Looking for a 1-4x in the $250-$300 range

[Winny94]

Need some opinions on the following scopes (and suggestions if I haven't mentioned it). This is going on a 18" 223 build shooting 25-300 yds

Nikon m223
Leupold mark ar
Bushnell ar
Vortex crossfire
Burris tac30
Leatherwood (hi lux) CMR

 

[elfster1234]

this should most likely be in the scope section of SH, but anyway.

for about $100 more, I'd get the vortex pst 1-4. If you might hunt or 3gun with it, then get the capped version. If you only bench shooting or screwing around at the range, then get the exposed adjustable turret version.

my dpms 3g1 with capped vortex 1-4 pst (with sub-moa all day long results @ 100yards):

 

[elfster1234]

BTW, if you're going to do any type of hunting, 3gun, banging steel OR general chest size f#cking around hits at 300yards, then great. Hook up with a 1-4 power scope.

If you're going to do any type of group / bench shooting at 300yards, then you're going to HATE using a 4x power @ 300yards. I would get something more like 3-15 if that is your purpose.

 

[Winny94]

this should most likely be in the scope section of SH, but anyway.

for about $100 more, I'd get the vortex pst 1-4. If you might hunt or 3gun with it, then get the capped version. If you only bench shooting or screwing around at the range, then get the exposed adjustable turret version.

my dpms 3g1 with capped vortex 1-4 pst (with sub-moa all day long results @ 100yards):

Oops didn't realize there was an optics section.

But $100 is quite abit more. Ideally I'd pick the pst, but truth is I don't need anything that nice.

 

[elfster1234]

this will give you an idea of what to expect to get at 300yards with a 4x max power scope = NOT FUN! LOL! shot with the same dpms 3g1 rifle picture above & I would say I'm an above average shooter. Like I said before, if you're going for small ass groups, especially at 300yards, then I would get something more like a 3-15 scope.... If hunting, 3gun, blah blah blah like said previously, then fine, get the 1-4.

 

[HOGTOOTH5R]

Why not go with 1-6x? It's just in your price range and have all of the features of High End scopes with a very useful Reticle. I'm running it on my .308 DPMS and it's been a great glass for me.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary-Arms-1-6X-Scope-with-Patented-ACSS-Reticle-p/pa1-6xrbd.htm

 

[Fenix Mike]

Leatherwood... call swfa and they will tell you how bad ass it is for the price! Ive had two, both great scopes!

 

[MarkCO]

The Tac30 is on sale, $269 shipped from Midway. Best one on your list.

 

[elfster1234]

that's actually a good idea markco for the price

The Tac30 is on sale, $269 shipped from Midway. Best one on your list.

 

[r.harvey]

I like my Burris TAC30 1-4x. And I found the dots very usable at 300, 400, and even 500 with my 55 fmj load. Never have used the 600 yard holdover circle.

Currently I am running the SWFA 1-6x for 3-gun, but overall I still like the Tac30's reticle better.

For me the Nikon reticle didn't translate very well to the 1-4x, just seems to small.

 

[Crosshair]

I really like the Tac30 as well. The true 1x image seems as nice as several more expensive options I've checked out. The Mtac 1-4x is great too, and usually around $100 more than the tac30, but with a nicer illumination switch system (off in between each level). Looking through them, they seem identical. Illumination gets very bright and doesn't wash out in sunlight, great value.

 

[Future SNA]

There's a Leupold Mark AR over on AR15.com with the illuminated reticle for like $350. I think that's a pretty good deal. I have the same scope and considering what they run brand new, I don't think you can go wrong. I have a Burris TAC30 as well, again, another nice scope, not quite as stout as the Leupold, but still nice.

 

[ddavis]

Most budget 3 gun people seem to be happy with the Burris scopes. I have a TAC30 and an MTAC. The TAC30 illumination started acting funky sometime ago so I took out the battery as I never used it anyways. I'm not the only person who has had this problem, but then again I don't consider the illumination very important anyways. The TAC30 would be the best deal in your list.

 

[alpha6164]

Leatherwood... call swfa and they will tell you how bad ass it is for the price! Ive had two, both great scopes!

