Suggestions for Illuminated Reticle Mid Range Scope for AR

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edited reason: showing updated choices due to suggestions

picked up my first AR not too long ago (see this thread: First AR Looking at a BCM and Have A Few Questions) ...i plan to shoot irons for a while to get used to them but i also wanted to start to look for options for a scope and mount for budgetary purposes...i have shot my buddy's AR with an eotech and magnifier and while it was nice, i have an astigmatism in my aiming eye (right eye fuzzy but i can see clearly with both eyes) and find that i like the cheap simmons 3-9x40 scope on my 22lr rifle better than i liked his eotech just due to the higher magnification of the scope...i realize that a red dot works good with both eyes but i'd like something that i can make longer shots with but at the same time i don't want to put a huge scope on my AR so i'm looking for a mid range scope with an illuminated reticle in the magnification range of 3-9 or maybe a little higher so its similar to the size of the scope on my other rifle...i like the following scopes...i figure i will take any advantage i can get for my eye...any similar scope suggestions or advice?

leupold vxr patrol 3-9x40
http://www.leupold.com/tactical/scopes/vx-r-patrol/vx-r-patrol-3-9x40mm-30mm/

vortex viper pst 2.5-10x44
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-2-5-10x44-riflescope-with-ebr-1-moa-reticle

i'm also looking for a quick release mount that will clear my magpul buis...as for the mount i'm leaning towards the ADM mounts at the moment...i think i would need a lesson to figure out which mounts would fit which scope, there are so many designations...

http://www.americandefensemanufacturing.com/browse/category/opticmounts/scopemounts/
http://www.laruetactical.com/riflescope-mounts?sort=popular
http://www.bobroengineering.com/browse/category/scope-mounts/
 
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What do you consider longer shots, on what kind (size) of a target?

I have a Burris 1-4x XTR on my rifle. I have made hits on an 10" gong at 500 yards with it with boring regularity, and can run it almost as fast as I can my Aimpoint at close ranges. If you are trying to hit playing cards at 100 yards I can understand that much magnification, but if you want a useful 0-500 yard optic, I would suggest a lower power, variable scope.

I have the scope in a LT104 mount and the MBUS PRO folds under it nicely.

I also have astigmatism.
 
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What do you consider longer shots, on what kind (size) of a target?

I have a Burris 1-4x XTR on my rifle. I have made hits on an 10" gong at 500 yards with it with boring regularity, and can run it almost as fast as I can my Aimpoint at close ranges. If you are trying to hit playing cards at 100 yards I can understand that much magnification, but if you want a useful 0-500 yard optic, I would suggest a lower power, variable scope.

I have the scope in a LT104 mount and the MBUS PRO folds under it nicely.

I also have astigmatism.

thanks for the suggestion...i probably should have clarified my first post about what i'm looking to do with it...i have cheap red dot that i can toss on if i want to do quick shots so i figure that i can use the scope for more precise paper target shooting...a 1-4 vs a 3-9...the 3-9 has the 3 and 4 and i can swap to the red dot for the 1 so i would be missing only the 2 times magnification...seems like a good compromise to me
 
thanks for the suggestion...i probably should have clarified my first post about what i'm looking to do with it...i have cheap red dot that i can toss on if i want to do quick shots so i figure that i can use the scope for more precise paper target shooting...a 1-4 vs a 3-9...the 3-9 has the 3 and 4 and i can swap to the red dot for the 1 so i would be missing only the 2 times magnification...seems like a good compromise to me

For the plinking range, sure, that will work. IMO, if this rifle is one that I would grab if I really needed a rifle, I would not want to screw with swapping optics around or rely on a cheap red dot.

If I had to get rid of every other rifle/optic I own and keep one, it would be my 16" BCM with that 1-4 on it, good enough to drop someone from across the room to a few hundred yards out.
 
For the plinking range, sure, that will work. IMO, if this rifle is one that I would grab if I really needed a rifle, I would not want to screw with swapping optics around or rely on a cheap red dot.

