Scope for my AR15

mohr308 · July 8, 2012, 09:51 AM

Im trying to find a scope for my RRA ar15 in 5.56. Anyone have any suggestions? Eye relief is the biggest factor seeing I have the AWB model with a fixed butt stock. Keeping the price under $200 is my goal.

UtopiaTexasG19 · July 8, 2012, 11:17 AM

Huge topic. First question....How far out do you plan to shoot? The difference between home defense/plinking paper or target shooting further out/hunting will help determining what you might need.

Beentown71 · July 8, 2012, 01:08 PM

Yeah, we need more info especially purpose of the rifle. If I were to pick a company it would be Vortex.

Two of their red dots (SPARC and Strikefire) are both quality and priced under $200

If you cruise Ebay and SWFA they have their Diamondbacks for really good prices.

No questions asked warranty. Best in the business IMHO.

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk 2

ssonb · July 8, 2012, 01:17 PM

I know that this is a bit over your budget but I have been the most pleased with the Nikon 223 2x8x32 with the RAT(rapid action turret).Believe me I have a shelf full of scopes that I tried that are in the 100 to 200 dollar range. This scope has very good light transmission with clear optics, just use the dedicated mount that Nikon makes for this scope. For me the 2x makes it easy to keep both eyes open for close in or rapid work the 8x gives you enuf to use out to the 600 yrd mark......Buy once and only cry once over the price not every time you miss with a lesser quality glass. Just my 2 cent worth..

sholling · July 8, 2012, 01:27 PM

For home defense a Weaver V3 1-3x20 for $150 (review) is a great option because of its true 1x low-end. I like the Nikon M-223 1-4x20 (derived from their superb Monarch line) a little bit better but it's $150 more. A true 1x low-end allows you to use the scope as a both eyes open CQB sight while the 3 or 4x lets you reach out a ways. Just be careful when shopping because not all "1-4x" scopes have a true 1x low-end. Many are really 1.2x or even 1.5x. These two are true 1x. On your budget I'd mount it in a $90 Burris QD P.E.P.R. Mount - it's no LaRue but it's less than 1/2 the price.

For longer distance it's hard to beat a Weaver Classic V10 2-10x38 for $160. For really long range target shooting the Weaver V16 is another great choice but it busts the budget.

This guide may help you figure out how they compare with other options. Optically and mechanically Weaver's Classic V series comes in between Nikon's Monarch/M-223 line and their budget ProStaff/P-223 lines.

This is the Weaver V3 in a P.E.P.R. mount sitting on an M&P15-22. I bought it as a training stand-in for my 6.8SPC with Burris XTR 1-4x24.

Marquezj16 · July 8, 2012, 05:38 PM

+1 on the Nikon M223. It is over your budget though.

Not to worry, Nikon also has the P223.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-p-...fle-scope.html

DeadCenter · July 8, 2012, 07:00 PM

+1 on the Nikon M-223 1-4 and Burris mount, that is exactly what I am using and love them both.

mohr308 · July 8, 2012, 07:21 PM

sorry i forgot to include that info, I would like to use it for Varmints and deer. Longest range would be 250 yds and sometimes paper targets.

sholling · July 8, 2012, 07:54 PM

Then I'd go with the Weaver V10 2-10x38 or V16 4-16x42 that I linked earlier.

RangerHAAF · July 8, 2012, 08:07 PM

Do u want one that uses batteries or a traditional crosshair type reticle?

I've always been partial to the German post #8 reticle but they're hard to find in the US so I've gone with what the guys at Millett offer. They make good and solid low powered scopes for the ranges that u listed. The reticle is what they call a dot in a donut and is laid out atop a post.

http://www.millettsights.com/scopes/dms/

I must apologize. This scope is closer to $400 dollars but I know they make similar scopes closer to $200 dollars. Check Amazon for the best prices.

DeadCenter · July 8, 2012, 08:35 PM

For a higher power scope for $200ish, give the Burris Fullfield II 3x9-40 a look. Pretty nice optics for the price.

mohr308 · July 8, 2012, 10:01 PM

Batteries or not doesn't matter, just something that won't rattle loose from all that firing. I shoot a lot of targets right now, I just use my iron sights. After missing a ground hog at 190 yds and getting dirt in his eyes I figured its time for a scope.

Marquezj16 · July 9, 2012, 05:55 AM

The P223 comes in 3-9X or 3x. The 3-9X should fill your need.

madcratebuilder · July 9, 2012, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mohr308

sorry i forgot to include that info, I would like to use it for Varmints and deer. Longest range would be 250 yds and sometimes paper targets.

Remaining within your budget I would recommend the Weaver 1-3x20 for a magnification optic. I've compared the Weaver to my 1-4 M223 and I think the Weaver is superior in optic quality. This leaves about $50 for a mount, lot of guys use UTG, doesn't have the fit and finish of the designer brands, nor the price tag.

