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Rifle Scopes Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

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Will_Power

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Apr 2, 2012
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An Okie in Orygun
I recently completed my first AR-15, and am now pinching my pennies for a decent scope.

Uses will be a mix of 75% target shooting and 25% coyote/varmint hunting. I'm a damn near complete newcomer, but eventually want to learn to take the rifle/cartridge out too 700 yards, and want a scope that (even at my budget) will get me most of the way there.

This is my first foray into precision/accurate shooting of any kind, and I'm trying to do a my required reading to get up to speed.

From what I can tell so far, a mil dot reticle and mil turrets are pretty much mandatory, and a FFP would be great (don't know if that's an option at my budget).

My first few searches have me considering the Nikon Monarch mil dot 4-16x42mm, but it's not FFP.

Anything else I should be considering or made aware of?
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

You said a scope with a mil reticle and mil adjustments was a mandatory option, but the Nikon does not have mil adjustments. For a bit more, you can get this with all the options you are looking for:

http://swfa.com/Weaver-3-15x50-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P49448.aspx

or:

http://swfa.com/Vortex-25-10x44-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44567.aspx

or:

http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-4x24-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44569.aspx

or:

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-3-9x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P50716.aspx

or:

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-10x42M-Tactical-Riflescope-P53713.aspx

These get my recommendations that are around your price point. Some of them don't have the FFP option, but they are all better options than the Nikon in my opinion.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

Not quite as much magnification as the Nikon, but the Primary Arms 4-14x42 gets pretty good reviews over at AR-15.com. Its FFP and the price is very wallet friendly.

Primary Arms 4-14X42 FFP

Also, I have a 4-16X42 Monarch on my AR and its a very good scope for the money.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

Like Remau 308 said. All great selections for what you're looking for and would spend some time checking them out and budget friendly.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

There's a couple of good scopes mentioned already so I won't get into brands. I'll only add that shooting 700 yards it won't come down to FFP,
or SFP , or mils it will come down to clarity and resoultion of the glass. Sometimes you're better off buying a scope without the bells
and whistles you see on highend optics.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

Viper PST 4-16x50 MRAD SFP.

Buy from JoeBobOutfitters ($699.99) and use the promotion code VORTEX10 for 10% off through 11/18...$630 shipped for that scope is a very good deal IMO.

Another very good option is the Weaver 3-10x40 mil/mil offered exclusively through MidwayUSA. I have one of these on a 22LR bolt gun and am seriously considering one for my recent SPR(ish) build. This scope is $299.99 with free shipping, and you can use coupon codes listed on this site to knock $15 off that (or $25 if you can find something VERY inexpensive to add to the order to bump it over $300 total).

You can also keep an eye out on the classifieds here, AR15.com EE, 24hourcampfire, LongRangeHunting, CalGuns, etc. for used Bushnell 4200 Tactical 3-12x44s, Weaver Tactical 3-15x50s, and Vortex Viper HS 5-15x44s (my personal fave).
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

Thanks for the recommendations, fellas.

It's going to give me some models to read up on and consider as I save up the cash over the next two or three months.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

WillPower

I was in your shoes last year. I wanted an affordable scope to put on top of my AR that would serve me well for a while until I had the cash to upgrade. I purchased a Vortex Viper 6.5 - 20 x 50mm PA with mill dot reticle $459.99, Vortex Viper 50mm sunshade $49.99, Vortex Bubble level $34.99 and Burris 30mm High Zee rings $42.99. I payed a total of $582.96. It served me very well for the year and now I am ready to upgrade. So I am selling the scope for $500.00. I took very good care of the scope expect to get close to that price. I would recommend that you do the same. Quality guns and scopes hold their value.
I would also recommend an extended riser. I just bought the EGW Picatinny-Style 20 MOA Elevated 3" Extended Riser Mount AR-15 from Midway and it makes a shooting much nicer. You can see how the riser moves the scope up and forward. I can see through the scope much easier, get a better picture and can get to the charging handle much easier.
Good luck
009.jpg
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

If your not to picky about small handling marks there are a lot of great used scopes to be had in the px. I've found awesome deals on used scopes costing a lot more than I can afford new but by letting someone else take the hit and buying second hand you can save a lot.

Just a thought.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

The most cost effective way into a MIL FFP scope is the SWFA SS 3-9x42 with milquad reticle. It is more than enough power to get you to 700 yards and it is a very, very good quality scope. Good glass, excellent turret repeatability, MIL turrets and reticle, and tough as nails.

It would be hard for you to go wrong with this option IMO

Scot E.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

About a month ago Camera Land NY had some open box 2.5-10 PSTs for a good price. You might want to give them a call. I have one on my bolt action and they are very nice for the price. If you are looking for a FFP then the SWFA 3-9 Is a really good option and a used one should be near the $500 that you have for the optic.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

SWFA 10x42 or 12x42 own both love them. Simple, clear, and tracking is awesome. Can't be beat for the price tag imho. Purchasing the 5-20x50 first of the year.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

Hey all,

Some unexpected expenses have hit over the past couple of months and really dug into my fun money.

