AR 15 Optics

[phaseshift]

I'm thinking of building an AR and I was wondering what you guys would recommend on some optics that can be configured for CQB and also for targets that are 100-200 yards away.

[RedMonkey]

Eotech XPS2-0 or EXPS2-0. Have it, love it.

[DirtyDave]

A good Quality 1-4x scope is the ticket for an AR15 in most situations. 1x with an illuminated reticle up close and 4x for hitting steel plates out to 400yds.
What is your budget for optics?

[phaseshift]

A good Quality 1-4x scope is the ticket for an AR15 in most situations. 1x with an illuminated reticle up close and 4x for hitting steel plates out to 400yds.
What is your budget for optics?

UNDER 1k

[d4v0s]

I absolutely love my M-223 1-4x. it has the BDC 600 Reticle that ranges 55grain ammo out to 600 yards. Nikon also has the Spot-On calculator on their website which allows you to choose any known manufacturer or ammunition and see where it ranges.

I like it so far at 1x for close stuff, the 4x is great for shooting targets at 100 yards for me, mostly soda cans so far. wish it had some illumination but I hate batteries and until I can afford an ACOG or TR24 the nikon will be great for me. I also got it for $250 with a free mount!

[ejhc11]

A good Quality 1-4x scope is the ticket for an AR15 in most situations. 1x with an illuminated reticle up close and 4x for hitting steel plates out to 400yds.

There are endless selections but here are some I like, especially the Vortex Viper PST MRAD.

Under $900-700

http://www.opticsplanet.net/burris-1x-4x-24mm-xtr-xtreme-tactical-illuminated-riflescope.html

Under $500

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-1-4x24-riflescope-with-tmcq-moa-reticle

Under $400

http://www.burrisoptics.com/mtac1.html

[phaseshift]

what about

http://www.riflegear.com/p-1064-eotech-mpoiii-exps2-2-w-g23fts.aspx

?

[ExtremeX]

You have a ton of options for under 1k... do as much hands on research as you can so you can find whats right for you.

I think the mid to higher end 1-4x type scopes are some of the best optics you can buy for the AR platform. Its extremely versatile in terms of application. From CQB type shooting to longer range shooting, it works very well.

I much rather have a $935 1-4x scope than an Eotech with magnifier combo for the same price... with the type of shooting you described, that would be my pick.

If you really like red dots, they also make 1-4x type scopes that have red dot reticles. One of my favorite is the Schmidt & Bender Short Dot, but its way out of my price range. There are other options out there, but my next 1-4x optic will be a RDS style scope.

Here is a good place to start...

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_18/421244_The_variable__low_power_multipurpose_scope_review_thread.html&page=1

[phaseshift]

seems like maybe the burris is the way to go then, is the burris the best under 1k?

[The War Wagon]

If your vision is, or is corrected to, 20/20, 200 yards is NOT that far away. I'd stick with an Aimpoint Pro for an affordable, entry-level optic at those ranges.

EOTech's and Trijicon Reflex series are also fine optics - I've owned those as well. My preference runs Aimpoint, however.

[SuperSet]

If I were going Burris, I'd get the MTAC over the XTR since the glass quality is similar so you'll end up pocketing the difference.

And having looked through the Vortex PST 1-4X, I had a hard time seeing the reticle in bright daylight (i.e. it washed out). The Burris MTAC washes out too but the reticle is large so you can still easily see it.

I'm also running the EOTech EXPS 3-4 with Lucid 2-5x magnifier and think it's a very versatile setup. Take note that since the magnifier is smaller than a 1-4x, it won't be as bright and the eyebox will be smaller. I'd only recommend that setup if you already have an EOTech.

Also, if you're operating in 300Y or closer, another good candidate is the Trijicon TR24. Bright daylight reticle, very fast at 1X, and durable enough for daily use. It does not have a BDC though so tricky to shoot past 300Y.

[phaseshift]

If I were going Burris, I'd get the MTAC over the XTR since the glass quality is similar so you'll end up pocketing the difference.

And having looked through the Vortex PST 1-4X, I had a hard time seeing the reticle in bright daylight (i.e. it washed out). The Burris MTAC washes out too but the reticle is large so you can still easily see it.

I'm also running the EOTech EXPS 3-4 with Lucid 2-5x magnifier and think it's a very versatile setup. Take note that since the magnifier is smaller than a 1-4x, it won't be as bright and the eyebox will be smaller. I'd only recommend that setup if you already have an EOTech.

Also, if you're operating in 300Y or closer, another good candidate is the Trijicon TR24. Bright daylight reticle, very fast at 1X, and durable enough for daily use. It does not have a BDC though so tricky to shoot past 300Y.

What would be the main difference between the XTR and the MTAC? Also is getting the fast fire worth it?

[SuperSet]

No, I don't think the FF is worth the cost. The biggest difference between the XTR and MTAC is the reticle. The XTR's reticle goes out to 1000 yards while the MTAC's stops at 600 yards.

[PrimaryArms]

In order to hit smaller targets at 200 yards look into 1-3 MOA dots. If you have money to spend Eotechs and Aimpoints are the way to go. If your on a budget our PA Micro Dots, Bushnells and some others are a good choice. Be sure to cowtness your weapon.

Hope this helps

Dimitri

[ExtremeX]

seems like maybe the burris is the way to go then, is the burris the best under 1k?

Best under 1k... only you can make that decision. Reticle preferences are personal choices, and only you can say whats best for you.

There are other options... Trijicon 1-4, GRSC CRS 1-6x, Leupold VX6 1-6x, SWFA SS 1-4x, Leathwood CMR, Muller Speed Shot...

Personally I prefer the 1-4x Viper PST over the burris because I like the reticle more. I didn't really want a BDC reticle in the Burris on a 1-4x, but that's a personal choice. The reticle in my 1-4x fits my shooting style more than something with a BDC... I know what my hold over and drops are, I know how much correct to dial in... I can be more accurate without a BDC reticle.