Rifle Scopes Multi purpose scope

[Matno]

Choosing a scope for one purpose is somewhat easier, but trying to combine multiple purposes gets a little tricky. Here's what I'm looking for:
I've got a lightweight AR in .223 Wylde that is surprisingly accurate that I'd like to use for coyotes up to about 400 yards and steel out to 600. It's also my close range gun, so my plan is to mount a small red dot sight on a 45 degree mount (to use the same cheek weld).

I love the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x for my AR-10, but it's too heavy for what I want on this gun. I'm looking for something with a low end mag around 3-4x and high end 12x or higher. 2.5-10 is tempting, but seems a little low for 600 yards. (I know some of you can do that with open sights, I can't). PST price range is about as high as I can go (wife won't approve any new purchase, but I've got an ACOG I plan to sell).

I'm not thrilled with the large windage turret on the PST since it would block part of the red dot FOV. Illumination would be a plus for evening coyotes, but not a must.

So, light(ish), short windage turret, decent glass, around $1000. Illumination a plus. Magnification at least 12x. Not willing to go with a fixed power scope.

Suggestions?

 

[banditbump]

Swfa 3-15
Used night force
Another viper say 4-16 pst ffp

But are u sure u want to get rid of the acog? U already have one good scope with the vortex, do u really need two long range scopes? I regret ever firearm I have ever sold and all but two scopes.....

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I'd say the SWFA but the windage turret is even larger than the vortex. Your best bet is probably a used NF 2.5-10x32. 10x is more than enough for 600 yard shooting.

 

[Matno]

I've never really liked the ACOG. It came with my AR-10 so it's BDC for .308. It works great for rapid up close stuff, and the glass is great, but at fixed 3.5x it's not what I want most of the time. Also, in daylight, the fiber optic is so bright that I have to cover it for any precision shooting. Also, my no mag red dot on another rifle is quicker and more accurate for me anyway. You're right, I may regret selling the ACOG, but I think I'll be happier with something that allows me to shoot more precisely at distance.

 

[Crosshair]

Maybe check out Leupold 4-12x40 Mark AR MOD 1 Riflescope

It is a super light 14.5 oz, and has very compact mil/mil turrets. I've got the 3-9x40 version and I like it really well for as cheap as they are. Great bang for the buck for lightweight compact mil/mil scopes, Leupold lifetime warranty too.

 

[huntdog13]

Take a look at nikon m223 3-12x42. Turret is set up for 55gr and dials out to 600. Ive only shot out to 450yds and its very accurate. Just another option for you.

 

[Matno]

Dang. That Leupold is almost perfect. Too bad it has an adjustable objective. That's a mistake I won't make twice... Also should have mentioned that I want mil/mil so I don't get confused. If the Nikon had a mil-hash reticle I might consider it. BDCs don't work for me because I like my 77gr SMKs for long range but use lighter V-Max's for critters.

 

[banditbump]

The leupold 3-9 comes without ao if that's really what you want. Swfa.com has some package deals with scope mount and magazines, other places may also...they offer two different mil dot reticles in 3-9 and one is iluminated. I almost bought it but went up step in price and got swfa 3-15, more everything for a few hundo more inclouding weight and turrets

 

[banditbump]

Oh and if you went wit dat leupold u can get different dials for different loads...

 

[g2gjoe]

That's asking for a lot of features for a scope under $1000. For something of quality anyway.
The nightforce 2.5-10's are incredible scopes. And you definitely get your moneys worth!
If you skip the red dot sight, you will save between 200 and $500. Then the night force will not be out of your price range. If you're worried about 10 power not being enough, don't be. It has a clearer picture then my Leopold Mark IV 14 power.
Add in the night force UltraLite rings, and you have a very compact lightweight package. That is tough as a tank. And very simple. If you really want the red dot sight capability, consider going with a lower power scope. A 1 or 1.5-6 or 8 illuminated is the same as using a red dot sight when set at its lowest power. And really is more than enough magnification for 4 to 600 yards.

 

[BoilerUP]

9/10x is plenty of magnification for MOA-sized steel out to 600yd.

I would think the Leupy Mark AR Mod 1 or VX-R Patrol in 3-9 with illuminated TMR to meet most of your requests, especially with regards to turret size and overall weight.

That said, I'd give serious consideration to the Vortex PST 2.5-10x FFP and the Bushnell 3-12x BTR from Liberty Optics...perhaps a Burris 4.5-14x MTAC.

 

[Matno]

9/10x is plenty of magnification for MOA-sized steel out to 600yd.

That said, I'd give serious consideration to the Vortex PST 2.5-10x FFP and the Bushnell 3-12x BTR from Liberty Optics...perhaps a Burris 4.5-14x MTAC.

Maybe you're right. Now that looked at the PST 2.5-10x, I realize that it has smaller turrets (duh). I'm curious why the FFP version has the smaller objective lens than the SFP version. I doubt it makes a huge difference, but I like FFP, and for a tenth of an ounce more, bigger glass would be nice.
That Bushnell looks sweet but has a huge windage turret. I can't imagine a situation where I would have time to dial a ton of windage correction before the wind changed, but I'm sure some people do it.
The Burris has an adjustable objective. Deal breaker. I actually have a Burris 4.5-14 with AO on my .300 wm bolt gun. I mostly don't like the fact that I can't put flip up scope caps on it, but it's also a long reach to twist the lens.

Guess I'll stick with Vortex. Hard to go wrong with their warranty and customer service! Here's a pic they sent me of the 4-16x PST with a red dot. Asked the question at 6am and got a reply with pic in under 30 minutes!