best bang for the buck for a AR Optic?

wayupnorth

wayupnorth

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there are so many Optics on the market right now.

what would be the best bang for the buck for a nice mid-range optic for a AR?

maybe separate it a bit more into 2 areas, scope and red dot?

i currently run a normal hunting scope on my long AR but im afraid its not 'rugged enough' and will break, so im looking to replace it with something more military approved.

on my 2nd AR (my shorty) i wanted something more for close quarter play.
currently im running a cheap red dot but wanted something that had both permanent and battery (i fear batteries running out at the worst possible time)

anyone recommend some products that they use that wont break that bank?
say 200-400 range for each?
 
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Your price range is far too low. In addition, you need to set specific criteria and/or roles for your rifles before anyone can offer any practical options. From your post it appears you're looking for a dual illuminated optic. Anything that is rugged and dual illuminated will cost a lot more than you're willing to pay. Your short gun is in need of a Trijicon Reflex or RMR, both of which are dual illuminated and not cheap. Your "long AR" won't trash a standard hunting style optic anymore than a standard hunting rifle. Without a specific role for this rifle I can't offer any suggestions for glass.

TDC
 
wayupnorth said:
there are so many Optics on the market right now.

what would be the best bang for the buck for a nice mid-range optic for a AR?

maybe separate it a bit more into 2 areas, scope and red dot?

i currently run a normal hunting scope on my long AR but im afraid its not 'rugged enough' and will break, so im looking to replace it with something more military approved.

on my 2nd AR (my shorty) i wanted something more for close quarter play.
currently im running a cheap red dot but wanted something that had both permanent and battery (i fear batteries running out at the worst possible time)

anyone recommend some products that they use that wont break that bank?
say 200-400 range for each?
Click to expand...

Here is something that might be within your range.
BurrisAR-536PrismScope_zpsfd382edc.jpg
[/IMG]

BURRIS AR-536™ Prism Sight

“Bigger and badder” is the best way to describe the AR-536 which sets a new standard for tactical prism sight performance. Its 5x magnification makes it easier to find and engage targets out to 600 yards, while the larger 36mm objective delivers brighter, crisper images. Burris’ proven Ballistic/CQ™ lighted reticle is ideal for tactical operations or friendly competition. Shooters can choose the high contrast black reticle, or select red or green depending upon the situation. Five different illumination settings make it easy to match any light condition.

This ruggedly built optic will stand up to recoil, abuse and weather. Key features include multi-coated lenses, adjustable diopter, integrated lens covers and three Picatinny rail mounting points. Remove the bottom rail mount and it can be readily mounted to an AR carry handle. It is ready for the range right out of the box. One-Year Warranty. Battery type - CR2032.

For more info, check the link below.

http://www.burrisoptics.com/ar536.html
 
TDC said:
Your price range is far too low. In addition, you need to set specific criteria and/or roles for your rifles before anyone can offer any practical options. From your post it appears you're looking for a dual illuminated optic. Anything that is rugged and dual illuminated will cost a lot more than you're willing to pay. Your short gun is in need of a Trijicon Reflex or RMR, both of which are dual illuminated and not cheap. Your "long AR" won't trash a standard hunting style optic anymore than a standard hunting rifle. Without a specific role for this rifle I can't offer any suggestions for glass.

TDC
Click to expand...

k
ill try to explain my situation better.
over the years ive been more about collecting guns that i like and not buying 2-3 and maxing them out.
so now i find myself with a lot of really nice guns that are all pretty much right out of the box with no after market nothing on them, most without any optics.
so im slowly picking out a gun at a time and looking to see what i use it for and then add on what if anything it may need.
and optics have been the major thing i have neglected.
now, that being said im perfectly comfortable shooting iron, but, im getting older and with that the eyesight starts to diminish.
so, i picked a couple guns i really like out of my collection and i want to put some lipstick on them.
so my 200-400 price range is just a guide because i know i have to pick up a LOT of stuff.
so i can either pick up 2 really nice optics for 2 guns..... or pick up 10 mid-range optics for 10 guns.

so here i am wondering about what to do with my 2 AR's
i have one long barrel with no rails and i have a old rifle scope on it.
and one short barrel with a quad rail, has laser flashlight and a front grip, so its pretty set up but i was thinking of replaceing the cheap Nstar red dot i have on it and getting something a bit nicer.

for my long AR i wanted a scope that would be a bit more durable.
i wonder around the web and i see scopes made for AR's that are rubber housed and have external irons (kinda) on the top and such, so wanted to see if any of them stand out as being good.

and the short one i just wanted to repace the Nstar red dot and get something that had both dual illuminated optics, something good for close range.
 
tadosan said:
Here is something that might be within your range.
BurrisAR-536PrismScope_zpsfd382edc.jpg
[/IMG]

BURRIS AR-536™ Prism Sight

“Bigger and badder” is the best way to describe the AR-536 which sets a new standard for tactical prism sight performance. Its 5x magnification makes it easier to find and engage targets out to 600 yards, while the larger 36mm objective delivers brighter, crisper images. Burris’ proven Ballistic/CQ™ lighted reticle is ideal for tactical operations or friendly competition. Shooters can choose the high contrast black reticle, or select red or green depending upon the situation. Five different illumination settings make it easy to match any light condition.

