Best all around scope for AR?

[RussW]

I'm looking for suggestions on the best all around scope for a .223 AR. Am looking for something that will work well for target shooting as well as a bit of hunting. Other than 22's, I'm new to the rifle scene so will need some guidance to get the setup that will suit my needs best.

Thanks!

[Texas Dan Mosby]

Look no futher imo...

Leupold MK 4 series: http://www.leupold.com/tactical/products/scopes/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[firefighter3217]

If you can afford it, I highly recommend the Trijocon ACOG... I got one after my Active Duty time, and lets just say ther's a reason why a BUNCH of the M16s in Iraq have them... They're freakin awesome...

[Beiruty]

I am considering Nikon M-223 2-8X.

[Rex B]

I ended up with a Vortex 6-24x40 on my varmint AR. At a little over $100 it is very good glass for the money.
Read the reviews.

[kyreb]

In my opinion, looking for a "perfect optic" on an AR is close to a quest for the Holy Grail. This quest is complicated greatly by the myriad of optics available as well as the versitality and multitude of configurations available for this weapons platform. Every SHOT show we see dozens of new, more improved, more tacticool AR optics being introduced. Most of those introduced at the 2010 show have yet to reach the market, so the "even greater" stuff introduced last month may actually be available by 2013.

First, we really need to know what configuration of AR you are running. My optic preferences would vary greatly between a 5.56 AR carbine in 16" barrel for general plinking and field use vs. a Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) with a 18" match grade heavy barrel for competition and varmints or an AR in 6.8 SPC caliber for the deer stand.

I am currently switching between a Burris 1X4 for three gun and a 3X9 for range work and future PD hunting. I use LaRue mounts so i can switch back and forth.

[gigag04]

The best without constraints? I don't think that is really what you're asking, but I'll bite:

Here's one I would try

http://www.opticsplanet.net/zeiss-victo ... e-ran.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They give you free shipping....

If you want something cheaper, though you didn't specify, you may try the offerings from Swarovski or Nightforce. In discussions of best these are some of the names you'll see tossed around.

What are the specs on your AR?

[A-R]

The best without constraints? I don't think that is really what you're asking, but I'll bite:

Here's one I would try

http://www.opticsplanet.net/zeiss-victo ... e-ran.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They give you free shipping....

If you want something cheaper, though you didn't specify, you may try the offerings from Swarovski or Nightforce. In discussions of best these are some of the names you'll see tossed around.

What are the specs on your AR?

Really, you like that better than a $2,500 Nightforce, or $4,000 Schmidt & Bender?

But seriously .... recent posts are correct to ask the purpose of the rifle, which will help greatly determine which optic would likely best suit the OP's needs.

Me personally, I have a 16-inch Sabre Defense stainless steel fluted barrel that shoots like an 18- or 20-inch - easily groups sub MOA if I do my part (which I rarely do ). I switch back-n-forth between a Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x42 mildot reticle scope on an American Defense forward-leaning quick detach mount (very similar to LaRue) for anything at 100 yards or longer, and an EoTech that I keep mounted on the carbine for all other purposes (which are mainly sitting in my gun safe )

For best all-around AR optic, good at a lot of things but maybe not best at any (jack of all trades, master of none) I'd look at ACOGs if I could afford one or any number of quality 1-4x variable-power scopes from Leupold, Nikon, Burris, Trijicon, even Millett (which makes very good scopes for the money). A variable power scope plus a small red dot like a Dr. Optic or Burris Fastfire mounted on a forward rail in a 1 o'clock position with an angled picatinny rail adapter is also a really cool option.

[RussW]

The gun is a 5.56 with 16 inch barrel, mid-length gas. As I mentioned, I'm new to the AR and rifles in general (anything past a .22). I would like to do some target shooting as well as some hunting with it. I like the platform and love the ability to customize in so many different ways. I envision close to moderate distance shots maybe up to about 300 yards or so.

Thanks again for all your suggestions.

Russ

[firefighter3217]

The gun is a 5.56 with 16 inch barrel, mid-length gas. As I mentioned, I'm new to the AR and rifles in general (anything past a .22). I would like to do some target shooting as well as some hunting with it. I like the platform and love the ability to customize in so many different ways. I envision close to moderate distance shots maybe up to about 300 yards or so.

Thanks again for all your suggestions.

Russ

oh, I forgot to mention... if you're doing lots of target and the hunting is NOT walking around with shots that are close AND far, then the ACOG may not be for you.

On the rare occasion that I'm having a really good day with accuracy and the weather is cooperating, I have made 3 bullet holes touch at 100 yards with the ACOG... The farthest shot I have taken thus far is 200 yards, and the bullet drop reticle helps out... It goes to 600 meters, but I haven't had the reason to push it that far yet. And frankly, if I'm shooting 600 meters at an animal, I'm way more likely to use a traditional scope (ie: the one on my .30-06).

So, I guess the short answer is, for your use, I think we can withdraw the ACOG from the running here. Sounds to me like you're looking at something a little less CQB Oriented.

If you're ever looking for a scope that can engage targets close rapidly, day or night, as well as providing accurate longer range fire, the ACOG fits the bill.

While I'm thinking about it, one thing to consider since you're new to ARs is the twist rate of your barrel. If you have a 1:7 twist, you can shoot the nice and heavy bullets. I'm kinda stuck with lighter ones as I have a 1:9 barrel, so I only get my best out of 55gr bullets. From what I gather (and everyone, PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong here), a heavy bullet in a slower twist causes the bullet to become unstable during flight. I mean, obviously at 10 yards it doesn't matter, but at 300 yards, it does.

[RECIT]

The most important factor before getting a recommendation for a scope is what is your price range? What is the maximum you are willing to spend. That narrows our field of recommendations considerably.

I like the Trijicon Accupoint scopes personally. I have a 3-9x40 on a 16" but have used it on my 20" as well. My nest purchase is going to be the 1-4x for my 16" rig and keep the 3-9x on my 20". I like the Accupoint models because they do not need batteries EVER. Day, night, dusk, whatever the lighting the reticle is clear and crisp, tough as nails and great warranty...whats not to like?

I think even with a max 4x magnification you should be able to make good hits at 200yds+ all day long. The 3-9x40 will help that much more. If you want something less expensive then look at some of Nikon's offerings. I have no experience on the AR platform but love the one I have on my 10/22.

[7075-T7]

The Vortex Razor line is awesome. Customer service is second to none too, if anything happens to the scope regardless of who did it and who now owns it, they'll repair it. Can't argue with that.

I have the Razor HD 1-4x CQMR reticle. Fantastic glass.

The viper line is supposed to be nice as well for a lot less.