Low end optics...help me choose

[3DGearGuy]

I'm looking for an inexpensive scope for an AR. This rifle will see regular range use and it's not something I'm very concerned with keeping pristine (or else it would sit in the safe). So, I decided the scope shouldn't be anything too expensive either.

I've been doing some research and have narrowed it down to either the UTG 3-9 CQB (this one) or the Barska 3-9 Contour IR scope (this one) ORRRR the BSA Sweet 223 6-18 (this guy).

I know the magnification of the BSA is a bit overkill, but my eyes aren't that great anyway. I'm liking the compact size of the UTG, but I haven't heard much about them and the Barksa I'm a little "eh" about, but it's a contender at that price point.

So, does anyone have any experience with any of these scopes? Would you recommend it for the money or stay away? I'd love to hear from people who have actually used these scopes for a while rather than read reviews of people who only shot 100 rounds at the range before forming their opinion.

EDIT: If I do go with the BSA....I think I'll be purchasing it here instead (although I already have one of their "boresighters", anyone need my spare if I do buy that kit?): Linky

[ratled]

Bass Pro has a Nikon P223 for $99 right now. You will be far happier with a better scope for a few $ more. Like a friend of mine always chirped at me " How come there is never enough money to buy it right but there is enough money to buy another one "

http://www.basspro.com/Nikon-P223-AR-Riflescope/product/1310311530/?cm_sp=CybrWebBtsProdNov2013_HMA

ratled

[tnlrat37]

I just bought my dad the swfa optisan mamba, its a 1x4 with eotech type reticle that is black or illuminated red for day and green illum for night. It also has crosshairs outside the circle. 150$ and comes with a nice 1 piece mount, and spare battery in the windage cover. He has bad eyes and he liked it. I liked the 1x for close cqb type stuff and the 4x for the longer shots. A lot of 3 gun guys are using 1x4 now. I was deciding between the bushnell ar pcl, mueller speed shot, or millet dms but went with this instead it was 100$ cheaper. Im probably gonna get one for myself. Just be sure if you want illuminated that you check reviews and be sure its daytime bright or its useless during the day. Nikon has good glass also, good luck.

[spamsucker]

The sweet .223 is a piece of junk. Avoid. Experience is a mean teacher. Likewise the Barska.

[3DGearGuy]

Hmmm, the nikon would be the better choice I'm sure, but the reason I was shopping amazon was because I have a few gift cards I want to use. Decisions, decisions.


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[crufflers]

Primary Arms has some nice inexpensive scopes.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Sale-s/5169.htm?searching=Y&sort=5&cat=5169&show=50&page=3

This is the one I want to get next: Primary Arms 6X Scope with ACSS Reticle - $119

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary-Arms-6X-Scope-with-ACSS-reticle-p/pa6xrbd.htm

They also have Nikon P223 3-9x40 for $149, and a Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44 with a P.E.P.R. mount for $198, etc...

I got my P-223 @ Cabela's - 3-9x40 for $149 with free shipping "3winter" code

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Nikon-P-223-Riflescope/1330873.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dp-223%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=p-223&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

I'm looking for an inexpensive scope for an AR. This rifle will see regular range use and it's not something I'm very concerned with keeping pristine (or else it would sit in the safe). So, I decided the scope shouldn't be anything too expensive either.

I've been doing some research and have narrowed it down to either the UTG 3-9 CQB (this one) or the Barska 3-9 Contour IR scope (this one) ORRRR the BSA Sweet 223 6-18 (this guy).

I know the magnification of the BSA is a bit overkill, but my eyes aren't that great anyway. I'm liking the compact size of the UTG, but I haven't heard much about them and the Barksa I'm a little "eh" about, but it's a contender at that price point.

So, does anyone have any experience with any of these scopes? Would you recommend it for the money or stay away? I'd love to hear from people who have actually used these scopes for a while rather than read reviews of people who only shot 100 rounds at the range before forming their opinion.

EDIT: If I do go with the BSA....I think I'll be purchasing it here instead (although I already have one of their "boresighters", anyone need my spare if I do buy that kit?): Linky

[sholling]

I wouldn't waste time and money on junk scopes like the BSA or Barska or UTG. You'd be far better off with a Weaver V3 1-3x20 or a Nikon P223. The Weaver is a really good little scope.

[crufflers]

Hmmm, the nikon would be the better choice I'm sure, but the reason I was shopping amazon was because I have a few gift cards I want to use. Decisions, decisions.


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http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-P-223-3-9x40-Mate-BDC/dp/B006YVT0R8/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1386524627&sr=1-1&keywords=p-223

Here's the P-223 3-9x40 at Amazon shipped free 2-day if you have PRIME - $149

[Divernhunter]

I am on my 3rd BSA high end scope for a 223. None have lasted more than 20 rounds. The only reason I have it is because it was a gift. So far it has cost me more than the scope cost for shipping to/from the warr center. If this one fails it will become a target.
The other 2 you choose are just as bad or worse.
Try a Redfield or one of the ones the others have posted or do not even buy a scope.

[SOAR79]

nikon

[Dinosaur Jr]

The sweet .223 is a piece of junk. Avoid. Experience is a mean teacher. Likewise the Barska.

For a few more duckets, the OP could get a Nikon P-223 and actually enjoy shooting with it.

When I was new to glass, I too purchased a Barska IR Contour. It lasted 3 months before recoil imploded the lenses. Barska wanted another $25 to inspect it for warranty repair.
It then became perfectly clear that their products (and those like them) are purely a tax on those who have more money than sense.

Barska, UTG, Leapers, BSA, NC Star - all junk better suited for airsoft. Infamous for bad eye relief - tunneling - bottom of the barrel glass and coatings - lack of durability.

Nikon P223 on sale today 12/8 only at Bass Pro for $99!

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=863054

[PrimaryArms]

http://youtu.be/nxwaiDeXP8c

There is nothing like seeing the scope your interested in live action in real time.
If I were you I would save some lunch money and get the New PA 1-6 ACSS coming. The glass,upgraded reticle and over all build of the scope is amazing! 800 yard shots with 5.56 and super fast CQB with out the need of a battery.
If your looking for true capability it does not get better then this! The tactical capabilities of the ACSS system are undeniable. If you look on youtube under ACSS scope you can see it tested.This was made for the M4/M16/AR15 platform.

Dimitri

[3DGearGuy]

The Nikon seems to be a favorite, I think I'll go that route unless anyone has anything else to add Thanks for the advice!

[LBDamned]

I just bought my dad the swfa optisan mamba, its a 1x4 with eotech type reticle that is black or illuminated red for day and green illum for night. It also has crosshairs outside the circle. 150$ and comes with a nice 1 piece mount, and spare battery in the windage cover. He has bad eyes and he liked it. I liked the 1x for close cqb type stuff and the 4x for the longer shots. A lot of 3 gun guys are using 1x4 now. I was deciding between the bushnell ar pcl, mueller speed shot, or millet dms but went with this instead it was 100$ cheaper. Im probably gonna get one for myself. Just be sure if you want illuminated that you check reviews and be sure its daytime bright or its useless during the day. Nikon has good glass also, good luck.

I was unfamiliar with the Optisan - but you got me curious and I did some review reading... lot's of positive reports... now you got me thinkin' of getting one

[PrimaryArms]

Low end optics...help me choose

I was unfamiliar with the Optisan - but you got me curious and I did some review reading... lot's of positive reports... now you got me thinkin' of getting one

Good because the ACSS is going in one (1-6)


Dimitri