Need advice on ar-15 scope

[Rockgod]

Hi everyone. Im new to the forums and relatively new to firearms in general. I recently purchased a smith and wesson mp15 sport 2 and would like some advice on a quialty but afordable scope. My overall goal for this firearm is a bit jack of all trades weapon. I want to be able to take it out to the range and hit distant targets but i would like to be able to still use my gun at close quarters effectively in the case of an emergency. I was thinking of something along the lines of a 1-4x scope. I was checking out scopes and the burris skulltac caught my eye. The red dot on top would be perfect for close quarters but i would still have a scope for range and it even includes a mount. Ive found the scope online for just under 400$ on amazon and although i would like to spend less i understand quality isnt cheap. I was wondering what peoples opponions were on this perticual scope or if anyone could recomend something similar to this. I love the skull design but id rather have function over looks. If anything is coming out in the near future id be intrested in that to. Im working on my accuracy with iron sights currently so im not in a huge rush to buy yet. Mainly just doing my research at this point

[Foebia]

Look at the Nikon p223 it's affordable and built for the 223. I prefer red dots though. Tons to choose from but the aim point patrolman seems to be a popular one. I have a Trijicon MRO I like it a lot.

[FMJBT]

In that price range, the SWFA 1-4X24 is worth a look also:

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-1-4x24-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P78365.aspx

[ChuckDizzle]

For that price I'd check out the non Fire-dot model of the Leupold Mark AR Mod-1. I've been very happy with my Fire-dot G model, but If I needed to save a few bucks I would definitely have gotten the one without a battery.

It weighs only 9 and a half ounces. Great glass, killer lifetime (of the product) warranty.

The thing that impresses me most with my model is just how true the tracking is from click to click on the adjustments. My Magpul back up folds down and just clears perfectly under the scope.

[Rockgod]

Those scopes certainly sound great i really want to stay under 400$ including the mount though. Ideally i was thinking of spending between $200-$300 including the mount. The nikon sounds promising ill researching that one right now

[stevebla]

Aimpoint and iron sights hard to go wrong. Patrol rifle optic $432.00, Aimpoint carbine optic can be had for under $400 both come with mount. There is a lot to be said for shooting with both eyes open! I would get 4 moa dot, but I would be in the minority. Also get a .22 rifle so you can shoot with out going broke. I shoot at least 25 22s to every 5.56/223. The 22 shooting has helped me to improve.

http://www.primaryarms.com/aimpoint-pro-patrol-rifle-optic-red-dot-sight-2-moa/p/12841/

http://www.primaryarms.com/aimpoint-aco-carbine-optic-2moa-mounts-red-dot-sight/p/200174/

[edgerly779]

I also have and like my leupold ar mod 1 3x9

[ScottsBad]

You could also look at something like this Vortex http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-6x24-Strike...it-P79330.aspx

The problem with all of these scopes is that they are cheap. It would be smarter to take Foebia or stevebla's advice and buy the Aimpoint PRO. The Aimpoint IS a SERIOUS optic which you could feel comfortable taking into an actual WAR. It will run for something like 3 years continuously on a single battery and you can scuba dive with the damn thing if you want.

To get the kind of quality that's in an Aimpoint PRO you'd have to spend $1000-$1500 or more for a variable.

If you must have a variable, ChuckDizzle's advice is pretty good. Leupold makes a very good scope.

[ScottsBad]

Those scopes certainly sound great i really want to stay under 400$ including the mount though. Ideally i was thinking of spending between $200-$300 including the mount. The nikon sounds promising ill researching that one right now

You'd be better off saving for a few more weeks. An under $300 dollar optic with mount will suck. Just plan on keeping it for a couple years and throwing it away.

Good luck

[KillZone45]

Why do new guys think they can get away with such cheap stuff? I think the general consensus is that they spent say $800 on a gun and want to spend half that for the optic and mount. Newsflash, this hobby aint cheap and expect to spend a good amount of money to get something nice.

[Foebia]

Why do new guys think they can get away with such cheap stuff? I think the general consensus is that they spent say $800 on a gun and want to spend half that for the optic and mount. Newsflash, this hobby aint cheap and expect to spend a good amount of money to get something nice.

For me? I'm not an operator. I tinker around shoot whatever ammo I have. Talk with friends. Some people just like to have fun. You ever been golfing with a friend and all they do is critique your swing or grip? Hope you understand the bigger picture...

If I get a bolt gun shooting 500 yards I will invest in nice scope. Precision shooting is a different kind of fun.

[Rockgod]

I have a colt m4 carbine in .22 already i figured the same thing as far as being able to shot a cheaper round and still have the feel of an AR. I reliaze shooting isnt a cheap hobby but at the same time not everyone can afford to drop a grand on a scope. I dont need a scope that i can hit someone between the eyes with at 600+ yards. as long as i can hit center mass consistitantly id be content.

[firstkill]

I have a colt m4 carbine in .22 already i figured the same thing as far as being able to shot a cheaper round and still have the feel of an AR. I reliaze shooting isnt a cheap hobby but at the same time not everyone can afford to drop a grand on a scope. I dont need a scope that i can hit someone between the eyes with at 600+ yards. as long as i can hit center mass consistitantly id be content.

here is my take on it.
either go budget or get something nice.
No middle ground as you can always 2nd guess your self.

what do you want to shoot more?
12 inch steel plate at 100-200 yards or further
VS busting a 4 inch clay pigeon at 100-200 yards

If its 12inch plates then get a red dot
If you want to do a little precision that can also do some close work then get the 4x scope

a cheap 4x scope and quick detach ring will be less than 100 and hold zero for a range toy.
- obvious it cant go underwater/work well at night/ dropping it often
but it seems like for a casual shooter it really ends up being a range toy.

I would suggesting trying some stuff at a range before investing money.
try a 1x4 scope a 3x9 and a red dot to see what you like.

[Rockgod]

Could someone explain what makes the expensive scopes recomended so much better than the burris mtac/skulltac. I cant find much info about the skulltac but from what im reading the mtac is a great scope. As i said this is all new to me so i dont get what makes these scopes so much better. The skulltac from what i can tell is just the mtac with a fancy paintjob and if it is than it sounds like a great deal for only 400$

[firstkill]

Could someone explain what makes the expensive scopes recomended so much better than the burris mtac/skulltac. I cant find much info about the skulltac but from what im reading the mtac is a great scope. As i said this is all new to me so i dont get what makes these scopes so much better. The skulltac from what i can tell is just the mtac with a fancy paintjob and if it is than it sounds like a great deal for only 400$

clarity of glass
damage resistant ( a scope designed for a 22 doesn't need to be as shock proof as one designed for a 308 )
night clarity
keeping zero from repeated shots
water proof
temp proof (desert vs freezing)
battery life if there is a lit up reticle

buy one that will last a life time or buy a cheap one for fun and range use