If I had to get rid of every other rifle/optic I own and keep one, it would be my 16" BCM with that 1-4 on it, good enough to drop someone from across the room to a few hundred yards out.

i agree...yea this will be used for the range anyway so i'm not too worried about the close range stuff as this rifle isn't my go-to for HD...cause unless an intruder tries or manages to enter my house i'd be pretty screwed if i shot them outside the house from a legal standpoint in MA i would think and i can think of better tools for an intruder inside the house cause i doubt there will be much precision aiming going on in that situation...but i would imagine a 1-4 illuminated scope would def cover most close range situations unless the battery dies on the illumination and you need it at night...i would imagine a cheap or expensive red dot would work better in the same situations but would allow you to have both eyes open but it can fail or the battery can die but that's what buis are for but i doubt they will help much in the dark...at some point i may buy a 1-4 scope and another mount and maybe a nice red dot but not at this moment
 
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Compact, illuminated, good quality? Her is what fits all your criteria:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/konus-3-9x40mm-riflescope-275-ballistic-reticle.html
i don't know of anything more compact. According to the reviews, it's a tank.

that looks pretty nice...any good reviews of it?...i didn't see any on that site...they have 3 different versions on their site...a 3-9x40 (amazon $149), a 3-12x44 (amazon $196) and a 3-12x50...not a huge fan of is the illuminated portion of the reticle though...the bullet drop markings and crosshairs are illuminated so if the battery goes then you're kind of stuck right?, or are these visible when not illuminated...i can't really find any info on that...i'd also like to be able to use it without the illumination if there is enough light...that is why i liked the leupold i posted in the first post...but i'll have to do a little more research on these cause i do like the compact size of them...

konus...
http://www.konuspro.com/en/site/product_line_overview/konuspro_t_30

leupold reticle...
http://www.leupold.com/reticles/firedot-g-tmr-illuminated/
 
I have and highly recommend the Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 (True 1x). Best scope for the money in the $400-500 range, maybe the $400-$1000 range. I recently saw this on sale for less than $400 so you can find good deals.

Vortex is releasing the Strike Eagle 1-6X which I am also interested in. A good quality 1-4x is really optimal for an carbine length AR.

I have this one - I don't see the need for tactical turrets on a 1-4X scope, it costs less and weighs 2 oz less than the tactical turret model.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-1-4x24-riflescope-with-tmcq-moa-reticle-capped-turrets


I use American Defense mounts for everything, their AD-RECON-30 is perfect for a 1-4x on an AR (30mm tube).
 
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I have and highly recommend the Vortex Viper PST 1-4x24 (True 1x). Best scope for the money in the $400-500 range, maybe the $400-$1000 range. I recently saw this on sale for less than $400 so you can find good deals.

Vortex is releasing the Strike Eagle 1-6X which I am also interested in. A good quality 1-4x is really optimal for an carbine length AR.

I have this one - I don't see the need for tactical turrets on a 1-4X scope, it costs less and weighs 2 oz less than the tactical turret model.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...flescope-with-tmcq-moa-reticle-capped-turrets


I use American Defense mounts for everything, their AD-RECON-30 is perfect for a 1-4x on an AR (30mm tube).

thanks for the scope suggestion but i'm looking for a 3-9 magnification scope or slightly higher...good to hear that you like the adm mounts though...i think that's what i'd like to go with
 
thanks for the scope suggestion but i'm looking for a 3-9 magnification scope or slightly higher...good to hear that you like the adm mounts though...i think that's what i'd like to go with

OK, if you are looking for higher magnification I would take a look at the 2.5-10x42 if you want a mid-level scope
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-2-5-10x44-riflescope-with-ebr-1-moa-reticle
or this one
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-optics-viper-hs-2-5-10x44-30mm-tube-water-proof-rifle-scopes.html


OR if you want to get a good entry level scope
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-crossfire-ii-3-9x40mm-rifle-scope.html

The good thing about Vortex is that their stuff is covered by the Vortex VIP Unconditional Lifetime Warranty - even their lower prices scopes.

Just make sure that the mount you buy is tall enough for clearance depending on the diameter of the objective.
 
OK, if you are looking for higher magnification I would take a look at the 2.5-10x42 if you want a mid-level scope
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-2-5-10x44-riflescope-with-ebr-1-moa-reticle
or this one
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-optics-viper-hs-2-5-10x44-30mm-tube-water-proof-rifle-scopes.html


OR if you want to get a good entry level scope
http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-crossfire-ii-3-9x40mm-rifle-scope.html

The good thing about Vortex is that their stuff is covered by the Vortex VIP Unconditional Lifetime Warranty - even their lower prices scopes.

Just make sure that the mount you buy is tall enough for clearance depending on the diameter of the objective.

thanks again!...i do like that first scope you posted and the warranty is a very good point...is the reticle visible when not illuminated?...if so this one is going on the short list
 
I have Bushnell 1 - 4X, no illumination, and tired, old astigmatic eyes. I have shot out to 100 yards no problem, and would feel comfortable out to 200 with it. More magnification makes it easier to see and is maybe more precise, but keeping all shots in a 3" circle, offhand at 100 yards with crap ammo works for me.
 
thanks again!...i do like that first scope you posted and the warranty is a very good point...is the reticle visible when not illuminated?...if so this one is going on the short list

Yes, they are all visible w/out illumination (only the first one is illuminated). The PST scopes are excellent.
 