This ruggedly built optic will stand up to recoil, abuse and weather. Key features include multi-coated lenses, adjustable diopter, integrated lens covers and three Picatinny rail mounting points. Remove the bottom rail mount and it can be readily mounted to an AR carry handle. It is ready for the range right out of the box. One-Year Warranty. Battery type - CR2032.

For more info, check the link below.

http://www.burrisoptics.com/ar536.html
Click to expand...

I've got the 3x version on this on my flat top AR and it's working out very well. I bought it at WS for way too much 500.00, but see CGN dealers selling it for $375.00 plus shipping etc. solid and well built, good clear glass (I know there are better for more money but at $375.00 they IMHO are a good buy, maybe a little less so for what I paid) :)
 
wayupnorth said:
it says it has a lighted reticle, is there also a non lighted reticle as well in case the batteries die?
Click to expand...

I have the burris ar-332 . add it for 2 hunting season on my rfb, now I put it on my daniel defence ar. its a real rugged scope hold zero on my 308 rfb, I never change the battery but I don't always use the illumination. its reticle is very good without illumination to anwser your question. It also comes with good flip up caps.
 
p.s. I like the 332 but would be afraid that the 532 would be too high magnification to be good on close range.

keep a eye open I'm going to post a pre range review of the new scope i purchase for my rfb, I am very exited about this minox scope.
 
rally guy said:
p.s. I like the 332 but would be afraid that the 532 would be too high magnification to be good on close range..
Click to expand...
I would agree with this based on use of the 332 (but it must be said having never tried the 532) additionally I agree that the non lighted reticle is a plus and allows for a rapid shot under most light conditions without slowing down to turn on the sight.......you know for when those paper targets sneek up on you! :) Also a plus if your batteries die, you don't have to switch to back ups. I've Also seen this unit with a Burris FastFire red dot mounted on top which might be a good option for close in work if a person wanted the extra magnification of the 532.
 
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OldWays said:
I would agree with this based on use of the 332 (but it must be said having never tried the 532) additionally I agree that the non lighted reticle is a plus and allows for a rapid shot under most light conditions without slowing down to turn on the sight.......you know for when those paper targets sneek up on you! :) Also a plus if your batteries die, you don't have to switch to back ups. I've Also seen this unit with a Burris FastFire red dot mounted on top which might be a good option for close in work if a person wanted the extra magnification of the 532.
Click to expand...

great option if you don't mind chin weld insted of cheak weld.

with the price of the 532 + fast fire. a 1-6x20 wouldn't be a better choice?
 
Agreed which is why I chose the 332 and like it for what it is. I think it doesn't require an additional red dot as it works fine for 'close'ish' distances for me but I've seen it set up with the two together and it sounded like some people like it that way too. I was just adding it might be an up close option if a person wanted to go with the 532. And I 100% agree that the 532 + Fast Fire gets you into the pice range of a lot more (better?) options.
 
Good stuff guys!
I'm heading down south to civilization here in 2 months so maybe ill hold off till then so I can actually have a look at these optics prior to purchase.

But that Burris sounds like its what I may be looking for.
Guess I just need to decide between the 2 which one would fill my need.
 
Look at the aimpoint pro for a red dot or comp m3. What about a vortex pst 1x4 for a variable? Reasonably cheap and good warranty.
 
I'm waiting to see some reviews of the new Bushnell 1-4x24mm AR Tactical line they showed at SHOT this year. MSRP is $299.USD Looks nice.
 
TDC said:
Your price range is far too low.

TDC
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Your price range may be on the lower side, but Check out the vortex sparc! Do some searching on you tube, one guy litterally lobs his AR in the air and lets it drop to the ground! Picks it up fires a group with the sight still turned on and muddy and BAM nice tight group! WITH same POI! plus their no questions asked warranty is awesome!

So far i have the strikefire, Which is a great sight for the money btw.... but i will definitely be adding a sparc too.
 
Had a Strike Fire. Okay for its price but found the dot a bit fiddly and not too bright. I wore out the adjustments with a coin.

Had a Lucid HD7 too. I liked its selection of reticles and it looked nice but found the mount didn't hold. After every shoot I had to readjust. Maybe it was my particular one.

I'm currently keeping a low power variable. A Leuopold Mark AR 1.5-4x. Simple crosshair. Pretty nice I thought.

For another AR build I went with the current consensus and after trying it on a buddy's kit ordered a SPARC which I just examined out of the box just now. Very bright dot. Going to try it this weekend.
 
wayupnorth said:
it says it has a lighted reticle, is there also a non lighted reticle as well in case the batteries die?
Click to expand...

Yes, you can either turn it on or off depending on the day brightness.
I usually don't turn it on at the range if it's sunny. However, I do turn it on (green) to the lowest setting if I am shooting over 100 meters & is very crisp & handy.
 
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