Another option would be a red dot with co-witness iron sights. This is great for closer ranges, very quick target acquisition.

sparkysteve · July 10, 2012, 08:28 PM

I just put a Nikon P-223 3-9 scope on my AR. I'm happy with it. Right around $200 bucks. They were running an offer with free rings, but I think it's over.

Justice06RR · July 11, 2012, 09:02 PM

A lot of good scopes have been suggested, but may I add the Bushnell Banner 3-9X40 with the 6-inch eye relief. It easily fits the budget at less than $100 shipped from Amazon or Opticsplanet.com.

I thoroughly researched this scope before buying it and have not seen a negative review. The glass is very clear and the scope feels high quality overall. it does not use batteries or have crosshairs, just the plain Multi-X black reticle. For ranges of around 200yds it should be perfect, and your wallet will thank you too. The only thing you'd have to buy is a scope mount because it doesn't come with any.

Here's the link

http://www.opticsplanet.com/bush-rs-bnr-713947.html
or
http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Banne...+banner+3-9x40

and a pic on my AR

wnycollector · July 14, 2012, 07:18 PM

I have found the Nitrex by Weaver 1.5-5x32 TR1 for be a spectacular inexpensive AR scope. The Nitrex TR1 scopes are re-badged Weaver Grand Slams that normally for significantly more $$$. Natchez has them on closeout for $120. The TR1 scope has clear 95% light transmission glass and top notch construction. You can pick up an RRA Cantilevered one piece mount for $60 and still have some cash left over in you budget.

Bushmaster1313 · July 15, 2012, 12:29 AM

Leupold 1-4x20mm Turkey Scope
Got it for $125 new from an on-line auction site

loose_holster_dan · July 16, 2012, 07:42 AM

see if you can find one of those old bushnell holosights.

July 8, 2012, 09:51 AM	#1
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	Scope for my AR15 Im trying to find a scope for my RRA ar15 in 5.56. Anyone have any suggestions? Eye relief is the biggest factor seeing I have the AWB model with a fixed butt stock. Keeping the price under $200 is my goal.

July 8, 2012, 01:17 PM	#4
ssonb Member Join Date: January 28, 2007 Location: marietta ga.(confedrate american) Posts: 19	I know that this is a bit over your budget but I have been the most pleased with the Nikon 223 2x8x32 with the RAT(rapid action turret).Believe me I have a shelf full of scopes that I tried that are in the 100 to 200 dollar range. This scope has very good light transmission with clear optics, just use the dedicated mount that Nikon makes for this scope. For me the 2x makes it easy to keep both eyes open for close in or rapid work the 8x gives you enuf to use out to the 600 yrd mark......Buy once and only cry once over the price not every time you miss with a lesser quality glass. Just my 2 cent worth.. __________________ to ride shoot straight and speak the truth

July 8, 2012, 01:27 PM	#5
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	For home defense a Weaver V3 1-3x20 for $150 (review) is a great option because of its true 1x low-end. I like the Nikon M-223 1-4x20 (derived from their superb Monarch line) a little bit better but it's $150 more. A true 1x low-end allows you to use the scope as a both eyes open CQB sight while the 3 or 4x lets you reach out a ways. Just be careful when shopping because not all "1-4x" scopes have a true 1x low-end. Many are really 1.2x or even 1.5x. These two are true 1x. On your budget I'd mount it in a $90 Burris QD P.E.P.R. Mount - it's no LaRue but it's less than 1/2 the price. For longer distance it's hard to beat a Weaver Classic V10 2-10x38 for $160. For really long range target shooting the Weaver V16 is another great choice but it busts the budget. This guide may help you figure out how they compare with other options. Optically and mechanically Weaver's Classic V series comes in between Nikon's Monarch/M-223 line and their budget ProStaff/P-223 lines. This is the Weaver V3 in a P.E.P.R. mount sitting on an M&P15-22. I bought it as a training stand-in for my 6.8SPC with Burris XTR 1-4x24. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society. Last edited by sholling; July 8, 2012 at 07:51 PM.

July 8, 2012, 07:54 PM	#9
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	Then I'd go with the Weaver V10 2-10x38 or V16 4-16x42 that I linked earlier. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society.

