1-4x optics for AR

[k0sh]

Recently, I fished the build on my first AR15.  It's something between a precision and 'recce' build that, so far, I've been shooting with iron sights alone.

I'd like to find a reasonably priced (roughly $300) 1-4x optic, preferably with some illumination.  The goal is to have an optic we can use to shoot at range while still allowing for some nasty work close in in the event that was truly needed.  My impressions have always been that people on this forum are knowledgable without being pretentious, so I'm sure you all will have some great insights for me.

From my reading, the big players in my range seem to be Burris (MTAC, TAC30), Leatherwood (CMR), Leupold, and Nikon...  The Leatherwood looks nice to my eyes, but I hear people either rave about it like fanboys or completely trash it.  All these are at the top of my price range.  I'd be willing to look at saving cash if there was a real bargain out there.

In the long run, I will be building another carbine-style AR that will have a red dot on it and the current rifle will get nicer glass for longer range shooting.  In the meantime, a 1-4x seems a good compromise.  I look forward to your thoughts.

[eaglescouter]

Pay very close attention to the eye relief, and measure your rail location.

Unless you lack a neck you will likely want to acquire cantilever rings .

[douglas34474]

I set up a Nikon P-223 3X32 carbine scope setting in Nikon P-223 cantilevered mounts on my carbine. The scope has a bullet drop reticule and is designed for the AR 16" barreled carbine.

I 'turkey neck' and my mustache is tickling the charging handle when I sling up and the mounts place the scope at the proper eye relief and elevation.

IMHO, well worth looking into. The scope runs about $150.00 and the rings another $50.00.

[floydf]

One of the fellows at our last KD in Davilla was running a Vortex Viper PST 1-4.  He was very pleased with it.  It's a little pricier than you're looking for, but it's not an acog.

I'm running a burris 332 3x on my ar, and like it a lot.  good reticle with bdc. 

[LawDog]

The fellow with the Vortex Viper is spmcpeek if you have questions.

[JoshL]

If you are looking for an optic on a budget, you might check out Primary Arms.  I've had good luck with their products in the past, especially for the price.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_Rifle_Scopes_s/919.htm

[Aromatic]

Another fan of the Vortex line.  If you do go that route, I suggest the capped turret version.  The TCQM reticle is very versatile.  Since it is MOA based (not just a BDC), you can use it on any rifle you want.

The cheapest place I have found to get Vortex

http://www.libertyoptics.com/contents/en-us/d64.html

You will need to call or email for best pricing.

I only have two complaints with the scope:

1.  The illumination knob is not capped as well.  It is easy to bump into the on position and drain the battery.
2.  Scope needs to be mounted pretty far forward for proper eye relief.  This may be a shooter specific issue though.

I dont think there is a better option out there in the $450 price range.  Vortex is also said to have a great warranty and customer service (have not had to use either).

[k0sh]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I've heard great things about the Viper as well, but it's simply out of my price range.

[henschman]

I bought a Leatherwood CMR last year... I thoght I would take a gamble on it despite some not so great reviews.  Bad call.  The ocular lens came loose on it after about 100 rounds on my M1A.  Also it had pretty bad glass, and a very small eyebox.  Also it was not anywhere close to true 1x on the low end. 

I returned it, sold the replacement, and got a Burris TAC30, which I like a lot.  I shopped very carefully this time around... I also looked at a Vortex Viper, but it didn't have any better optical quality than the Burris, and the Burris had true daylight visible illumination, unlike the Vortex.  I like the reticle on the Burris a little better for the role I had in mind... the Vortex has more of a long range precision reticle.  I don't see myself doing a lot of milling and dialing with a 1-4x.  I'm not really crazy about either one... it's too bad the Leatherwood was such a POS, because I liked it's reticle better than any of them. 

The Burris has no power ring... you rotate the whole ocular housing to change power.  I actually like it, because with some skateboard tape wrapped around it, it is really quick to switch without having to have a big protruding cat tail.  Also it has push-button illumination control instead of a rheostat.  It's actually kind of cool... it comes right back to the last setting you had it on when you hit it, and it is hard to turn on accidentally.

[Patent guy]

I purchased a Leatherwood CMR and a Burris PEPR mount for use on an AR and was pretty happy with it.  The illumination was too weak for bright daylight and the dots are hard to see against a Grey KD target when not illuminated, so I dialed in the dope for each range, and that worked well.  I did experience an unintentional change in windage when the rifle rubbed against something, but when I figured this out and checked the settings after each move, there were no problems.  I cannot comment on how it would stand up for 30 cal or for any kind of rough handling.
YMMV.

[henschman]

Yeah, I really don't get why so many 1-4x scopes have exposed target turrets.  That is not what I want in that type of optic... especially not one with a BDC reticle designed to give you quick ranging and hold over points. 

Now what I really want is for Trijicon to make their TR-24 with the ACOG reticle.  I would buy that in a heartbeat, no matter the price.  Those TR-24s have amazing glass, and the ACOG reticle is the best battle rifle reticle around IMO.

[GoldFish]

While a little more expensive than $300, I have a Vortex Viper PST and aboslutely loved shooting with it.(http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-1-4x24-riflescope-with-tmcq-moa-reticle) 
This scope can be purchased for about $450-$500, depending on who you buy it from.  My is not capped, which I like, and it also has the MOA version of the TMCQ reticle, making it a breeze to shoot out to 400 yds without ever dialing.  The scope does have an illuminated reticle with 10 or so brightness settings, 3 or 4 of which can be seen in daytime light. 
I have had not trouble with it in anyway, and I haven't exactly been easy on it. 
I have a full length quad rail, but like having the the scope mounted only on the receiver, so I have Burris P.E.P.R. mount that works pretty well; it ain't a LaRue, but it does hold the zero alright.

[k0sh]

I wanted to write and thank everyone for taking the time to reply to me with your thoughts.

A couple things happened since posting that forced and even greater downward adjustment of the budget.  I also had the chance to look at a couple Bushnell scopes at my local gun shop.  As a result of those two influences, I wound up purchasing a 1.5-6x Bushnell scope (non-illuminated) and an appropriate mount for my rifle. 

Thank you!

[arpjoe]

Weaver Classic V-Series Rifle Scope 1-3x 20mm Dual-X Reticle Matte about $175 at Midway USA.

Nice to have true 1x for point and shoot.  3x is good for the long slow shots.  I have used this on my DPMS LR-308 AP4 without problems.

Always Locktite any scope mount screws is the first thing to do to avoid problems on any rifle. 

[malabar]

Don't know if you're still in the market, but here are a couple of affordable scopes I can recommend......

The Millet DMS,
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/186660/millett-tactical-dms-rifle-scope-30mm-tube-1-4x-24mm-illuminated-circle-dot-reticle-matte

The Mueller SpeedShot

http://muelleroptics.com/mueller-speed-shot-1-4x24

The Weaver extreme 1.5-4.5 is in a separate class, but Natchez has them on deep discount

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentId=productDetail&prodId=WE800702&green=7FF6E725-DFEA-594B-0116-EADEFD695288&utm_source=mybuys&utm_medium=recs&utm_campaign=website_recs

The Burris 332
http://www.burristactical.com/ar332.html

Have used all of these and they perform very adequately for the money.

tk