AR 15 Optics

[tacticalcity]

Simple red dot for everyday CQB. Removable flip to side magnifier for long range shots that you feel you need some help seeing. You don't want magnification or a tube casting shadows when doing CQB work.

I recommend either Aimpoint or EoTech. Either will work fine. Co-witness your iron sights in the lower 1/3 of the optic's window. That way if it ever fails for any reason your irons are right there ready to roll.

Now, if you are really going to use it for shooting targets and not going to take CQB courses with it then things like a fixed power ACOG or 1-4x scope are nice. They are great for target shooting and even 3 gun shooting. But in a CQB environment they are less than ideal. Likewise for really long range target shooting something more powerful like a 3.5-10x40 is nice. But would clearly be the wrong choice for CQB. Doesn't matter how nice or expensive they are...they are the wrong tool for that particular job.

Take a Tactical Carbine Course with each of them. You'll agree. An ordinary red dot with zero magnification and as small a tube as possible is the best for CQB work. It the absolute fastest, least distracting optic for a high speed environment.

It is a pretty to easy figure out concept. The closer they are they less magnification and tube you want or you'll get lost in them and get dead. The further away they are the more magnification and tube you can get away with.

Those paper zombies are brutal.

[badreligion]

My new TA-31RCO-A4 came from the factory with the mounting ears for a RMR so it will be getting a dual illumination model installed in the future. Solves the CQB to Mid range distance problems quite well. No dials, buttons, batteries or other distractions. Green RMR for close in fast paced shooting and Red reticle for distance.

[Echidin]

Lots of options to choose from for CQB to mid-range shooting. I decided on the eotech EXPS2-0 and x3 magnifier route for one AR set up. Still deciding on the other.

[Mstnpete]

For 3 gun most common used is Trijicon Accupoint scopes.
Great for both worlds shoot at any 300 yard target and go CQB at 5 yards.
Using both eyes open with the Bindon Aiming System.

[tacticalcity]

Lots of options to choose from for CQB to mid-range shooting. I decided on the eotech EXPS2-0 and x3 magnifier route for one AR set up. Still deciding on the other.

Sounds like an excellent choice to me. Be sure to post picks in the Rifles Gallery.

[PrimaryArms]

This was tailor made for an AR

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary-Arms-1-6X-Scope-with-ACSS-Reticle-p/pa1-6xrbd.htm

[BigPimping]

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

You all have deep pockets.

[javalos]

We do you want to start? There are a myriad of optics out there, what helped is you stating what you wanted, mainly CQC and 200 yard limit engagements. Any red dot will do, I particularly like EOTech's redicle with the 65MOA circle and 1MOA aiming dot. If you are going to choose Aimpoint, keep the red dot at 2 MOA, not 4 MOA, at 200 yards, the 4 MOA dot is 8 MOA, precise shots become difficult. I would recommend some type of low magnification which will to your advantage, especially at 200 yards which is your limit I bought the Vortex Viper PST, but found the entire reticle too small and easily obscured, I think I will go with the Leupold Mark Mode 1 with a 1.5-4x20mm firedot reticle.

[Merc1138]

We do you want to start? There are a myriad of optics out there, what helped is you stating what you wanted, mainly CQC and 200 yard limit engagements. Any red dot will do, I particularly like EOTech's redicle with the 65MOA circle and 1MOA aiming dot. If you are going to choose Aimpoint, keep the red dot at 2 MOA, not 4 MOA, at 200 yards, the 4 MOA dot is 8 MOA, precise shots become difficult. I would recommend some type of low magnification which will to your advantage, especially at 200 yards which is your limit I bought the Vortex Viper PST, but found the entire reticle too small and easily obscured, I think I will go with the Leupold Mark Mode 1 with a 1.5-4x20mm firedot reticle.

What? No. A 4 MOA dot at 100 yards is still 4 MOA at 200 yards.

At 100 yards a 4 MOA dot will cover 4", and it will still be 4 MOA covering 8" at 200 yards. At 50 yards that 4 MOA dot will cover 2". I agree that the 2 MOA dot would be better, but the 4 MOA doesn't suddenly become 8(an 8 MOA dot would cover 16" at 200 yards, but the dot doesn't change size, so that's not an issue)

[javalos]

What? No. A 4 MOA dot at 100 yards is still 4 MOA at 200 yards.

At 100 yards a 4 MOA dot will cover 4", and it will still be 4 MOA covering 8" at 200 yards. At 50 yards that 4 MOA dot will cover 2". I agree that the 2 MOA dot would be better, but the 4 MOA doesn't suddenly become 8(an 8 MOA dot would cover 16" at 200 yards, but the dot doesn't change size, so that's not an issue)

What I meant is the 4 MOA dot appears larger as distance increases, at 200 yards the dog obscures the much more because of course the target is smaller.

[LBDamned]

What? No. A 4 MOA dot at 100 yards is still 4 MOA at 200 yards.

At 100 yards a 4 MOA dot will cover 4", and it will still be 4 MOA covering 8" at 200 yards. At 50 yards that 4 MOA dot will cover 2". I agree that the 2 MOA dot would be better, but the 4 MOA doesn't suddenly become 8(an 8 MOA dot would cover 16" at 200 yards, but the dot doesn't change size, so that's not an issue)

What I meant is the 4 MOA dot appears larger as distance increases, at 200 yards the dog obscures the much more because of course the target is smaller.

FFP 1-4... problem/confusion solved

[ScottsBad]

You want something that has a good warrantee and is built from quality components. Go Leupold -->http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-6x24-VX-6-...pe-P51785.aspx

This has the FireDot illumination, it is 1-6x.

And get this mount ----> http://swfa.com/SWFA-Precision-Optic...nt-P56617.aspx

Bobro mount - Single lever QD mount needs no adjustment and returns to zero. Extended to give you plenty of room on a flat top AR. I have three of these in use.

The other scope I recommend which is oriented more for fast shooting up to 100 yards is the highly regarded Trijicon TR24R. It's reticle is very quick, like Aimpoint quick, close up and very good to 100, easy enough to 200. It is illuminated and requires no battery. It is lit with fiber optics and when it is pitch dark it is lit with tritium phosphorus. ---->http://www.trijicon.com/na_en/produc....php?pid=TR24R

I love shooting with my TR24R more than any scope I have. It can be purchased under the MSRP of about $1000.

The Viper PST 1-4 is well regarded by many folks and will leave you more room for buying ammo.

OH, and don't fall into the trap of buying a red-dot with a magnifier. You will get tired of it quickly. Ask me how I know? I have an Aimpoint and Aimpoint magnifier. I also have an EOTech and an EOTech GEN 2 magnifier. Guess where the magnifiers are? In a box. In fact I'll sell you my LE EOTech 557 (with less than 100 rounds on it) and my EOTech Gen2 magnifier for $775 + ship + insurance. Both nearly new. I even sent the 557 to EOTech to update the electronics last year.

I don't recommend magnifiers. If you're going to use a RDS just use the RDS.

[sjb269]

I have been known to buy the best optic I can and then selecting the right rifle to put underneath it.
Two uppers... 16 inch lightweight and an Aimpoint PRO
18 inch SPR free float and a good quality 1-6 or 3-9 Illuminated.