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I have Bushnell 1 - 4X, no illumination, and tired, old astigmatic eyes. I have shot out to 100 yards no problem, and would feel comfortable out to 200 with it. More magnification makes it easier to see and is maybe more precise, but keeping all shots in a 3" circle, offhand at 100 yards with crap ammo works for me.

thanks...maybe at some point i'll pick up a 1-4 but not looking for one at the moment

Yes, they are all visible w/out illumination (only the first one is illuminated). The PST scopes are excellent.

great!...i think this one is at the top of my list right now...the other one i was looking at was the first focal plane version but the price is about $200 higher...i have to do a little more reading to under stand the differences and also make a decision about what would be better for what i'm doing vs price...
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-2-5-10x32-ffp-riflescope-with-ebr-1-moa-reticle
 
I skimmed though this thread, I have not read the whole thing, so forgive me if this has been covered.

Why do you want / need illumination?

It can be useful on a 1-4x style scope (at 1x), while shooting close targets quickly. Other than that, when will you use it?
 
I skimmed though this thread, I have not read the whole thing, so forgive me if this has been covered.

Why do you want / need illumination?

It can be useful on a 1-4x style scope (at 1x), while shooting close targets quickly. Other than that, when will you use it?

Even then, I am 50/50 on my illum battery being dead when I show up for a match/training and it never really slows me down. It is good to have at night though. A few friends and I got together for some night shooting recently and having the illum while shooting with flashlights was VERY nice to have.
 
I have a compact scope on one of my AR15's that has the illumination option on it (red or green)... I've yet to use that aspect of it. IMO, I'd rather have a scope that doesn't depend on batteries to work optimally. Or have to hit a switch to best use it. IME, the illumination is a gimmick 95% of the time (or more). Maybe IF we start having some night-ops the illumination MIGHT be of value. Personally, I'd rather have a NV scope at that point though, so I can better see what I'm shooting at.

BTW, the scope I have is a 3-9x from NCStar... IME, it's ok for maybe out to 200 yards (if that). I don't believe that it's a true 9x magnification. Then again, I haven't [yet] had a lot of scope variety experience. I do plan to get a better scope for my 300 Blackout rifle though. Since I want to use that to about 300 yards, and be able to identify what I'm shooting at.
 
that looks pretty nice...any good reviews of it?...i didn't see any on that site...they have 3 different versions on their site...a 3-9x40 (amazon $149), a 3-12x44 (amazon $196) and a 3-12x50...not a huge fan of is the illuminated portion of the reticle though...the bullet drop markings and crosshairs are illuminated so if the battery goes then you're kind of stuck right?, or are these visible when not illuminated...i can't really find any info on that...i'd also like to be able to use it without the illumination if there is enough light...that is why i liked the leupold i posted in the first post...but i'll have to do a little more research on these cause i do like the compact size of them...

konus...
http://www.konuspro.com/en/site/product_line_overview/konuspro_t_30

leupold reticle...
http://www.leupold.com/reticles/firedot-g-tmr-illuminated/
AFAIK, any reticle that can be illuminated will be visible without illumination.
 
What do you consider longer shots, on what kind (size) of a target?

I have a Burris 1-4x XTR on my rifle. I have made hits on an 10" gong at 500 yards with it with boring regularity, and can run it almost as fast as I can my Aimpoint at close ranges. If you are trying to hit playing cards at 100 yards I can understand that much magnification, but if you want a useful 0-500 yard optic, I would suggest a lower power, variable scope.

I have the scope in a LT104 mount and the MBUS PRO folds under it nicely.

I also have astigmatism.

I was actually really impressed with this optic on Eds gun. It doesn't feel like you are looking through a tube at all... and glass was nice and clear.
 
I skimmed though this thread, I have not read the whole thing, so forgive me if this has been covered.

Why do you want / need illumination?

It can be useful on a 1-4x style scope (at 1x), while shooting close targets quickly. Other than that, when will you use it?

i think i would find it helpful on a second focal plane scope when the crosshairs and bullet drop markings are out of focus since i have an astigmatism in my aiming eye...rather have it and not need it than not have it at all

Even then, I am 50/50 on my illum battery being dead when I show up for a match/training and it never really slows me down. It is good to have at night though. A few friends and I got together for some night shooting recently and having the illum while shooting with flashlights was VERY nice to have.

good to know, thanks

I have a compact scope on one of my AR15's that has the illumination option on it (red or green)... I've yet to use that aspect of it. IMO, I'd rather have a scope that doesn't depend on batteries to work optimally. Or have to hit a switch to best use it. IME, the illumination is a gimmick 95% of the time (or more). Maybe IF we start having some night-ops the illumination MIGHT be of value. Personally, I'd rather have a NV scope at that point though, so I can better see what I'm shooting at.

