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another ar-15 build noob needs scope help

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wskungfuclub View Drop Down
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    Posted: October/18/2012 at 20:06
hi, been reading through a lot of these forum posts but decided to jump in to get feedback. 

i'm not a totally new shooter but i'm new to the AR platform.  this is my first AR build and i'm looking for an optics system.  my short term needs are to complete a front-sight type rifle course--so a lot of target shooting at various ranges.  my long term goals are to both hunt and compete in 3-gun comp.  

the most confusing part in studying all the scope options are of course CQC capability vs distance capability.  i like the idea of a red dot for close in but i also like the idea of a variable scope which seems more versatile. 

my price range is $800-1500 total--that means including mounts.  i firmly believe in buy once cry once. if i can accomplish what i want for $800 and i get quality, i'm happy.  but i'm willing to spend more if it means i get USEFUL value in return.  i don't want crap, but i fully realize i'm still new to rifle shooting.  you can hand me tiger woods' million dollar golf clubs and i still won't get the ball in the hole. 

also--when it comes to reticles, i'm still working on understanding the whole MOA vs mil-dot thing so i'm pretty much a blank slate when it comes to that.  i would ideally like the easiest reticle to use that is quickly identifiable and one where i can estimate bullet drop on the fly without having to do a lot of math! 

thanks!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 338LAPUASLAP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/18/2012 at 20:17
First, Welcome.
 
I think you might be in the right place for this type of post people here are very helpful.
 
I believe you will get your questions answered and will be happy with the knowledge that is shared.
 
Look in the review section or try a search for the things you are looking for.
 
 
 
Enjoy...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/18/2012 at 22:05
I use a IOR 1.5-8x26 on my Rock River that I'm very happy with.They are throwing in  IOR 35mm rings with the scope.The price is $1330 @ SWFA.The glass is some of the best in the business.Comes with a life time warrenty & was made to take a beaten.
 
The 1.5 is pretty close for most CQC situations.I do keep both my eyes open[Binden style] & the scope works fine.
 
If you are intent on a 1 magnification you can't go wrong with a Aimpoint red dot & do get the comp 4a withe the picatinney release[LRP] included.
 
 
Welcome to the OT!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FireEMT5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/19/2012 at 07:50
If you have a little time to wait - you did mention that this is a build, and they take 2 -3 times longer than one expects, you might consider the following......
 
I jumped into the AR game a couple years ago and spent way more time than I'd like to admit pondering what to put on top of it.  I ended up with a nice set of GG&G flip up BUIS, a EoTech red dot, and a SS 3-9x42 mounted in a GG&G FLT quick detach mount.   Each of those items has a place and a purpose, but even with QD mounts (Quick Detach) it is a pain switching them around.
 
Just my opinion here, but if I had it to do all over again, I'd think about a set of flip ups which are nice as they never fail.  I would most definitely consider a SS 1-6 illuminated which are set to be shipping in Nov./Dec. timeframe.  With this scope you'll be getting a red dot on a true 1 power with the ability to crank up to 6 power with a Mil reticle and you get matching Mil turrets to boot.
 
 
Don't be afraid to try Mil/Mil.  I was the same as you, it was unknown to me and I was a little hesitant to try a Mil/Mil scope.  Now that I have "seen the light", I'll never buy a MOA scope ever again.  I should mention that all the scopes I've bought in the past couple of years have all been FFP (Front Focal Plane) scopes which I find very much to my liking and the new SS 1-6 is FFP.
 
I would also opt for a one piece mount for your AR.  Personally I like GG&G or Aadland, but you probably don't need a 20 MOA base which the Aadland offers for an AR.
 
 
 
Another highly recommended option - but one I have no experience with -
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/19/2012 at 11:25
I assume this is a 223 build, so...

First choice is an Aimpoint T1, it will be fast on target and will get you out to 300 yard hits with some practice.

I also run a SS 1-4 on an AR and like it allot, not as fast up close but much more precise at range. The 1-6 would also be good, it will get you out a little further, but it will be equally slow up.

