Optic suggestions for Christmas gift?

[Cleck]

My two brothers and I are thinking of getting my dad an optic for his AR for Christmas, I don't think he'd do a long range one, so I was thinking either an aimpoint or a 1-4x or similar bit.

Budget will probably be $200 max since we have others we have to buy for as well

Friend already suggested a Vortex Strikefire, I found one on Amazon for $180

Anything else you'd suggest of comparable value/performance/cost?

 

[GuyMontag]

Don't own a Strikefire, but do own other Vortex optics and they're solid and priced very well, with excellent warranties and support.

I've an aimpoint pro and like it, but it's not a viable consideration give the budget.

 

[GOYABEAN]

Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24mm V-Plex Matte - $119.99 (Free S/H No Minimum w/code "7HOLIDAY")

 

[Cleck]

Shit, nice find.

 

[meketrefe]

Burris E1... a very practical and versatile scope for all around with very nice glass..
Can shoot both eyes open and have a well though out reticle with holdover points
including wind.

Burris Fullfield E1 Rifle Scope 2-7X35 1″ Ballistic Plex E1 Matte Finish 200317 381003171 | eBay

 

[Robin]

I have used this one and like it very much.
Nikon P-223 Rifle Scope 3-9x 40mm BDC 600 Reticle Matte - MPN: 8497
Robin

 

[Cleck]

Yeah, @Robin I like Nikon's scope offerings, I've been considering that P-223 for my own AR. I have a P-308 and love it. Only thing I wish is that it was an M-308, haha.

@meketrefe Do you need to use cantilever mount w/ that or just regular scope rings?

 

[zzrguy]

I bought a Minox ZV3 3x9 as a bench scope for testing the ARs I build for freinds and at 84 buck it's a deal cause the list price was over 200. The one issue I had is the zoom ring is not texture so can be a bitch to turn. But you still have money left to get him a nice mount.

Minox ZV 3 3-9x40 - BDC 400 #66006 - Rifle Scopes - Spec Sheet | Camera Land NY

 

[Robin]

Cleck, I have it on an AR and use regular scope rings.
Robin

 

[ManrisFrack]

I know this is above your budget but I linked this (Vortex Optics Viper PST Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 1-4x - MPN: PST-14ST-M) in a different thread when it was $345. It is now $319 with free shipping from Midway.

 

[meketrefe]

Yeah, @Robin I like Nikon's scope offerings, I've been considering that P-223 for my own AR. I have a P-308 and love it. Only thing I wish is that it was an M-308, haha.

@meketrefe Do you need to use cantilever mount w/ that or just regular scope rings?

Hi,
that depends on the rifle, shooter and ergonomics. Many times they work with rigns like those UTG pro that are
US made, inexpensive, light and very well cut, including QD if you want.

All those scopes are a safe bet for a budget rifle. I think between Burris, Redfield (Revolution model) and Nikon is hard
to go wrong. I just think the Burris E1 in 2-7 is well priced and the comp reticle is very well though out. The nikon BDC
is too coarse in some occasions and the redfield with also nice glass (leupold owned) has nice FOV but in the end the
E1 reticle is more useful and less distracting imo.
Also the 2-7 will do the same things a 1-4 plex but a lot more in practical terms no matter what firearm or use.

These things can be a bit subjective so the best thing is to stop by a local retailer and look through some of
those discussed. I know the Burris E1 and redfield haveen avaialbe at the demo stand in large retailers since they are so popular and versatile. The 2-7 also has very good eye relief and quick adquisition.

the best thing is to take a look through some after properly adjusting the eye piece. We all have different set of eyes that is the most important part of the whole optical system. so what works for you might not work for me and viceversa.

Good luck.

 

[meketrefe]

This is possibly one of the best deals online.

Weaver Grand Slam Tactical Rifle Scope - 3-10x40mm Mil Dot Reticle Matte Black - Rifle Scopes - Optics | Natchez

This weaver tactical is a japanase made scope with japanese glass and 3-10 magnification.
It has the same type of turrets as the larger tactical scopes and a mil-mil arrengment.
Obvously it doesn't have parallax adjustment and the reticle is in 2nd focal plane but one
cannot ask for more features for this type of quality of tube, glass and adjustment.
It can actually be used for raging and holdover or simply adjust with meaninful standard
uints of measure.
I have a few of these and paid more than what they are right now. They used to be a Midway
exclusive for a while.
They track to the T and it does everything a classic army dot sniper scope does but with the added
benefit of the magnification range that gives a lot more versatility and flexibility.

