Optics choices for my AR

Bigzams

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 19, 2010
148
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San Marcos Texas
As my AR15 build nears completion I am wondering what to do for optics
I was looking at a 3x9 or 6x18 scope along these lines here.
http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shoot...0mm-adj-obj-t1/

Set up on a quick release rail since I will have back up flip sights anyone else run this type of setup? How do you like it pros/cons?

This will not be a rifle that is on a life or death patrol or anything like that this is one that I take out a few times a month and head out to the range and punch some paper and ring some steel. Budget I have is $500-$600 for both mount and optic.
 
Re: Optics choices for my AR

I ended up picking up the Leupold 6x18 40mm I remembered I had a few Cabelas gift cards that I got for Christmas.Figured if I don't like it on the AR I can still use it on my bolt guns.Ill give it a test run to see how I like it. Out the door price was under 400 bucks.
 
Re: Optics choices for my AR

I have 3 ARs after selling a few. My SBR with a Mini ACOG, and my 6.8 AR15 and my 308 Mega MA-Ten Mono. Both my 6.8 and Mega I have set up with a Leupy MK2 3-9x40 with Mil Dot reticles. Leupy discontinued these scopes, put a BDC turret on them and branded them as the MK AR. Same scope different name.

I used this on my Mega since I sold my M1A and had the scope still. My wife's AR15 had the other scope which I snagged and placed on my 6.8. Both mounts used are the Warne RAMP with dual removable 45 offset mounts. I have a Primary Arms Micro on my Mega and will get another for the 6.8.

While the scope mount isn't a QD flavor it is a stout mount and runs about $130 from cheaperthendirt. You can pick up a used scope for a decent price and get the mount for very close to your budget.

I've got a MK4 on my bolt gun and was going to get the 4.5-14 model for my Mega but when I was able to make hits consistently out to 600 and 2 out of 5 hits at 700 I was content with glass. The Leupold line up has good quality for price.

Yes there are alot of better scopes out there but try to find a US Optics of Nightforce for your budget. The 3-9 should do everything you need it to do for an AR15 based caliber rifle.

Resampled_2011-12-04_15-08-44_806.jpg


Here's a pic of the two before I mounted the RAMP on the 6.8 and swapped the tan MIAD for a black, sorry no current pics. And FYI the RAMP takes up the whole AR15 rail so mounting a BUIS isn't possible without a MONO upper or bridging to the rail.
 
Re: Optics choices for my AR

I have a leupold 3-9 mark AR a millett 1-4 dms-1 and the nikon m223 4 to 12 it all jst depends on what you are using it for. my favorite is the mark AR its not clunky like the other 2 optics and the turrets have caps. The m223 turrets are a little too easy to bump off zero. The millett is heavy and pretty big for just a 1 to 4 power optic but all of them are good mid price range choices
 
Re: Optics choices for my AR

My build is almost done guy at the shop says Sunday or Monday he will be taking it to the range to function test and test fire make sure its a shooter. He says if all goes well it will be in my hands Tuesday. Hope the weather clears up so I can go to my favorite outdoor range. Can`t wait.
 
Re: Optics choices for my AR

I have a pst 1x4 in an ADM recon mount and really like it. Went away from an etch and don't miss it. I can run it like an eotech on1x or crank it up for a longer shot
 
Re: Optics choices for my AR

If you have the cash USO or NF give great offerings for an AR style rifle. Such as the 1.8-10 from USO and 2.5-10 by NF. I bought the NF with ZS and love it a lot.
 
Re: Optics choices for my AR

I think that you would do best with a SWFA Super Sniper 3-9x40. Great scope. You could probably pick one up used and have enough left over to buy the scope mount.
 
Re: Optics choices for my AR

I went with a Vortex PST 2.5-10x44 and love it. I have it mounted in a Larue SPR-S double lever quick release and eye/head position is perfect with the A2 stock.

IMAG0408.jpg
 
Re: Optics choices for my AR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nleaders</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think that you would do best with a SWFA Super Sniper 3-9x40. Great scope. You could probably pick one up used and have enough left over to buy the scope mount. </div></div>

+1 for the budget range you mentioned