Recommend a good 18x+ variable scope and quick release mount

[jcdjcd]

Looking to spend $500 or under for a scope and quick release mount for my AR15. I am wanting a variable high magnification scope 18x or higher zoom and a high quality mount. Preferably a one piece mount unless recommended otherwise. Can you offer any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[Noggles]

LaRue mount for sure.

[PolishMike]

What are you actually trying to do with it?

[Nickgt40]

Does it have to be 18x?

I've got the Nikon M-223 matched with a Harris P.E.P.R Mount and I couldn't be happier.

[jcdjcd]

I have an eotech exps2-0 and the 3x mag setup. May sound like over kill but I want to shoot at our 200 and 600 yard range and see a paper target if possible.

[HK Dave]

High quality QD mounts are $200 and up. Larue would probably be my last choice. At the $200 mark your best bet is Bobro.

That leaves you with $300 for an optic.

At $300, I'd stay south of 4x in magnification if it was me... maybe 8x at the most. When you get an 18x magnification scope at $300... all it's doing is magnifying the 4x image to 18x...

In other words, you are not getting any more resolution, quality, sharpness, detail than you would with a 4x scope.

[HK Dave]

Does it have to be 18x?

I've got the Nikon M-223 matched with a Harris P.E.P.R Mount and I couldn't be happier.

This is a great combo for around $500. I was always amazed by quality of my old Nikon M-223 2-8x scope.

[Raralith]

What's the purpose of shooting? Such high magnification makes it seem like you are punching paper at the $300 scope range (with $200 QD). I'd consider an SWFA SS 16x fixed if you can handle the mirage and dimmer light but want the magnification. Not a variable but don't expect any clear magnification on cheaper scopes with high magnification either.