Cheap Barska Scope For AR?

[Waffle]

What do you guys think about this cheap scope for an AR. It seems like a good deal. Anyone know if this scope is worth a crap?

http://www.shopbarska.com/AR_15_Scopes_Mounts-4_16x50_IR_Sniper_Scope_by_Barska_Green_Ir_mil_dot.html

[llkojakll]

I've had the 6-24x50 version on my AR (24" barrel) for over 2 years and maybe 2500 rounds and no issues. Not the clearest glass but well worth the money, has held zero very well.

[Waffle]

Thanks, i think ill give it a shot.

[chicoredneck]

I have heard that they hold a zero by some and that they were worthless by others. The glass is terrible IMO and is not fully coated which causes a number of problems.

[HighLander51]

In optics, you will find you get exactly what you pay for. I have seen many $100-$300 scopes loose zero in the middle of a match. Alot of guys start with a $100 scope, it quits, then they go to a $300 scope, and it quits. Then they bite the bullet, and spend the $800 for a good scope. You will be much better off at the end of the day by getting a high quality scope, and mounts, up front.

[r3dn3ck]

You don't need 800 bucks for a good scope. You can find superior quality for 250-350 bucks easily in a brand new Leupold or a Bushnell Elite.

However, yes you do get what you pay for relative to what's out there but it's sorta on a curve in my experience. Take a common 3-9x40 which is a fine all around scope. The bottom end is really bottom end (30-60 bucks) and is junk of the worst sort. A small step up from there is still a bit less durable than a "good" scope but is entirely serviceable for light use (70-90 bucksish) at the range... probably not a hunting scope though. After you cross that point you take a big jump up to the 175-300 dollar class which is the quality side of bushnell's line on up to a low end Leupold or 2... they're pretty durable and reliable, clear and well made from good parts. After that you jump up to about 350-600 bucks which is a high quality scope and should be a good bit more durable and you'll get a lot of the gains in the repeatability and high magnification clarity areas. Above 600 bucks you're just scraping out the last possible bits of money from people willing to pay that for slight gains of durability or clarity or you're paying for features you probably don't really need.

Don't buy features you don't need and you'll be able to put a high quality scope on the gun. It's an AR, not a benchrest rifle.

[dvsdev]

I had one that came with a rifle. It arrived with some scratches and dents. I never really tried it out, but the glass was not very clear. I sold it for really cheap, $40 shipped.

I use scopes in the Leupold Mark 4/Zeiss/Nightforce price range.

[shafferds]

You get what you pay for. If you can't see it than you can't hit it. Spend the money of a good scope that will last. Remember this: a gun you may have one use for but a scope you can move around for different rifles.

[calibanman]

I believe you should spend as much as you can afford on your gear, but then in hard economic times is it prudent to spend 1500 bucks on a NF for a rifle that punches holes in paper at 100 yards. A friend of mine once told me never be afraid to buy the best because you will never want for more. But with that said I have had great luck with budget scopes, namely this scope

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=962234

I run one on a .223 bolt and like it so much I bought one for a Umarex m16spr. For a buck 50 you can't go wrong imho, Ive had one for 3 years and about 2000 rounds later it still holds zero. Glass isn't as great as the loopy's but good enough for my 40 year old eyes to splash 8" steel at 400 all day and shoot quarters at 100 till the cows come home. So take it with a grain of salt, buy what you can afford for paper punching but if you life will depend on it....SAVE up. I'm gonna shut up now. Cheers.

[LBDamned]

for under $200 I think the Burris E1 (updated/upgraded version of the Fullflield II) is hard to beat... possibly the best offering under $300 even...

I picked one up here for $175 shipped (cheapest I found anywhere on the net): http://www.red-dot-scopes.com/burris...mm-200320.html

It's smaller objective than the Barska you listed (40 vs 50mm) - but on an AR it will fit better...

I havent received mine yet - so obviously havent used it... but I researched the hell out of it and can't find anything bad (lot's of good reviews - and specs are real good)... I actually chose this over the Bushnell Elite 4200

Just my .02 cents

[1lostinspace]

I would look at Bushnell, Burris and Nikon.

[Waffle]

Thanks for the help/input everyone.

[LAWABIDINGCITIZEN]

http://www.shopbarska.com/AR_15_Scopes_Mounts-4X28_IR_Electro_Sight_Tactical_Multi_Rail_Mount.html

I had one of these for my S&W 15-22. It won't hold zero and needs to be sighted in every trip to the range.

I gave up and so far I haven't even bothered to send it in for warranty service.

YMMV

[Iskra]

I bought the Barska ($39 on eBay) and it didn't even hold zero on a 22LR bolt. The glass got a fog spot in the middle too.

I have an $80 Bushnell Banner 4-12 on an AR and its great out to 100 yds. If you really want to go cheap, skip over the Barska and get the Banner.

[rero360]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=480562