Rifle Scopes I don't know what i am doing or what to buy

[Skoda]

I will skip the boring story.

1. I don't know any thing about optics.
2. I shoot paper at 50 yards with stock iron sites on my bush master Ar 15.
3. PSC shooting range has a open field out to 200 yards. ( But I want some thing really nice for $1500 bux)
4. I work off shore on a oil rig and I want some thing nice and not cheap. (1,300-1,600)

I have a few in mind.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/81...first-focal-illuminated-jng-mil-reticle-matte

Sure what all that means but the reviews on it are good. The Jng mil reticle I am guessing is the picture on the optics? Can that be changed? I wanted something with the horse shoe.

Been looking around and not alot of places have that in stock.

the next one
http://swfa.com/IOR-15-8x26-Tactical-35mm-Rifle-Scope-P53851.aspx

or this
http://dsgarms.com/ProductInfo/LEU112633.aspx

So I am asking can the pictures be changed out and what are some good places to buy because I really don't know were to go or what to buy. There are just so many out there but these 2 caught my eye. I want something really nice because as I learn how to use it I do not want to be buying twice or do i want to buy something cheap sell it later. then get something else I do NOT want to do that. I am not going to do that.

 

[sib1948]

Hard to say what you need unless you tell us what rifle, range and targets you plan to shoot. You should read the sticky on choosing optics here several times and may have a better idea what you want. Might be able to get what you need for much less money. Sounds like you need to do more research.

PS: If you're only planning to shoot 200 yds or less, look at Trigicon ACOGs. They were made for the military for close quarter combat for that use and what I run on my HK 556. Horseshoe reticles available in different colors. Right in your price range and many different reticles to choose from. Don't plan on trying to change reticle, since it is nearly impossible and not cost effective. Good Luck

 

[Longshot38]

So just as a matter of verifying what you are looking for. You normally shoot paper out to 50 yards with irons but with the new range opportunities available you want an optic that will enhance that opportunity as well and maintain what you already do? Your budget is ~$1500? Now assuming all this is correct a few more questions come to mind. Does this budget include a mount? What kind of optic are you looking for (red dot, reflex, more traditional 1.4, etc....)?

 

[Crosshair]

If you are set on spending $1500, that puts you in the range of the best low power variables on the market. There are some REALLY good ones also, starting at about half that. The two you mentioned are very good options, either would be excellent. If I was able to drop $13-1500, the dual focal plane US optics 1.5-6 would be on my AR.

http://swfa.com/US-Optics-15-6x28-SN-4-30mm-Riflescope-P51368.aspx

 

[gunslinger07]

Are you talking about scoping your Bushmaster or a different rifle? An acog at 200 on your bushmaster would be my pick.

 

[Skoda]

Longshot38,

Have been going to the range all this time but yes wanted some optics to shoot paper out to 200 yards. No $1500 is for the optic only. $200 ish for a mount so total would be $1,700ish. What optic am i looking for? Something for paper targets at 200 yards but as my skills go up something that can be used at 300-400 yards... But i would think 300 or more and I would need a better optic.

Gunslinger07,

Going to put it on my bushmaster. For got to add I have 2 SBR barrels that I am going to change out. 10.5inch for super sonic silenced .556 and 12.5 for .300 black out silenced. I am going to guess 300 yards is going to be my max range with those set ups.

Crosshair,

Not bad. Can you point me to a mount for that? Also can you put a 10x Large Numbered EREK Knob - SHORT on that? http://www.usoptics.com/uso-gear/10x-large-numbered-erek-knob-short.html
It sounds like it makes it easy to use if you are going to long range shooting.


sib1948,

Going to look into the Acog. I had never heard of that brand before.

 

[gunslinger07]

Longshot38,

Have been going to the range all this time but yes wanted some optics to shoot paper out to 200 yards. No $1500 is for the optic only. $200 ish for a mount so total would be $1,700ish. What optic am i looking for? Something for paper targets at 200 yards but as my skills go up something that can be used at 300-400 yards... But i would think 300 or more and I would need a better optic.

Gunslinger07,

Going to put it on my bushmaster. For got to add I have 2 SBR barrels that I am going to change out. 10.5inch for super sonic silenced .556 and 12.5 for .300 black out silenced. I am going to guess 300 yards is going to be my max range with those set ups.

Crosshair,

Not bad. Can you point me to a mount for that? Also can you put a 10x Large Numbered EREK Knob - SHORT on that? http://www.usoptics.com/uso-gear/10x-large-numbered-erek-knob-short.html
It sounds like it makes it easy to use if you are going to long range shooting.


sib1948,

Going to look into the Acog. I had never heard of that brand before.

Trijicon acog. Trijicon is the brand.

 

[echo3tango13]

Hard to say without knowing what you shooting with or shooting at.....I just ordered a nightforce with the MOAR reticle (3.5-15)it cost me 1500 seems very good all around scope ........I have owned us optics this is a scope for getting (out there) it was more scope than I had gun .....The IOR glass is hard to beat for clarity

 

[Skoda]

Hard to say without knowing what you shooting with or shooting at.....I just ordered a nightforce with the MOAR reticle (3.5-15)it cost me 1500 seems very good all around scope ........I have owned us optics this is a scope for getting (out there) it was more scope than I had gun .....The IOR glass is hard to beat for clarity

Its just your run of the mill stock Bushmaster Ar 15 for $850 bux. All stock. minus the flat top I am getting for it. Shooting at paper targets. That it. For now.

