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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 9:09:29 PM EDT
Understand this is a loaded question. Currently setting up my AR-15 as a SPR. 556 out of a 16 in barrel. My local range has a 500 yard line I want to hit and I can absolutely find further out in my state. Not sure the effective range of 556 is out of my current set up. Would I be good with 1-8 or would it be better if I got a 4-16 now because I intend on moving it to an ar10 m110 clone later.
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TUN
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Posted: 9/24/2024 9:23:59 PM EDT
[#1]
You can make 500m hits with an ar.
What mag you want to use to do that is a different question. How much mag do you need to be able to resolve the target and make repeatable hits? |
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Posted: 9/24/2024 9:27:27 PM EDT
[#2]
You’ll want a parallax adjustment. I like 5-20s or 3-18s.
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USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 9:37:03 PM EDT
[#3]
I don’t think I’d ever be tempted to have more than 10x on an AR.
6-8x is plenty comfortable for torso-size targets at 500 yards. Service rifle competition is done at 600 with 4.5x max. I think a 1-8x LPVO is just about the perfect optic for an accurate AR in 5.56. |
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Posted: 9/24/2024 9:39:16 PM EDT
[#4]
I run 2.5-20 nx8 on my mk12 rifles and 1-8 atacrs on my carbines. No issues hitting 600 on any of them.
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Posted: 9/24/2024 9:49:24 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MemeWarfare: I don’t think I’d ever be tempted to have more than 10x on an AR. 6-8x is plenty comfortable for torso-size targets at 500 yards. Service rifle competition is done at 600 with 4.5x max. I think a 1-8x LPVO is just about the perfect optic for an accurate AR in 5.56. Depends on what you’re shooting. If you’re shooting targets or white painted steel you don’t need much magnification. If you’re shooting 1 minute green on green targets you probably do. |
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Posted: 9/24/2024 9:52:08 PM EDT
[#6]
If you want to try more magnification without dropping 1k, I've had good luck with the Athlon Helos gen2 2-12x
 Attached File |
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Posted: 9/24/2024 10:04:21 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Greenspan]
[#7]
Is the question regarding large clearly posted shilloutes or small targets trying to hide from you and shoot back in minecraft? If b I'd lean towards something in the teens at max.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 10:23:42 PM EDT
[#8]
1-8 is good for C zone size out to 500, like others have stated there is a vast difference between full size IPSC/Ivan targets at known distances vs smaller targets that may not be high contrast. Even closer targets that are smaller can need more magnification. If this is a SPR I would look at something like a credo 2-10 or something in the 3-18 range like a ten mile by Trijicon, Leupold mk5, or a primary arms Glx 3-18. If you still want it to be a carbine then do a 1-8, 1-10 is hard to do properly and I would avoid it.
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Posted: 9/24/2024 10:37:15 PM EDT
[#9]
I prefer 2x per 100 yards for targets I have to look for.
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Posted: 9/24/2024 10:48:11 PM EDT
[#10]
Seeing you are in AZ I think a gp AR should start at 2.5-10.
Here in NH a 3x is good. The terrain dictates what you need. Although this makes a good point  Urban Is Not CQB |
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NM, USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 10:56:59 PM EDT
[#11]
You are likely to get a range of recommendations, but your particular style of shooting will help you determine your needs.
I have used iron sights and a Vortex PST 1-4 during service rifle matches to shoot out to 600 yds, and once out to 1000 yds. It is definitely possible, but I wouldn't consider it ideal. For me personally, I appreciate higher magnification if I am shooting from a stable platform and/or trying to punch little groups into paper at distance. If I am just ringing steel or shooting offhand, I will generally dial down to a lower magnification. A lot of shooters, myself included, would dial down to 1x when shooting the 200 yd offhand course of fire because the natural sway appeared amplified at 4x to the point of being distracting. That is a 20" match grade rifle that now wears a Leupold MK5HD 3.6-18x44 and it has been about perfect for how I use it. I also have a 16" WOA upper that I just picked up gently used and I'm seriously considering the Steiner H6Xi 2-12x42 with STR-MIL reticle. That general magnification range works well for me and my uses as a general purpose or ranch rifle with an offset red dot. |
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Posted: 9/24/2024 11:13:25 PM EDT
[#12]
I've shot quite a few matches out to 650Y (Hard As Hell and Run N Gun were the longest) with my Kahles 1-8 on MGM 10" flashers or 66% IPSC C Zones.
If the targets are no further than 400Y, I'll shoot my Razor 1-6. The glass is so good that even if the target is shot up a little, I still have enough contrast to locate the target under magnification without issue. For PRS, where the targets are 1-3 MOA, I use a Kahles 6-24X but stay at 15X max. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 11:22:23 PM EDT
[#13]
Are you shooting at Rio?