BUT! I still want/need to pick up some manner of starter mil/mil glass.

Right now, I'm looking between these three:

BSA Tactical 4-14x44mm Side Focus

Millett Tactical TRS-1 4-16x50mm Side Focus

Primary Arms 4-14X44 Mil Mil FFP

Granted, all these are low-end, budget affairs, but do any of these three come out as the obvious choice to you experienced guys?

To rehash, this will be going on a 5.56 AR-15 with mix of precision paper punching and coyote/varmint hunting.

Thanks!
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: E. Bryant</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My opinion: skip the variable-power scopes of questionable quality, and go with a good but inexpensive fixed-power scope:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/950843/...t-reticle-matte

When funds allow the purchase of a better scope, you can sell this one off and recoup most of your money. </div></div>

^^This. I've got the MOA model on my .22 and have used it on my .308 with great results. To me, the telling feature is I use it without thought and it does exactly what it is supposed to every time: rings the steel.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

I've had the fixed powers suggested (particularly the 10x super sniper), but am curious about using a fixed for coyote hunting.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

Roll with the Viper PST series if you can swing it they do hold up well and about as good as it gets for the $.

Also check out long range huntings forum for good deals on used optics
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WillPower</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recently completed my first AR-15, and am now pinching my pennies for a decent scope.

Uses will be a mix of 75% target shooting and 25% coyote/varmint hunting. I'm a damn near complete newcomer, but eventually want to learn to take the rifle/cartridge out too 700 yards, and want a scope that (even at my budget) will get me most of the way there.

This is my first foray into precision/accurate shooting of any kind, and I'm trying to do a my required reading to get up to speed.

From what I can tell so far, a mil dot reticle and mil turrets are pretty much mandatory, and a FFP would be great (don't know if that's an option at my budget).

My first few searches have me considering the Nikon Monarch mil dot 4-16x42mm, but it's not FFP.

Anything else I should be considering or made aware of? </div></div>


I won't claim that it is necessarily the "best" choice (having not used many of the others for a point of comparison), but the last scope I used was a Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x40 scope that Midway sells exclusively. It's normally $400, but goes on sale for $300 on a fairly regular basis (like right now):

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/598484/...t-reticle-matte


It's a mil/mil scope, and served me well in shooting out to 700 yards for a couple of years. For the price point the glass is very clear, and the scope seems well made. Don't expect it to compare to a S&B at that price, but don't expect anything else in that price range to compare to those scopes either.

Frank reviewed this scope some time ago, and his review is linked to that link that I just provided you with above.

I don't regret purchasing that scope, and it has recently been remounted on a .22lr since I've moved to a S&B on my primary rifle. The only thing it doesn't have that I think you're looking for is FFP. But, at 10x you don't often feel the need to drop the magnification as much anyway.

 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Coloradocop</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WillPower</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recently completed my first AR-15, and am now pinching my pennies for a decent scope.

Uses will be a mix of 75% target shooting and 25% coyote/varmint hunting. I'm a damn near complete newcomer, but eventually want to learn to take the rifle/cartridge out too 700 yards, and want a scope that (even at my budget) will get me most of the way there.

This is my first foray into precision/accurate shooting of any kind, and I'm trying to do a my required reading to get up to speed.

From what I can tell so far, a mil dot reticle and mil turrets are pretty much mandatory, and a FFP would be great (don't know if that's an option at my budget).

My first few searches have me considering the Nikon Monarch mil dot 4-16x42mm, but it's not FFP.

Anything else I should be considering or made aware of? </div></div>


I won't claim that it is necessarily the "best" choice (having not used many of the others for a point of comparison), but the last scope I used was a Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x40 scope that Midway sells exclusively. It's normally $400, but goes on sale for $300 on a fairly regular basis (like right now):

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/598484/...t-reticle-matte


It's a mil/mil scope, and served me well in shooting out to 700 yards for a couple of years. For the price point the glass is very clear, and the scope seems well made. Don't expect it to compare to a S&B at that price, but don't expect anything else in that price range to compare to those scopes either.

Frank reviewed this scope some time ago, and his review is linked to that link that I just provided you with above.

I don't regret purchasing that scope, and it has recently been remounted on a .22lr since I've moved to a S&B on my primary rifle. The only thing it doesn't have that I think you're looking for is FFP. But, at 10x you don't often feel the need to drop the magnification as much anyway.

</div></div>

This exactly. I bought the weaver grand slam from midway for my r700 sps tactical 308 for the time being until I can get what I want. And for the price it's good glass. It was better than I expected. Once I save enough money it will be going on my 17hmr
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

Have you looked into the Leatherwood M1000 2.5-10x44? I had one mounted on my AR and loved it.