The 1-4 is a great "all around", but I still prefer the speed, battery life, durability, and size of the Aimpoint micros.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/19/2012 at 11:28
I also use the IOR 1.5-8x24 and lie it alot. It has a CQB reticle with hash marks for bullit drop out to 800 meters for 5.56 NATO, with a BDC turret out to 800 meters for 168gr match 7.62 NATO. It has an illuminated reticle as well, which comes in handy, since I shoot night matches. The reticle is in the 2nd focal plain, so the BDC reticle is only good at 8x.
I also recommend the new Vortex Razor 1-6x24. It was designed for 3gun with the help of Jerry Miculek (or however you spell it). It is a 2nd focal plain BDC reticle with an illuminated dot that is usable in daylight
The Vortex is lighter of the 2, and if I had it to do over, I thinkI would go with the Vortex.


Edited by BeltFed - October/19/2012 at 13:05
Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wskungfuclub Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/23/2012 at 02:24
thanks for all the input guys.  after exhaustive reading and freezing my eyes in a permanent wink looking through various scopes, i am pulling the trigger on the swfa 1-4--seems to be just right and perfectly versatile.  the FFP reticle just jumped out at me the moment i saw it.  the 1-6 prob would have been perfect, but alas patience is not one of my best virtues and i've already paid for and taken time off work for my rifle course and can't risk not getting it in time. 

thanks for the welcome as well.  i'm sure i'll be posting a ton of stupid questions in the near future, starting with, ok i got my scope...NOW WHAT? Big Grin
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/23/2012 at 11:07
Shoot!

Allot!
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wskungfuclub View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wskungfuclub Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/23/2012 at 18:19
when you zero the scope, does it matter what magnification you do it on?  i imagine you would want it on the highest mag to make the small mil adjustments?  any gems on zeroing this scope or holdover tips?  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/23/2012 at 20:57
La Rue mount Angled CQB Mount for Micro T-1, LT724   about  $124. Use BOBRO or La Rue 30mm slightly forward mount for the variable scope.  I'd probably go non illuminated on the variable and put the difference into the Aimpoint Micro and correct mounts.
Aimpoint Micro H-1 Red Dot Sight Aimpoint Micro H-1 Red Dot Sight
Stock # - AIM200018
  • Matte
  • 2 MOA Dot
  • 30mm
  • Weaver-Style Mount Included
  • Submersible to 15 feet
$588.00
 
SWFA SS 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope Illuminated Mil Quad SWFA SS 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope
Stock # - SSHD520X50MQI
  • Patented First Focal Plane Illuminated Mil-Quad Reticle
  • 30mm
  • HD Model
  • Locking Ocular Adjustment
  • 0.1 Mrad Elevation & Windage
  • 10 Mils Per Revolution
  • 30 Mils Of Total Travel
  • Side Focus
$1,499.95
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SWFA SS 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope SWFA SS 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope
Stock # - SSHD520X50MQ
  • Patented First Focal Plane Mil-Quad Reticle
  • 30mm
  • HD Model
  • Locking Ocular Adjustment
  • 0.1 Mrad Elevation & Windage
  • 10 Mils Per Revolution
  • 30 Mils Of Total Travel
  • Side Focus
$1,299.95


Edited by Skylar McMahon - October/24/2012 at 16:15

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FireEMT5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/24/2012 at 09:32
When zeroing your scope, it's up to you what power you want it on.  If your using a FFP scope, fire a shot, then if you are off, use your reticle to measure your correction, dial it in, fire another and you should be where you want to be.
 
With a FFP scope, your reticle will be accurate at any power and yes, it will most likely be easier to see on higher powers, but not necessary.
 
Happy shooting!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/24/2012 at 09:57
+1 what FireEMT said.
 
On a SFP scope it doesn't matter what power you are on either. Most scopes with MOA turrets will move bullit impact 1/4 MOA with each click or increment of movement. Some scopes are 1/2 MOA, and some are 1/3 MOA, and some are even 1/8 MOA for each click, so it's nice to know which you have.
Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wskungfuclub Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2012 at 23:31
just wanted to say thanks again to everyone for the suggestions.  just took my new SS to the outdoor range today and got more than a few oohs and ahhs from the RSO and a few others who had never seen the FFP donut reticle.  i had it 50/200 zeroed in no time and with the calculated mil dot holdover hit a steel silhouette 300 yards out 4/5 shots and though i missed most of my tries, i even hit a 500 yard target once.  this was my first time ever shooting that far! prior to today my only experience with my AR consisted of indoor ranges at 25 yards with an MBUS.   felt amazing, and needless to say, i'm addicted.... Semi Auto
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/29/2012 at 12:15
Excellent
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