AR Optics

[Basher]

If it’s your only AR and you intend for it to fill a defensive roll if push comes to shove, get an Aimpoint Pro or Duty and be done. They’re simple, rugged, proven optics that are fast and intuitive to use, and a 2MOA dot will do everything you need out to 200y aside from target PID (positive ID) if you zero the rifle appropriately. If your eyes are good enough, hits on IPSC targets out to 500 can be done all day long without issue.

If, however, you want to increase your ability to ID targets at distance and make more precise hits, I’m a fan of the first gen Steiner P4Xi 1-4x, or the PST Gen2 1-6x. You’ll have to find used but well cared for examples at that price point, but they’re out there. I know PA and several other companies have decent LPVOs these days, but I have no personal experience with them so I won’t comment there.

But again, if it’s primarily a “social work” and plinking rifle, my suggestion is an Aimpoint Pro or Duty. With a spare lithium battery, you’d have ~10 years of optic “life” if things ever went truly sour. Buy once, cry once!

 

[Ark]

I have the new Primary Arms 1-6 with ACSS Nova reticle. $340 and a decent AR mount will have you in your budget. Its a wire reticle that is a single red dot that IS daylight bright. So its like a red dot on 1x but can zoom for several hundred yard shots. It is a simple reticle without all the clutter of the other 1-6 illuminated reticles. The ones with the drop data are OK, but not that bright during the day.

Its not my home defense weapon because it does not replace a good red dot due to the eye box of a scope, but if I have to exit the house, thats what I'm grabbing for its versatility.

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen IV - Illuminated ACSS Nova Fiber Wire Reticle - Red Dot Bright™

DetailsThis Primary Arms rifle scope is part of the SLx optics line. SLx optics have built a reputation for innovation, reliability, and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous field-testing during development to best serve you in any environment.The SLx® 1-6x24mm SFP Gen IV Rifle Scope is the...

www.primaryarms.com

I have one of these. It shaves a couple ounces off the nearest competitors. Consistently going for under $300 now and it's absurd how much optic you get for the money.

My favorite little detail is the fiber optic dot is illuminated even inside the scope shadow, so you actually get a lot more slop in the eyebox shooting at 1x with both eyes open than you might guess.

 

[INP8riot]

I have one of these. It shaves a couple ounces off the nearest competitors. Consistently going for under $300 now and it's absurd how much optic you get for the money.

My favorite little detail is the fiber optic dot is illuminated even inside the scope shadow, so you actually get a lot more slop in the eyebox shooting at 1x with both eyes open than you might guess.

Absolutely! And at that brightness it gives another advantage. Close the front scope cap and practice shooting with both eyes open. Your brain will adjust and you CAN shoot like this. It is easier with a nice bright dot. That also helps for those weird shots where it might be in the outter edge that is black like you spoke of. I have other scope with the bdc reticles and they aren't as bright and they are fairly busy for me to do this.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

C_Does has new video on the PA 3X microprism

 

[stephen87]

If it’s your only AR and you intend for it to fill a defensive roll if push comes to shove, get an Aimpoint Pro or Duty and be done. They’re simple, rugged, proven optics that are fast and intuitive to use, and a 2MOA dot will do everything you need out to 200y aside from target PID (positive ID) if you zero the rifle appropriately. If your eyes are good enough, hits on IPSC targets out to 500 can be done all day long without issue.

If, however, you want to increase your ability to ID targets at distance and make more precise hits, I’m a fan of the first gen Steiner P4Xi 1-4x, or the PST Gen2 1-6x. You’ll have to find used but well cared for examples at that price point, but they’re out there. I know PA and several other companies have decent LPVOs these days, but I have no personal experience with them so I won’t comment there.

But again, if it’s primarily a “social work” and plinking rifle, my suggestion is an Aimpoint Pro or Duty. With a spare lithium battery, you’d have ~10 years of optic “life” if things ever went truly sour. Buy once, cry once!

Not my only one. I already have one SBR'd. Then I told the wife I wanted to build another. The local shop had Anderson lowers for $60 each, so I jumped on all three of them.

 

[KomboJoe]

Primary Arms SLx is my favorite LPVO. I have 2 Gen 3s but they have a Gen 4 now with Gen 3s still in stock for a slightly lower price. You could get a 1-8 but I feel 1-6 is plenty.

 

[Basher]

There’s a used Aimpoint PRO w/ rubber cover and two batteries on ARF for $405 shipped OBO:

Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic - AR15.COM

Firearm Discussion and Resources from AR-15, AK-47, Handguns and more! Buy, Sell, and Trade your Firearms and Gear.

www.ar15.com

 

[stephen87]

https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strike-eagle-1-8x24-gen-2-riflescope-w-ar-bdc3-reticle-vortex-sport-cantilever30mm-ring-mount-2-offset.html

$321 includes shipping and taxes.
Use Code: STRIKE

Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24 GEN2 Riflescope, and a Vortex Sport Cantilever 30mm AR Mount
View attachment 312741

Thank you. I sat on this one for a few days, but ultimately the deal was too good to pass up. Just got it in today and changed my AR setups a little bit.