Need help choosing an sight sytem for 20" ar

[13204u]

Ok, let me lay it all down. I am presently building an m16a4 clone and I need an optic for it. I have looked at what is on the market and I am going to admit I am clueless. I have used iron sights my entire life (age 27) and am pretty proficient with them. Up till this point I have avoided optics because i felt it was more of a challenge to run irons, and also more fun/rewarding for me personally developing my marksmanship skills. With this build I want to step into the world of optics. First, this rifle is going to be a paper puncher and probably nothing else. I am planning on shooting it out to 400yrds maximum because that is about the limit of my marksmenship skills at this particular time. I am just really confused about selection at this point. There are eotechs, and aimpoints, and acogs. If I wanted a pure clone I would clearly go the acog. But I am not really sure what suits my needs. There are so many options and recticle configurations it is pretty astonishing to me. I am not afraid to spend $700 or more on one, but I want to get it right the first time. What should I be looking for? I here of cowitness, and moa dots, and a bunch of other terms that are completely foreign to me and truth be told I have no idea where to start. Can point me in the right direction?

[RobG]

Viper PST 1-4. Look down a couple threads. CST will hook you up.

[Bcarp100]

I would get a acog there is a reason the military uses them they simply work I have an acog and I love it!! It never needs a battery and honestly imo looks amazing. Tactical and tatcicool!

[Hk996]

If you are not doing paper shooting for small groups, the acog is great. You can use it for shooting steel out to 400 yards fairly easily. For shooting small groups it's fine, but having more power definitely helps.

[Hoop]

I have a pst 1-4 and like it a lot however it is not a paper puncher.

If I were you I'd get the bushnell 3-12 FFP. At 544$ you won't break the bank and people seem to be happy with them.

edit:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=378812#Post378812

Read that stuff, should explain a lot.

[GeoffLinder]

Can't go wrong with the Nikon .223 scopes. The 2-8x with BDC reticle would be a great choice for what you want to do.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=653959

ACOG is very expensive (do not get an ACOG clone) and are fixed magnification. For target shooting a variable will be better bang for your buck