Range scope for my M4

Long time listener, first time poster here.  I'm considering buying a scope to slap on my M4 for the sole purpose of having fun at the local range--essentially just paper punching anywhere from 50 to 250 yards. I currently have an Aimpoint H1 and a Trijicon TR24G (#4) to repel enemy invaders with, but for target shooting from the bench I'm looking for a little more magnification.  I've done some forum research and have a couple scopes I'm considering, but first wanted to see what some of the more experienced shooters recommend.  My M4 is not a precision rifle (probably about a 2-3 MOA gun), but I really enjoy shooting it from the bench at paper targets and believe a higher mag scope that would allow me to see the holes will add to the enjoyment (no, I don't own a spotter).  I'd be interested in hearing your recommendations or from anybody else who enjoys shooting higher mag scopes on M4/AR15 guns.

Welcome to The OT. 

Thanks, cheaptrick, I think the SS10x42 is a great suggestion--it's one of the ones I'm strongly considering.  How clearly are you able to discern .223 holes on paper at 100 and 200 yards?  I love the classic mil dot reticle on that scope (and think I would prefer it to the one on the forthcoming newer mil-mil version).  I could probably spend up to $600, but really, if it's not really going to increase the fun-factor proportionally, I'd like to keep it under this limit.  After all, I'm not going to be precision shooting out past 250 yards with a sniper rifle or anything like that.

BTW, where are you in North Carolina?  I'm on the coast, near Wilmington!

I live outside of Charlotte. Nice area, Wilmington. 

Might also consider the new 12x that is coming out this summer...And it has mil adjustments, and the new mil-quad reticle! And all for the same price as the original...

I like using those shoot n see targets as well.  I can usually see hits at 100 yards with my TR24G on 4x, but it can be tough on regular targets.  I've got a Larue LT104 quick detach with 30mm rings.  I believe the centerline sits 1.5 inches above the rail--not sure if it would fit the SS10x42 or not.  The centerline on your mount looks to be 2+ inches above the rail.

billyburl2 wrote: Might also consider the new 12x that is coming out this summer...And it has mil adjustments, and the new mil-quad reticle! And all for the same price as the original...

Well rest assured they are coming. As far as the exact date, all I can recommend is call SWFA.

fullmetalredhead wrote: I like using those shoot n see targets as well.  I can usually see hits at 100 yards with my TR24G on 4x, but it can be tough on regular targets.  I've got a Larue LT104 quick detach with 30mm rings.  I believe the centerline sits 1.5 inches above the rail--not sure if it would fit the SS10x42 or not.  The centerline on your mount looks to be 2+ inches above the rail.

Hey Wilmington huh,  I'm down in Shallotte. 

SVT_Tactical wrote: Hey Wilmington huh,  I'm down in Shallotte.    Might wanna look at the 16X SS being its just for bench shooting

Ive used a 16x for load development for a while but recently sold it.  Never had much mirage to deal with.  As far as ranges, can't say much, I shoot at my place and family land.  There is one in Southport, Ant Hill?  I think.  They host a 3 gun match every 5th sunday. 

Yeah that's one of the private ranges I looked into.  The various matches are open to all, but other than that the range is for members only.  Perhaps I'll go check the place out on one of these match days and see if I can make a few connections.

The few times I've been out there on 3 gun days there have been several members that would approach me wanting me to come out and shoot on other days.  I imagine if you just go out, be respectful, and show good safety handling you'll be invited back.

I too think the 16x SS will serve you well. 

If you were going to be doing anything serious with that M4 I'd say consider the SS but you're punching paper and that's a lot of money for punching paper with a 2MOA rifle. I ordered the 1-3x20 and the Burris mount for my M&P15-22 as a high-quality low cost practice/training analog for the Burris Xtreme 1-4x24 on one of my AR15s. These are all good quality scopes roughly equivalent in build quality and optics to a Bushnell Legend, Burris Fullfield II, or Nikon Buckmaster.

FWIW I'd put the savings into a decent spotting scope.

Burris AR-P.E.P.R. QD 1" Scope Mount Stock # - BUR410344 Matte Picatinny Tops Quick Detachable

$89.95

Weaver 1-3x20 Classic V Rifle Scope Stock # - 849400 Matte Dual-X 1"

$169.95 More Details »

Weaver 2-10x38 Classic V Rifle Scope Stock # - 849403 Matte Ballistic X 1"

$209.95 More Details »

Weaver 4-16x42 Classic V Rifle Scope Stock # - 849414WEA Matte .223 Ballistic X 1" Adjustable Objective

$329.95 More Details »

Edited by sholling - June/04/2012 at 16:09

Okay, now I find myself wondering if I would have more fun with the SS3-9X42.  Seems like a great all around scope for an M4 and 9x would be just about high enough for precision target shooting at 100 yards.  I could just stick to center of mass shots out past 100.  Plus I get to play around with milling targets and dialing in shots. Hmm.....

fullmetalredhead wrote: Okay, now I find myself wondering if I would have more fun with the SS3-9X42.  Seems like a great all around scope for an M4 and 9x would be just about high enough for precision target shooting at 100 yards.  I could just stick to center of mass shots out past 100.  Plus I get to play around with milling targets and dialing in shots. Hmm.....

Edited by cheaptrick - June/05/2012 at 18:30

I recommend a variable power scope. The last thing you want to do is make your AR one dementional. You can always put one of these mini red dot mounted on a 45 degree pic mount for close range target aquistion. Once sited in you can always take it off but I leave mine on cause it looks cool

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cheaptrick wrote: fullmetalredhead wrote: Okay, now I find myself wondering if I would have more fun with the SS3-9X42.  Seems like a great all around scope for an M4 and 9x would be just about high enough for precision target shooting at 100 yards.  I could just stick to center of mass shots out past 100.  Plus I get to play around with milling targets and dialing in shots. Hmm..... The SS 3-9x is an excellent scope to consider. I just finished shooting some decent groups with mine off a .308 bolt gun today @ 100 yards.

Very nice!  Looks 1/2" or less.  My M4 isn't quite that precise.

I feel relatively certain your La Rue mount will work with the Super Sniper scopes.  I also suggest a 16x or the  3-9  however I would prefer the Mil Quad with 1/10 mil clicks as it is beneficial having reticle and adjustments in the same increment.

Is that the LT104 or LT158?  Nice homemade sandbags.  What are they filled with? 

cheaptrick wrote: fullmetalredhead wrote: Okay, now I find myself wondering if I would have more fun with the SS3-9X42.  Seems like a great all around scope for an M4 and 9x would be just about high enough for precision target shooting at 100 yards.  I could just stick to center of mass shots out past 100.  Plus I get to play around with milling targets and dialing in shots. Hmm..... The SS 3-9x is an excellent scope to consider. I just finished shooting some decent groups with mine off a .308 bolt gun today @ 100 yards.