budget scopes for my AR-15

Killabee-23 · January 30, 2016, 08:34 PM

I just got a new smith&wesson m&p 15. And while i dont mind the iron sights on it but i want to be able to get decent shots down range at about 500 yards. And not have to pay a fortune on a high end piece of glass i know that there are some very good options out there for under 150$. Thats about what im looking to spend and i know that for that money im not going to get an HD sight picture. But im willing to take lack of HD picture for a bunch of money in my pocket. mabey one day i will upgrade. but for now what im really looking for is a 1-4x23 to 24mm scope for under 150$ so im wondering if you guys know any good options out there that sound like they can meet the requirements thanks

A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government.

,George washington

jmr40 · January 30, 2016, 09:01 PM

This is the cheapest I can recommend.

http://swfa.com/Weaver-1-3x20-Classi...ope-P2864.aspx

I'd find a way to come up with a little more money for one of these.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-4x20-VX-1-...pe-P51851.aspx
http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-4x20-VX-1-...pe-P51852.aspx

Unless you find something discounted or used there isn't anything with a MSRP much under $200 that I'd recommend.

If you can live with a 2-7X32 or 3-9X40 there are some better options between about $175 and $200. But on an AR I'd hold out for a decent 1-4X even if I had to wait for a little while to save up a few more dollars.

http://swfa.com/Burris-3-9x40-Fullfi...ope-P7932.aspx
http://swfa.com/Redfield-2-7x33-Revo...pe-P44466.aspx
http://swfa.com/Redfield-3-9x40-Revo...pe-P44468.aspx

marine6680 · January 30, 2016, 09:12 PM

I do not know of a 1-4x that is $150 or less that is actually worth owning...

Most of the decent lower cost 1-4 scopes are about $200-300. Prices go up from there.

You may find a fixed 4x for about that price though.

Mobuck · January 30, 2016, 09:18 PM

I get by very well with Bushnell Banner, Sightron, and Burris scopes. My AR's aren't "range toys" and I probably carry an AR more hours per week than anyone not in a combat zone.
The most expensive scope I own is under $200. I pulled a Banner 1-5x32 (to install the Burris 2-7 E1) that had been on that particular carbine for 6 years with only a couple of re-zero adjustments in that time despite being my "winter rifle" all those years.

Killabee-23 · January 30, 2016, 10:01 PM

okay thanks guys ill look into those i just saw a weaver kaspa tactical for pretty good price and they look like half way decent scopes have you heard of em?

Inazone · January 30, 2016, 10:35 PM

I was in the same boat recently, wanting a 1-4X scope for a new AR and only having around $150 to spend. I compared specs and reviews for various models from Bushnell, Weaver, Leupold, Mueller, Millet and Primary Arms, and surely others I've since forgotten. I didn't care about an illuminated reticle, wanted a good warranty, and was hoping for something not made in China, which led me to a Bushnell "AR Optics" for around $140. I haven't had it long enough to give a meaningful review, but after reading up on virtually every optic in my price range at length, I feel that it was the right choice.

I don't recall if I looked at the Kaspa specifically, but I probably did given the price and specs.

bedlamite · January 30, 2016, 10:40 PM

The Kaspa is Weavers cheap line made in China, I'd avoid it. The Weaver Classic-V scopes are decent, but seem to be out of stock. I'd take a look at the Vortex Diamondback. For out to 500 yds, I'd go for a little more magnification too: http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-.../dp/B001EC7KMY

FrankenMauser · January 30, 2016, 11:50 PM

The only thing I could recommend near that price would still break the budget: The Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm, at $190-250 (depending on retailer and whether it's on sale).

dakota.potts · January 30, 2016, 11:59 PM

I believe Primary Arms and Vortex both offer a 1-4X scope under $150, and they're both rapidly rising names in the optics world.

BigBL87 · January 31, 2016, 12:06 AM

If you want an inexpensive 1-4, hard to beat Primary Arms:

http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-a...4x/p/kt-pa14x/

I personally have a Mueller Multishot 2-7 on my AR, I find 2-7 to be a great middle ground as far as magnification.

http://muelleroptics.com/mueller-2-7-32-multi-shot

http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Multi-.../dp/B000GT416E

db4570 · January 31, 2016, 01:01 AM

I am not a scope expert, and always assumed I needed some really high-end Leopold, but I got a Bushnell Banner for my AR and it's really nice. It gets great user reviews, too. Perhaps if I compared it to a really high-end scope I'd see a difference, but maybe not.

