Rifle Scopes 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

[BiggHertz]

Hey Everyone,

This is my first post so i'm a little nervous but here it goes. I'm in the market for optics to compliment my current project (SPECS Below).

My Background: I'm fairly new to firearms. This would be my 3rd year as a firearms owner. (I'm addicted

)
Experience with optics : I've spent the last 3 years on iron sights. Except for my 10/22 (Has a wally world scope).
Rifle Purpose : Learning to shoot mid to long range.
Anticipated Ranges : 100-600 Yards.
Optics Budget: <span style="text-decoration: line-through">500 - 1000</span> 2000-2500 USD.

308AR Specifications:
Lower:
Receiver : MEGA MaTen
Trigger Group : Geissele Hi-Speed (DMR Configured)
Fire Selector : Battle Arms Development Ambi Selector (BAD-ASS)
Pistol Grip : Magpul MIAD
Stock : Magpul PRS AR-10
Buffer and Spring : Standard AR-10 Buffer
Magazine : Magpul 20LR
Upper:
Receiver : MEGA MaTen
Forearm : Daniel Defense 12 Inch 7.62 Lite Rail
Barrel : 20 Inch RainierArms Ultra Match
BCG : DPMS Phosphate
Compensator : JP Enterprises Full Size Bennie Cooley
Gas Block : JP Enterprises Adjustable Gas Block
BUIS (F&R) : Magpul Gen 2 MBUS

Thanks in advance for any assistance,


Jason

 

[jasonk]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

Successfully attached a picture on your first post, nicely done, you're ahead of a lot of long time members! Welcome to the hide.

Start with a scope with a mil based reticle and mil adjustments, you'll be happy you did. The first one, if variable magnification, does not have to be front focal plane though it's nice.

I'd say the SWFA SS 10X HD would be an excellent choice. If you want a varible, maybe the Vortex PST 4-16 mil/mil. If the Vortex then the second focal plane model will be much easier to come by, but some FFP ones are out there.

 

[jasonk]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

Here ya go

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3432728&gonew=1#UNREAD

 

[Dlinzy]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

I'm looking for the same thing and am looking at the burris current eliminator III 16x but the previous II 12x would suffice for your needs and can be found for under 800.00

CA

 

[BCP]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

4-16 vortex pst FFP
3-12 bushnell FFP with gap reticule
10X super sniper HD
Used Leupold M3

My picks under 1k.

 

[green338 2.0]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

I would go with the Vortex Viper PST line. It's a nice scope for entry-mid precision. You could also find a slightly used Nightforce (NF) for $1,200 in the optic section (you could wait a little longer to get the NF). You might be getting a better value with the NF

 

[QuietM4]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

I have owned several high end optics through the years...Nightforce, Schmidt and Bender, etc.

I recently purchased a Vortex Razor HD, and I am very impressed. I would suggest their lineup of scopes. I second the Viper PST option. And stick with a Front Focal Plane (FFP) scope with MRAD turrets and spend some time learning to use it. It will make your life easier in the long range shots.

 

[DrifterH]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

I picked up a Leupold Mark 4 on Ebay for like $700 obviously used, but even used they are quality scopes. Even if you dont want a used one, they can be found for $1100. I know its $100 over budget but its worth it in my opinion. Also +1 on mildot, helps for ranging and from what ive seen retains its value better than Duplex reticles. Good Luck...

 

[QuietM4]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

Both of your guns are nice setups, btw. And kudos on learning how to use iron sights first.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

There are a lot of optics that will work for you.

For Precision
Nightforce 2.5-10x32mm or 3.5-15x50mm
Leupold 4.5-14x50mm or 3.5-10x40mm
Premier Light Tactical or Tactical 3-15x50mm
S&B 3-20x50mm
The Kahales 6-24x56mm is a little big but would be a great scope also.

For the price:
Vortex PST 4-16x50mm FFP
Bushnell 3.5-21x50mm FFP
Weaver Tactical 3-15x50mm FFP

Mike @ CST

 

[samnev]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

I would also go with the Vortex Viper 4-16X50 FFP.

 

[BiggHertz]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

Wow...thanks guys for the kind words and great suggestions...

I think I'm gonna wait an extra month or two to get some additional funds and opening up my budget to 2000-2500 USD... Especially after reading another member's post about his positive dealings with USO. Upon further research it's been noted by many that their customer service is top notch! It's also great to know that they're only 90 mins from my home. I looked into their product line and immediately saw the feature sets available. totally blown away!

I know it's a totally different ball game effectively doubling the budget! But I figured I've gone awhile on iron sights...what's another month or two?

so 2000 - 2500 USD...what offerings would you gentlemen suggest?


Thanks again everyone,


Jason

 

[BiggHertz]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

Hey hide members.

Quick question...

USO sn3 1.8-10x44 or USO ST-10?

Either to be equipped with:
- EREK
- ERGO
- MIL reticle

Thanks,

-Jason

 

[jonthomps]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Successfully attached a picture on your first post, nicely done, you're ahead of a lot of long time members! Welcome to the hide.

Start with a scope with a mil based reticle and mil adjustments, you'll be happy you did. The first one, if variable magnification, does not have to be front focal plane though it's nice.
</div></div>

Totally agree. That being said, if you can find a NF 2.5-10x32 in a mil/mil configuration for your 308 I think you'd be very happy.

 

[GardDog]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BiggHertz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey hide members.

Quick question...

USO sn3 1.8-10x44 or USO ST-10?

Either to be equipped with:
- EREK
- ERGO
- MIL reticle

Thanks,

-Jason </div></div>

I'm not sold on fixed power optics for an AR. The USO line would (and is) going to be my choice for a .308 AR rifle. I'd go with the 1.8-10x. I was looking to use my SN3 32.-17x44 on the one I have coming, but that seems to be a little overkill.

 

[lazy21]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

I have a 1.8-10 t-pal on my SASS, my upper should be back from the smith today. I'll get you some pics later on tonight.

 

[samnev]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

Since you have up'd your budget into the 2-2.5K range I'd go with the NightForce NXS 5.5-22X50/56 with zero stop and High speed turrets. I have 3 of them, 2 on my AR 10(308) platforms or the Nightforce 3.5-15x50 F1 with HS MIL ZS Turrets, and the new 2011 MLR2 Retice

 

[leadbullet]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

with that kind of budget, buy the best scope you can afford, what rifle is goes on doesn't really matter.
congrats on a couple nice AR's.

 

[lazy21]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

 

[NoFail]

Re: 308 AR Optics Selection Assistance

Yes absolutely the 1.8-10. In fact, if you like, you can check here at the hide in the Optics For Sale forum when you are ready. There were at least 3 of them available at one time recently. I got my USO for my AR 308 from there, it was a good deal, but not the 1.8-10, but a 1.8-6x28.