Affordable AR-15 scopes

Killabee-23 · February 14, 2016, 12:40 PM

Hey guys i recently purchased a S&W M&P 15 sport 2. And im sure as you know its not a very expensive gun but for the price its a very good rifle. From that you can tell im not rich and im not poor to be honest i probably lean more towards poor than rich lol. But anyways i am trying to find a good decent affordable scope for my AR. Now i want something that i could use at 20 yards all the way out to about 300. I was thinking something along the lines of a 1-6 or a 1-7 mabey a 2-7 power. I have found a weaver KASPA 2-7x32 for 85$ now i know its a cheap scope but what im wondering is if its worth it or should i just bight the bullet and spring for like 150$ scope? and thats really the maximum im willing to spend. I know from experience that your not going to get the best scope for that price point but there are some out there that are decent im sure. So my real questions are is the weaver KASPA a good scope? And if i were to get something different or more expensive what should i go for? I would really like some recommendations and like i said im looking for something 1-6 tops 2-7 power and maximum 150$ id like to spend as little as possible. let me know what you think thanks guys.

Road_Clam · February 14, 2016, 12:43 PM

Please do some searching first. Your question has been asked and answered many times. Here's the latest:

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572261

jaytothekizzay · February 14, 2016, 01:39 PM

I put the Barska 1-4 x 28mm SWAT scope on one of my ARs. You can find it for about a hundred bucks. Comes with a decent cantilever mount. I actually really like it, and the glass is crystal clear. Looks very tacticool and well...perfect for an AR. You should give it a look

Killabee-23 · February 14, 2016, 01:59 PM

i have done alot of research on the subject but all i really could find is people talking about 300-500$ scopes and saying that there cheap lol which im sure to some peaopl it is but not to me i mean you can get a Glock 19 for that lol. i will check that scope out jaytothekizzay i appreciate the feedback if anybody else has any suggestions please let me know. thanks again

Killabee-23 · February 14, 2016, 02:04 PM

the only barska 1-4x28mm i could find was on opitcsplanet.com and it is 150$ it looks like a good scope and i do love the fact that it come with a mount already attached but i couldnt find it for 100$ do you have a specific website or store i can order it from at the 100$ range? And also i have a question how far do you think a 4 power scope can accurately shoot distance wise im guessing 300 mabey 350 yards?

jaytothekizzay · February 14, 2016, 03:54 PM

The one I got is on Amazon now for 119.00$

jaytothekizzay · February 14, 2016, 03:55 PM

I shoot 200 yards on 4 power all day...300 should be doable as well

jaytothekizzay · February 14, 2016, 04:00 PM

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AU6...ska+swat+scope

jaytothekizzay · February 14, 2016, 04:07 PM

If you go with this one you will b happy with it...I am... Just make sure you re-tighten all screws on rings, and base with a bit of blue locktite. I used the Allen key to get leverage when tightening base screws... The mount is very solid, and has held zero through probably 1000 rounds, and quite a few hunting trips

Killabee-23 · February 14, 2016, 04:39 PM

yeah i see it on amazon it looks like a solid scope so how many yards is yours zeroed? and how did you go about sighting it in?

pwalston25 · February 14, 2016, 04:43 PM

vortex crossfire 2-7 is in your price range and the warranty is unbeatable. Thats the cheapest I would go on an optic.

adamBomb · February 14, 2016, 04:47 PM

This is the only 1x4 in your price range worth batting an eye over:

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

Its heavier and longer than better quality 1x4s but you wont find anything else nearly as good in the same price range. As the post mentioned above the 2-7 crossfire is a great scope in your price range too.

Other budget scopes brands are weaver, vortex, nikon, etc. Look on the primary arms site. I recently picked up the vortex crossfire 2 1x4 for around $220. I dont think I need more than 4x for an ar15 inside 200 yards.

Killabee-23 · February 14, 2016, 04:48 PM

yeah vortex scopes are quality products but this barska looks decent and it also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. and the thing i really like about the barska is it comes with a scope mount so its as easy as sliding it on my picitinny rail and getting it zeroed

Killabee-23 · February 14, 2016, 04:55 PM

i dont think im going to need to shoot over 300 yards but i want to be able to if i need to ya know its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

adamBomb · February 14, 2016, 05:27 PM

Quote:

i dont think im going to need to shoot over 300 yards but i want to be able to if i need to ya know its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Definitely get the scope for the distances you want. If I were in your shoes I would go 1-6 then. any more than 6x for an AR is overkill. I went 1x4 because the 1x4s are significantly lighter and shorter than the 1x6. I also know that realistically I will never shoot over 100-150 yards, something I could probably do with iron sights.