David

979Texas · January 31, 2016, 01:03 AM

On my Smith and Wesson M&P 15 I have a Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn 4-12 and I love it. But I'm a very heavy hunter and very rarely target shoot, so it's perfect for hunting.

rickyrick · January 31, 2016, 02:13 AM

I've used a Bushnell banner for a while.
also, if you're careful, you can find some great weavers on Ebay, if you are careful. I have a bunch of great weavers I procured on Ebay... Quite a stack actually

dakota.potts · January 31, 2016, 03:06 AM

I wrote about my experience with the Bushnell Banner here. Pretty decent scope for the $65 I paid for it. Given a budget of $150, though, I would explore some other options.

SSA · January 31, 2016, 03:30 AM

I'd go with a 2-7 Nikon or Burris.
You can get the Nikon 3x for under $100.

Road_Clam · January 31, 2016, 07:24 AM

I recently built a match service rifle AR for high powder matches. They now allow up to a 4.5x optic and I chose the Bushnell AR/223 optic. Took this all the way out to 600 yds. It's a great optic but the crosshair target dot is a bit big and almost completely covers the target at 600 shooting at your standard MR target. I payed $170 for my AR/223 optic a year ago and looks like the price has gone down even more:

http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell...iflescope.html

fourbore · January 31, 2016, 09:22 AM

What rings are these? Thinking about a similar s&w, bushnell combo.

Hunter Customs · January 31, 2016, 09:38 AM

If you can double your $150 limit check out the SWFA-SS scopes.
I put their 6x42 model which is a fixed 6 power on my AR and love it.
I also bought their 10 power for my heavy barrel 243, I like their scopes.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter

Inazone · January 31, 2016, 09:44 AM

Weaver and UTG both offer rings of that style, meaning non-see-through with six screws per ring.

adamBomb · January 31, 2016, 10:07 AM

I was just looking for the exact same thing. I ended up getting a vortex crossfire II 1x4 for around $200. The only other ones I considered were the weaver 1x3 and primary arms 1x4. I read too many reviews of the cheaper ones and just thought it wasnt worth it. Everyone on all forums said to avoid them like the plague - buy once cry once was the phrase thrown around by the people that went the cheap route and then had to buy another in a year or so.

I didnt get the weaver because I wanted 1x4 not 1x3. I didnt get the primary arms because it was significantly longer and heavier than the vortex. Look at the specs below - that is a huge difference. That primary arms is bigger than some 1x6 scopes. The vortex was actually one of the smallest ones I found and has a lifetime warranty. But any of those 3 were the ones everyone seemed to recommend for those on a budget including some of the other brands mentioned in this thread like nikon and burris. But be sure to compare sizes of these things because that can make a big difference.

vortex crossfire II 1x4 - 9.8 inches long and 14.8 oz.
primary arms 1x4 - 11.75 inches long and 17 oz

Keep in mind once you buy the scope you need to buy a mount which will be another $50-$75 for a cheap one.

Road_Clam · January 31, 2016, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourbore

What rings are these? Thinking about a similar s&w, bushnell combo.

Weaver Tatical rings.

fourbore · January 31, 2016, 12:19 PM

Thanks, road_clam & inazone

marine6680 · January 31, 2016, 02:32 PM

I forgot about the Primary arms 1-4, I hear it's decent for the price, but does have some distortion at the edges.

And it seems the Bushnell AR223 has dropped a bit in price, and that looks like a good option for only a bit more than your budget.

fourbore · January 31, 2016, 03:34 PM

The Bushnell AR scopes are all on sale at midway.
The 2-7 or 3-12 looks like the best deals if you choose to go Bushnell:

1-4x $140, free ship (30mm tube)

2-7x $97, free ship (1 inch)

3-9x $115, free ship (1 inch)

3-12x $130, free ship (1 inch)

http://www.midwayusa.com/s?userSearchQuery=Bushnell+AR

I checked the reviews and seems those tactical rings often need a lot of lapping. Maybe better off with simple weaver quadlocks for short money at Walmart.

Inazone · January 31, 2016, 08:07 PM

When looking at the Bushnell 1-4X scopes, make sure to note whether it's the illuminated or non-illuminated model. It was around a $50 price difference when I was comparing them, but quite a few other differences besides illumination.

Primary Arms was sold out of their closest comparable model, or I would have taken a chance with them, but I have no complaints about the Bushnell.

