AR scopes - for a range toy

[scottb]

Looking for options on a decent scope for the money. 

Intended use of the AR will be a range toy, not for hunting or 3 gun.

This will be my first AR.

I dont think I need a huge giant scope, I read the "how to select a scope" article on Opticsplanet.

I dont want to go to cheap and crappy, but i also dont think I need a scope with all the "Tacti-cool" bells and whistles.

I am in my early 40's and do wear glasses or contacts.

A friend has a sweet Armalite AR with a Nightforce scope. The Nightforce was a great scope but way out of my price range.

 

Still undecided on the AR, possibly the new Ruger AR556, or maybe an entery level Sig Sauer M400 

AR budget is $600 - $900

 

Figure $300- $400 for a scope and rings

 

I looked at a  few scopes on OpticsPlant.

 

I think a 3x9 x40 or 4 x 12 x 40 will work for a range toy.

 

Looking at 

 

1. Leupold Rifleman priced at $289

http://www.opticsplanet.com/leupold-rifleman-4-12x40mm-rifle-scope.html

 

2. Vortex Viper priced at $299 and then $79 for ring mounts

 

http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescopes-vpr-m-01p.html

 

3. Nikon P-223 with mounts priced at $249

 

http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-p-223-3-9x40-bdc-600-rifle-scope.html

 

Any other input?

Edited December 17, 2014 by scottb

[4DAIVI PAI2K5]

Can get colts for 899 now days. 

[Gixxus Christ!]

I have a weaver kaspa on my 20". Haven't shot it yet but it looks to be a pretty solid scope. They're around $300 new I think. I sniper it on auction for less than $200

[r1crusher]

I actually have a new but mounted Nikon P-223 that was just removed from my son's AR. He decided he wanted to go CQB and didn't want the scope. He never shot the rifle with the scope attached. I'd be willing to sell it if you're interested and we can work out a price. PM if your interested.

Kevin

Edited December 17, 2014 by r1crusher

[scottb]

PM sent 

[Helmutt]

I'm becoming a firm believer in building vs buying a rifle, you'll get exactly what you want for less investment. As for optics, I'm still on the learning curve, but currently using 6-24x50's on a couple of my rifles. Can see a good distance at that power

[scottb]

I suspect I will be building one soon too. 

Between asking friends, Youtube and AR15.com, the knowledge is out there. 

I just dont have the baseline from shooting a varity of AR's to know what options I would like.

Only a general idea of what I think i want

 

I would like an already completed rifle just to have one now.

Then, I can use that as maybe a platform to work from, or install "test parts" onto.

 

I am still learning and reading the different brands, and what makes one brand and price better then the other guy.

 

Looking on Palmetto State Armory site, a complete lower and complete upper can be had for $550. Seems like it would make a decent range toy.

 

Since I live in the burbs, I will only get to shoot this when i go to the outdoor range.

[Gump]

I've heard Vortex is an underpriced scope for the quality that you get.

[r1crusher]

I have a Vortex on my AR currently.  The mount that it comes with is junk, IMO.  But the optics itself is decent.