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AR 5.56 TACTICAL SCOPE IDEAS

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Iwin5982 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Iwin5982 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: AR 5.56 TACTICAL SCOPE IDEAS
    Posted: February/13/2011 at 11:12
Ok don't wanna beat a dead horse being that you all may have heard this one a million times but...
I am looking for a 100-300 yard scope probably not much more if any and I would like it to perform great for a price of around $200-300 but yet still look like a tactical style

I know 200 is cheap but what would be a good choice for a AR if its more than what I am looking to spend please feel free to still let me know.



Chris......
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/13/2011 at 11:30
http://www.samplelist.com/Trijicon-1x24-Reflex-II-Dual-Illuminated-Sight-DEMO-B-P2054.aspx


Trijicon reflex, great on an AR out to 300 yards, best "bang for buck" buy.

I own one, I like it allot.  It does many things well and a thing or 2 exceptionally well.  
It is not a precision optic, but if your AR is an M4 clone, it ain't a precision rifle.  This will easily get hits out to 300 yards.
Like most Trijicon products, it is internally illuminated, no batteries, no on/off switch.

The reticle is the 12MOA triangle, so the tip can be used for a fine aiming point.


For me, the list of "don't"s is far longer than the "do"s.

Don't get a cheap magnifying scope, they fail at the worst time, they lead to more problems than solutions, and you will find yourself spending more money later.  If you want a magnifying scope, I recommend you kick in more than $300 to the endeavor.

Don't skimp on mounts.  The Trijicon reflex has a built-in mount.  If you are looking for a magnifying scope, a decent mount will be at least $50 and a really good one is your whole budget.  Don't buy cheapo stuff, it'll fail or frustrate later.

Don't buy garbage because it is "tactical."  If this is to be a rifle that actually goes to the range and into the field, stay away from anything that has lots of bells and whistles in the $200-300 range (if they put an illuminated reticle and parallax adjustment in a $200 scope, it might be worthy of airsoft, but it doesn't belong on a real gun.  There is no free ride in optics, you get what you pay for, sometimes more, quite often less.)

If you can stand to save for awhile, save up about $900 and get the new SS1-4X and mount it in an American Defense Recon mount.  Yes, it is 3X your budget, but you said if something is better, let you know. South of $1,500, this is about the best configuration going (and, pending further review, it might be the best thing going for less than $2,000 or so.)

My recommendations:
1.  If $200-300 is it, get the reflex, it is a serviceable package, will do what you want, and has a built-in mount, saving you $50-200 on mount alone.  And it is "tactical."
2.  If you can save for awhile, get the SS1-4 in either the SWFA mount or an American Defense mount.  It costs allot more but will offer huge all-around advantages (better capabilities at longer ranges, very usable at close range.)

Hope it helps.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FireEMT5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/13/2011 at 11:34
For the money, check out the vortex vipers.  You can pick up a 2x7x32 for under $200 on closeout.  Heck of a scope for the money and one of the best warrranties in the business.  Another option would be the viper 3x9 ($299.00)
Understand you'll also need to spend some coin on a set of good rings or a one piece QD mount.  A good QD mount will run $125 or so on up.  In the long run, it doesn't pay to skimp.  It may be hard to save up and wait, but buy once, cry once will save you money in the long run.
Other options would be the SS fix powers.
 
I'm sure others will chime in with more suggestions.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/13/2011 at 11:38
Red dot -
Vortex SPARC or StrikeFire
 
Scope -
Viper 2-7 on sale or save for the SS 1-4 its all that and a box of cracker jacks
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JLud Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2011 at 19:53

I bought a Burris Tac 30 1-4 and like it a lot.  Used it today, illuminated reticle visible in daylight, and I turned it off for some as well.  Can use it both eyes open for CQ, then crank up to 4 if you want.  Its calibrated for the 62 grn 5.56 already, with dots for drop, not sure how you can go wrong at this price.  There are some pics under a thread in tactical scopes from a couple weeks back.

 

Very clear glass, seems very well made, no complaints, and 300 bucks.

That thing on the left....my old ride, some days I miss her.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote deadduck357 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/14/2011 at 20:51
Burris FF30 Tactical, 1-4x w/Ballistic CQ reticle.





Scope comes with factory slingshot lens covers.


And a technical sheet.


Kind of a satin finish.  Very nice.




The FF30 Tac in the P.E.P.R. mount.



Fit of the mount to the scope was perfect.

Non-illuminated, 1x magnification at 50 yds.


