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Rifle Scopes AR Scope 50-300yds

ScottPriestley

Civilian Contractor
Full Member
Minuteman
    Just built my first AR and looking to add some glass.
    My realistic range is 50-300 yds although ability to extend to 500-600 would be nice if the opportunity presented itself.
    Not trying to hit a dime at 300yds, but a milkjug would be nice.

    I'm guessing 1.5-4x is optimal magnification (yes?)

    I've looked at Leupold Mark AR, Burris Tac30 and Nikon M223
    Also have looked at Millet DMR

    Anyone have experience or thoughts on any of the 4?
     
    I have a vortex razor hd, and the nikon m223 1-4x. Both are good for the money. Get a 30mm tube though, the 1" tube of the m223 leaves a lot to be desired. The nikon turrets are bnice though. Look at Hawke optics 1-4x. A friend of mine had it and the Burris side by side, and I think I would have picked the Hawke based on optical clarity.
     
    Just built my first AR and looking to add some glass.
    My realistic range is 50-300 yds although ability to extend to 500-600 would be nice if the opportunity presented itself.
    Not trying to hit a dime at 300yds, but a milkjug would be nice.

    I'm guessing 1.5-4x is optimal magnification (yes?)

    I've looked at Leupold Mark AR, Burris Tac30 and Nikon M223
    Also have looked at Millet DMR

    Anyone have experience or thoughts on any of the 4?

    Optimal is a strong word and I don't think any of those, or any 1.5-4x, is optimal for that use. A 1-10x might be optimal. However, a 1-4x is certainly adequate out to 300 yards, or a bit more. But if you're never shooting closer than 50 yards, I would be thinking a 3-9x, 3-12x or even 3-15x as being convenient at 50 yards and adequate out to 600+ yards.

    I owned a Nikon M223 1-4x20 and hated it. Dark view, wide-angle effect at "1x" (which I think was more like 0.8x), and just didn't feel like quality.

    I had a TAC30 1-4x for a while and thought it was very good for the price. I still have and am keeping an MTAC 1.5-6x40, which might be a good scope for you to look at. If I was going with a 1-_x scope right now I would mostly be looking at the Vortex Viper PST and the Weaver Super Slam "Dangerous Game" 1-5x24 model, which for some reason is much cheaper at Amazon than anywhere else, around $330 last I checked. It is a STEAL at that price. I still think the Burris scopes are good value, I just would spend a bit more and get a bit nicer.
     
    I don't think a 3-9 is out of the question either, if you practice and are good with quick sight acquisition.

    My brother was adamant about 3 power being too much magnification for rabbit hunting, so he went with a red dot. With that being said, last time we were out, I dumped two jackrabbits within 30 yds and running flat out with my 3-9x40 Vortex on top of my AR. I can also zoom it in to 9 power for those coyotes who hang up far away when varmint hunting, or for shooting at small targets when the need arises.
     
    I just looked at the price of the nikon. I got mine when they came out at $190. I wouldn't pay what they are asking now. And the razor I mentioned costs way more, just trying to make the point that there are optics on both ends of the spectrum that are a good value. I don't have problems shooting groups at distance with the 4x razor, but that's due to the quality. I can see holes with it that I cannot see with a cheap 10x. So, good glass will let you get away with less magnification.
     
    123Nick brought up a good point as the T1/H1will work, but why would you want to pay 600 for no magnification. For a few hundred more an ACOG will serve all your CQB and 600 yard needs. Buy once cry once.


    Tapatalk2
     
    123Nick brought up a good point as the T1/H1will work, but why would you want to pay 600 for no magnification. For a few hundred more an ACOG will serve all your CQB and 600 yard needs. Buy once cry once.


    Tapatalk2

    It depends, acog's bindon aiming concept (bac) doesn't work for everyone in cqb. Some are willing to pay 600 for saving those ounces.
     
    Last edited:
    It depends, acog's bindon aiming concept (bac) doesn't work for everyone in cqb. Some are willing to pay 600 for saving those ounces.
    So you are telling me you don't use both eyes open with your T1? And even with 20/20 vision using a T1 past 300 yards isn't exactly precision.....minute of man maybe. I guess it's all in what a person likes and expects from their optic of choice.




    Tapatalk2
     
    not arguing that magnification means more precision. I was just saying that on distances below 25 yards even 3X magnification could mean less speed for some.

    So you are telling me you don't use both eyes open with your T1? And even with 20/20 vision using a T1 past 300 yards isn't exactly precision.....minute of man maybe. I guess it's all in what a person likes and expects from their optic of choice.




    Tapatalk2
     
    We shoot 500 yards with 1-4x or 1-6x scope all the time in 3 gun. Mind you, we're shooting at big targets at 500, but we do it. 300 yards doesn't really require a BDC, but it's helpful. For less than 200 it's not at all necessary. A BDC is very important for 325+, because the bullet starts dropping like a rock. My favorite non-BDC is the Meopta K-Dot, followed by the Trijicon TR-24. The only BDC 1-4x I've shot is the Meopta ZD, which is a damn good scope and I've shot it for the last year and a half or so. The recommendation I see frequently on the bottom end is for the Tac30. The Vortex PST 1-4x is also a very good scope in that range, but the reticule is a little busier than needed. The Swarovski Z6i (my current scope) is the king, but very spendy.
     
    What are your thoughts on the Leupold VX Hog Rifle Scope 1-4x 20mm?

    It costs only $229.

    Leupold VX Hog Rifle Scope 1-4x 20mm Pig Plex Reticle Matte

    I bought a 1-4x20 hog scope last summer and I'm really happy with it, glass looks great tracks good as you would expect, hold over marks and $229.at 1x its easy to get on close targets I used it on a 300 blackout,last week I put it on a arsenal milled AK with a MI low mount .Their a Good buy IMO .
     
    I have a Burris MTAC 1-4x on an AR. Nice setup. The Burris TAC30 is also nice, at about $100 less.

    I put a Millett DMR 1-4x on an S&W 15-22 (rimfire) to save money. NOT.

    I am thinking of moving the MTAC to the 15-22 and putting a Viper PST 1-4x on the AR. I would prefer the Vortex Razor 1-6x, but funds are not there.