Scope suggestion for varmint AR

J

Jags93

Inactive
Hi, first post here. I have an S&W M&P15c with the heavy 20" barrel in 5.56/223. I'd like to turn it into a varmint rifle for medium range, perhaps a maximum of 300 yards. I don't have much opportunity for longer distances here in CT but I'm looking for a magnification suggestion on a Leupold, preferably A VX3 that would be good for squirrels and such. Most distances would likely be about 100 yards. I'm still a newbie with scopes so if I'm making ridiculous statements please bear with me!

Thanks, Steve
 
The fx3 is a fixed power scope? I have no experience using one. How would the 6x magnification be like out past 100 yards?
 
Jags93:

I have a stright 12X Leupold wirh an AO. I bought it used so I sent it back to Leupold for a dot reticle an target turrets. Mounted on my M 70 Winchester 22-250 it's deadly on 300 yard prairie dog shots. A 4X12 would give you versatility when shooting through a hot summer's day mirage. The mirage has less distortion when viewed through lower powered scopes.

Semper Fi.

Gunnery sergeant
Clifford L. Hughes
USMC retired
 
Yes it is a fixed power scope. It should do you just fine past 100 yards, I've killed animals at 300 yards with a scope that wouldn't go over 6X before. Squirrels might be a little tough at 300 yards with 6X but you'll be able to hit them no problem at 100+ yards.
 
This is what I have on my heavy-barreled Colt HBAR:

Leupold VX3 6.5-20x40 Millimeter Long Range
opplanet-leupold-vx3-65-20x40mm-rifle-scope.jpg
 
I like the idea of a variable power, whether I need it or not but its time to take a look at the FX's in person at the store. The 6.5-40 is at the limit of my price range but doable.
 
I like the idea of a variable power, whether I need it or not but its time to take a look at the FX's in person at the store. The 6.5-40 is at the limit of my price range but doable.
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If you want a variable I'd look at the VX-II 4-12X40 scope. I've heard Leupold is dropping this line of scopes and you should be able to pick one up at a good price. I'd then send it back to Leupold custom shop and get a target dot reticle and target knobs installed. It should allow you to shoot anyting you want at 300 yards all day long. I can shoot 16oz soda bottles and prairie dogs at 300 yards all day long with mine.
 
Since your not planning on shooting past 300, a 4x Acog would be perfect IMO. That or a 1-4, vortex viper PST to save some money.
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Great tactical scopes for an AR but lousy Varmint scopes. The two scopes you mentioned just don't offer the pinpoint precision needed for targes the size of an 8"-12" 2X4 at 300 yards. If the OP was wanting to do more tacitcal style shooting at 300 yards both of your suggestions would be great choices.
 
I suppose your right haha. I guess it's just the way i think about ARs and so on. I have a 2.5-8x36mm MK4 on my 18" SPR that i use for varminting. The Acog on my friends RRA is also fun.


Whats the budget then? Preferred power?

Leupold VX series are a common varmint scope, bit pricey in some circumstances but good non the less. Vortex also has plenty of budget optics, not under the tactical label.
 
What are the main differences between the vx2 and vx3? I assumed the 3 was a generation newer and so should stay away from the 1 and 2 models.

Also, the rifle already has a Simmons on it now but mounted so close to the receiver it is difficult to operate the charge lever. I want to mount the new scope a tad higher. Any suggestions on a Leupold one or two piece mount? I presume the one piece is sturdier. Is that true?

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the advice.
 
VX3 i imagine would presumably have better glass, probably more durable, and maybe better tracking. That's an assumption. I have a friend who buys nothing but VXIIIs everyone i've used has been spot on, so you can't go wrong with it.

Here is where some tactical minded products could come in hand, because mounting an optic on an AR without the PRI front rail on the mk12 mod 0 is an absolute PIA. You don't have to go all out but any extra high ring for a picatanny rail will work. If you want rings i use A.R.M.S. QD, Larue makes good QD rings also. Larue also makes a good SPR mount. You don't have to go for all that stuff, as simple Leupy extra high rings will work, but you definitely want high-extrahigh for a standard flat based AR.

This isn't mine but figured i'd find a pic to show you the SPR mount.
meopta1x4rd004sl4.jpg
 
Here is the answer from Leupold's FAQ page.

Vari-X III

The Vari-X III line (discontinued for 2004 with introduction of VX-III) has seen little change and is still optically the same as those produced in the 90s. Vari-X III’s utilize ¼-MOA click adjustments and are fully multicoated with Multicoat 4.

VX-II

The VX-II line (2003 and older) uses a combination of Vari-X III and Vari-X II (discontinued) technology. VX-II’s also utilize ¼-MOA click adjustments, but the lens coatings are unique. The external lenses are coated with Multicoat 4 and the internal lenses are coated with magnesium fluoride.
Beginning in 2004, the VX-II line is fully multicoated and will perform comparably to the discontinued Vari-X III line.
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When Leupold discontinues a higher line of products they push it down and use it in their midrange models. The VX-II is a very durable scope will give you great service. Plus to get a parallax adjustable scope you'll have to step up to at least a 3.5-10 power VX3 which will be $100-150 more than you can get the VX-II for. There is no need to fear this older generation of Leupold scopes.

Other lines I'd look at are the Vortex Viper HS, Sightron SII and SIII, and Nikon Buckmaster and Monarch, as well as the Bushnell Elites. The thing is with varmint scopes you want to use a fine reticle or target dot style. The more varmint or target oriented the reticle the better off you'll be in the long run.
 
i like a good old fashion 3x9 and thats whats on mine. It gives about all the magnification you need for 223 ranges and still goes down to 3x and that allows it to at least be fair if you wanted to use it for protection.
 
among the best choices out there for your stated purpose that would not be overly large on that platform would be the 4.5x14 LRT series. The side focus and 30mm tube are great.
 
I have a 4.5X14 VX3 Leupold with varmint reticle and 30mm tube on my RRA. It works very well on paraire dogs out to 350.

Bill
 
I just mounted one of the Pentax 4-12x40 Gameseeker scopes with the bullet drop hash marks on a fluted heavy barrel AR. Looks good, color matches the black receiver finish, very clear, and gives hold on up to 400 yards.
I know it's not as expensive as the others mentioned but I can live with that. I'm not one who feels he has to spend an exorbitant amount to get a decent scope.
 
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