Scope & Mount Recommendation for an AR-15?

[CountryGent]

Howdy all. I am thinking of adding a scope to my AR-556. I do pretty much all of my shooting with iron sights, so it has been a while since I've invested in optics. As such, I'd value some input on the topic.

As for the "what for" question:

• Target shooting and plinking.
• If/when my schedule ever gets less nutso, I could see getting back into coyote hunting.*

The parameters:

• Smaller and lighter weight would be best.
• It doesn't have to offer the highest of magnification.
• Rugged. It should be able to hold up hiking around the woods and bouncing around in a pickup.
• I'd really prefer the mount to work in such a manner that I could leave the folding rear iron sight in place.
• Doesn't require batteries of any kind.
• Not el cheapo bottom end. I've found that you do get what you pay for with optics and I'd like to steer clear of the crapola.
• Not crazy high end expensive. It has to be a quality scope, and I'm willing to pay for said, but it simply doesn't need to be super exotic or pricey.

Thank you much for any recommendations.

* It has crossed my mind to use my Mini-14 for this purpose, but I think I'll go with the AR for a variety of reasons. That said, I'm open to kicking around this alternative.

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[IronMonster]

Mmm... I have a couple I would recomend but they all take batteries (most dont have to have them to work, only if you use the illuminated function)

That a deal killer?

VX•R Patrol Archives - Leupold Optics

MTAC™ Riflescope 1-4x24mm | Burris Optics

Both the Leupold and Burris mounts are reasonable as well but I like the Aero lightweight mounts a bit better

 

[mrblond]

ACOG

 

[CountryGent]

Thanks for the links; much appreciated. Certainly not a deal killer if the batteries are optional. The Burris model looks like it would fit the bill.

 

[Boboclown]

I'd check out SWFA, good glass and pretty good quality.

As for the scope mount, cheapest I'd go is a Burris P.E.P.R, it should be high enough to leave some rear BUIS in place.

 

[CountryGent]

Thanks Boboclown. I'm googling both now.

 

[edslhead]

<broken link removed>

 

[Medic!]

Millett DMS-1

On the cheaper side. About $200.
Mine has held up. And it still works when the battery is dead or removed.

 

[SA Shooter]

Vortex Viper PST:

Vortex Optics - Viper PST 1-4x24 TMCQ (MOA)<br />Tactical
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-viper-pst-1-4x24-riflescope-with-tmcq-moa-reticle
No batteries in this one - Vortex Crossfire II:

Vortex Optics - Crossfire II 3-9x40 V-Plex

I've used both with the Team Warne XSKEL mounting system. They have them with, and without, the tactical mounting system to use MBUS if you want:

Tactical Archives - Warne Scope Mounts
http://warnescopemounts.com/product-category/msr-mounting-systems/tactical-msr-mounting-systems/
I have one of each scope listed above with the XSKEL mounting system and have been very happy with them.

 

[Sgt Nambu]

I have been very pleased with, various, Vortex optics the last 4-5 years! What ever, look thru them at the store! I noticed a marked improvement in clarity the first Vortex I bought! I also like the Vortex red/green dot ( sorry, forget the model), on my M-2 carbine. The irons co-witness thru the scope!

 

[SFGIANTSGUY28]

Leupold ar mod 1 1.5 by 4
Aero ultralight mount.

Light weight small package that doesn't break the bank at all.

Vortex pst is nice however it has a larger profile and weighs more. Same goes for the patrol. I have had all three and always go back to the at mod 1 because it is cheap light weight small and I really like the spr fired or reticle. The vxr and the pst arguably better glass on paper but I don't notice.

All that being said I almost exclusively run my mro lol.

 

[rick benjamin]

NRA store just advertised this scope

 

[Medic!]

I have a zeroed set of rear sights folded under the scope on all my scoped black rifles.
They also have a fast way to remove the scope if needed.

It's a back up option for scope failure. But doesn't give the option of co-witnessing.
But then how can you co-witness very well anyways with 4x magnification?

 

[clearconscience]

I have a 1-4 Burris that works great on an AR15.
It looks good and glass looks great for the cost. It's just an extra rifle I don't shoot a lot so I wasn't going to spend several hundred on it.