Newb AR Optics Question (Bushnell Banner)

[joelnefph]

Hello....

So I am building my first AR, and plan on not running iron sites....just optics.

I am looking for a 16" upper with a single rail gas block, and flat top receiver. (Probably a DPMS oracle upper)

For the scope, I was thinking of the 3-9x Bushnell Banner

http://www.opticsplanet.com/bush-rs-bnr-713946.html

Would this be a good fit? Would proper mounting be just on the rail included on the upper, with rings?

Sorry for my inexperience, but I want to make sure that I am getting the right stuff for this first budget build.

Thanks.

[joelnefph]

Or maybe this?

http://www.opticsplanet.com/barska-3-9x40-mil-dot-reticle-riflescope.html

[EvolutionGSR]

I was just at the range and st next to a guy with a barska that the reticle started turning on him. No personal experience with banners.

But for a budget AR scope Id say nikon P223. Sorry its at twice the price of what you previously posted.

[GeoffLinder]

IMHO, stay away from anything Barska. I also think 3-9x is too much magnification for an AR unless all you plan on doing is punching paper from the bench. You would be better served with a 1-4x like the Burris MTAC

https://www.primaryarms.com/Burris_MTAC_Rifle_Scope_30mm_Tube_1_4x_24mm_p/bu200437.htm

Or a 1.5-6x

https://www.primaryarms.com/Burris_MTAC_Rifle_Scope_30mm_Tube_1_5_6x40_p/bu200429.htm

[joelnefph]

hmmmm..... just ran across this. I am familiar with the pros and cons of a fixed magnification scope though

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/577833/nikon-p-223-rifle-scope-3x-32mm-1-2-moa-adjustments-bdc-carbine-reticle-matte

[EvolutionGSR]

You will probably like a low power variable more like geoff recomended. I just suggested a better 3-9x because i thought you knew what you wanted.

A bad scope can ruin the shooting experience. Save a few more bucks and get a decent low power variable. If burris is too much, maybe research the leatherwood cmr.

[joelnefph]

Thanks for the info guys! I am still waiting on JSE or Midway....or someone to get an upper in. I prefer the look of the single rail gas block.

I know I don't want the front sight for sure....but I think I am just going to get some detachable iron sites and hone my skills with them, and do ample research for the scope. Do it right the first time.

[Forewarned]

I have that Bushnell Banner scope, I put it on my Mosin Nagant and it's holding up just fine.

[1911ShooterPhil]

I highly recommend a fixed power scope for an AR15.

With my bad eyes, I need to use scopes. As a security contractor, I often used scopes mounted on AR15's. My most used optic for my 16" 5.56mm NATO DPMS AR15 carbine was a Weaver Classic K 4x38 (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/174...-reticle-matte), which, at the time, I mounted in ARMS #22 30mm throw lever scope rings, high height (http://www.mountsplus.com/AR-15_Acce...s/ARMS-22.html), with ARMS #37 ring inserts, 30mm to 1" (http://www.mountsplus.com/AR-15_Acce...s/ARMS-37.html). It was an awesome fixed power scope that had a generous amount of eye relief and was clear enough for regular usage. I dropped the gun with the scope on, banged the scope on doors and entries, and generally abused that scope. It worked great for my needs and the distances I was using it for.

I am a fan of fixed power scopes for AR15's. Why? Less moving parts and they are way easier to learn how to use and become adept at using.

Don't steer away from a fixed power scope just because fashion dictates that variable power scopes are more popular these days.

--1911ShooterPhil

[negolien]

The banner would be an ok starter scope It is very entry level though. You're also probably going to want a PEPR scope base for any actual scope. Red dots don't need that kind of base. If you can spend a little bit of money Nikon puts out some very nice scopes like the Buckmaster and the P223-M223 line. For red dots Bushnell, Primary Arms and Strike fire are decent entry level Red Dots.

You should decide first what the actual use will be. If you're going for bench shooting at 100-300 yards only go with a scope. If you're looking at defensive or combat style shooting you're going to want a red dot.

[EvolutionGSR]

http://swfa.com/Bushnell-1-4x24-AR-Optics-30mm-Rifle-Scope-Mount-Kit-P61994.aspx

Check that one out. I dont have any experience with it though so do your own research. It just looked like your price range....and it comes with a mount

[joelnefph]

http://swfa.com/Bushnell-1-4x24-AR-O...it-P61994.aspx

Check that one out. I dont have any experience with it though so do your own research. It just looked like your price range....and it comes with a mount

That looks perfect! Right power, right design, and with a base! Thanks!

[negolien]

yup I agree that's a pretty good deal.

[Justintoxicated]

4x isn't enough for me, I can barley see my target at 300 yards with a 4x even my M223 at 12x seems like it isn't enough at times.

[EvolutionGSR]

Just be aware of what it does not come with also...and that is any illumination. Although the banner you posted didn't have any either.