BTW, the scope I have is a 3-9x from NCStar... IME, it's ok for maybe out to 200 yards (if that). I don't believe that it's a true 9x magnification. Then again, I haven't [yet] had a lot of scope variety experience. I do plan to get a better scope for my 300 Blackout rifle though. Since I want to use that to about 300 yards, and be able to identify what I'm shooting at.

i just went on the NCStar website...they seem to have a good amount of compact scopes with good magnification and illumination...i'll have to look at those more...i'm sure i can find a few that i would throw on my short list...they also seem to have a lifetime warranty...thanks for the suggestion!

i'd like to take a look at these a little closer...
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=Mark III Tactical Series
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=SRT Series
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=3RS Series
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=Compact Tactical Series
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=Compact Rubber Tactical Series
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=Ultimate Sighting System Combos

AFAIK, any reticle that can be illuminated will be visible without illumination.

great!...i just wanted to make sure...i'd hate to spend a lot of money and have to rely on batteries to see what i need to see to use the scope...i see the illumination as a helpful tool for my bad eye as well as lower light days

I was actually really impressed with this optic on Eds gun. It doesn't feel like you are looking through a tube at all... and glass was nice and clear.

good to know, thanks
 
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i think i would find it helpful on a second focal plane scope when the crosshairs and bullet drop markings are out of focus since i have an astigmatism in my aiming eye...rather have it and not need it than not have it at all



good to know, thanks



i just went on the NCStar website...they seem to have a good amount of compact scopes with good magnification and illumination...i'll have to look at those more...i'm sure i can find a few that i would throw on my short list...they also seem to have a lifetime warranty...thanks for the suggestion!

i'd like to take a look at these a little closer...
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=Mark III Tactical Series
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=SRT Series
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=3RS Series
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=Compact Tactical Series
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=Compact Rubber Tactical Series
http://www.ncstar.com/product/product-list.aspx?productseries=Ultimate Sighting System Combos



great!...i just wanted to make sure...i'd hate to spend a lot of money and have to rely on batteries to see what i need to see to use the scope...i see the illumination as a helpful tool for my bad eye as well as lower light days



good to know, thanks
Repeat after me: NCstar is airsoft garbage. NCstar is airsoft garbage. NCstar is airsoft garbage. I will not, under any circumstances, buy Barska, Ncstar, BSA or something along those lines.
 
This might be what you're looking for. I have the 1.5-6 x 42 mm version. It rocks and only the center portion of the reticle is illuminated. It seems that the illumination is largely unnecessary, unless you are in complete darkness.

http://smile.amazon.com/BARSKA-3-9x...3009056&sr=1-2&keywords=barska+huntmaster+pro

thanks but looking for more magnification than that

Repeat after me: NCstar is airsoft garbage. NCstar is airsoft garbage. NCstar is airsoft garbage. I will not, under any circumstances, buy Barska, Ncstar, BSA or something along those lines.

note taken...at the moment i'm between these 2 scopes...both $600...plus an ADM QD mount...

leupold vxr patrol 3-9x40
http://www.leupold.com/tactical/scopes/vx-r-patrol/vx-r-patrol-3-9x40mm-30mm/

vortex viper pst 2.5-10x44
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-2-5-10x44-riflescope-with-ebr-1-moa-reticle
 
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Buy once, cry one. I'll take quality over price any day of the week. Unless it's a safe queen you want something you can count on to work when you really need it.
 
Buy once, cry one. I'll take quality over price any day of the week. Unless it's a safe queen you want something you can count on to work when you really need it.

This. You spent good money on a good rifle, top it with good glass.
 
Buy once, cry one. I'll take quality over price any day of the week. Unless it's a safe queen you want something you can count on to work when you really need it.

This. You spent good money on a good rifle, top it with good glass.

totally agree with this logic 100%...i don't see a point in putting a cheap scope/mount on an expensive rifle...def won't be a safe queen though...i will never own a safe queen, not my style...if i don't use it i won't own it, unless it was free or inherited [smile] ...from what i have read the 2 scopes i'm between at the moment are pretty solid choices for what i want to do with them
 
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