AR Varmint Scope

I just finished building a custom flat-top AR.  It's setup with a free-floated 16" fluted heavy barrel.  It's shooting right at 1" groups at 200 yds with 40gr Hornady V-Max ammo.  This AR will be used exclusively for varminting and paper punching.  I want to be able to engage ground hogs up to 400 yds.  I'm looking for a better scope since I started with just an elcheapo Famous Maker 8-32x44.  The 32x can be nice, but it's hard to find the target if a follow-up shot is required.  I know what good glass is since I also have an Elite 4200 on another rifle.  What would be my best choice of scopes under $500?  Fixed power or variable?

For your need the best way to go would be some sort of a decent 4-16x40 variable.  That is probably the best allround size.

 

Pretty much every major manufacturer makes one.  I feel that the best choices here are either Bushnell Elite 4200, Burris Signature Select, Nikon Monarch or Sightron S2:

 

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/424164M/bushnell_4-16x40 _elite_4200_rifle_scope.htm

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/200770/burris_4-16x44_si gnature_select_rifle_scope.htm 

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/6586/new_nikon_5.5-16.5x 44_monarch_ucc_riflescope.htm 

 

Signature Select has an advantage of being available with a Ballistic Plex.  Nikon just came out with their BDC reticle and you may be the first to try it.

 

If you are trying to spend a little less money in this segment, look for the aforementioned Sightron S2 or consider Weaver Grand Slam:

 

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/800475/weaver_4.5-14x40_ grand_slam_rifle_scope.htm

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/800469/weaver_6-20x40_gr and_slam_rifle_scope.htm

 

If you prefer a 30mm tube, look at Burris Euro Diamond:

 

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/200916/burris_3-12x50_eu ro_diamond_30mm_rifle_scope.htm

 

My personal choice for something like this would be either a Burris Signature Select with Ballistic Plex or a Sightron S2 with MilDot since I can use both reticles for holdover.

 

ILya

I have the elite 4200 4-16x40 on my brand new Rem 700 lss 300 WSM.  I love it on there, except I have to remove my flip cap to keep it from touching my nose each time I fire it.  I was thinking that something with a little higher magnification would be nice for those 400 yd ghogs with the AR, although I know I don't need the 32x cheapo that's on it now.  What's your opinion on the Buckmaster 6-18?  I'd love to have side focus but don't want to spend the big bucks on a Elite 4200 6-24, although that's probably my favorite scope.

Buckmaster is a decent scope, but it is not in the same league with the Elite 4200.  As for resolving dogs at 400yards, I think 16x is sufficient under field conditions.

As for side focus, it is a personal choice.  I would not sacrifice optical quality for the sake of side focus.

If you must have side focus, consider Sightron's new lineup of S2 SS scopes that retail write at $500 or so: 4.5-14x42 and 6.5-20x50

ILya

How would you compare the side focus Sightron SII 6-20x50 with the Elite 4200 6-24x40.  I'm most concerned with clarity at the long end of the scope and repeatability of zero?  I realize the Buckmaster isn't up to the level of a 4200 but I can get one off the sample list for $229.

I have not tried Elite 4200 with side focus yet.  Generally, I like Sightron S2 adjustments a little more, but I think Elite 4200 has slightly better glass.

Both scopes hold zero well.

ILya

One other option keeps popping up in the back of my thinking.  Is there any reason not to go with a variable such as the Elite 4200 6-24 and to get a 16x SS?  I'm just afraid I'd miss the variable power.

Edited by blsnelling

Super Sniper is a great tactical scope, but I'd go with a variable.  Elite 4200 has better glass to boot.  Super Sniper is tough as nails, but why do you need that on a varmint AR?  Variable also gives you a lot of versatility to make up for lighting, mirage, etc.

If you do decide to go with a variable, go with a 10x.  16x is a bit too limiting, IMO.

ILya

That confirms my opinion.  I don't think I'll be happy with anything less than the 4200, especially since I already have one on my 300 WSM.  Now for another decision.  I've contacted Chris and he has quoted me an excellent price, better than any where else.  However, I've also found a factory demo for about $40 less.  I'm not sure which way to lean.  Would a factory demo still have the same warranty?

I do not know about the warranty.  You'd have to figure that out with the dealer.  I've dealt with SWFA and they are a quality outfit.

ILya

I went with the factory demo Elite 4200 6-24x40 for $339.  If you're looking to buy one of these new, I highly recommend you contact Chris.  He will beat your best price.  Chris, you will get some business from me in the future  I just couldn't pass up the deal I got on the demo.  I'm anxious to replace my plexiglass lensed Famous Brand scope.  Now maybe I'll be able to actually tell what the black blob is at 24x.

I got the scope last night.  It looks brand new.  I got a little creative in my mounting process.  The existing rifle was already sighted in.  I don't have a gun vise, so I set the rifle on the bipod on the kitchen table with the stock on a little plastic step stool and taped the whole mess down.  I set the power on 24x and focused on an object about 200 yds away. I then removed the old scope and installed the new.  Then I simply adjusted the new scope to aim at the same spot.  Voila, I should be on paper at 200 yds  Ought to save a little work.  The 4200 is so much brighter and clearer its not funny, but that was no surprise.

koshkin,

 

Thanks.  You have me thinking.  I have my heart set on a 50mm objective lens scope in the 6-24 or 4-20 range of varible power.  This will be for a  Savage 12BVSS 223 Long Range bolt action. 

 

So what will be the difference of 40mm verses 50mm.  I am getting long in the tooth so I feel more light is good. 

 

Thanks - and I welcome all input!

Glas quality is far more important there than objective lens size.  A larger objective lens will give a larger exit pupil at high magnifications, but the effect of that is less important than you think.

I'd just get a 4-16x40 or something along those lines and be done with it.

If youreally want to get a howitzer size objective lens, get an Elite 4200 4-16x50.

ILya