Please school me on scopes/optics

[DDM4556]

Most of my shooting is handguns. My rifles don't get as much love, but I'm looking to change that. Most of my rifles were purchased with self defense or SHTF in mind. On these, I run iron sights and red dots. Pretty basic.

But I just picked up a new rifle that has the potential to put some decent groups together at farther distances than I normally shoot (100 yds or under). I'd like to take advantage and be able to shoot the rifle with some precision at medium distances. Yet I also want the rifle to be ready for close quarters defensive use as well.

What should I get?


I was thinking some kind of scope, or maybe a red dot + 6x magnifier. But then I was also thinking acog with an RMR (though my wallet would not be happy). I'd like to be around $500ish (yeah I know), unless there are just no good options at that price range. A Sig Romeo + PA 6x magnifier would put me around $250 as a low cost option.

Anyway, what do the experts recommend?


EDIT 06-12: Thanks all. Appreciate the info!

[jsigone]

red dot plus mag is 1/3 heavier than a low power variable scope and pretty dated setup. Just get a 1-6, 1-8 or if gucci money on 1-10 vortex, but I'd never give Vortex $2000 for a scope....there are few other brands in that range that will NEVER have to use it's warranty cuz its made right the first time. My Vortex PST 1-4 rotated retical on first mag, yah pretty pissed a new $500 scope had to got back for "lifetime" warranty work on the first minute of use. I'll never give that company good money again! At the time, LPVO wasn't popular yet and retical styles weren't all that great. The PST mimic the ACOG sight picture well for half the price.

Get a good mounts, you can always change scope to run the same mount, if you change scope diameter, upgrade rings are like $55. I run ADM on most of my stuff. Larue mount is cheaper but took 6 weeks to get the last one from them. Very well made though no questions about that. ADM or Badger mounts off amazon if you want it quick.

[steelholder]

What rifle is it? How far is your perception of medium range? What kind of accuracy would you like and what is the purpose of this rifle?

[subscriber]

If you are used to shooting open sights, a variable power scope that starts with a true 1X is a "must". Unless you are shooting prone, or off a sandbagged bench, high magnification will tend to exaggerate your wobble, where the harder you try to drive the crosshairs onto target, the greater the amplitude and frequency of your wobble.

Yes, that feedback loop can be overcome with lots of practice, but it is so much easier to dial down to lower mag; if you have it. Much faster target acquisition too.

While you are at it, get a variable parallax scope to. It is more accurate, and allows independent target and reticle focus adjustment.

[Squidward]

A nice variable scope is the way to go. A red dot/magnifier isn't about precision, it's a compromise.

Lots of options depending upon your distance(s), rifle type and reticle preference.

[Tommy Gun]

If you are shooting 200 to 300 yds all you need is a 1-6 or 8. If you going to 500 max a 3x9 would be ok or maybe 4x16. If stretching to 600+ 4x16 to 5x25. No need to break the bank for shooting 500yds or less.

[sigstroker]

Yeah, you aren't going to shoot groups with a red dot. Think about it, at best you're talking about a 2 moa dot. If you're perfect, you'll get a 2 moa group.

[Jimi Jah]

3x9 is standard for AR's. I like Leupold. Scopes allow the reticle AND target to line up nice and sharp.

[tabascoz28]

Most of my shooting is handguns. My rifles don't get as much love, but I'm looking to change that. Most of my rifles were purchased with self defense or SHTF in mind. On these, I run iron sights and red dots. Pretty basic.

But I just picked up a new rifle that has the potential to put some decent groups together at farther distances than I normally shoot (100 yds or under). I'd like to take advantage and be able to shoot the rifle with some precision at medium distances. Yet I also want the rifle to be ready for close quarters defensive use as well.

What should I get?


I was thinking some kind of scope, or maybe a red dot + 6x magnifier. But then I was also thinking acog with an RMR (though my wallet would not be happy). I'd like to be around $500ish (yeah I know), unless there are just no good options at that price range. A Sig Romeo + PA 6x magnifier would put me around $250 as a low cost option.

Anyway, what do the experts recommend?

I have the Romeo, almost bought a second but decided to get a QD base. That price range should get you going for the least amount. But be realistic about your groups. For some kind of competition hitting plates at distance you can probably do it as each plate is 6,8,10,12 inches? If you're looking for keyhole/ragged hole, look to bolt that dedicated scope down with a good set of expensive rings too.