Rifle Scopes Looking for a LPVO < $400

[CyBuzz]

I need to get an optic for my old AR before I give it to my dad. I have Vortex PST (G1) on my other AR and it seems to work well at the range out to 100yds. I thought I would just throw another on this one and be done but then I started researching .

• What is the platform for the scope? Armalite flattop AR
• What cartridge are you shooting? .223/5.56
• What is your intended use for the scope? General range shooting and limited hunting (out to 200 yds)
• What type of conditions will you typically shoot in? Dawn to Dusk if hunting, daylight at range
• What are the typical distances you intend to shoot? out to 200 yards
• Are there any specific specifications you would like? Illuminated reticle
• What is the price range you can afford? $0-$400 (not including rings/mount)

I am open to any optic however I am thinking I want something 1x up to 8x. I will probably throw it in a AR-PEPR mount but am open to suggestions there too.

Here are the optics I have been reading about (not limited to these though):
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6 or 1-8 x24
Vortex PST Gen 1-4x24
Athlon Helos BTR 1-4.5x24
Athlon Argos BTR G2 1-8x24
Burris 1-6x24
Edited to add Primary Arms optics...this looks good too
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope - Illuminated ACSS-RAPTOR-5.56/.308
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen III - Illuminated ACSS-5.56/5.45/.308

I usually order stuff from optics planet or locally (Scheels), but if there are hide vendors you would recommend, I would be happy to go there.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[plt228]

I haven't seen the other scopes listed but I think the Burris RT6 is the best deal for the price. You can check with Doug at Cameralandny or Sport Optics, both have great prices.

 

[Neurotic]

I don't have personal experience with this, but this seems like a good deal if you're okay with the reticle and capped turrets...

Bushnell Forge 1-8x w/ED glass

 

[Lightning8]

Leupold VX-R 1.25x4 or 2-7. I believe discontinued but may be new old stock still available

 

[kriller134]

Swfa ss 1-4 isn’t bad for the money

 

[long range sponge]

The RT-6 is regarded as one heck of a deal. I've seen people recommend it numerous times. Euro Optic has the PST 1-4 for $250 I believe.

 

[erwos]

Burris RT-6. If you can stretch just a little bit further, Vortex PST Gen II 1-6x.

 

[david223]

Look for a used PST2 1-6x24. Much better than what you listed and has the lifetime warranty as well. The Pepr mount is too heavy imo. Look for an aero ultralight mount.

 

[longrange454]

I don't have personal experience with this, but this seems like a good deal if you're okay with the reticle and capped turrets...

Bushnell Forge 1-8x w/ED glass

Just bought one. That scope is a beast, and i mean that in a good way.

 

[Sandhog308]

I paid right at $500.00 for a NIB Vortex Viper PST2 1-6x24. Really a nice optic at that price point. Only negative is the weight , which isn’t a problem for me.

 

[rhsc]

Just bought one. That scope is a beast, and i mean that in a good way.

Have you had chance to use your Bushnell in any low light situations? It seems that 30mm objective would give it an edge there.

 

[CyBuzz]

Thanks for all the great feedback. I will take a look at a few. hope to make a decision this week.

I don't have personal experience with this, but this seems like a good deal if you're okay with the reticle and capped turrets...

Bushnell Forge 1-8x w/ED glass

I will check this out. I have a number of bushnell scopes that seem ok.

Swfa ss 1-4 isn’t bad for the money

I hadn't thought of SWFA...dont know why...will take a look.

The RT-6 is regarded as one heck of a deal. I've seen people recommend it numerous times. Euro Optic has the PST 1-4 for $250 I believe.

EO has the PST 1-4 for $299 which is $100 cheaper than optics planet. I like the one i have so that might be an option or the burris for $50 more.

 

[longrange454]

Have you had chance to use your Bushnell in any low light situations? It seems that 30mm objective would give it an edge there.

I only had time to get it zeroed in before i had shoulder surgery.

