1st AR - Scope Recommendations?

[FMJBT]

BSA 1-6X24 sold through Midway USA is a very good optic for the money ($150 or less depending in sales/discounts). I've been really impressed with the one I've had on my SPR for about the last 6 months. The 1X setting on these is about as close to a red dot as I've seen for a magnified optic. The eye relief is long enough that it will even co-witness through the scope:

BSA 1-6X24 1X ILL Co-Witness by FMJBT, on Flickr

Long range performance is pretty decent considering the simple reticle style. I'd prefer a mil hash marked reticle for holdovers, but the basic moa reticle on the BSA still works pretty well out to around 450-500 yards. After that, you need more holdover marks.

BSA 1-6X24 1X ILL by FMJBT, on Flickr

[Jimi Jah]

I'd also vote for that BSA 1~6 for $150. I have the sweet 223 6x18 on my 20" and it amazes me everytime I use it. I paid a whopping $54 at Natchez for it. The BSA 1~6 is my next purchase as I'm finding my Aimpoints don't work so great for me these days. (I'm 62).

When your eyesite starts to decline you will find the site posts blurry even with corrective glasses. Yes, the red dot is sharp but the site post isn't. I use KNS crosshair site posts as those help control elevation better than a blurred site post where you can't determine where it stops.

Switch to optics and those problems are gone. Any scope allows for site focus so the crosshairs stay razor sharp with the target. They are standard equipment for senior shooters.