Okay. I’ve done some thinking and I want to go with a LPVO for this gun. So, please let me know which 1-6x or 1-8x I should be looking at in the $1600 or less category

 

[jab00]

Take a look at the Steiner P4x that Cameraland has for $799.

I’d be all over that if it were 6x or 8x. I’ve got a 4x on one of my guns and I’m always wishing that I had just a bit more zoom (I’m getting old)

 

[Strykervet]

I tend to go for higher end used stuff vs. what I can afford new.

If weight isn't an issue then you can get a used USO LR17 for about that. 3.2-17x. Usually loaded with all the bells and whistles. They've gone down more since the B17 came out.

A USO B10 1.8-10x is another good choice.

For even less, a Leupold Mk4 is still a good, solid scope for the price. These can be had for half or less of your budget. I recently got a 3.5-10x for $650 on here.

Oh, I'd also look at the Vudu. Eurooptic has a lot of demos right now too FWIW.

I'd look around the PX on here for a good deal if I were you. Warranties follow quality products, so it's hard to go wrong. I've bought probably 80% of my optics used and only had to send two back for minor fixes.

 

[jab00]

I tend to go for higher end used stuff vs. what I can afford new.

If weight isn't an issue then you can get a used USO LR17 for about that. 3.2-17x. Usually loaded with all the bells and whistles. They've gone down more since the B17 came out.

A USO B10 1.8-10x is another good choice.

For even less, a Leupold Mk4 is still a good, solid scope for the price. These can be had for half or less of your budget. I recently got a 3.5-10x for $650 on here.

Oh, I'd also look at the Vudu. Eurooptic has a lot of demos right now too FWIW.

I'd look around the PX on here for a good deal if I were you. Warranties follow quality products, so it's hard to go wrong. I've bought probably 80% of my optics used and only had to send two back for minor fixes.

Thanks for the tips - I actually found a Leupold Mark 6 1-6x that I grabbed

 

[The DFC]

Thanks for the tips - I actually found a Leupold Mark 6 1-6x that I grabbed

Pro move. Sweet scope.

 

[jab00]

Pro move. Sweet scope.

Thanks - I think I’m making the right move for what I want to do with this particular build in terms of the maximum range that I’ll be shooting and the types of targets (steel).

 

[stilesg57]

EDIT: AAAACK when I pulled this thread up earlier your hadn’t responded about the Mark 6 yet — my bad!

Your idea of a “budget build” is hilarious to me ?

Think I’d go with the Tract Toric PRS 4-20x50 and whatever mount you want at that price range. It’s a lot more scope than a PST Gen2 for only a little more money, and still well under your top end.

I’d also check out the Athlon Ares ETR in that price range. Definitely more mag than you need but you can always turn a 30x down to 20x while you can’t turn a 15x up to 20x.

 

[jab00]

EDIT: AAAACK when I pulled this thread up earlier your hadn’t responded about the Mark 6 yet — my bad!

Your idea of a “budget build” is hilarious to me ?

Think I’d go with the Tract Toric PRS 4-20x50 and whatever mount you want at that price range. It’s a lot more scope than a PST Gen2 for only a little more money, and still well under your top end.

I’d also check out the Athlon Ares ETR in that price range. Definitely more mag than you need but you can always turn a 30x down to 20x while you can’t turn a 15x up to 20x.

Haha - yeah, I realized that my “budget” was a bit high; however, after finishing up a Mk13 Mod 7 clone build not too long ago, anything that costs less than that project seems “inexpensive”

 

[MontanaMan]

Nightforce 1-8x F1.................but that kinda takes it outta the "budget build" category.

MM

 

[mgrs]

If this is your budget build, I would like to see your regular or maybe even high end build.

I clicked this thread thinking PSA upper and a Sig Romeo. I have been on AR15.com too long.

 

[jab00]

Yeah...this one got away from me a little. The Mark 6 is actually going to go on the .308 gasser that I’m building at the same time. For the .223 bull barrel upper, I’m still trying to figure out what to do in terms of glass. After dropping the $$$ on the Mark 6, I may go for a Mark 4.

 

[Strykervet]

Thanks for the tips - I actually found a Leupold Mark 6 1-6x that I grabbed

No problem brother, glad you were able to make it work for you! It's a good way to get a better scope for less. I get the acogs on Ebay though. Killer deals there. As long as they have a good warranty that follows the item, and it hasn't been abused, then no problem!

I was gonna mention that USO has some new low power scopes, 1-6 and 1-8 that aren't too bad and a new one, TS20 and it's a 2-20x scope (may be 2.3 or 2.5). $1439 MSRP, so it's a budget version, but I'd be interested in seeing how it works. Wide mag range for sure.