Questions on Scope for AR15

[fredberry]

I am looking to buy a low powered variable scope (1-5X) for my AR15 and have a few questions. I will be using the rifle for target shooting and home defense given it has a 16" barrel and low profile MI site. My eyes are not what they used to be so I definitely need magnification for any distance shooting. I am looking for a low-cost no frills scope that is 11" or less in length with good eye relief. This will not be my final scope but one I can use in the interim to determine just what will work for me in the long run. Here are my questions:

1. Is an illuminated reticle worth the extra money?

2. I plan on using a CAA DVSR single piece mount for the scope. Any issues with this choice? Any similarly priced alternative that will place the scope forward?

3. I am considering a Bushnell Banner or a Simmons ProDiamond. Any other recommendations? Any quality/durability issues between these two?

4. Who has the best prices on scopes so I can shop for the best competitive price?

Thanks in advance.

Fred

[OutlawDon]

Millet DMS-1 is what most will suggest

http://www.millettsights.com/controller.php/catalog/tactical_dms

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=326527&page=1

[maxicon]

Yeah, for a budget 1-4x scope, it's hard to beat the DMS-1. I like mine a lot, and have it mounted in a DVSR mount, which is also hard to beat for a budget 30mm mount. If I had to buy one low-mag scope/mount combo for under $300, I'd get a DMS-1 and DVSR, hands down.

The Simmons ProDiamond line has a better reputation than the Bushnell Banner line, but I've never used either one. Another good one that you don't have listed is the Weaver V3, which is only 1-3x and not illuminated, but is solid quality and inexpensive. Mine is a good scope, but the DMS-1 kicks its butt in fun and usability (though is a good bit heavier).

Illumination in this price range is generally going to be low light, and will wash out in full sun, but can still be handy for quick aquisition. The DMS-1 is like that - the reticle washes out to black in bright sun, but is very fast to pick up in lower light.

Here's the Big List of AR15 one-piece mounts, including sections on rings and extended rails:

http://www.maxicon.com/guns/optics/one_piece/ar15_onepiece_mounts.htm

and here's a detailed bench review of the DVSR, which works very well for 30mm tubes, but requires a different set of ring reducers for 1" tubes - the ones included don't work well:

http://www.maxicon.com/guns/optics/caa/caa_dvsr.htm

[fredberry]

Thanks, Maxicon. I was able to benefit from your posting reviews on various manufacturer scope mounts and determined that the CAA DVSR would work best for me. My only problem with this item is the cost of shipping & handling. Do you know of a mail order source that won't charge half the price of the item to ship it to you? Even MidwayUSA wants an additional $6 just to process this small order.

As for scopes, I was well aware of the DMS-1 but wanted to make sure a 1-5X scope was what I wanted before committing the $200. I have other rifles I can put the Bushnell/Simmons scope on should I decide on a DMS-1 later. To restate my question, is the illumination worth it even in a less expensive scope?

Thanks again.

Fred

[maxicon]

I like the illumination - it definitely speeds things up, and is another option, but it's a plinking scope for me. These scopes have good support and good resale value, so if you get one and decide you don't like it, you can usually resell it for about 85-90% of what you paid for it, which is a good way to try things out.

For the mount, TheTic00, one of the arfcom dealers, has a great price on them - $26 shipped - but appears to be out right now. You could drop him an email and see what his plans are for more. I've bought a number of things from him, and he's always been very responsive and helpful:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=142&t=551642

These guys also have it on sale now - $27 shipped. I don't know anything about them except that they're an arfcom dealer, and appear to sell primarily inexpensive Chinese stuff.

http://store.a51tactical.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=871