January 30, 2016, 08:34 PM	#1
Killabee-23 Member Join Date: November 9, 2015 Location: Middlebury Vermont Posts: 45	budget scopes for my AR-15 I just got a new smith&wesson m&p 15. And while i dont mind the iron sights on it but i want to be able to get decent shots down range at about 500 yards. And not have to pay a fortune on a high end piece of glass i know that there are some very good options out there for under 150$. Thats about what im looking to spend and i know that for that money im not going to get an HD sight picture. But im willing to take lack of HD picture for a bunch of money in my pocket. mabey one day i will upgrade. but for now what im really looking for is a 1-4x23 to 24mm scope for under 150$ so im wondering if you guys know any good options out there that sound like they can meet the requirements thanks A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government. ,George washington

January 30, 2016, 10:40 PM	#7
bedlamite Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2000 Location: WI Posts: 1,395	The Kaspa is Weavers cheap line made in China, I'd avoid it. The Weaver Classic-V scopes are decent, but seem to be out of stock. I'd take a look at the Vortex Diamondback. For out to 500 yds, I'd go for a little more magnification too: http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-.../dp/B001EC7KMY __________________ A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen.

January 30, 2016, 11:50 PM	#8
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	The only thing I could recommend near that price would still break the budget: The Redfield Revolution 2-7x33mm, at $190-250 (depending on retailer and whether it's on sale). __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

January 30, 2016, 11:59 PM	#9
dakota.potts Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Location: Keystone Heights, Florida Posts: 3,084	I believe Primary Arms and Vortex both offer a 1-4X scope under $150, and they're both rapidly rising names in the optics world. __________________ Certified Gunsmith (On Hiatus) Certified Armorer - H&K and Glock Among Others You can find my writings at my website, pottsprecision.com.

January 31, 2016, 02:13 AM	#13
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,236	I I've used a Bushnell banner for a while. also, if you're careful, you can find some great weavers on Ebay, if you are careful. I have a bunch of great weavers I procured on Ebay... Quite a stack actually __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

January 30, 2016, 09:01 PM	#2
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,806	This is the cheapest I can recommend. http://swfa.com/Weaver-1-3x20-Classi...ope-P2864.aspx I'd find a way to come up with a little more money for one of these. http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-4x20-VX-1-...pe-P51851.aspx http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-4x20-VX-1-...pe-P51852.aspx Unless you find something discounted or used there isn't anything with a MSRP much under $200 that I'd recommend. If you can live with a 2-7X32 or 3-9X40 there are some better options between about $175 and $200. But on an AR I'd hold out for a decent 1-4X even if I had to wait for a little while to save up a few more dollars. http://swfa.com/Burris-3-9x40-Fullfi...ope-P7932.aspx http://swfa.com/Redfield-2-7x33-Revo...pe-P44466.aspx http://swfa.com/Redfield-3-9x40-Revo...pe-P44468.aspx

January 30, 2016, 09:12 PM	#3
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	I do not know of a 1-4x that is $150 or less that is actually worth owning... Most of the decent lower cost 1-4 scopes are about $200-300. Prices go up from there. You may find a fixed 4x for about that price though.

January 30, 2016, 09:18 PM	#4
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	I get by very well with Bushnell Banner, Sightron, and Burris scopes. My AR's aren't "range toys" and I probably carry an AR more hours per week than anyone not in a combat zone. The most expensive scope I own is under $200. I pulled a Banner 1-5x32 (to install the Burris 2-7 E1) that had been on that particular carbine for 6 years with only a couple of re-zero adjustments in that time despite being my "winter rifle" all those years.

January 30, 2016, 10:01 PM	#5
Killabee-23 Member Join Date: November 9, 2015 Location: Middlebury Vermont Posts: 45	okay thanks guys ill look into those i just saw a weaver kaspa tactical for pretty good price and they look like half way decent scopes have you heard of em?

January 30, 2016, 10:35 PM	#6
Inazone Member Join Date: April 27, 2012 Location: Minnesota, USA Posts: 89	I was in the same boat recently, wanting a 1-4X scope for a new AR and only having around $150 to spend. I compared specs and reviews for various models from Bushnell, Weaver, Leupold, Mueller, Millet and Primary Arms, and surely others I've since forgotten. I didn't care about an illuminated reticle, wanted a good warranty, and was hoping for something not made in China, which led me to a Bushnell "AR Optics" for around $140. I haven't had it long enough to give a meaningful review, but after reading up on virtually every optic in my price range at length, I feel that it was the right choice. I don't recall if I looked at the Kaspa specifically, but I probably did given the price and specs.

January 31, 2016, 12:06 AM	#10
BigBL87 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2014 Location: Tonica, IL Posts: 473	If you want an inexpensive 1-4, hard to beat Primary Arms: http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-a...4x/p/kt-pa14x/ I personally have a Mueller Multishot 2-7 on my AR, I find 2-7 to be a great middle ground as far as magnification. http://muelleroptics.com/mueller-2-7-32-multi-shot http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Multi-.../dp/B000GT416E

January 31, 2016, 01:01 AM	#11
db4570 Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2013 Posts: 167	I am not a scope expert, and always assumed I needed some really high-end Leopold, but I got a Bushnell Banner for my AR and it's really nice. It gets great user reviews, too. Perhaps if I compared it to a really high-end scope I'd see a difference, but maybe not. David

January 31, 2016, 01:03 AM	#12
979Texas Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2015 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 177	On my Smith and Wesson M&P 15 I have a Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn 4-12 and I love it. But I'm a very heavy hunter and very rarely target shoot, so it's perfect for hunting.