pwalston25 · February 14, 2016, 05:33 PM

Bushnell has AR optics that are decent. You can get the 1-4 with bcc reticle for like $120 from amazon. A good scope makes the gun, so try not to go too cheap

BigBL87 · February 14, 2016, 05:54 PM

For your uses and price range, these are the three I'd consider. I personally have the first one and love it.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/produ...scope?a=354546

http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-.../dp/B0106BYBPM

http://www.opticsplanet.com/redfield...e-reticle.html

BigBL87 · February 14, 2016, 05:57 PM

And for those 3, if you look around you can probably find them cheaper, those were just the sites I found them on.

P-990 · February 14, 2016, 06:18 PM

At that price point I'd be tempted to try out one of the Bushnell AR Optics scopes. I've had good luck in the past with a couple of Bushnell scopes.

Don't over-scope the rifle, especially at your price-point. I've done plenty of 300 and 600 yard shooting with iron sights, a 4x scope is adequate within 300 yards for anything you'll likely be doing with a 16" AR carbine. Be realistic with what you actually use your gear for and set it up for the 95% usage it will see.

Honestly, I can sympathize with not wanting to spend a lot of money on accessories. But you may do yourself a favor by waiting a while until you can spring for something in the $300-400 range. I was hesitant to spend the money on an Aimpoint PRO 6 months ago, today I would make the decision again without reservation. Good optics are one of the few things you can bolt onto a firearm that will legitimately make it easier to use.

rickyrick · February 14, 2016, 06:23 PM

I would add too that don't underestimate your abilities with a 4x scope.

jaytothekizzay · February 14, 2016, 06:40 PM

Well when I first got it, I zeroed it at 25 yards at an indoor range...later had it outdoors and was couple inches off at 100 yards, but close on paper. Ended up zeroing at about 75 yards. Which puts it in the kill zone anywhere from 25 - 100 yards

jaytothekizzay · February 14, 2016, 06:43 PM

But will still group good at 200...a little off bullseye with my 75 yard zero, but still MOA all day on paper at 200... ARs shoot very flat at that range. I shoot mostly M855 ammo

Killabee-23 · February 14, 2016, 10:04 PM

thanks alot guys for your help i deff think i want to go 1-6 if i can if not i think 1-4 would be fine. I have looked at the bushnell AR scopes and they do look nice i dont really like the redical though im more of a cross hairs kind of guy. And dont get me wrong guys i would love nothing more than to spend a 500 plus on a really nice piece of glass but the fact is i cant afford it right now i have purchased 3 new guns in the last 3 months lol my ol lady would kill me if i spent over 200$ on a scope cause she thinks that a 50$ scope is the same as a 1,000$ scope i tell her that 150-200$ really isnt much at all to spend on a scope and then show her a 3,000$ leupold and she is like thats retarded why would anybody spend that much on a scope. lol i might just hold off on it and start a little scope fund and hopefully get 300-500$ and get something a little nicer. but i am cheap so not sure yet lol thanks again guys you have helped alot.

skizzums · February 14, 2016, 10:17 PM

http://palmettostatearmory.com/bushn...e-ar91424.html

I've been happy with several Bushnell AR optics

bamaranger · February 15, 2016, 05:29 AM

I think for what the OP described, there is no need for external turret adjustments, hold off points for elevation, or any other bells and whistles. A .223 properly zeroed will work to 300 on pretty small targets without all the current tac trends.

A bit of searching should yield a used Leupold 1-4x on ebay for around $200. Weaver makes a 1-3x for less than $200. Heck, a fixed 4x used Leupold should go for about $150 and still be plenty, though a tad slower up close.

February 14, 2016, 12:40 PM	#1
Killabee-23 Member Join Date: November 9, 2015 Location: Middlebury Vermont Posts: 45	Affordable AR-15 scopes Hey guys i recently purchased a S&W M&P 15 sport 2. And im sure as you know its not a very expensive gun but for the price its a very good rifle. From that you can tell im not rich and im not poor to be honest i probably lean more towards poor than rich lol. But anyways i am trying to find a good decent affordable scope for my AR. Now i want something that i could use at 20 yards all the way out to about 300. I was thinking something along the lines of a 1-6 or a 1-7 mabey a 2-7 power. I have found a weaver KASPA 2-7x32 for 85$ now i know its a cheap scope but what im wondering is if its worth it or should i just bight the bullet and spring for like 150$ scope? and thats really the maximum im willing to spend. I know from experience that your not going to get the best scope for that price point but there are some out there that are decent im sure. So my real questions are is the weaver KASPA a good scope? And if i were to get something different or more expensive what should i go for? I would really like some recommendations and like i said im looking for something 1-6 tops 2-7 power and maximum 150$ id like to spend as little as possible. let me know what you think thanks guys.

