So many choices of rifles/optics

[sandman317]

Hello, I'm new here..been lurking for awhile. Love all the info on the site. Hope to learn a lot. I'm not new to firearms (been shooting for 30 years) but I am new to the AR platform. I had my 10th anniversary recently and the wife told me to buy whatever I want. Big Mistake ! Ha...I'm thinking I want an AR but can't decide on what brand,caliber, or scope....it's overwhelming really with all the choices out there.
I hunt mainly deer and hogs. I have a 30-06 and a 30-30. I also have a Ruger 10/22 for squirrels and plinking. I want to add an AR to the mix but not sure if I want to go with the 5.56/223 or 308. Then what brand? what barrel length? What scope? Ha. I am leaning toward maybe a Zeiss Conquest series or Leupold VX R for the optics but i know there are so many more options. Anyway, most of my shots would be 150 yards or less where I hunt.
So give me ideas to confuse me even more ! ha...i'm gonna have fun researching this and picking out something when i decide. I can reload also so there is even more joy involved !
Great forum and I know I will learn so much here. I look forward to it !

 

[jcwarrior87]

Re: So many choices of rifles/optics

I would get a 260 built buy JD (hsss on the hide) if I only could have one AR. Since you are are going to be under 150 yards and good named AR in 223 would be a good choice too. If you are are ever wanting to stretch out and shoot a distance, talk to JD he builds one hell of a rifle at a good price.

I can tell you this too, you need to give a little more info on what you are going to do with it, target shoot, three gun, varmints, large game hunt, all this will effect what we suggest.

Also do you reload, and are you willing to get into wild cats for your AR or do you just want to buy and shoot.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: So many choices of rifles/optics

I can vouch for the Leupold VX-R Patrol optic. I got one form Liberty Optics this year after Scott highly recommended one. I got a couple of weeks ago and I have to say Leupold has finally stepped up its game. It is a Mil/Mil Optics with a TMR reticle and the fire dot is very vivid. I can't wait to hunt with it.

 

[sandman317]

Re: So many choices of rifles/optics

JCWarrior, My uses are mainly for deer/hogs at the 150 yard and less range. I mentioned also at the end of my post that I reload.
Honestly, I would like to get into more target shooting later on but I figure the AR bug will hit me hard and by the time I really want to get into long range targets I'll just want to buy another new AR

 

[Sebben]

Re: So many choices of rifles/optics

The real question is how much are you looking to spend?

 

[PowerstrokeOBX]

Re: So many choices of rifles/optics

223 if you want to keep it simple. Parts and ammo are everywhere.

6.8 450Bushmaster 458socom and 50beowulf are pretty devastating sub 200 yards.

 

[jcwarrior87]

Re: So many choices of rifles/optics

since you reload I would look at the 6x45 I have heard from many people that it puts the hurts on deer and hogs. It is the next rifle I am going to build, I will be building it on an AR platform more than likely

 

[BBJones13]

Re: So many choices of rifles/optics

Call me crazy but for a first AR or an only AR I would recommend 16" mid length 5.56. Preferably made by BCM, Daniel Defense, Noveske or Centurion. Chrome lined versions of each should be 1-1.5MOA with hand loaded ammo. Plenty accurate for 150 yards and in.

If you want SS barrel, all of the above (except DD) make decent to excellent barrels too. With SS you should get .75MOA or better with handloads.