Rifle Scopes I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

T

tacoma_2002

Private
Minuteman
Mar 9, 2011
4
0
36
Blue Mountain, MS
#1
Just bought my first AR, and looking into putting a Mildot scope on it. I will be using the rifle primarily for 500yd+/- shots that will be completed on unknown yardage ranges, and varmit hunting. I'm new to the whole AR thing, so therefore I have no clue where to start when buying a optic for this thing. I'm on a budget with this thing, so those $1500 optics will have to wait. Would like to see what you guys recommend thats in the $200-500 range.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Optic will be going on a S&W M&P15 in 5.56.

Thanks in advance!
 
#2
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

Well there is the ever popular SS 10x scope, great for long range beginners and if very affordable, tracks like a champ and is built well, but I ma not so sure about it being the ideal hunting scope, if you want something more versatile the look at the new Vortex Viper PST scopes, there are a little more expensive but well worth it and you will not have to upgrade for a very long time.
 
#3
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

500 +- That is stretching it out there for varmints, especially with this bullet and rifle. For this type of hunting, I would recommend a reasonable range finder and pass on the mil dots. You are most likely talking sub minute shooting for varmints at this range. That is going to challenge this combination.

I don’t know your hunting environment or skill level. With my experience in varmint hunting, (open fields)I would think using mil dots to calculate range on a varmint would be difficult at best.

You are not building a sniper rifle or even a serious competition rifle. I would think there would be plenty of options for this application under $500. Good Luck.
 
#4
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

tacoma2002,

buy a CounterSniper Scope it has mildots inside of mildots, and an illuminated reticle. It makes ranging prairie dogs at 500 yards a breeze.
 
#7
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

In your price range, SWFA SS 10x rear focus if you want new and reliable with money left over for ammo. They're tough and accurate. Have several on M-99 Barretts....
wink.gif


To anyone on a budget though, watch the "Optics For Sale" forum. Bargains are always popping up there, especially from guys upgrading less expensive to finance more expensive. SWFA also has the "Sample List" that has some excellent bargains on used optics.
 
#10
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

If you're going to be shooting at small stuff at 500 yards, I don't think that 10X is going to get it.

Honestly, I don't think your rifle is going to get it either; not without some work in the barrel department. In stock form, you'll probably be lucky to be able to hit a dog with any consistency at 200 yards with that rifle.
 
#12
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

This sounds like some good shooting. A custom AR that shoots ½ MOA at 500 yards is rare, a production AR that will, is probably a freak of nature. With a ½ MOA at 500 being the approximate width of a prairie dog, everything else has to be pretty much perfect.

A 10 mph cross wind gives you a bullet drift of about 36 inches and with a 100 yard zero you will have a elevation drop of about 54 inches. A missed calculation of 5-10 yards with that bullet and you will have a missed varmint.

If it was me, before I dropped another $500. You might want to borrow a scope. If the rifle is not capable of shooting ½ moa at 100 yards, you might want to consider another rifle, bullet or purpose.

Even if your rifle can do it, the margin of error is really small. Let us know how this works.
 
#13
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

I just put a Nikkon M-223 3X12 with the BDC 600 reticle on my AR-15. I am pleased thus far and this would be in your price range.

Another option would be the Vortex Viper 6.5X20. Have one of those on my .308 and am pleased with it as well. Also under $500.
 
#14
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

Agreed!

Most of the hunting shots will be taken inside 200 yards. The 500yd shots will be taken at the range while sharpening my Mil/MOA mathmatics and slinging a little lead with the buds. I understand that this rifle is not best suited for these ranges, but it should make for some good fun at the range and in the field.

I plan on building a Rem 700 in .308 as soon as this "economic recovery" gets into full swing
wink.gif
.

Great links and suggestions! Looks like I've got a full night of research! Much appreciated!
 
#15
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tacoma2002</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like I've got a full night of research!
</div></div> And that is the important part. Try to get with other shooters in your area and see what optics they have too. The best research is looking through and using the scope on a range. Fill out your location in your profile and there may be some members in your area that are willing to do the same.
 
#16
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

Check out the ss 3-9 great scope for the money. I shoot clays at 500 with my 16" 308. Everything you need nothing you do not. The scope tracks well and has a great image again for the price you can not beat it
 
#17
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

"I shoot clay birds at 550yds on numerous occasions with my 24" RRA varmint and a Bushnell 10X mil/mil. Shooting 50gr Federal HP'S...nothing handloaded."

Are you ranging Clay birds at 550 with mil dots and then hitting them?

I would have thought a fat Pdog could use a mil dot for cover/concealment at 550.
 
#18
Re: I'AR15 Mildot Optic suggestions

Are the 24" RRA varmint and the S&W M&P15 on the same level? I would use a LRF also, that was my point.

With an elevation change of 15-20 inches from 500 to 550 yards, range calculations have to be tight.

He described his experience level of “I am new to the whole AR thing and I have no clue where to start” Using a mil dot to range that distance has such a small margin of error, he may want to get a LRF.

A shooter has to maintain ½ moa point of aim/point of impact at 550 to consistently bust a clay bird. A ½ minute group 3” from center doesn’t do it.

Even with correct range estimation down to the yard, That is still good shooting and well beyond the capability of most shooters.

If this can be done with production run equipment and any consistency at all, I think I must be over the hill.
 
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