Rifle Scopes Optic options for long range Ar-15

[Jeremybj]

Gentleman,

I am getting some work finished on a new long range ar 15 with a BCM barrel. I am trying to figure out what to do for an optic. I have a cap of about $700 for the optic.

I am kinda between Leupold 3-9 VXR Patrol or the SWFA 3-15. I know I am missing some other good options, so I need some suggestions.

Jeremy

 

[Creature]

I would look for an older/used Leupold Mark 4. Probably a 3.5-10x40 with what ever flavor knobs you like. I run one on one of my rifles now and like it a lot. You could always get a 4.5-14 or a 6.5-20 if you wanted. I personally like the 3.5-10x40. I run mainly Nightforce scopes and aside from the reticle/knob commonality(moa/moa) and zero stop the Leupold's glass is just as good IMO. This goes for the older ones(7-8 or so years old).

Keep an eye out on the EE for one.

I haven't researched the newer Super Sniper scopes as I'm not a mil guy but they're pretty solid. I'd want the HD glass though and that might not happen with your budget....

 

[RFutch]

I've got the SWFA SS 3-15 on my SPR. I love it.

 

[PearlWhiteGT]

I'm looking at the VX-R 3-9x40 as well. Really like the Fire Dot on it.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I like something in the 2.5/3/3.5-9/10/12 range for a precision gas gun. I don't think you could go wrong with either of your choices but I would also throw the SS3-9 in the mix as well as the bushnell elite 3-12, you can find them lightly used within your budget. It really comes down to the features you want/need.

 

[Jeremybj]

My ONLY concern with the 3-9 is there enough magnification to reach out there? On my 308 I have a 3-10 and I have shot it out to 600 yards, but that target is awefully small in the crosshair. I know each gun is different, but what is a "typical" range an SPRish build is accurate to?

I have been keeping my eye on samplelist and have seen the 3-9 pop up for sub $500, so that is probably the bargain of the group, but back to the 3-9 issue again.

Any advise for me?

 

[Nisils14]

I went with a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 on a 18" SPR, and I love it. PSTs are price right in your range too. Bushnell Elite are a good look in your budget also. Magnification is personal preference IMO, I feel 10x is more then plenty for 600yds which is probably near the limits for 223.

 

[Snake CharmerXX]

Long range means many things to different folks...

I suffer a bit from "old eyes" so I value clarity and magnification range. I just pulled a Nikon off an AR and put a Weaver 3-15x50 FFP on it instead Illuminated, front focal, and I kind like the EMDR reticle. Tracks well, 5x range is nice, and at pretty close to your price point. Research I'd done at the time suggested this as good a glass as you could get at the time, and I've not seen another scope in it's price range w/better glass and FFP

Weaver Tactical Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 3-15x 50mm 1/10 Mil Adjustments

Otherwise if SFP = OK:

Vortex Viper PST Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 4-16x 50mm Side Focus 1/10 MIL

 

[Snake CharmerXX]

By the way, this is what I took off the my AR:

Nikon M-223 Rifle Scope 3-12x 42mm Side Focus Nikoplex Reticle Matte

It was OK, but that was it. My point? At this price range every dollar spent buys you real tangible quality increases. I do think the price performance curve gets mighty darn shallow once you hit $1k (although I hear durability continues to improve), but I think stretching your budget in the 600 to 800 dollar range makes a big difference in every way.

 

[BCP]

I have a leupold M3 on my 18" right now. Am using a 77gr load @ 2650fps and it matches 'good enough' with the 168gr BDC knob. Previously had a sightron S3 3.5-10 and I've also had a super sniper 3-9 and they were good too.

Didn't like the VXR leupold and wouldn't get another.

For paper target only shooting I would think about something 6.5-20 like the PST or Sightron S3. Extra magnification is always nice. I like 3-9s because I hunt and plink too and 6.5 on the low end is too much for me.