i want to build an ar for sniper/spotter events, but i am not sure what kind or optics i should use. 18" or 20" ar for targets out to 400yrds.
acog? which one?
acog? which one?
Rifle Scopes optics for ar build
- Thread starter tmpohuski7
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Re: optics for ar build
1-4 USO SN4S would be nicer IMHO, there are a few in that class depending in how serious your wallet is. but yeah a 1-4 variable is where it's at on a carbine
1-4 USO SN4S would be nicer IMHO, there are a few in that class depending in how serious your wallet is. but yeah a 1-4 variable is where it's at on a carbine
Re: optics for ar build
For a spotter/sniper role I'd suggest more power than 4X. You may need to be spotting through your optic, not the spotting scope at times, and calling target ID, correction and watching trace will be tough with a 1-4X.
I had an SN4S and whenever I decide I need the versatility of a 1-4X on a "run and gun" AR I will have another, but I replaced it with an ST10 as my AR is more of an SPR setup. For close in I mounted a JPoint at 1:00 on the forend.
I'd look at 4-14 or such range if you are trully looking for the role you requested.
For a spotter/sniper role I'd suggest more power than 4X. You may need to be spotting through your optic, not the spotting scope at times, and calling target ID, correction and watching trace will be tough with a 1-4X.
I had an SN4S and whenever I decide I need the versatility of a 1-4X on a "run and gun" AR I will have another, but I replaced it with an ST10 as my AR is more of an SPR setup. For close in I mounted a JPoint at 1:00 on the forend.
I'd look at 4-14 or such range if you are trully looking for the role you requested.
Re: optics for ar build
I had the 2.5-10x24 with zero stop. Very nice setup but took it off and went with the m4 acog as my barrel is 14.5. I was gonna save it for a 6.5 Grendel but instead will be selling it to fund a Crusader.
I had the 2.5-10x24 with zero stop. Very nice setup but took it off and went with the m4 acog as my barrel is 14.5. I was gonna save it for a 6.5 Grendel but instead will be selling it to fund a Crusader.
Re: optics for ar build
I have to agree with Rob01 and say take a look at the NF 2.5-10. I have the 2.5-10X24 w/ mil/mil zero stop and so far have found it to be a perfect fit for my 16" precision oriented AR. I was running a Short Dot previously but wanted something that had more magnification and matching adjustments, which the NF had and to top it off, it's shorter and lighter than the Short Dot I was running. Granted it is handicapped somewhat by the 2.5X low end if you want/need to engage closer targets, but that can be overcome with the addition of a LaRue J-point mount and Burris Fastfire. That set up would pretty much bring it on par with the Short Dot in terms of weight, but it would come with more magnification, increased capability, and matching adjustments. The NF is pretty much a win/win option.
I have to agree with Rob01 and say take a look at the NF 2.5-10. I have the 2.5-10X24 w/ mil/mil zero stop and so far have found it to be a perfect fit for my 16" precision oriented AR. I was running a Short Dot previously but wanted something that had more magnification and matching adjustments, which the NF had and to top it off, it's shorter and lighter than the Short Dot I was running. Granted it is handicapped somewhat by the 2.5X low end if you want/need to engage closer targets, but that can be overcome with the addition of a LaRue J-point mount and Burris Fastfire. That set up would pretty much bring it on par with the Short Dot in terms of weight, but it would come with more magnification, increased capability, and matching adjustments. The NF is pretty much a win/win option.
Re: optics for ar build
The NF 2.5-10 is in some ways a good choice for a precision - ruggedness, size and magnification. Unfortunately they don't offer a reticle that really works for close range use and ranging work. They have a so-so cqb reticle and a mildot but nothing that combines both. I ended up going with a USO SN4. I would really like to see NF offer something like the forlorn grsc reticle; they would make a mint on it.