 

[echo3tango13]

A nightforce 2.5-10x32 would be something to look at they start about 1400 and MADE IN THE USA .....

 

[sidewaysil80]

Acog, can't go wrong. I've shot them a 1yd in close quarters and man size silhouette targets at 500yds while in the Corps. The best part is, once you get your initial zero, you never need to make adjustments. Just aim on the corresponding notch in the cross hairs for what yard is closest to what your shooting. IMO they really are one of the greatest optics around if your shooting 500 or less. The only drawback is the price...

These are the ones that are issued in the Marines, I believe they retail for around 1000-1200 depending on where you buy from, comes with a bunch of accessories and really is a great all around optic.

this is what the reticle or "cross hair" looks like. If memory serves anything 100yds and under, you use the tip of the triangle shape, 200-300yds you use the bottom of the triangle, and the rest the number indicates the yardage.

 

[TheGerman]

ACOG or 1x4-24 Accupoint.

The ACOG is nice but is a fixed power sight and some people don't like them if you need to shoot closer as the FOV becomes an issue. I never liked them for this reason; jack of all trades, master of none (except for staying illuminated!)

The Accupoint is an adjustable optic (by Trijicon as well) that is to be used like a red dot/reflex sight and shot with both eyes open; it has a true 1x setting for close work and at 4x will get you out a few hundred yards. You're shooting an AR so I go with versatility over something like bolting a 10x scope to the top of it which will be a real hindrance at closer ranges and limits you to pretty much bench shooting.

If you're looking for true precision at greater distances, you are going to need to evaluate your platform before the scope will come into play.

 

[bh10]

Another vote for an ACOG.

 

[BobD]

Here's a few ideas,

i know these are all over the place... They are all well regarded. i have considered several of these in the past and each are fairly unique. There are some pretty incredible low power variables around the $1,000 mark. When you mentioned 1,500-1,700, it seems that the option of buying used or for just a few hundred more you would be in to some of the finest available. Just something else to think about-


Burris XTR 1-4x BDC reticle ~$700


Bushnell SMRS 1-6.5x (FFP or SFP) BTR1 or BTR2 reticle ~$1,100
Bushnell SMRS 1-8.5x FFP BTR2 ~$2,000 (I know, a bit more than you were looking to spend)


Vortex Razor 1-4 (CQMR-1 or EBR556 reticle) ~$1,050
Vortex Razor 1-6 HD (JM1 BDC reticle) ~$1,350


Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x (SPR or CM-R2 reticle) ~$900
Leupold Mark 6 1-6x (CMRW-556 or TMR reticle) ~$1,800


Swarovski Z6 1-6x (BRT, CD, or 4 reticle) ~$1,800 ($1,500 used)


Steiner 1-4x (DM1 reticle) ~$1,750 ($1,450 used)


US Optics 1-4x SN-4s (Moa/mil reticle) ~$1,300
US Optics 1.5-6x SN-4 (Moa/mil reticle) ~$1,450

Zeiss Victory/ Varipoint 1.1-4x ~$1,900 (~1,500 used)

Good luck with your search-

 

[Crosshair]

I would get a really nice $700 optic and put the other $800 into a sick dedicated upper for your Bushmaster lower.... If it was me.

 

[Skoda]

Put $700 into a upper already. $1500 is for the scope alone. to many choices

 

[DirtyDave]

USO has re-named their optics. I would go with the SR6 DFP without the EREK knob. No need to dial the elevation when you are shooting inside 500yds
http://www.usoptics.com/optics/sr-6-dfp.html

 

[ColdBlood]

If you're punching paper at 200, and hoping to get out to 300-400 if the opportunity arises, I'd consider going with something like a 2.5-10x or 3-9x magnification. More and more SEALs and special forces guys are using 14.5" barreled carbines with this type of optic for intermediate range shooting (think DEVGRU's infamous 16" stainless barreled "Recce" rifles with 2.5-10x32 Nightforce - which has now started to be replaced by HK416's with 14.5" barrels and the same scopes).

Or, if you think you'll be shooting critters, I'd take a good look at hunting/target (as opposed to tactical) scopes. You might see that you can get a 3-15x or 3-18x (Zeiss HD5, Swarovski Z5, Leupold VX-6) without making it too heavy. The 2.5 or 3x low end is plenty fast enough. I've hit way more sprinting coyotes than I've ever missed at 50-100 yards with my scope set on 4-5x. The higher the top-end, the more versatile it is. As a sniper, you'd have a spotter ID'ing the target. As a hunter, especially if I'm on my own, I like the 15x high end for looking at a deer's antlers, making sure a yote isn't a lost dog, and positively ID'ing small varmints before I shoot them (we try not to shoot stray barn cats. lol). Some guys carry binocs for ID'ing stuff, but I like being able to get a good look through the scope.

Also, if you want to wring all the accuracy out of your AR, I'd consider picking up a good stainless barrel for $200-250 (WOA, Rainier Arms, Wilson Combat, etc.). If you're already changing the upper receiver out for a flat top, you may as well spend another little bit and get it re-barreled. In my experience, stainless barrels shoot groups about half the size of the groups from chrome lined barrels. Stainless are usually good for 0.75-1 MOA vs chrome lined at 1.5-2 MOA (that's with match ammo).