July 8, 2012, 08:07 PM	#10
RangerHAAF Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2007 Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 269	Do u want one that uses batteries or a traditional crosshair type reticle? I've always been partial to the German post #8 reticle but they're hard to find in the US so I've gone with what the guys at Millett offer. They make good and solid low powered scopes for the ranges that u listed. The reticle is what they call a dot in a donut and is laid out atop a post. http://www.millettsights.com/scopes/dms/ I must apologize. This scope is closer to $400 dollars but I know they make similar scopes closer to $200 dollars. Check Amazon for the best prices. __________________ A Colt Python's trigger pull is as smooth, beautiful and artistic as a Sidewinder sliding on the desert floor. It is concepts like this that the anti-gunners can never comprehend and why we fight so hard to keep them. NRA Benefactor Life member Last edited by RangerHAAF; July 8, 2012 at 09:23 PM.

July 8, 2012, 11:17 AM	#2
UtopiaTexasG19 Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2011 Location: S.E. Texas Gulf Coast Posts: 743	Huge topic. First question....How far out do you plan to shoot? The difference between home defense/plinking paper or target shooting further out/hunting will help determining what you might need.

July 8, 2012, 01:08 PM	#3
Beentown71 Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2009 Location: Midwest Posts: 1,560	Yeah, we need more info especially purpose of the rifle. If I were to pick a company it would be Vortex. Two of their red dots (SPARC and Strikefire) are both quality and priced under $200 If you cruise Ebay and SWFA they have their Diamondbacks for really good prices. No questions asked warranty. Best in the business IMHO. Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk 2

July 8, 2012, 05:38 PM	#6
Marquezj16 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2011 Posts: 2,088	+1 on the Nikon M223. It is over your budget though. Not to worry, Nikon also has the P223. http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-p-...fle-scope.html

July 8, 2012, 07:00 PM	#7
DeadCenter Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2006 Posts: 105	+1 on the Nikon M-223 1-4 and Burris mount, that is exactly what I am using and love them both.

July 8, 2012, 07:21 PM	#8
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	sorry i forgot to include that info, I would like to use it for Varmints and deer. Longest range would be 250 yds and sometimes paper targets.

July 8, 2012, 08:35 PM	#11
DeadCenter Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2006 Posts: 105	For a higher power scope for $200ish, give the Burris Fullfield II 3x9-40 a look. Pretty nice optics for the price.

July 8, 2012, 10:01 PM	#12
mohr308 Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2012 Location: Western New York Posts: 466	Batteries or not doesn't matter, just something that won't rattle loose from all that firing. I shoot a lot of targets right now, I just use my iron sights. After missing a ground hog at 190 yds and getting dirt in his eyes I figured its time for a scope.

July 9, 2012, 05:55 AM	#13
Marquezj16 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2011 Posts: 2,088	The P223 comes in 3-9X or 3x. The 3-9X should fill your need.

July 10, 2012, 08:28 PM	#15
sparkysteve Senior Member Join Date: December 26, 2005 Location: Byron Center, Michigan Posts: 418	I just put a Nikon P-223 3-9 scope on my AR. I'm happy with it. Right around $200 bucks. They were running an offer with free rings, but I think it's over. __________________ I have ADHD........Attention, Defficit, Hey there goes a squirrel! Dont tread on me.

July 11, 2012, 09:02 PM	#16
Justice06RR Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2010 Location: Central FL Posts: 1,360	A lot of good scopes have been suggested, but may I add the Bushnell Banner 3-9X40 with the 6-inch eye relief. It easily fits the budget at less than $100 shipped from Amazon or Opticsplanet.com. I thoroughly researched this scope before buying it and have not seen a negative review. The glass is very clear and the scope feels high quality overall. it does not use batteries or have crosshairs, just the plain Multi-X black reticle. For ranges of around 200yds it should be perfect, and your wallet will thank you too. The only thing you'd have to buy is a scope mount because it doesn't come with any. Here's the link http://www.opticsplanet.com/bush-rs-bnr-713947.html or http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Banne...+banner+3-9x40 and a pic on my AR

July 14, 2012, 07:18 PM	#17
wnycollector Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Posts: 1,996	I have found the Nitrex by Weaver 1.5-5x32 TR1 for be a spectacular inexpensive AR scope. The Nitrex TR1 scopes are re-badged Weaver Grand Slams that normally for significantly more $$$. Natchez has them on closeout for $120. The TR1 scope has clear 95% light transmission glass and top notch construction. You can pick up an RRA Cantilevered one piece mount for $60 and still have some cash left over in you budget.

July 15, 2012, 12:29 AM	#18
Bushmaster1313 Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2008 Posts: 339	Leupold 1-4x20mm Turkey Scope Got it for $125 new from an on-line auction site

July 16, 2012, 07:42 AM	#19
loose_holster_dan Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2011 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 2,461	see if you can find one of those old bushnell holosights. __________________ Favorite range gun for the money - CZ 75B or STI Spartan V 9mm Go-to carry setup - Walther PPS or PPQ in FIST kydex holster 1AK Favorite semi-auto design - HK P7 "A Sig is like a lightsaber - not as clumsy or random as a Glock."