The NF 2.5-10 is in some ways a good choice for a precision - ruggedness, size and magnification. Unfortunately they don't offer a reticle that really works for close range use and ranging work. They have a so-so cqb reticle and a mildot but nothing that combines both. I ended up going with a USO SN4. I would really like to see NF offer something like the forlorn grsc reticle; they would make a mint on it.
Re: optics for ar build
Leupold mk4 1.5-5x MR/T w/illum SPR reticle is a good choice for your goals. Compact and relatively lightweight, the scope will also enable Bindon Aiming Concept techniques with reticle on and flip-up covering objective lens.
For sniper/spotter events though, why go optic at all? An AR in A2 Service Rifle configuration would be lighter and faster to deploy. A Leupold AR series 1-4 will mount very low on an A2 carryhandle if you want, find you need a scope.
You want the 20" barrel with 1:7 or 1:8 twist and are planning a freefloat handguard, right? 69 or 77gr match ammunition will easily fulfill your goals to 400yds or way longer. Buy an A4 SR upper and have the best of both worlds, since the A4 SR upper will come with detachable carryhandle rear and front NM sights you can remove when you want to go flat top.
Putting a large and heavy scopesight on an AR-15 is an encumbrance. On an AR-10, maybe. If you are backing up a sniper with this rifle you want fast reaction, precision sights and some balance and weight to enable fast shot strings; don't you? Put the extra weight into heavy barrel w/free-float tube, learn to use NM iron sights and don't look back. Not much more you will need.
Leupold mk4 1.5-5x MR/T w/illum SPR reticle is a good choice for your goals. Compact and relatively lightweight, the scope will also enable Bindon Aiming Concept techniques with reticle on and flip-up covering objective lens.
For sniper/spotter events though, why go optic at all? An AR in A2 Service Rifle configuration would be lighter and faster to deploy. A Leupold AR series 1-4 will mount very low on an A2 carryhandle if you want, find you need a scope.
You want the 20" barrel with 1:7 or 1:8 twist and are planning a freefloat handguard, right? 69 or 77gr match ammunition will easily fulfill your goals to 400yds or way longer. Buy an A4 SR upper and have the best of both worlds, since the A4 SR upper will come with detachable carryhandle rear and front NM sights you can remove when you want to go flat top.
Putting a large and heavy scopesight on an AR-15 is an encumbrance. On an AR-10, maybe. If you are backing up a sniper with this rifle you want fast reaction, precision sights and some balance and weight to enable fast shot strings; don't you? Put the extra weight into heavy barrel w/free-float tube, learn to use NM iron sights and don't look back. Not much more you will need.
Re: optics for ar build
thanks to all i have many stores to go to now to look through glass and make up my mind.
thanks to all i have many stores to go to now to look through glass and make up my mind.
Re: optics for ar build
somehow......someway ....one has to hit whatever it is you are targeting........from cartoons to b-27's at 800 yard.....because that's what one is likely to find at any competition worth a spit....
i for one just don't think there is a return on investment doing the hi-priced spread.......mostly because you are not in the glass that long.....for someone to be able to drive an AR-15 with any success out long and in close DO NOT require the expense of the Hubble telescope.....save it for ammo and a good trigger.
i run a cheap $179.00 simmons.....for years...
somehow......someway ....one has to hit whatever it is you are targeting........from cartoons to b-27's at 800 yard.....because that's what one is likely to find at any competition worth a spit....
i for one just don't think there is a return on investment doing the hi-priced spread.......mostly because you are not in the glass that long.....for someone to be able to drive an AR-15 with any success out long and in close DO NOT require the expense of the Hubble telescope.....save it for ammo and a good trigger.
i run a cheap $179.00 simmons.....for years...
Re: optics for ar build
Have you looked at USO ? they have a 1.5-6x scope that is awsome, not to mention an iluminated recticle that makes it good for close up work as well.
Have you looked at USO ? they have a 1.5-6x scope that is awsome, not to mention an iluminated recticle that makes it good for close up work as well.
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