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Need Optic for my first AR 5.56

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bird_hunter66 View Drop Down
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    Posted: August/03/2016 at 07:27
I just purchased my first M4 V11 Daniels Defense in 5.56 rifle.  I am looking for advice on and optic for it.  I will be mostly target shooting but might predator hunt with it as well.  Most shots will be withing 100 yards.  Some may be out to 200-250 yards.  Can you guys give me your top 2-3 choices for this rifle for my application?  Thanks in advance.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2016 at 07:42
Budget?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FireEMT5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2016 at 10:08

As supertool asked, your budget you wish to spend would help a lot with recommendations.

I am currently running a SS 1-6 on my S&W AR.  Works great for coyotes and does just fine at the range for 100 yds.  It also takes my AR easily out beyond 300.

If you are usually going to be shooting 100 yds and shorter ranges, you most likely won't like too much power on the bottom end of your scope.  You'll probably want all the field of view you can get, but that's up to you.

Before the 1-6, I had a SS 3-9 which also worked well, but that scope is now on a .223 bolt gun.  I'd buy another of each without a second thought if I needed another scope!

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bird_hunter66 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bird_hunter66 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2016 at 12:31
My budget is around $750 or so max.  I want a good scope, red dot or so forth.  Would like a few to choose from when I start looking.  Would like to hear your top 3 suggestions.
D. Holmes
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supertool73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2016 at 12:40
In no particular order.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-125-4x20-VX-R-Patrol-30mm-Riflescope-P49444.aspx
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-1-4x24-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P48362.aspx
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-1-4x24-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P78365.aspx


If you want a Red dot the Trijicon MRO is sweet.  I sold my Aimpoint T2 after I got one, I really like using it.  http://swfa.com/MRO-C13713.aspx

Make sure to buy a good mount as well.  Bobro or American Defense are good choices. 

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BeltFed View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2016 at 13:05
http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-6x24-Strike-Eagle-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P79101.aspx

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

Here are 2 that are both under and above your price range.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2016 at 13:11
You might also check out the SWFA sample list.
http://www.samplelist.com/-P72849.aspx
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/03/2016 at 14:24
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bird_hunter66 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/20/2016 at 12:53
So would you guys buy a rifle scope over a red dot optic?  I will be using the rifle for target practice most of the time 150yrs or less.  Some varmit hunting from time to time.  Just want some advice on what you guys thing would work better a scope or a red dot optic?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/20/2016 at 13:30
A red dot is for quick shots, not precision shots.  If you consider a 2 MOA dot covers 2 inches of target at 100 yards, it ain't about group size.

I would consider a decent 1-4 or a 3-9.  My "precision" AR wears a 3-9SS with an offset red dot for close encounters.  With that setup, I am good from point blank to 600 yards.

If it is a range gun and will see mostly paper targets and bench shooting, I'd do a 3-9X.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/20/2016 at 14:21
For general purpose use on an AR, I would be looking for a low range variable, not a red dot.

If you will shoot in very low light, consider something with a little larger objective than the currently almost standard 24mm.  If this will mostly be in OK light, any of the 1-??x24 design from a variety of reputable makers will work fine.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/20/2016 at 16:08
http://swfa.com/Optic-Packages-C4618.aspx   Clickable link to optics packages that include a mount. 
The mount is  a critical item with AR 15 rifles Many here like the BOBRO http://swfa.com/SWFA-Precision-Optic-30mm-Mount-P48134.aspx   I tend to use the La Rue mounts on mine. Also a very solid choice is AADLAND  http://swfa.com/AR-Mounts--C5247.aspx    SWFA  has their own mount made and is a good option if you just cant get into that $200 price range for a mount.  
I prefer a smaller optic on an AR15 two that I have been very happy with are these: 
I currently use a 3x version of the Compact ACOG in a La Rue RCO Mount

Trijicon 2x20 Compact Acog Rifle Scope
Stock # - TA47C400151
  • Matte
  • Red Crosshair
  • Carry Handle Screw and Washer Set
  • Compact Acog Scopecoat
  • Lenspen
  • Trijicon Logo Sticker
  • Acog Manual
  • Warranty Card
$1,093.00


2 MOA DotAimpoint CompM4s 30mm Red Dot Sight
Stock # - AIM12172
  • Matte
  • 2 MOA Dot
  • 30mm
  • Night Vision Compatible
  • Picatinny Mount Included
  • Spacer Included
  • Killflash Included
  • Bikini cover Included

$863.00
NOTE  THE  AIMPOINT COMP M4 INCLUDES ITS OWN MOUNT AT THIS COST 


Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - September/20/2016 at 16:22

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erinis0112 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote erinis0112 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/20/2016 at 16:09
get something from nightforce
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/20/2016 at 16:11
Having said that the scope that Rancid uses is a superb choice designed specifically for the squad designated marksman role in combat and easily transitions to hunting or target uses.  This is highly recommended for a traditional optic and if one were to put a red dot like a Vortex Razor on also would be best of both worlds but the more you put on the rifle the more bulky it becomes. 
SWFA SS HD 3-9x42 Tactical 30mm RiflescopeSWFA SS HD 3-9x42 Tactical 30mm Riflescope
Stock # - SS39X42MQ
  • Matte
  • Patented First Focal Plane Mil-Quad Reticle
  • 30mm
  • OK for .50 cal
  • 0.1 MRAD
$599.95

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/20/2016 at 16:14
This is the functional low end cost wise: 

Redfield 2-7x33 Revolution Rifle Scope Kit
Stock # - RED67085KIT
$219.95

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/20/2016 at 16:24
I have the 1-4 version of the red post Trijicon on one rifle and would be pretty happy with this scope which was not available when I bought mine. 

Trijicon 2.5-12.5x42 AccuPoint 30mm Rifle Scope
Stock # - TR26C200105
  • Matte
  • Red Triangle Post
  • 30mm
  • Side Focus
  • Trijicon Logo Sticker
  • Lenspen
  • Set of Lenscaps
  • AccuPoint Manual
  • Warranty Card
$1,105.00

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/24/2016 at 15:11

I just purchased Trijicon 1-4 with mil-square crosshair reticle. 

Anxious to use it.

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