 

[CyBuzz]

Burris RT-6. If you can stretch just a little bit further, Vortex PST Gen II 1-6x.

i like the PST and am planning on getting the PST G2 5-25 when i get a 6.5 CM rifle. my problem is i often stretch a little further....and further....and further....and then dont get anything. for example...i was going to buy a Ruger Precision Rifle (1399) and the PST Gen 2. then i started reading and thought...stretch a little more....get the Tikka T3x A1 (1799)....then stretch a little more from that and get an APO SnipersHide edition or BadRock South Fork...and i am up to $2k from 1400 original budget and havent purchased anything yet....This hobby is taxing on my brain and wallet


Edit to add....all that being said.....EuroOptic has a demo one for 484.99.....ugg

 

[redneckbmxer24]

You could spend another $150 and get into a Steiner PX4 which will be a far better optic than any of that Chinese or Phillipino junk listed.

 

[CyBuzz]

You could spend another $150 and get into a Steiner PX4 which will be a far better optic than any of that Chinese or Phillipino junk listed.

I could and I have considered it....just a little more...just a little more....pretty soon I will get a S&B for it...just kidding...

on that note...where would you find a P4x for 550?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

It would be our pleasure to assist you. Please give us a call to discuss different options and what would be best for you

 

[Team RCBS & Bushnell]

You may want to check out the 1-8x30 Forge. 34mm tube. ED Prime. Made in Korea.

Buy Forge 1-8x30 Riflescope Illuminated German No. 4 Reticle and More | Bushnell

Shopping for the Forge 1-8x30 Riflescope Illuminated German No. 4 Reticle - Learn more about the latest All Products and other hunting or shooting gear at Bushnell.

www.bushnell.com

 

[everready073]

Is the forge reticle daylight bright?

 

[Hatari]

Another quality dealer is Euro Optic. They are also running a 14% off Vortex sale right now .

 

[Ndbowhunter]

Had a pile of mid priced LPVO’s come through my hands the last 6 months or so.

for my use the swfa 1-4 at 300$ used is the pick of the cheap litter. Been beaten on hard and plain works. thousands of rounds at this point. Reticle matches the turrets. The diamond is a good size,turrets track and repeat. The eyebox and view at 1x is very good. Just a good solid scope.

the middle ground in that 500-700$ is a bit more blurry but for me the bushnell 1-6.5 is the winner for what a 16-18” gas gun needs.

reticle works with no illumination. Capped turrets don’t move, nice weight penalty. 6.5x is plenty to shoot deer at 500, eyebox at 1x is huge, glass is plenty good. Turrets track and repeat.

Biggest downside is the illumination, like most older designs it isn’t really daylight bright per se. it’s amber and not glowing.

If that matters get the Steiner.

 

[CyBuzz]

well I am leaning toward the Vortex Ranger (PST Gen I Limited Run I guess) that i found over at euro optics for 299. That or a PTS Gen I in Mils for the same price. I have the PST Gen I on one of my other ARs and it seems to work well for me.

Vortex Ranger 1-4x24 Rifle Scope TMCQ MOA RGR-1401

Buy Vortex Ranger 1-4x24 Rifle Scope TMCQ MOA RGR-1401 at Eurooptic.com. This Vortex Ranger Scope features exposed tactical-style elevation and windage turrets with .5 MOA per click adjustments and 220 MOA of travel. Shop Vortex Rifle Scope online.

www.eurooptic.com

I have a call into Doug at camera land and will see what he says about scopes he carries(Burris and Athlon look good on paper).

There are a number of optics that many have recommended in all price ranges. Will let you know what I decide.

 

[CyBuzz]

I talked to Doug at camera land and ordered and optic. Doug was great to talk with and didn't want to spend more money than i needed and i appreciate that. I ended up with an Athlon 1-4 and a lightweight Steiner one piece mount for less than my budget. That is probably the first time ever that has happened.

Thanks everyone for the feedback and thanks to Doug at camera land