Just bought a Smith & Wesson M&P 15 (ar-15). I added magpul backup sites, but haven't done anything else besides that. I'll use this for target shooting & and just incase SHTF. Not sure if i want a holo type site, or a scope. I may end up getting both at some point so I can swap them out depending on the use that day.. But for those who have used both, which do you prefer for every day use/prepping?
Just bought my first AR-15, What's a good scope (good value)
- Thread starter ender1981
- Start date
For general short to medium range shooting I really like the 1-4 range scopes. Nikon makes a pretty good one and I have a Bushnell 1-4.5 that is pretty darn good. On low setting it is very fast on target, faster than I am with reglar sites, and turned up to 4.5 it ain't bad. Even many of the 2-7 scopes are very good in that respect with better midrange distance magnification.
Justice06RR
New member
Do you want a magnified scope or a Red dot? For a Red dot sight(RDS) the two best options are Aimpoint and Eotech. The model will depend on your budget. If you are on a tighter budget, a Bushnell TRS or a Vortex should fit the bill.
I would suggest a quality non-magnified RDS first to learn on before moving on to magnified scopes. Better yet, master your iron sights first then your prefered optic.
I would suggest a quality non-magnified RDS first to learn on before moving on to magnified scopes. Better yet, master your iron sights first then your prefered optic.
breakingcontact
Moderator
I like the 1-4X scopes too, but for less money you can buy a quality fixed power 3 or 4X scope.
Not very tacticool but practicool.
Not very tacticool but practicool.
The Burris 332 ain't so bad. I also have a Burris Tactical XTR 1-4X, 3Omm tube, with a Burris FastFire Red Dot mounted on top. The turrents on the XTR are a bit mushy...but otherwise, it is a good scope. The FastFire comes with a dustcover.
Midway has a flyer sale on the Burris Tac 30, 1-4X, with a FastFire mounted on top; along with a P.E.P.R. mount.
Midway has a flyer sale on the Burris Tac 30, 1-4X, with a FastFire mounted on top; along with a P.E.P.R. mount.
Reddots belong on ARs. Especially if you expect to do any close combat shooting.
Red dots of various quality are readily available from sub $50 to over $1k. Find a few in your price range post em here and We'll help you pick whats best for you.
PS those burris sights that skadoosh mentioned look nice. I just hate how everything has the integrated riser for an AR nowadays... Sometimes people want optics like that on OTHER GUNS!
Red dots of various quality are readily available from sub $50 to over $1k. Find a few in your price range post em here and We'll help you pick whats best for you.
PS those burris sights that skadoosh mentioned look nice. I just hate how everything has the integrated riser for an AR nowadays... Sometimes people want optics like that on OTHER GUNS!
Ridge_Runner_5
New member
Trijicon ACOG TA01NSN 
My first "AR" scope was a Nikon M-233 2-8x, Nikon 233 mount and rings, which worked well. But for me the reticule was never clear and sharp for some reason.
Then bought a EOtech 512. Very nice "scope", but the dot in the middle, and the ring around it, looked a little like "stars" around it. Did a bunch of stuff trying to find out what was going on, until I put my glasses on. The EOtech looked exactly it's supposed to, like in all the pictures in the internet look like it. I hadn't even mounted the Eotech... only put the batteries in and used a half hour to find out why it wasn't working right.
I almost never use my glasses and don't I don't won't want to have my glasses just to use my AR. I can't see things close up very well, but not great in long away.
I finally bought a Leupold Mark AR Mod 1 3-9x Mil Dot. That's a great scope, I don't have to use my glasses <g>, and isn't much more expensive than the Nikon I purchased.
I'm very happy with everything I have on my AR now, though I have to sell those first two scopes
Then bought a EOtech 512. Very nice "scope", but the dot in the middle, and the ring around it, looked a little like "stars" around it. Did a bunch of stuff trying to find out what was going on, until I put my glasses on. The EOtech looked exactly it's supposed to, like in all the pictures in the internet look like it. I hadn't even mounted the Eotech... only put the batteries in and used a half hour to find out why it wasn't working right.
I almost never use my glasses and don't I don't won't want to have my glasses just to use my AR. I can't see things close up very well, but not great in long away.
I finally bought a Leupold Mark AR Mod 1 3-9x Mil Dot. That's a great scope, I don't have to use my glasses <g>, and isn't much more expensive than the Nikon I purchased.
I'm very happy with everything I have on my AR now, though I have to sell those first two scopes
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For a heavy duty red dot (excellent for close quarters shooting, <100yds) the Aimpoint PRO is the best value at $400. Primary Arms has a good reputation for lower cost red dots and good customer service (about $100). I have a Bushnell Microdot red dot and it is smaller than the Aimpoint so it is not as fast on target but it has worked well and is more like $50.
For scopes I would go with the 1-4x scopes. They are more compact than the 3-9x and cheaper and more suited for the 0-200 yd shooting. Weaver, Nikon, Vortex, Primary Arms, etc. should find them for $150 - $250, plus $75 for a mount. I like the Wilson Combat mount, but the Nikon 223 mount looks good too. Illuminated reticle will put you into the $400 and up range.
For scopes I would go with the 1-4x scopes. They are more compact than the 3-9x and cheaper and more suited for the 0-200 yd shooting. Weaver, Nikon, Vortex, Primary Arms, etc. should find them for $150 - $250, plus $75 for a mount. I like the Wilson Combat mount, but the Nikon 223 mount looks good too. Illuminated reticle will put you into the $400 and up range.