I usually am one of those guys that is on the opposite spectrum of this price range. However, on my PWS 5.56 i decided fuck it lets try this scope. I purchased it two years ago have been to range multiple times, banged around, glass is awesome in my opinion, and dials are always spot on. And here is the kicker; the illumination works awesome. After both owning the Burris 1-4x and Viper PST 1-4x and always having batteries that are out, illumination not working, this SOB is still lit and working like day one on exact same battery. Needless to say i am super impressed.

 

[Kamkaze]

Love my bushnell 1-4 pcl, bdc for 5.56 out to 500 is dead on. Msrp is 299 can be found for much less.

 

[tickled pink]

Remember this quote "AIM SMALL MISS SMALL"? This is the scope I have on my Colt LE6920 M4. After changing from a Leupold 3-9x40mm to my new Bushnell AR/223 with a 4.5-18x40mm zoom my group sizes were cut in half at 18 power instead of 9 power because I can hold on a bullet hole that I can see at 100 yds.

I'm hoping that it will shoot bug holes after I get the new 18" upper with full length fluting to save some weight from White Oak Armament.

http://www.whiteoakarmament.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17555&cat=261&page=1

This is the best price I found:

http://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/124382/c/bushnell-ar-optics

 

[muddawg]

Burris TAC30 is a good scope. I am in the market for an MTAC though. The push button illumination on the TAC30 is for the birds, as is the rotating ocular. The MTAC seems to correct both those problems. The glass on the TAC30 is good though and the true 1X gives a great FOV for those closeup shots. Overall I'm pleased with my two TAC30s with those minor complaints noted.

 

[Kamkaze]

Remember this quote "AIM SMALL MISS SMALL"? This is the scope I have on my Colt LE6920 M4. After changing from a Leupold 3-9x40mm to my new Bushnell AR/223 with a 4.5-18x40mm zoom my group sizes were cut in half at 18 power instead of 9 power because I can hold on a bullet hole that I can see at 100 yds.

I'm hoping that it will shoot bug holes after I get the new 18" upper with full length fluting to save some weight from White Oak Armament.

White Oak Armament

This is the best price I found:

BUSHNELL 4.5-18X40 BDC RETICLE TARGET AR-SCOPE | Sportsmans Outdoor Superstore

Which is great if all you are doing is shooting groups or precision work, not the best option for 3 gun competitions or close up work. It all depends on what the OP's use is.

 

[MarkCO]

Yep, I wish all my 3Gun competition used a 4.5-18.

 

[binnerscot]

I usually am one of those guys that is on the opposite spectrum of this price range. However, on my PWS 5.56 i decided fuck it lets try this scope. I purchased it two years ago have been to range multiple times, banged around, glass is awesome in my opinion, and dials are always spot on. And here is the kicker; the illumination works awesome. After both owning the Burris 1-4x and Viper PST 1-4x and always having batteries that are out, illumination not working, this SOB is still lit and working like day one on exact same battery. Needless to say i am super impressed.

I have a Leatherwood CMR as well. I kind of had the same sentiment, and thought WTH and bought one. I have to agree with everything you said, it still surprises me how well it performs...and I love the reticle, and the zero stop works really well. Great scope.

 

[BigBoss0311]

I'll say it. Millett DMR.

 

[Winny94]

Remember this quote "AIM SMALL MISS SMALL"? This is the scope I have on my Colt LE6920 M4. After changing from a Leupold 3-9x40mm to my new Bushnell AR/223 with a 4.5-18x40mm zoom my group sizes were cut in half at 18 power instead of 9 power because I can hold on a bullet hole that I can see at 100 yds.

I'm hoping that it will shoot bug holes after I get the new 18" upper with full length fluting to save some weight from White Oak Armament.

White Oak Armament

This is the best price I found:

BUSHNELL 4.5-18X40 BDC RETICLE TARGET AR-SCOPE | Sportsmans Outdoor Superstore

Sounds perfect for your use. However this is quick shooting/potentially close up shooting rig.

 

[MarkCO]

I'll say it. Millett DMR.

Okay, who farted?