Rifle Scopes AR optic advice

[mzvarner]

I am getting ready to make a purchase for my ar (S&W M&P 15x). As it sits now it is far from what most on this site will consider a "precision" rig. My intended purpose is to have it set up as an all around shooter (plinking,long distance shots out to 3-400 yrds, 3 gun, etc). My original plan was to go with the Vortex Viper PST 1-4, but now I am considering the 2.5-10. This opens up a whole other can of worms because then I can get it in FFP.

I am already convinced that I am going with the PST series so please dont tell me to go with NF or Leupold. I would really like to hear the pros and cons from from you guys about these two scopes and their respective magnification ranges. Thanks for the help!

 

[Redmanss]

3-Gun and distance? Get the Vortex Razor 1-6x. You're going to want a 1x-? scope for your intended purposes.

 

[sib1948]

Vortex PST is a great choice and best warranty around. It is worth the extra money to get FFP and the highest top end mag you feel comfortable with. As you shoot more you'll yearn to shoot greater distances. In my experience ARs are not much good for more than 300 yds unless 308 caliber. But if you enjoy LR shooting as much as I did a year ago and have convenient places to shoot > distance, you'll most likely end up getting a nice starter bolt rifle in 223 or 308, depending on finances need to feed your rifle. The PST I describe could easily be transferred over to a bolt rifle. Great information in the Optics Selection Sticky here, which I would read several times and should make your choices easier. I have ACOGs on my ARs now and they are perfect, but I rarely shoot them anymore, since I love the challenge of shooting bolt action rifles at greater distance. Whole new world!!! Good Luck.

PS For 3 Gun competition the Vortex Razor Redmanss suggested would be perfect!

 

[The Lawn Ranger]

I have a Meopta ZD 1-4 on my 300 blk SBR and love it. Here is an image of the scope and reticle:





With my 208 Amax subs impacting dead center on the 2 moa dot at 100 yds, a holdover on the tip of the bottom chevron gets me to 225 yds.

The day time illumination is outstanding on this little scope.

Here is a video Mike Cecil at CS Tactical did on this scope.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-38IX2frOg

 

[mzvarner]

Vortex PST is a great choice and best warranty around. It is worth the extra money to get FFP and the highest top end mag you feel comfortable with. As you shoot more you'll yearn to shoot greater distances. In my experience ARs are not much good for more than 300 yds unless 308 caliber. But if you enjoy LR shooting as much as I did a year ago and have convenient places to shoot > distance, you'll most likely end up getting a nice starter bolt rifle in 223 or 308, depending on finances need to feed your rifle. The PST I describe could easily be transferred over to a bolt rifle. Great information in the Optics Selection Sticky here, which I would read several times and should make your choices easier. I have ACOGs on my ARs now and they are perfect, but I rarely shoot them anymore, since I love the challenge of shooting bolt action rifles at greater distance. Whole new world!!! Good Luck.

PS For 3 Gun competition the Vortex Razor Redmanss suggested would be perfect!

I hear ya on the joy that comes with a bolt gun. I just finished building my hunting/ long range shooter (Rem700 in 308). I also agree that 300 yards is about as effective as my ar will get from looking at bullet drops. I am still leaning towards the 1-4 because of that since 4x seems plenty to get out to that distance. I would love the razor but there is no way I can afford that.

 

[Major]

If you insist on going Vortex, 3-gunning, and can't afford the Razor, there's only one option.

 

[Pinecone]

I have Burris MTAC 1-4x on an AR.

I was considering a Vortex, but a couple of people who shoot 3 Gun and used both, found that MTAC was better for that use. They were very much against FFP for 3 Gun type shooting.

 

[AHall]

I have the vortex pst 1-4 and so far I love it. Probably my best bang for buck scope.

 

[lapua31]

I have a pst 1-4 in mil/mil and think the ret is to small. The hash marks are so small, rapid holdovers are difficult for my eyes.
If you havent looked at one in the flesh i'd try to check it out first.

 

[AHall]

I agree the reticle is a little on the small side. Only downside im seeing so far.

 

[samnev]

"Get the Vortex Razor 1-6x." That would be my advice as well. Don't like the 1-4PST because of the very fine reticle hash marks as others have opined.

 

[sib1948]

Why not just forget the AR, since as you shoot your new 308 hunter long range, you're going to find many other accessories you're going to want to buy. Like I said I rarely shoot my ARs anymore, but good to have around, if SHTF !!!!

 

[predator hunter]

I have a Burris MTAC on my AR and I love it. I wanted 1x for in your lap coyotes or 3gun type competitions and at 4x I have no problems shooting steel out past 300(as far as I have messed with it so far).