Do you want groups or hits? Hits I think you are good to 5-600 with a 1-6. You could go higher mag but your field of view shrinks for target identification. If you want groups, go for more magnification. Find out what the schedule is of the rifle matches at your range is and talk to the people shooting the match. That is going to be the best/most practical advice. |
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MP, USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 11:38:26 PM EDT
[#14]
Leupold mk5 3.6-18.
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 11:45:32 PM EDT
[#15]
Mainly hits! I like ringing steel
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 11:51:54 PM EDT
[#16]
I’ve also heard the same about 1-10. Do you think Trijicon would do it right? They have a new VCOG 1-10
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/24/2024 11:54:48 PM EDT
[#17]
When I did service rifle stuff, I used iron sights all day. I've always used a 10-50x60 scope for 700+ yard precision stuff (usually was in the low 30x range) . And I've used a LVPO. Guess it just depends on what you are using it for and what works best for you.
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 12:02:39 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BasicallyNuclear: Mainly hits! I like ringing steel 1-6 or 1-8 will get you as far as practical for 5.56 I don’t shoot a ton of rifle matches but enough to know 1-6 totally adequate out to 600. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 12:05:55 AM EDT
[#19]
They have a Credo 1-10 but not a VCOG 1-10.
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Posted: 9/25/2024 12:05:57 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By fastluck13: 1-6 or 1-8 will get you as far as practical for 5.56 I don’t shoot a ton of rifle matches but enough to know 1-6 totally adequate out to 600. Shooting that far isn’t the problem. Seeing is. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 2:37:01 AM EDT
[#21]
Corrected just released I misspoke. Do you think you will have the same issues as most 1-10 share
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USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 3:43:34 AM EDT
[#22]
6x24 than you can go past 1000yds if you need. Wind is your enemy.
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Posted: 9/25/2024 4:03:46 AM EDT
[Last Edit: MONGO45]
[#23]
I have two rifles that for that role.
A Centurion Arms MK12 that Monty built for me 4-5 years back and a build I put together around a Larue barrel that I tried to keep lighter. I did not want the MK12 to be a clone so it got a NF ATACR 4-16 rather than the 10x. With a bipod and suppressor she’s a little chunky For the Larue setup I went with a NF NX8 both guns are sub to 1/2 MOA with Black Hills 77gr OTM depending on me. The Larue is much easier to move around with but everything is a trade off. Key points as always are barrel, glass, trigger and ammo… the rabbit hole is deep. Good luck.  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 9/25/2024 5:58:56 AM EDT
[#24]
Depends on skillset. All the magnification in the world won't help if your fundamentals aren't consistent enough to put rounds where they need to go
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Posted: 9/25/2024 6:14:16 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By mij: 6x24 than you can go past 1000yds if you need. Wind is your enemy. 6x24 is what I use most often for prairie dogs, I stay in the mid-teens for most shots. |
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NV, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 6:25:06 AM EDT
[#26]
My buddy - a much better shot then myself - has rung steel torsos at 600yd with his 1.5x FS2000 factory scope.
 Myself I'd want all the magnification at that range. |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 10:59:37 AM EDT
[#27]
The largest scope I have on an AR is a 2.5-15x and I consider it about perfect for distances out to 600 yards, which is getting to the end of practical distance for 5.56
I would not consider an LVPO at all for that distance, regardless of magnification. There are too many compromises in an LPVO I think a 4-16 would do nicely. Add a piggyback mrds if you want some 1x |
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Posted: 9/25/2024 12:58:01 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By s4s4u: The largest scope I have on an AR is a 2.5-15x and I consider it about perfect for distances out to 600 yards, which is getting to the end of practical distance for 5.56 I would not consider an LVPO at all for that distance, regardless of magnification. There are too many compromises in an LPVO I think a 4-16 would do nicely. Add a piggyback mrds if you want some 1x Idk man. I ring silhouettes pretty easy at 800y with a 12.5 and a 1-8 |
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USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 1:32:14 PM EDT
[#29]
Follow-up:
I suggested a 1-6x to 1-8x as being what I consider about perfect for an accurate AR. Because everything is a trade off. Of course higher magnification is going to make finding/identifying small/camo’d targets easier to hit, but only assuming the glass quality is high enough. The other reasons I vote for an LPVO in the neighborhood of 1-8x are: 1) You don’t sacrifice CQB ability. I want a 1x option. No good reason to give it up on a 5.56 weapon 2) Weight. I don’t want a large 4 lb optic when a smaller 2 lb optic will do. |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 1:50:09 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By hoody2shoez: Idk man. I ring silhouettes pretty easy at 800y with a 12.5 and a 1-8 Silhouettes? Meh. I shoot at much smaller targets. |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 1:53:18 PM EDT
[#31]
1) You don’t sacrifice CQB ability. I want a 1x option. No good reason to give it up on a 5.56 weapon Define the mission. A rifle that is primarily intended for 200 - 600 yards has no need for 1x and should not be limited hampered by LPVO shortcomings, IMO |
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CA, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 5:54:43 PM EDT
[#32]
I’ve tried out array of options for my 556 I use for longer range training.