Illuminated, 1x power at 50 yds.


Non-illuminated, 4x magnification at 50 yds.


Illuminated, 4x power at 50 yds.


I did not use the high illumination settings for any of the above pictures.  The setting depicted is middle to middle-high.  

I am not a professional photographer by any means.  Picture quality does not accurately depict the clarity of the optic tested.  The glass is extremely crisp and clear.  I was very surprised by the image quality for a ~$300 scope, as this is comparable to the XTR-14 (~$700) in sharpness.  There is a slight edge distortion in the FF30 Tac as compared to the XTR-14, which is sharp throughout the field of view.  

Illumination is activated by pushing the rubberized button on the left side.  It is adjusted in intensity by pushing again.  To reverse intensity settings it is necessary to hold the button for three seconds.  To turn illumination off, hold for five seconds.  Illumination will automatically shut off two hours after the last intensity change.  

Weight, the FF30 Tac is 13.1 oz.  Length, the FF30 Tac is 10 9/32 in. long.  

For a $300 scope it offers a number of features that make it stand out in this price range.  Burris could easily ask more for this optic, but it's good to finally see a quality scope for those who have to shoot on a budget.

I cannot emphasize enough how amazed I am with the quality of this optic.

For $300 I don't think it can be beat.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JF4545 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/20/2011 at 01:14
That Burris looks like a nice little scope for the price!ice job there Dead Duck, nice pics I think.
 
I gotta 1x4x24 Trijicon Accupoit scope on a RRA 6.8 AR Carbine, using a LaRue mount. I really like the set-up and the scope is super clear and crisp, it has a red triangle reticle on the post..It super for quick shots, not much can get by ya.
 
I also just bought Burris PEPR mount like the one above. I mounted a Nice Minox 3x15x50 with a side  parallax adjustment and a Ballistic Reticle fior a Bushmaster Coyote Getter. Ive not had a chane to take it hunting yet but it sure shoots nice, I never use any scope over 12 power, but its nice to have the extra mags to look at your target and stuff.
 
Just kinda dependa on what your gonna use it for, Just be careful what ya buy and stay away from the crap. I really like the looks of that FF30 1x4 Burris for up close stuff....Im getting old so that scope will not work well for 200 yard shots for me. I prefer a 4 to 10X myself.
Have fun!Bucky
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RRA2two3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: February/20/2011 at 08:05
 I just purchased the SS 10x for my RRA LAR which came with the RRA scope mount. I primarily punch paper and ring the steel gongs out to 200 yds. This year I will be taking it to TN to shoot some woodchucks and the 10x will get me 200-300 yard shots. I picked up a used but like new EOtech from my local gun store that works great, its the AA battery version. I swap it between my RRA and my S&W M&P 15-22, I'm in my 40s and iron sights don't quite cut it anymore.
 After I get the scope mounted and get a accurate hand load worked up I will post some pics.
 This is my 1st SS scope, I've owned several VX-II and VX-III,some Burris Signatures before they sold to Beretta. Unfortunately I sold them off with the rifles they were on, I currently have a Nikon Monarch 4-16 on my Remmy XR-100 in .223 . I've got the gun on consignment and will be picking up the FN  TSR in .308, the Monarch will go on that for the time being.
 Good luck with your decision IWIN5982 and let us know what you pick.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bhammell Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2013 at 17:12
There are a lot of good scopes out there for sub 200$.  I like to go with either UTG or Barska brands.  Both are high quality for the price.  For that distance you'd be well off with a 4x scope.  If you want a variale scope something that is 3-9x would cover any distance you'd be shooting at.  

I'd recommend the UTG CQB Bug buster 3-9x30 and the Barska IR Contour 3-9x42.  Both are of similar prices. 

-bhammell
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2013 at 18:58
Originally posted by bhammell bhammell wrote:

There are a lot of good scopes out there for sub 200$.  I like to go with either UTG or Barska brands.  Both are high quality for the price.  For that distance you'd be well off with a 4x scope.  If you want a variale scope something that is 3-9x would cover any distance you'd be shooting at.  

I'd recommend the UTG CQB Bug buster 3-9x30 and the Barska IR Contour 3-9x42.  Both are of similar prices. 

-bhammell


Both of those scopes are certifiable garbage.

Also, I read through the page you linked and it is not much better. 

The only scope their that is not a paperweight is the Nikon P-223.

ILya
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2013 at 22:14
I hope the original poster has purchased by now. He asked the question over two and a half years ago.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/07/2013 at 23:46
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