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Posted: 7/23/2008 8:32:32 AM EDT
| I am not getting much help under optics so I am asking this here. I would like to buy a scope for under $250.00. I would like variable power. Any suggestions. I see Cabella's is selling a tactical scope that has yardage adjustments. Thanks. |
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Here's a couple ideas. I'm gonna get either the Leapers or the BSA. Tru-Glo http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=24526&title=TRU-BRITE%203-9X44mm%20ILLUMINATED%20RIFLE%20SCOPE BSA http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/12973-34.html Leopord http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/37747-34.html Intensity http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/53464-34.html Bushnell http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/17383-34.html Leapers http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/SCP117-1.html |
Several Leupold scopes in that price range... |
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I've been hearing good things a bout Falcon Optics. Theyre relatively new and a little over the $250 price range, but probably worth the extra when compared to a BSA. www.falconoptics.com/ Available at Sniper Central I've seen this one for as little as $280 from a US dealer or 99.95 british pounds ( Just under 200 US) Brit dealer I'm currently using a Super Sniper which I paid about $300 for and it works pretty well. eta: the brit pricing |
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I would say stay away form BSA, I had one and hated it. I like Nikon, Weaver are a couple of good ones I have used. A buddy of mine has had real good luck with a Leepers. These guys are a good place to start www.swfa.com and the forum is Optics forum both are great sites. Shuter |
I have a Burris Fullfield 2 on my Bushy I like it , good quality scope not much money it serves its purpose Click Here http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v424/ScottiDucati/Infidel-1.jpg |
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Alot depends on what you plan to shoot with an optic on your AR. Without much more info I made the following suggestion: There are very few if any rifle scopes in the price range that you suggested that have better optical clarity and performance than this one: Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9x40 I have one of those in 2.5-10x40 and I prefer it over my Nikon Monarch UCC, Leupold Vari-X II, and Super Sniper. Please avoid those cheap scopes sold by Cheaper Than Dirt and Sportsmans Guide, they will only give you headaches in the long run. You should ask alot of advice and study your options before spending your $$ on optics. If you can, visit a few local sporting goods retailers and view the optics in your budget range. Try to view them outdoors early or late in the day for best comparison. Good luck in your search. YMMV 
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I have a Cabelas Alaskan Guide 4.5-14x44 that I am very pleased with. I like the Alaskan Guide series. When I got mine about 2yrs ago it ran About $279 http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l359/ohioguy1964/BUSH1.jpg If not that you can't go wrong with Nikons. I've got a couple that are very nice for the price. |
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Hi, I don't know whether or not you know this but the Bushnell Elite series of scopes are the former Bosch & Lomb scope line and their lenses are second to none to include Leupold. I have always been a big Leupold & Burris fan but have become offended by their upper scope prices so I set out to find a better mouse trap, so to speak and I have. I own many Elites to include a 60X Elite Spotting scope which compares to my friends $1500 Leica. Please DO NOT confuse the Elite series of scopes with the rest of the Bushnell line (IMHO the Bushnell's are the best of the cheap scopes though). They offer 2 tactical scopes, one in the 3200 series (5-15 x 40mm part # 32-5154T) and the Cadillac in the 4200 series (6–24 x 50mm Part # 42-6245T). S/F Tim |
I wouldn't waste my money on any of them. The cheapest variable that I'll recommend is the 4.5-14 Nikon Buckmaster. It can be had for slightly more than $250 and comes with target turrets that actually track like they're supposed to, a mildot reticle that subtends correctly and a side parallax adjustment. |
| I really like 2.5 to 10 power scopes on 5.56 rifles and carbines. The last scope I bought for my dedicated 22 lr AR carbine was a Famous Maker 2.5 X 10 mil dot, adjustable objective with lighted reticle. I paid less than $200 for the scope and it seems very clear and has held its settings. I know it was made in china but I can't bring my self to buy a real expensive scope for a 22 lr AR. I doubt the scope will move several clicks and then go back the same number of clicks and be a consistent as a higher priced scope. I really don't adjust my 22 scopes after zeroing because I usually shoot 150 yards or less. I like the speed on target and being able to shoot with both eyes open on 2.5 power. 10 power with AO usually has all the magnification I need for target shooting with a 22 lr. Works for me!!!!!!!!!! |
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If you are stuck with your $250 budget, read no further. The best advice I have been given when looking for a good scope was to spend at least as much on the optics as you spent on your rifle. And remember, you will always be able to move a good scope to another rifle. |
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I agree. I took a CMP M44 US. Bought a magazine for $35, added an anodized aluminum trigger guard for another $25, re finished the stock myself, had a gunsmith add a Havlin scope mount. In all I would guess about $300-$315 in the rifle. I mounted a Leupy 3-9X33 scope on it. The scope was in the $400 range. I can always use that scope on any other rifle if I want to. So I agree get the best glass you can. It sure is a pleasure to shoot that thing. 
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I have had several Mueller scopes and liked all of them. I have a Tactical 4-16×50mm AO on my AR http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u39/rtparso/newgun.jpg |
+1 Nikon makes a very nice scope, and is not much more than the price range you are looking at. Not a fan of BSA (personal experience). |
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I just purchased a Mueller 4-16 X 50 for my AR. I wanted to put this scope on my other upper which is a Rock River Arms Varmint A4. Varmint A4 What type of scope mount do you recommend? |
2.5-10x is possibly the best damned range of magnification there is period, it will do everything you need. Get the best quality you can find, and the best rings you can afford. 2.5-10x is not just for 5.56mm, it works great on everything, possibly even .50BMG, but in that it might be under powered. |
+1 I have a Burris Fullfield 2 on my .308 bolt gun and it has been excellent. I got mine from Natchez bundled with a 20x spotting scope for around $210 IIRC |
+1 on Bushnell Elites. I've got that 3-9x40 on my 7mm Remington Mag (five years and running strong). For an AR I'd go 1.5-4.5x or 2-7x |
I used 1/2" stand offs and Burris Zee Signature 1" rings |
Actually my 4200 Elite is a Bausch and Lomb scope, prior to Bushnell acquiring them. They are such nice optics and I enjoy shamelessly promoting something I think is a great product and price compared to other mfg in that price range. I just recently purchased my Mueller APV scope for my 10/22 and am pleasantly pleased with it. All the reviews of the scopes from Mueller that I read confirmed that these scopes are well worth a look. 
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I usually buy my scopes at SWFA riflescopes.com there are several scopes you should consided and a couple have been mentioned. The Bushnell 4200 3-9x40 is the one with the best glass but it is a duplex reticle. The 3-9x40 Nikon Team Primos has a balistic reticle but like most balistic reticles only estimates drop at the highest power. I would say save up an extra $50 bucks and go for the Super Sniper 10x42 or 16x42 or 20x42 any of these is a bargain price at $299. The adjustments on them are very good and some of these scopes are in service with the U.S. military currently. I would recommend the 10x model and I will say that you will truely not be dissappointed in this purchase. |
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