optics recommendations for flattop AR-15

T

Trajan

New member
I'm relatively new to the AR world. I've had a Bushmaster for several months, bought used. The dealer also had a used EOTech witch I also bought.

It's great fun at the range. I've only shot at 50yds and 100yds though, and I've done well at those ranges. With the EOTech, I wear my prescription eyeglasses.

I have been researching ideas for a small scope for the ar platform that magnifies at least a little. I've been to swfa.com, burris & leupold's websites, other forums, and ar-15.com. I've read through the "optics" thread that is stickied at ar-15.com, and I learned a lot. However, those guys must all be rich executives because many of the scopes pictured were $1000+. I'm thinking something $300 or less. While researching, I found out about Super Sniper, Hakko, and others that I had not heard of previously.

I've been to this ar-15 scopes page at cddn:

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/ar15.html

Those scopes are WAY CHEAP, how come? Also most say "carry handle mount", but I have a flattop.

I'd prefer something low power, say 6x or less, not too big and long (say under 12"), 40mm or smaller.

I'd like to start using the 200yd range at my main shooting range, but with the EOTech, I don't know if I would do very well.

Any suggestions, also any pics of your ARs with scopes...?

Thanks!
 
What are you going to do with it?!? At what ranges do you want to be able to make hits? Target shooting, or self-defense & hunting?

My AR15 wears a 1.5-6x42mm Sightron S2, and I think it's the perfect budget-ish scope for what *I* want to do it.

http://www.sightron.com/index.php?action=view_category&cat_id=1047414614

Cost me right about $210, IIRC.

Also, just the other day we were talking about the Hakko 4x21 being the "poor man's ACOG" - look for a recent thread in the rifle forum on that scope. Other good all-purpose (both short and long ranges) scopes under $500 would be the Nikon Monarch UCC 1.5-4.5x20mm, the Leupold VX1 1-4x20mm, the Leupold VX2 1-4x20mm, the Weaver Grand Slam 1.5-5x32mm, the Burris Fullfied 2 1.75-5x20mm, the Burris Signature Select Safari 1.75-5x32, the Burris Signature Select 1.5-6x40mm, a few others. These scopes dial down under 2x for close-in work, and dial up to 4 or more for out to medium-range (300 or so yards).

The super sniper is a good scope, but it's a special-purpose scope, for long range work, not close-up and personal. It only comes in fixed 10, 16, or 20 power models.

I *think* you should be able to take the carry handle mount off of the Hakko 4x21, or better yet just buy it without the carry handle mount.

Use "extra-high" rings on your flattop (or riser rails plus medium rings).

If you want to go sub-$150 (super budget), then the Bushnell Trophy 1.75-4x32mm with the circle-x reticle is not too terribly bad.

I wouldn't mess with the "Target Sports" or other cheap crap. The Hakko is allegedly pretty good though - jap-made, not chinese or phillipines.
 
I just shoot targets at the local ranges. Mostly just shoot 100yds, but would like to learn to shoot at 200 and 300 yds. Not sure if any local ranges have 300 yds though.

thanks for the info!

edit: I found the hakko "poor man's acog" thread. The scope looks great. I remember seeing that thread before I posted here, but I guess I forgot about it. The only thing I'm worried about is properly mounting it on a flattop. I know in the thread someone did it, but I'm kind of a noob about mounts, rings and stuff.

I learn more every day with places like TFL and THR though...!
 
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If you're just shooting targets, then I'd grab a super sniper fixed 16 or fixed 10. Probably go for the fixed 16, so you could see the 200 yard target bullseye pretty clearly.
 
I second the Super Sniper recommendation. They are amazingly good for the money and can even tolerate .50 BMG recoil. You wouldn't want one for close-range defense (too much magnification), but if target shooting is what you're after, then they're good to go.
 
the super snipers look great. I've read in other forums that 10x or 16x is overkill for 100yds and less, also stated by SteelCore in this thread.
I'm tempted to get one for one of my other rifles, though.

For the AR I'd like to keep it as a "mainly close gun, but occasional 200yd shooting". FirstFreedom's first post in this thread is my thinking. The Sightron II looks great, and fits my needs perfectly. I think Midway had SII scopes on sale in their May flyer... Doh! missed it!!

I'm also looking at the Fullfield II tactical 2-7x scope and the Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7x. I'm also interested in red dot sights (the 2x ones) - they are way expensive though - at least Aimpoint ones.
FirstFreedom said:
Use "extra-high" rings on your flattop (or riser rails plus medium rings).
Click to expand...
can you recommend a couple of rings or riser options?
 
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