AR Optics for Service Rifle?

Slug870

Slug870

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Hey all,

I am in the process of getting an AR and my intent is to get into service rifle shooting. I was just wondering if some of the experienced service rifle shooters could recommend a choice or two for which optics to mount? Thanks in advance for any help.
 
A lower powered variable with easy to use repeatable elevation and windage adjustments works well.
How much do you want to spend? In the last couple of days, there have been some used scopes in the EE - a Falcon Menace 1 1/2-5 @250, and a couple of Leupold 1 3/4 -5 Vari-x IIIs at $375. The Leupold can be retrofitted with target type finger knobs. New, these scopes would be $325 and perhaps $540.
The 1-4 Millet can do the job.
If you want high end, the 2 1/2-10 Nightforce is outstanding.
I have seen other shooters do well with higher powered target type variables.
There is a thread in this forum by Hungry about the Falcon Menace.
These lower powered variables will work at pretty much all ranges.
If you are only going to shoot the CQB type matches, and never at longer ranges, you might look at the various dot or reflex sights. The Leupld Prism is interesting.
 
For a relatively inexpensive optic that works well, I second the Millet 1-4 DMS. 30mm tube, 1/2 min adjustments, pretty clear optic and The "Donut Dot" has proven itself to work quite well and be quote accurate. At a cost of $ 283.00 it's not bad at all.

Scott
 
For a do-all optic I'd recommend a Nightforce 1 - 4 NXS. However, you can do it for less as mentioned and there are good choices of lower cost options out there.
Really depends on your budget, and what you want the optic to do for you.
 
tiriaq said:
I believe the Nightforce 1-4 has been discontinued. It is an excellent sight, of course.
Click to expand...

I might be wrong, but I seem to recall it was the 1-4x24 version that was discontinued, with a 1-4x32 replacing it. Can't seem to find any info confirming this though, so YMMV.

-- L
 
tiriaq said:
A lower powered variable with easy to use repeatable elevation and windage adjustments works well.
How much do you want to spend? In the last couple of days, there have been some used scopes in the EE - a Falcon Menace 1 1/2-5 @250, and a couple of Leupold 1 3/4 -5 Vari-x IIIs at $375. The Leupold can be retrofitted with target type finger knobs. New, these scopes would be $325 and perhaps $540.
The 1-4 Millet can do the job.
If you want high end, the 2 1/2-10 Nightforce is outstanding.
I have seen other shooters do well with higher powered target type variables.
There is a thread in this forum by Hungry about the Falcon Menace.
These lower powered variables will work at pretty much all ranges.
If you are only going to shoot the CQB type matches, and never at longer ranges, you might look at the various dot or reflex sights. The Leupld Prism is interesting.
Click to expand...


Thank you for these suggestions. I am going to have a look at them now. Also, I have to do some reading, but I think the CQB matches might be where I want to start. Could you perhaps elaborate on the various dot and reflex sights? I have had a couple of pm's suggesting Aimpoint comps which look like fine optics; but do they sit alone at the top of their class?

Sorry for all the questions... I do appreciate the replies.
 
I'm planning on participating in SR this year, including CQB, and I've been looking at different optics for a while.

For CQB, civilians can get away with the Bushnell and Vortex red-dots.. not necessarily the same quality as an Aimpoint, but at least half the price. The downsides to the lower-end optics are battery life and (arguably) durability. For professionals, the Aimpoint Comp4's and H1/T1's are the latest generation of top notch red dot optics. The Eotech is a holographic sight, but in the same class as an Aimpoint. Pricing is ~ 30% less. I strongly suggest you visit a shop and check out the optic before you buy -- you may be surprised by what you prefer.

Also, factor in the cost of a mount if one is not included with your optic. That can add $80-120 to your final bill.

For SR & CQB, 1-4x24 or 1-4x32 optics seem to be the best. Illuminated reticles are preferred, but not necessary. The "lower end" start with the Millet 1-4x, Falcon 1.5-5x and the Leupold AR 1-4. Viper has the 1-4x24 PST coming out in Canada this month, consider it more of a mid-range scope in pricing. Other forums based in the US have user-reviews of it.

Like all optics, the more you invest, the better optic you'll have. The Trijicon Accupoint 1-4x is apparently great, and Nightforce's are considered top-tier. Ballpark $1000-1500.

For SR exclusively, most folks seem to recommend 2.5-10x, or greater magnification. Again, you can spend $400 or $2000 easily.

If you feel like having the latest greatest toys, the new series of 1.1-8x scopes is reaching the market place. Expect to pay top dollar for those though.. $2500+++. S&B, Leupold and Premier are the ones I've heard about.

Good luck.

-- L.
 
FPembleton said:
Is this a new development? I believe it was the 2.5-10x24 which were discontinued from public sale last year, replaced by the x32.
Click to expand...

I think you're right. So scratch my previous comment.. The 1-4x is still listed on NF's site, so I doubt its discontinued.
 
I may well be wrong about the Nightforce 1-4x24 being phased out.
Whatever sight is used, repeatable, easy to set elevation and windage adjustments are important.
I'm not big on reticles with multiple aiming points for different ranges. Under stress, there would be too much opportunity for me to use the wrong one.
 
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