February 14, 2016, 12:43 PM	#2
Road_Clam Senior Member Join Date: November 21, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 1,695	Please do some searching first. Your question has been asked and answered many times. Here's the latest: http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572261 __________________ "To be old an wise you must have been young and stupid"

February 14, 2016, 01:59 PM	#4
Killabee-23 Member Join Date: November 9, 2015 Location: Middlebury Vermont Posts: 45	thanks i have done alot of research on the subject but all i really could find is people talking about 300-500$ scopes and saying that there cheap lol which im sure to some peaopl it is but not to me i mean you can get a Glock 19 for that lol. i will check that scope out jaytothekizzay i appreciate the feedback if anybody else has any suggestions please let me know. thanks again

February 14, 2016, 02:04 PM	#5
Killabee-23 Member Join Date: November 9, 2015 Location: Middlebury Vermont Posts: 45	jaytothekizzay the only barska 1-4x28mm i could find was on opitcsplanet.com and it is 150$ it looks like a good scope and i do love the fact that it come with a mount already attached but i couldnt find it for 100$ do you have a specific website or store i can order it from at the 100$ range? And also i have a question how far do you think a 4 power scope can accurately shoot distance wise im guessing 300 mabey 350 yards?

February 14, 2016, 06:18 PM	#19
P-990 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2002 Location: Only1/2WayThere Posts: 1,316	At that price point I'd be tempted to try out one of the Bushnell AR Optics scopes. I've had good luck in the past with a couple of Bushnell scopes. Don't over-scope the rifle, especially at your price-point. I've done plenty of 300 and 600 yard shooting with iron sights, a 4x scope is adequate within 300 yards for anything you'll likely be doing with a 16" AR carbine. Be realistic with what you actually use your gear for and set it up for the 95% usage it will see. Honestly, I can sympathize with not wanting to spend a lot of money on accessories. But you may do yourself a favor by waiting a while until you can spring for something in the $300-400 range. I was hesitant to spend the money on an Aimpoint PRO 6 months ago, today I would make the decision again without reservation. Good optics are one of the few things you can bolt onto a firearm that will legitimately make it easier to use. __________________ NRA Master, Highpower Rifle, Across-the-Course NRA Expert, Highpower Rifle, Mid-Range Prone

February 14, 2016, 01:39 PM	#3
jaytothekizzay Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: st. louis Posts: 450	I put the Barska 1-4 x 28mm SWAT scope on one of my ARs. You can find it for about a hundred bucks. Comes with a decent cantilever mount. I actually really like it, and the glass is crystal clear. Looks very tacticool and well...perfect for an AR. You should give it a look

February 14, 2016, 03:54 PM	#6
jaytothekizzay Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: st. louis Posts: 450	The one I got is on Amazon now for 119.00$

February 14, 2016, 03:55 PM	#7
jaytothekizzay Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: st. louis Posts: 450	I shoot 200 yards on 4 power all day...300 should be doable as well

February 14, 2016, 04:00 PM	#8
jaytothekizzay Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: st. louis Posts: 450	http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00AU6...ska+swat+scope

February 14, 2016, 04:07 PM	#9
jaytothekizzay Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: st. louis Posts: 450	If you go with this one you will b happy with it...I am... Just make sure you re-tighten all screws on rings, and base with a bit of blue locktite. I used the Allen key to get leverage when tightening base screws... The mount is very solid, and has held zero through probably 1000 rounds, and quite a few hunting trips

February 14, 2016, 04:39 PM	#10
Killabee-23 Member Join Date: November 9, 2015 Location: Middlebury Vermont Posts: 45	yeah i see it on amazon it looks like a solid scope so how many yards is yours zeroed? and how did you go about sighting it in?

February 14, 2016, 04:43 PM	#11
pwalston25 Member Join Date: January 22, 2016 Posts: 35	vortex crossfire 2-7 is in your price range and the warranty is unbeatable. Thats the cheapest I would go on an optic.