Doc Les
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Coloradocop</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WillPower</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I recently completed my first AR-15, and am now pinching my pennies for a decent scope.

Uses will be a mix of 75% target shooting and 25% coyote/varmint hunting. I'm a damn near complete newcomer, but eventually want to learn to take the rifle/cartridge out too 700 yards, and want a scope that (even at my budget) will get me most of the way there.

This is my first foray into precision/accurate shooting of any kind, and I'm trying to do a my required reading to get up to speed.

From what I can tell so far, a mil dot reticle and mil turrets are pretty much mandatory, and a FFP would be great (don't know if that's an option at my budget).

My first few searches have me considering the Nikon Monarch mil dot 4-16x42mm, but it's not FFP.

Anything else I should be considering or made aware of? </div></div>


I won't claim that it is necessarily the "best" choice (having not used many of the others for a point of comparison), but the last scope I used was a Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x40 scope that Midway sells exclusively. It's normally $400, but goes on sale for $300 on a fairly regular basis (like right now):

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/598484/...t-reticle-matte


It's a mil/mil scope, and served me well in shooting out to 700 yards for a couple of years. For the price point the glass is very clear, and the scope seems well made. Don't expect it to compare to a S&B at that price, but don't expect anything else in that price range to compare to those scopes either.

Frank reviewed this scope some time ago, and his review is linked to that link that I just provided you with above.

I don't regret purchasing that scope, and it has recently been remounted on a .22lr since I've moved to a S&B on my primary rifle. The only thing it doesn't have that I think you're looking for is FFP. But, at 10x you don't often feel the need to drop the magnification as much anyway.

</div></div>

Thanks for the feedback. Right now, my decision is coming down to that Weaver Tactical and Falcon Menace.
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WillPower</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Thanks for the feedback. Right now, my decision is coming down to that Weaver Tactical and Falcon Menace.</div></div>

if your looking at the FM, then relook at the BSA 4x14 FFP at midway, its the same scope for less $$$
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ring</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WillPower</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Thanks for the feedback. Right now, my decision is coming down to that Weaver Tactical and Falcon Menace.</div></div>

if your looking at the FM, then relook at the BSA 4x14 FFP at midway, its the same scope for less $$$ </div></div>

I listed the BSA earlier in this thread, actually, but had enough people complain about BSA's in general that I've removed it from consideration.

In your opinion, what makes it the same scope? It's Chinese place of manufacture?

Apart from that, do you have any particulars between the Falcon and the Weaver?
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WillPower</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
In your opinion, what makes it the same scope? It's Chinese place of manufacture?
</div></div>

people on here that have bought them and reviewed them...
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

Hi WillPower,

If you want <span style="font-style: italic">reaalllyy</span> cheap, but still good glass, look at the Muellers, especially the tacticals. They'll be missing all sorts of bells and whistles that shooters have come to expect these days, but they're cheap as dickens and their clarity and light gathering really is surprisingly good.

Yours,

David
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

I think turret repeatability and durability are the biggest concerns with cheap rifle scopes....

If your gonna go cheap go with a fixed power. SS 10x is tough to beat
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ring</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WillPower</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
In your opinion, what makes it the same scope? It's Chinese place of manufacture?
</div></div>

people on here that have bought them and reviewed them...
</div></div>

Interesting. Looks like I need to do some more research...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: davidjschenk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi WillPower,

If you want <span style="font-style: italic">reaalllyy</span> cheap, but still good glass, look at the Muellers, especially the tacticals. They'll be missing all sorts of bells and whistles that shooters have come to expect these days, but they're cheap as dickens and their clarity and light gathering really is surprisingly good.

Yours,

David
</div></div>

Haven't even considered them. I'll take a look. Off the top of your head, are there any in particular I should look at?
 
Re: Introductory Precision Scope Under $500?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WillPower</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Haven't even considered them. I'll take a look. Off the top of your head, are there any in particular I should look at?</div></div>
Hi WillPower,

Sure thing. Below are links to the ones I had in mind, though I've no doubt the other Muellers would serve well as introductory scopes, too. Do note that DeathExpress has a good point regarding durability and repeatability; you'll almost always get more bang for your buck with fixed scopes. That's worth keeping in mind. Okay, so the Muellers...

8.5-25x44 Tactical

8-32x44 Target

8.5-25x50 Eraticator

All three scopes hold up surprisingly well (for their price) until you get around 20x magnification, at which point you can expect them to start to poop out on you. I mean, if you want >20x magnification with a clear, bright image, then expect to pay real money. Also, watch out for one important issue with the Eraticator [sp]; it has a rather large center dot. Some people find that too distracting/limiting, while some don't. You definitely should look through one before deciding (I'd advise that with all scopes, though). Finally, note that my provided links go to OpticsPlanet, but you probably can find those scopes elsewhere at even better prices.

Yours,

David
 
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