For someone looking to spend a tad more for the holidays Natchezss always has good prices on the weavers.
This one is one of the other best deals same as the above but in 30mm tube with Side focus and First focal plane
Also x5 magnification. These are not the lightest scopes because they re designed for tactical duty with
supreme glass.
Weaver Tactical Rifle Scope - 3-15x50mm SF Mil Dot Reticle Matte Black | Natchez

 

[ManrisFrack]

This is possibly one of the best deals online.

Weaver Grand Slam Tactical Rifle Scope - 3-10x40mm Mil Dot Reticle Matte Black - Rifle Scopes - Optics | Natchez

This weaver tactical is a japanase made scope with japanese glass and 3-10 magnification.
It has the same type of turrets as the larger tactical scopes and a mil-mil arrengment.
Obvously it doesn't have parallax adjustment and the reticle is in 2nd focal plane but one
cannot ask for more features for this type of quality of tube, glass and adjustment.
It can actually be used for raging and holdover or simply adjust with meaninful standard
uints of measure.
I have a few of these and paid more than what they are right now. They used to be a Midway
exclusive for a while.
They track to the T and it does everything a classic army dot sniper scope does but with the added
benefit of the magnification range that gives a lot more versatility and flexibility.

For someone looking to spend a tad more for the holidays Natchezss always has good prices on the weavers.
This one is one of the other best deals same as the above but in 30mm tube with Side focus and First focal plane
Also x5 magnification. These are not the lightest scopes because they re designed for tactical duty with
supreme glass.
Weaver Tactical Rifle Scope - 3-15x50mm SF Mil Dot Reticle Matte Black | Natchez

I have the Midway exclusive version on my 6.8. It's my favorite all-around optic and has been since I got it. I recently bought a Leupold Mark AR 6-18x that is a better scope and nicer to shot groups with but I find that it's too much to deer hunt with.

 

[meketrefe]

I have the Midway exclusive version on my 6.8. It's my favorite all-around optic and has been since I got it. I recently bought a Leupold Mark AR 6-18x that is a better scope and nicer to shot groups with but I find that it's too much to deer hunt with.

That is the idea I think, something to have in an AR or the average hunting rifle. Still can do long range but for
more serious continuous long range is better to have something with paralax adjustment.
The 3-10e based on the quality of the glass alone + rugged construction it sets itself apart from all the others.
That is why I also suggest the 3-15 for serious long range. They do not have ilumination nor zero stop but that
is not needed and the rest is top grade stuff. In terms of glass quality, definition and mechanics they compare
to the $1K Vortex and Burris XTR lines.

I also have a bunch of them in several uppers. Also the Burris and the largest tactical ones. That is why I bring them up, I have first hand experience with them and they are not new so I had time carefully evaluate everything. Again, one should try to find a store / dealer and at least go and take a look at a few and after adjusting the optical piece then look at things and get a feeling for the optics and features on the scopes.

 

[Saltwater60]

I just bought a Nikon p223 for like $150 at cabelas. It's 3-9 so maybe not what your looking for, but it was rings and everything.

 

[wdeister08]

Holosun makes a bunch of quality Red dots between $200-$250. Lot of comparisons to the Aimpoint Micro T and PRO lines. Just grabbed a 515C on sale for under $190.

 

[zzrguy]

Anyone use one of these mounts.
Ohhunt Hunting Offset Bi-direction 25.4mm 30mm Picatinny Weaver Rings Scope Mount with Angle Cosine Indicator Kit and Level

 

[Prudii]

I love my Strikefire, and my other Vortex optics.

 

[meketrefe]

Anyone use one of these mounts.
Ohhunt Hunting Offset Bi-direction 25.4mm 30mm Picatinny Weaver Rings Scope Mount with Angle Cosine Indicator Kit and Level

No but is something you really need? I am also worried about anything with a large arm cantilever as it is a lot easier to loose zero and potentially
break the scope is enough force is applied on the front like dropping the rifle. The large cantilever becomes an actual lever.

 

[STS556]

My favorite optic for an AR is the Nikon 3-9x40 Prostaff scope with matching Nikon AR mount. The glass is crystal clear and it has enough of a magnification adjustment span for close and distance shooting. Nikon scopes have never let me down.

 

[Airborneguy]

I have a strikefire II and a Bushnell TRS-25. I prefer the TRS. Love that little thing.

 

[redtail]

I have the strikefire, the 4 moa seems pretty big , kind of fuzzy to me compared to my eotech, so I bought the 2 moa sparc 2; but havn't had the time to try it yet..

If you could swing 3bills there are some deals on the eotech 512 out there.