What optics for 556 XCR-L?

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Chuckt5

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I have a 5.56 XCR-L on order and want to use it for longer range (100m +) target shooting and some plinking to get started with up at the cabin.

What kind of optic would you recommend (and why) in the $100-$300 range?

I've done a couple of searches here and elsewhere but I'm still not sure what to get.

Thanks in advance, Chuck.
 
Long range is 100m + now? :p

Kidding aside if you'd like to push out to 500 yards or so I'd suggest a little magnification. Budget a bit more to the project and get something like a Vortex PST 1-4x24 TMCQ, they can be had for $400 - $500 used. The magnification will help at range, and the subtensions are incredibly helpful for fast shots without turret adjustment once you get your bullet drop figured out at known ranges.
 
Yah, I guess 100m isn't that long is it!

I do want to push out well beyond that so thanks for the advise.
 
To be straight, in the 1-300$ range you are going to get junk, especially if you plan on using it for "longer ranges". If you are looking for a red dot, you can pick up a Vortex for a couple hundred, but they are for close range and aren't that great. You are going to need to up your budget to the 4-500$ range to get something decent. Vortex 1-4x PST, Burris, used Leopold.. The Vortex PST is probably the best bang for your buck in the 400$ price range and they have an awesome warranty. I had one for a while and it was really nice, the glass is clear and is just an all around quality piece. I would say save your pennies for a couple more months and up your budget.
 
Thanks guys for setting me straight on what price range I need to be looking at. No point in getting a decent gun and then cheaping out on the scope right!
 
Chuckt5 said:
No point in getting a decent gun and then cheaping out on the scope right!
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That's exactly right. Just a bit more to the budget will put you into where you need to be.

I'm a big advocate of learning to use the iron sights prior to mounting an optic though. No point having them on as BUIS if they're not zeroed and you don't know how to use the sight picture effectively. Perhaps while you play with the factory irons this will give you a bit of time to save for a bit more optic ;).
 
Great idea! I was planing on doing that exact thing once I get the gun next spring.

I want to break in the gun and get comfortable with it using the irons and then save up and get a good optic maybe in the fall or maybe even later than that. It all depends on the finances to be honest, but I like your plan.
 
Hi-Lux CMR 1-4 from Wanstalls or Wolverine for around $400.
I would save up some more money though and buy a Sightron S3 1-7 from Jerry at Mystic Precision. For longer ranges maybe even their 3.5-10x44. Sightron will cost you close to $1000 but once you look through one you'll know why.
Otherwise you're looking at a Bushnell and if your planning to go past 300yds you'll want to spend the money on better glass. I had an elite 6500 2.5-16x44 and wasn't impressed.
Burris makes some decent scopes as well for decent prices.?
 
Chuckt5 said:
I was planing on doing that exact thing once I get the gun next spring.
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So do you have a down payment or it on order? If not I know who's selling one at $1900 shipped.

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;)
 
Both (kind of).

I had a down payment on a Ruger mini 14 with wanstalls for a while now but wasnt totally sure if it was what I was looking for (semi auto, non restriced in 556 for target and plinking up at the cabin).

After doing a ton of reading here and thinking about what I wanted I realized a XCR-L would more fit the bill. I talked to wanstalls and asked if I could change my order to an XCR. They said no problem if I added to my downpayment which I did.

I am hoping to get the remaining $ together in the new year and finalize the order sometime in the spring.
 
Yah, doesn't make a lot of sense to cheap out on a scope now does it?

I've been set straight on what a decent scope costs and will be saving my pennies to get something worthy of the rifle. I'll get used to using the iron sights in the mean time and save my pennies for a worthy scope.
 
Obviously I believe in quality optics but don't get too carried away, the XCR is no tack driver and 1.5-2moa is about what to expect once you find a load it likes. You may be able to do a little better if you handload or get lucky and find a factory load that it really likes.
A scope around $1000 will be plenty. I would have a look at Sightron and Trijicon. Something with a mildot reticle.
I think Vortex and Leupold are overpriced for what you get. If your going to go over $1000 then jump into a Nightforce.
My Sightron has comparable optical clarity to my Nightforce but the NF is built like a tank whereas the Sightron is built like a hunting scope.

In the big picture you would probably be better off to buy something like the Hi-Lux 1-4 and spend the rest of the money on ammo and just get out and shoot as much as possible.
 
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