I was hoping the forum could offer some suggestions for a scope for my new AR. First, a little background on me and my project. I am not new to the AR/M-16 platform, but this is the 1st time I have set up a rifle with optics. When I originally embarked on putting a rifle together, I was hoping to put together something between a predator rifle and a varmint rifle(accurate, but still light enough to carry), while being on a budget. Through the help of a friend and some of his connections, I ended up with something nicer than I budgeted for, but a little different than I intended.
The rifle: Rock River Varmint A4 upper, 20" SS barrel, 1:8 twist, 5.56/.223, Hogue free-float handguard, Mohawk lower, Rock River 2-stage trigger, Magpul PRS stock. The barrel was lapped by the person that assembled it.
I believe this rifle will make an excellent target/varmint (bench)rifle, with an occasional short jaunt away from the truck for predators (seems to balance well at this point despite its weight). What do you think would be a good scope and set of rings/mount to explore the potential of this rifle? Despite an appreciation for the finer things in life, I would like to try and keep the scope under $500 if feasible, as I have other projects I am working on. But I can be flexible. I need something that works, but it doesn't have to be top-end. BTW, this is my initial attempt at trying to learn long-range shooting techniques. I would eventually like to pick up a .308 bolt rifle to continue with this endeavor.
As much as I would like to spend the big bucks, these are my initial thoughts:
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44, BDC or Plex reticle
Nikon Monarch 4-16x42, Nikoplex reticle
Bushnell 4200 4-16x40, multi-X reticle
Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40, Nikoplex reticle, not sure I like 1/8 moa adjustments
Burris XTR rings, (what height would I need for my scope??)
Warne rings
Super Sniper rings
I am not sure what would constitute over-scoping or under-scoping this rifle. Of course I know it's not always the arrow...it's the Indian. Also, if you have any suggestions for a bipod and a durable, but not overly expensive case. I am thinking a Harris bipod and a case from Midway at this point. Any thoughts on Keng's Versa-Pod? I thought they looked pretty nice when I saw them at SHOT last year.
Your suggestions and comments are appreciated.
The rifle: Rock River Varmint A4 upper, 20" SS barrel, 1:8 twist, 5.56/.223, Hogue free-float handguard, Mohawk lower, Rock River 2-stage trigger, Magpul PRS stock. The barrel was lapped by the person that assembled it.
I believe this rifle will make an excellent target/varmint (bench)rifle, with an occasional short jaunt away from the truck for predators (seems to balance well at this point despite its weight). What do you think would be a good scope and set of rings/mount to explore the potential of this rifle? Despite an appreciation for the finer things in life, I would like to try and keep the scope under $500 if feasible, as I have other projects I am working on. But I can be flexible. I need something that works, but it doesn't have to be top-end. BTW, this is my initial attempt at trying to learn long-range shooting techniques. I would eventually like to pick up a .308 bolt rifle to continue with this endeavor.
As much as I would like to spend the big bucks, these are my initial thoughts:
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44, BDC or Plex reticle
Nikon Monarch 4-16x42, Nikoplex reticle
Bushnell 4200 4-16x40, multi-X reticle
Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40, Nikoplex reticle, not sure I like 1/8 moa adjustments
Burris XTR rings, (what height would I need for my scope??)
Warne rings
Super Sniper rings
I am not sure what would constitute over-scoping or under-scoping this rifle. Of course I know it's not always the arrow...it's the Indian. Also, if you have any suggestions for a bipod and a durable, but not overly expensive case. I am thinking a Harris bipod and a case from Midway at this point. Any thoughts on Keng's Versa-Pod? I thought they looked pretty nice when I saw them at SHOT last year.
Your suggestions and comments are appreciated.
