Finished my first AR, which sights?

[tejash55]

I just finished my first AR now i need to figure out what i want to use for sights. I dont really want iron but might resort to them. Have any suggestions? I want something tactical but also be able to shoot more than 100yards.

[Koolpsych]

More than 100 yards to me means something slightly magnified, meaning ACOG, variable powered, or maybe a red dot/holographic with magnifier.

All of them can be tactical but budget and main usage also come into play.

[goodlookin1]

More than 100 yards to me means something slightly magnified, meaning ACOG, variable powered, or maybe a red dot/holographic with magnifier.

All of them can be tactical but budget and main usage also come into play.

+1

You're gonna get the same answers here from everyone: ACOG, Aimpoint/Eotech with possible magnifier, or a 1-4x24 short scope.

ACOGs would be my pic if money wasnt an issue. the TA31 has the widest field of view and cleanest glass I have ever seen. Looks much more magnified than most 4x scopes I have looked through. It's fairly fast in target acquisition, plus it doesnt require batteries. However, the Tritium is said to get dim after about 10 years, but Trijicon will replace for free (from what i've heard). More options for magnification, BDC's and calibers as well. Inside of 50 yards, however, I'd much prefer an Eotech. Prices range from $700-1700 for most models....the average being around $1100 or so.

Aimpoint are fine. Built like tanks and super reliable, but also cost an arm and a leg for what you get: A very simple red dot. You can get the same performance out of other red dots, but most people like the fact that you only have to change batteries once every 9 years or so, plus the fact you can drop kick the thing and it will still continue to work! But at the end of the day, it's still a simple red dot sight. This may be the best option if you are concerned about reliability or if your life depends on it (SHTF). Pretty much the cheapest you will find brand new is around $350 for a very large scope-like model and goes up all the way to $1500 for the highest end model. Most popular models are between $550-750.

Eotech's offer a much more "tacticool" reticle, and a more affordable price to boot. Not quite as rugged as the Aimpoint and not the same battery life, but still good compared to many other options out there. It's really the only true holographic sight on the market. The design is also supposed to continue working even if your glass cracks or gets mud on it. It features a very fine 1 MOA center dot for precise accuracy at longer ranges and also a 65 MOA outer ring for close up quick acquisition work. Not too heavy (can vary depending on the model). Battery is said to last 1000-1500 hours. It also features a protective metal shroud around the optics body protecting it from most dings and bumps, but not quite "bullet-proof". Base models start at $350-400 new for a non-night vision model, going up to about $650 for the higher end models. Some people report not liking the "grainy" reticle though.....others also find it difficult or impossible to get a clean, crisp reticle without blurring. I myself have not had this problem though.

A good 1-4x24 scope can be nice due to the variable magnification power. Some also have illuminated reticles capable of being used during the brightest times of the day. Others, not so much. Still others provide no illumination and acts exactly like a hunting scope....just in a smaller form factor. A downside is that the 1x is not a true 1x like an Aimpoint or Eotech: There is still some skewing of the image and may be more difficult to use the "both eyes open" aiming method. You will also have a limited eye relief, as on an ACOG. Downside to this is the size and weight of the scope, and to get a good one, will cost the same or more than a good Trijicon scope would. Schmidt & Bender comes to mind in the upper range pricing. However, good deals can still be had, like the Millett DMS-1. It features an illuminated reticle (some say using this in daylight is not very practical, others say it's fine), fairly decent glass, and a decently small form factor for a very reasonable $250-300.


Best thing to do is choose what type of shooting you will mostly be doing, figure out your budget, read reviews, go to stores and look at your options, and then buy what you like best! Take into consideration user reviews, but dont always put too much emphasis on them. You will find negative reviews on any product; there are fanboys on every side of every argument for every product! Just keep that in mind. Lastly, get what YOU like, not what other people like!

[GeoffLinder]

Irons work just fine to 300+ meters, ifn'ya know how to shoot them

Get a good low powered variable (1-4x or 1.5-5x) or go with a Leupold CQT (1-3x with red dot in center of reticle)

[damndave]

For this same purpose I went with a 1-4x. If it is a true 1x, it is great for CQC and can be used with both eyes open.

I just sold my AR so if your interested in something like this let me know. I have a Millett DMS-1 on a LaRue mount for sale right now. Very nice setup for a reasonable price.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=305190

[Endless]

I have had several optics over the years. I currently on:

Trijicon TA11F, TA31A, TA01NSN (3.5x and 4x)
MARS Reflex

For over 100 yards I would go with an Acog or Elcan Specter DR.

I use my Acogs for over 75 yards on my Colt 6940 and 6920.

I use the MARS Reflex for under 75 yards on my FN FS2000.