February 14, 2016, 04:47 PM	#12
adamBomb Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2015 Location: coastal NC Posts: 645	This is the only 1x4 in your price range worth batting an eye over: http://www.primaryarms.com/primary-a...4x/p/kt-pa14x/ Its heavier and longer than better quality 1x4s but you wont find anything else nearly as good in the same price range. As the post mentioned above the 2-7 crossfire is a great scope in your price range too. Other budget scopes brands are weaver, vortex, nikon, etc. Look on the primary arms site. I recently picked up the vortex crossfire 2 1x4 for around $220. I dont think I need more than 4x for an ar15 inside 200 yards.

February 14, 2016, 04:48 PM	#13
Killabee-23 Member Join Date: November 9, 2015 Location: Middlebury Vermont Posts: 45	yeah vortex scopes are quality products but this barska looks decent and it also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. and the thing i really like about the barska is it comes with a scope mount so its as easy as sliding it on my picitinny rail and getting it zeroed

February 14, 2016, 04:55 PM	#14
Killabee-23 Member Join Date: November 9, 2015 Location: Middlebury Vermont Posts: 45	i dont think im going to need to shoot over 300 yards but i want to be able to if i need to ya know its better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

February 14, 2016, 05:33 PM	#16
pwalston25 Member Join Date: January 22, 2016 Posts: 35	Bushnell has AR optics that are decent. You can get the 1-4 with bcc reticle for like $120 from amazon. A good scope makes the gun, so try not to go too cheap

February 14, 2016, 05:54 PM	#17
BigBL87 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2014 Location: Tonica, IL Posts: 473	For your uses and price range, these are the three I'd consider. I personally have the first one and love it. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/produ...scope?a=354546 http://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-.../dp/B0106BYBPM http://www.opticsplanet.com/redfield...e-reticle.html

February 14, 2016, 05:57 PM	#18
BigBL87 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2014 Location: Tonica, IL Posts: 473	And for those 3, if you look around you can probably find them cheaper, those were just the sites I found them on.

February 14, 2016, 06:23 PM	#20
rickyrick Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2010 Posts: 8,236	I would add too that don't underestimate your abilities with a 4x scope. __________________ Woohoo, I’m back In Texas!!!

February 14, 2016, 06:40 PM	#21
jaytothekizzay Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: st. louis Posts: 450	Well when I first got it, I zeroed it at 25 yards at an indoor range...later had it outdoors and was couple inches off at 100 yards, but close on paper. Ended up zeroing at about 75 yards. Which puts it in the kill zone anywhere from 25 - 100 yards

February 14, 2016, 06:43 PM	#22
jaytothekizzay Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: st. louis Posts: 450	But will still group good at 200...a little off bullseye with my 75 yard zero, but still MOA all day on paper at 200... ARs shoot very flat at that range. I shoot mostly M855 ammo

February 14, 2016, 10:04 PM	#23
Killabee-23 Member Join Date: November 9, 2015 Location: Middlebury Vermont Posts: 45	thanks alot guys for your help i deff think i want to go 1-6 if i can if not i think 1-4 would be fine. I have looked at the bushnell AR scopes and they do look nice i dont really like the redical though im more of a cross hairs kind of guy. And dont get me wrong guys i would love nothing more than to spend a 500 plus on a really nice piece of glass but the fact is i cant afford it right now i have purchased 3 new guns in the last 3 months lol my ol lady would kill me if i spent over 200$ on a scope cause she thinks that a 50$ scope is the same as a 1,000$ scope i tell her that 150-200$ really isnt much at all to spend on a scope and then show her a 3,000$ leupold and she is like thats retarded why would anybody spend that much on a scope. lol i might just hold off on it and start a little scope fund and hopefully get 300-500$ and get something a little nicer. but i am cheap so not sure yet lol thanks again guys you have helped alot. Last edited by Killabee-23; February 14, 2016 at 10:12 PM.

February 14, 2016, 10:17 PM	#24
skizzums Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2013 Location: Douglasville, Ga Posts: 4,615	http://palmettostatearmory.com/bushn...e-ar91424.html I've been happy with several Bushnell AR optics __________________ My head is bloody, but unbowed

February 15, 2016, 05:29 AM	#25
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	options I think for what the OP described, there is no need for external turret adjustments, hold off points for elevation, or any other bells and whistles. A .223 properly zeroed will work to 300 on pretty small targets without all the current tac trends. A bit of searching should yield a used Leupold 1-4x on ebay for around $200. Weaver makes a 1-3x for less than $200. Heck, a fixed 4x used Leupold should go for about $150 and still be plenty, though a tad slower up close.