January 31, 2016, 03:06 AM	#14
dakota.potts Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2013 Location: Keystone Heights, Florida Posts: 3,084	I wrote about my experience with the Bushnell Banner here. Pretty decent scope for the $65 I paid for it. Given a budget of $150, though, I would explore some other options. __________________ Certified Gunsmith (On Hiatus) Certified Armorer - H&K and Glock Among Others You can find my writings at my website, pottsprecision.com.

January 31, 2016, 03:30 AM	#15
SSA Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Posts: 641	I'd go with a 2-7 Nikon or Burris. You can get the Nikon 3x for under $100.

January 31, 2016, 07:24 AM	#16
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	I recently built a match service rifle AR for high powder matches. They now allow up to a 4.5x optic and I chose the Bushnell AR/223 optic. Took this all the way out to 600 yds. It's a great optic but the crosshair target dot is a bit big and almost completely covers the target at 600 shooting at your standard MR target. I payed $170 for my AR/223 optic a year ago and looks like the price has gone down even more: http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell...iflescope.html __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

January 31, 2016, 09:22 AM	#17
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	What rings are these? Thinking about a similar s&w, bushnell combo.

January 31, 2016, 09:38 AM	#18
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	If you can double your $150 limit check out the SWFA-SS scopes. I put their 6x42 model which is a fixed 6 power on my AR and love it. I also bought their 10 power for my heavy barrel 243, I like their scopes. Best Regards Bob Hunter

January 31, 2016, 09:44 AM	#19
Inazone Member Join Date: April 27, 2012 Location: Minnesota, USA Posts: 89	Weaver and UTG both offer rings of that style, meaning non-see-through with six screws per ring.

January 31, 2016, 10:07 AM	#20
adamBomb Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2015 Location: coastal NC Posts: 645	I was just looking for the exact same thing. I ended up getting a vortex crossfire II 1x4 for around $200. The only other ones I considered were the weaver 1x3 and primary arms 1x4. I read too many reviews of the cheaper ones and just thought it wasnt worth it. Everyone on all forums said to avoid them like the plague - buy once cry once was the phrase thrown around by the people that went the cheap route and then had to buy another in a year or so. I didnt get the weaver because I wanted 1x4 not 1x3. I didnt get the primary arms because it was significantly longer and heavier than the vortex. Look at the specs below - that is a huge difference. That primary arms is bigger than some 1x6 scopes. The vortex was actually one of the smallest ones I found and has a lifetime warranty. But any of those 3 were the ones everyone seemed to recommend for those on a budget including some of the other brands mentioned in this thread like nikon and burris. But be sure to compare sizes of these things because that can make a big difference. vortex crossfire II 1x4 - 9.8 inches long and 14.8 oz. primary arms 1x4 - 11.75 inches long and 17 oz Keep in mind once you buy the scope you need to buy a mount which will be another $50-$75 for a cheap one. Last edited by adamBomb; January 31, 2016 at 10:14 AM.

January 31, 2016, 12:19 PM	#22
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	Thanks, road_clam & inazone

January 31, 2016, 02:32 PM	#23
marine6680 Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2012 Location: Parker, CO Posts: 4,594	I forgot about the Primary arms 1-4, I hear it's decent for the price, but does have some distortion at the edges. And it seems the Bushnell AR223 has dropped a bit in price, and that looks like a good option for only a bit more than your budget.

January 31, 2016, 03:34 PM	#24
fourbore Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2015 Location: new england Posts: 1,159	The Bushnell AR scopes are all on sale at midway. The 2-7 or 3-12 looks like the best deals if you choose to go Bushnell: 1-4x $140, free ship (30mm tube) 2-7x $97, free ship (1 inch) 3-9x $115, free ship (1 inch) 3-12x $130, free ship (1 inch) http://www.midwayusa.com/s?userSearchQuery=Bushnell+AR I checked the reviews and seems those tactical rings often need a lot of lapping. Maybe better off with simple weaver quadlocks for short money at Walmart.

January 31, 2016, 08:07 PM	#25
Inazone Member Join Date: April 27, 2012 Location: Minnesota, USA Posts: 89	When looking at the Bushnell 1-4X scopes, make sure to note whether it's the illuminated or non-illuminated model. It was around a $50 price difference when I was comparing them, but quite a few other differences besides illumination. Primary Arms was sold out of their closest comparable model, or I would have taken a chance with them, but I have no complaints about the Bushnell.