Scope Recommendations for Scope Newb

[BadBoyBilly]

All my rifle builds (AR15's) in the past were built using non magnified red dots.  I got tons of experience with Red Dots but little to no experience with rifle scopes.  Gun clubs in my area range from 100 yards to 300 yards.  Basically what I'm trying to say is I'm not going to be shooting anything over 300 yards.  Was hoping you guys could help me narrow down my choices for a scope:

 

1) Fixed or Variable?  I'm leaning towards variable because there are a bunch of ranges around me with varying distance.  Like the idea of dialing up/down the magnification for when I need it
 

2) Magnification power?  100 yards is the most common distance around me.  There's one that's 200 and another with a 300 yard range.  Taking and educated guess, I'm thinking 10X and below would be appropriate for me.

 

3) Best bang for your buck scope?  I'm not looking to spend $1000 on a scope but at the same time I don't want a cheap $100 rifle scope that is a piece of crap. 

 

 

I've been eyeing the Vortex Optics Viper PST 2.5-10x44mm EBR-1 MOA scope.  Basically a $600 scope.  Probably could get it a little cheaper using some online codes.  Was curious to know if there are other scopes I should check out that are in the $300-400ish price range of similar quality/specs as the Vortex? 
 

[edgecrusher]

I think your in the right frame of mind. I like your range in price and magnification.

[planeflyer21]

For 300 yards or less, check out a little less magnification on a variable scope.  The 1-7x24-32 families (1-4, 1.5-6, 2-6, 2-7, etc.) really shine at those distance, are pretty compact, and don't weigh a lot.

 

Check out that smaller Vortex PST...you may like it.

[BLKSHEEP]

I don't think you could go wrong with that Vortex PST <thumbsup>

 

For "others" look at the Weaver Tactical line of scopes, they're a great bang for the buck!....I cant post a link right now but Amazon has a Weaver Tactical 3x15x50 mil/mil FFP for $639.00   :hethan:

[D.R.D.]

http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=476

[Robocop1051]

A little out of your price range, but a prime example...

SWFA SS HD 1-6x24mm

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-1-6x24-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P53845.aspx

[BadBoyBilly]

great info so far!

[D.R.D.]

He breaks in down further for your price ranges here:

 

Under $300

http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=86

 

Under $400

http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=90

 

Under $600

http://opticsthoughts.com/?page_id=91

 

 

Once you want to spend big bucks, read this:

https://demigodllc.com/articles/practical-long-range-rifle-shooting-optics/

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2014/09/19/tactical-scopes-field-test-results-summary/

[survivalshop]

Nikon, Burris , I do like the Vortex scopes ,for up to 300 yards , good clear 3x9x40 will work .

 

  Great Avatar you have there . <thumbsup>

Edited November 12, 2014 by survivalshop

[Zebra644]

For that Price Votex is a good option, but remember with optics, buy once cry once. 

[98Z5V]

Nikon has a special right now (until December 31st) on the M-223, but only in the 3~12x42 BDC-600 scope.  It's $160 off, taken off right there at point-of-sale.  No receipt to send in, no time waiting for a coupon of check from the company - it's an instant rebate, right there at the register.

 

Typically a $450 MSRP scope, that puts it in your hands under $300.  It's one hell of a deal.

 

If it's going on another caliber, you can have Nikon make a custom turret for it for your caliber, projo weight and speed. 

 

This scope is a no-brainer if you're looking for good, clear glass in a quality scope.  Price can't be beat.  I found one last week marked down to $258.  Grabbed it.

 

http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/Nikon-Products/Riflescopes/M-223-3-12x42SF-BDC-600---------.html

[unforgiven]

Got it,thanks.

[98Z5V]

You pick one up, brother?  I had a 3-9x40 P-223 on the Mk12 build.  I bought this M-223 for that, for the M features and a little more magnification.  Got it zeroed today.  Very, very happy with it. 

[blue109]

had mine on my mk12ish build as well and really liked it, but then I found myself with one more scope than rifles, and decided to keep the SWFA instead. id buy one again in a heartbeat though.

[unforgiven]

Yea I ordered it was suprised they hit me with tax and it is on backorder.But a good deal non the less.It will go on the 18" upper w/ SSE trigger in 5.56. <thumbsup>

[Rsquared]

^^^^ Which one is that? I don't remember that one. You holding out on us? Or am I just that forgetful? Both could be true. <laughs>

[98Z5V]

That was the second one he built, or close.  You need to lay off the MGD...  <lmao>  :happydrunks:

[unforgiven]

Got the scope will have pics soon.Thinkin of going with the RRA 1 pc.mount.It's only a 1" tube but a damn nice scope.Came with a ARD [anti-reflection device] and flip up caps.Thanks for the tip brother Tom. <thumbsup> And it's the 3rd one  I put together,be'in I fill in the stripped lower and slap on an upper that I like.I'm an assembler others here are builders. :))

[Rsquared]

Don't sell yourself short brother. I know you better than that. You ain't foolin me that easy.

[survivalshop]

  He's just Modest . <thumbsup>

[Rsquared]

Or drunk. Hmmmmm..........or both.