Recommendations on optic for AR15

[ccgn]

I just have an entry level S&W MP15 Sportster, which came with iron sights. I'd like to get an optic that would be good for range use and possible 3 gun type matches, if I decide to try them out down the road.

I was thinking a red dot style, with some kind of magnification. Nothing extreme, not looking at anything long distance, probably 100 yards or less.

This is just my initial dabbling in the AR15 platform. If I goes well I'd move into a higher end AR and optic.

Just looking for something of decent quality that performs well and is reasonably priced, guessing around $200-ish??

 

[Phat Eagle]

You don't need magnification for 200m or less.

You're fairly limited in your price range... I suggest spending just a little more on a Primary Arms from Canadian Tactical Cowboy Supply, or a Vortex SPARC.

If you're fixed on sub-$200 a Bushnell TRS25 is the only one I'd suggest.

Have fun!

 

[SURESHOT73]

I originally tried a trs25 on my AR and found that the dot washed out even on the brightest setting on a sunny day, that was during a 3gun match i was very disappointed to say the least, as i didnt want any magnification and parallax free so i ordered a Vortex Spitfire 1x with an etched reticle or red or green, used it i a 3gun match on Saturday and was more than happy with it, Cabelas had them on sale for $300.

 

[O d gout]

If you are sticking to under $200 I second the TRS25.

 

[Phat Eagle]

The TRS will washout in bright light... That's a big difference between an inexpensive sight and a pricier one. As stated, if you can afford a little better look to a SPARC AR or Primary Arms.

 

[ccgn]

Thanks for the input. I'm not married to the $200 price point, just wanted to put something out there for a rough idea. Given the value of the AR it is going on, I don't need something that costs 50% of the gun. So even $300-ish would be okay, but I want to be realistic based on teh amount of use it would get and I know you can go spend crazy $ on the optics.

What about Holosun, I've heard their name mentioned a bit on the forum?

 

[phin11]

I have the vortex spitfire , sometimes they go on sale for $200-210 at cabelas . It's been great so far , not really a red dot but etched reticle . co witness perfect with my A2 sight .

 

[mikethebike]

for non magnified?
aimpoint
everything else = wrong
save your money, do the right thing, buy an aimpoint
I know, I own 6 of them

 

[beltfed]

A good set of iron sights will cost more than $200. Use your current irons, save the $200 and build it up for quality optics and mounts.

 

[cr5]

A good set of iron sights will cost more than $200. Use your current irons, save the $200 and build it up for quality optics and mounts.

This ^^^

Spend the money on quality optics, you can always put it on a better rifle later but there's nothing wrong with your M&P. I would spend the money on an Aimpoint PRO. I have one of them on one of my AR's and it's a great optic.
If you waste your money on cheap optics you'll just end up upgrading later and the money you spend on a Bushnell now will just mean you have to wait longer to save up for your upgrade.

 

[SURESHOT73]

I have the vortex spitfire , sometimes they go on sale for $200-210 at cabelas . It's been great so far , not really a red dot but etched reticle . co witness perfect with my A2 sight .

$200 - $210 i think that the Strikefire price range on sale.

 

[SteelCap]

You may want to go to a store and try them out; meaning try to see through the red dot or scope at a distance. This will help you decide IMO. I wear glasses and have tried both red dot and 3-12x scope. I ended up using less red dot and lately 3-9/12x scope to use between 25m to 300m.

 

[peterrunsguns]

you are llooking at something from millet red dot for that price range

 

[HawkWei]

If you are on budget, go for Bushnell TRS25

If not, 500 range can get you an EOTECH, 900 range can get you Aimpoint

 

[ccgn]

Another question, will any of the above recommended options fit with the factory fixed front post sight? Or will that have to be removed?

 

[O d gout]

My Eotech is cowitnessed with my front post site. Most will work or have an optional riser avalible.

 

[Haiwoo]

i can sell you my burris ar 332 at $350 if you want, it's fixed 3 times magnification, works perfect on the AR for me... i decided to get a bushnell 1-4x24 so i'm letting this one go.

 

[Donster 125]

I'd recommend the Primary Arms 3x Compact Prism Scope with ACSS 5.56 Reticle.

It will do everything you want it to and allow you to have a nice blend of close range speed and long range hit probability.

 

[mileageman]

I have 3 aimpoint micro's, they are the best in my opinion. I also have 2 Holosun's (aimpoint knock offs) I've been quite impressed with them for the price. One of them has ridden over 700 rounds on top of my shotgun with no issues.

 

[Phat Eagle]

Thanks for the input. I'm not married to the $200 price point, just wanted to put something out there for a rough idea. Given the value of the AR it is going on, I don't need something that costs 50% of the gun. So even $300-ish would be okay, but I want to be realistic based on teh amount of use it would get and I know you can go spend crazy $ on the optics.

What about Holosun, I've heard their name mentioned a bit on the forum?

Holosun are decent, but I suggest spending just a little mor to get the SPARC AR. Lifetime warranty and they're good for it!