-Viper PST II 1-6x VMR-2 -SwampFox Warhawk 2-10x RECCE -Primary Arms GLX 4-16x MilDot Reticle -Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9x40 TMR -Viper PST II 2-10x32 EBR-4 One thing you’ll notice in many of the posts is that they’re mentioning optic models / brands, but not a ton of discussion about the reticle. For me, I’ve personally found I want an optic at 3x or less (this crosses out the MK5 3.6-18 or any 4-16x). On a 5.56 I like having 2-3x at the low end for usability outside of LR. I found LPVOs in 1-4/1-6 to not have enough magnification and 1-8/1-10 to be too much of a compromise. So I used the Leupold 3-9X for over a year and loved it. However, the thick / simplistic TMR reticle and SFP design left me desiring more. I ended up recently switching to a PST II 2-10x32 and like it a lot so far. It’s heavier, but does have a lot of features and a magnification range I prefer. All this to say, I don’t have a specific recommendation, but these were my lessons learned in a similar pursuit and that’s the conclusion I’ve come to. I do believe a good reticle that’s FFP is truly a must. |
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MN, USA
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Posted: 9/25/2024 7:58:01 PM EDT
[#33]
I do believe a good reticle that’s FFP is truly a must. And, why  |
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Posted: 9/25/2024 8:31:10 PM EDT
[#34]
Depends what you’re shooting at and how far you’re shooting. I have some very precise setups and sometimes I like to shoot at some small things. I’ve got a few going up to 20X on 5.56 rifles. They’re FFP. I don’t have to use the 20X, but it’s nice to have the legroom.
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Posted: 9/25/2024 8:34:04 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BasicallyNuclear: I’ve also heard the same about 1-10. Do you think Trijicon would do it right? They have a new VCOG 1-10 1-10’s have a lot of drawback. Unless you NEED the 1X, AND have something against a piggyback RDS to accomplish the 1X, I’d much rather a 2-10 or the like. They’re much more forgiving optics with much better light gathering. 1-10’s are stretched usually well beyond the max in a lot of ways, and compromise a lot to get that range. |
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Posted: 9/25/2024 8:36:15 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By hoody2shoez: Depends on skillset. All the magnification in the world won't help if your fundamentals aren't consistent enough to put rounds where they need to go Yeah, I only need about 6X to shoot MOA with a rifle that’s able. When my eyes were better I could do it with a 4X, and close a 1.5X. The point isn’t that I’m good, or whatever. Lots are better than me. The point is that you don’t need a ton to shoot more precise than most rifles can shoot. Past that you’re only needing more magnification for target identification, which may or may not be a priority depending on personal needs. |
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Posted: Yesterday 10:33:03 AM EDT
[#37]
I'm blind AF, so I need that Big Honkin NightForce, that I swap between my 18" LT AR and a Remington 700 .308
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IN, USA
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Posted: Yesterday 10:45:22 AM EDT
[#38]
MPVO all day.
2-something is what you want with an objective that's bigger than 30mm. Offset irons, Offset mrds, or piggyback a mrds as cash allows if you want to fill that 0-50y gap. If you decide on 4-something, I think you kinda mandate a 0-100y option on an SPR |
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LA, USA
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Posted: Yesterday 12:00:40 PM EDT
[#39]
There's no such thing as too much magnification on a variable power scope. The question is really one of how much weight and bulk you're willing to add to your rifle.
A good middle of the road for out to 500 yards or so a one of the 2-12s out. I think PA has a pretty decent 3-18x that's pretty light. I'm kind of a glass snob, but the FFP Athon 2-12 seems to be a great bang for the buck. |
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Posted: Yesterday 1:56:33 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TonyAngel: I'm kind of a glass snob, but the FFP Athon 2-12 seems to be a great bang for the buck. It is. As an added bonus, the reticle is actually great at low power for hunting. |
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Posted: Yesterday 5:46:39 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PortaJohnPicasso: It is. As an added bonus, the reticle is actually great at low power for hunting. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PortaJohnPicasso: Originally Posted By TonyAngel: I'm kind of a glass snob, but the FFP Athon 2-12 seems to be a great bang for the buck. It is. As an added bonus, the reticle is actually great at low power for hunting. I have one. It’s a great option for hunting and is thought out well for that task. |
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Posted: Yesterday 7:17:20 PM EDT
[#42]
For clarification OP, what size target are you wanting to hit at 500 yards?
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