Thread: AR15 Optics What to buy?

I want to buy some optics for an AR15 that I haven't yet purchased.

My budget is around $500

What's available?

What's recommended?

Cheers
Pete

For what use?

If you just want something "ok", look at the Bushnell AR Optics line.

Originally Posted by P38

I want to buy some optics for an AR15 that I haven't yet purchased.

My budget is around $500

What's available?

What's recommended?

Cheers
Pete

Whats your budget for the AR you don't yet have and A or E ?

Do you have to buy a mount within that $500?
What's the rifle for?
As you don't have the rifle yet,are you happy to wait for something good to come up second hand?

What power range reticle etc? I'll sell you my Weaver haha

Originally Posted by Beavis

What power range reticle etc? I'll sell you my Weaver haha

Details?? also looking

Yeah I deserve that lot.

I haven't made up my mind completely yet but have been looking at the RRA and NEA AR15's 14"-18" barrel, A or Ecat doesn't make any difference to me.

Budget for the Rifle only is around $3k, Optics only around $500 and what ever for mounts.

I've considered a few second hand setups but have decided to go new.

Will want to use it at the range to punch little groups in paper, ring some steel gongs out to several hundred meters and shoot a few Goats.

Be good if I could shoot accurately it to 3 or 400 meters.

A scope that has a reticule for .223 trajectory would be handy.

Just don't really know what's available out there

Cheers
Pete

Originally Posted by P38

Yeah I deserve that lot.

I haven't made up my mind completely yet but have been looking at the RRA and NEA AR15's 14"-18" barrel, A or Ecat doesn't make any difference to me.

Budget for the Rifle only is around $3k, Optics only around $500 and what ever for mounts.

I've considered a few second hand setups but have decided to go new.

Will want to use it at the range to punch little groups in paper, ring some steel gongs out to several hundred meters and shoot a few Goats.

Be good if I could shoot accurately it to 3 or 400 meters.

A scope that has a reticule for .223 trajectory would be handy.

Just don't really know what's available out there

Cheers
Pete

The reason I asked is I built one to do all that (well i actually built 3 but sold 2 and kept two), with all the good bits and now trying hard to decide if I want to keep it or not. It is a "frankengun" but with all the good bits. 3k would get you a good new gun though

bugger error 403 again, meant to say buile 3, sold 2 and kept one plus the one I already had"

And whats the story with exporting scopes out of the USA.

Are they on the Govt export restriction list now?

Cheers
Pete

Originally Posted by P38

..

Budget for the Rifle only is around $3k, Optics only around $500 and what ever for mounts.

.. have decided to go new...

A scope that has a reticule for .223 trajectory would be handy.

..

Well, as Gerbs has suggested above, that Bushnell AR series would fit your needs nicely.
They have surprisingly good optics for the price as well as the relevant reticle.

Have a look through one and you might be surprised. I have the 4.5-18 version on a fancy PCP and I'm fairly impressed by it. It's not in the same league as my Swarovskis/Nightforces/Leupolds.. but bang for your buck, you could easily do far worse.

And, to make them even more attractive, the price differential between here and the US is very minimal unlike other options

Originally Posted by 6x47

Well, as Gerbs has suggested above, that Bushnell AR series would fit your needs nicely.
They have surprisingly good optics for the price as well as the relevant reticle.

Have a look through one and you might be surprised. I have the 4.5-18 version on a fancy PCP and I'm fairly impressed by it. It's not in the same league as my Swarovskis/Nightforces/Leupolds.. but bang for your buck, you could easily do far worse.

Yep just looked at the Bushnell 4.5-18x40 with the BDC drop zone reticle. $230us at cabelas ... bastards wont ship international though.

Cheers

$239US?
It's $329NZ (ish) from Broncos or Reloaders.
Works out damned close by the time you figure in freight and exchange.
Also, bonus of having it in your hand overnight, rather than 2 weeks time ;-)

Originally Posted by P38

Yeah I deserve that lot.

I haven't made up my mind completely yet but have been looking at the RRA and NEA AR15's 14"-18" barrel, A or Ecat doesn't make any difference to me.

Budget for the Rifle only is around $3k, Optics only around $500 and what ever for mounts.

So you've got $3500+ for a rifle and optics.

Spend $1800 on a NEA and then you have $1700 budget for a scope and mount.

Spending more than $500 will give you a lot more options. Good glass makes a difference.

You can easily get a good 1-4 or 1-6 for under $1k. An ADM QD mount is $200. Lots of change for ammo or a trigger swap.

Originally Posted by P38

And whats the story with exporting scopes out of the USA.

Are they on the Govt export restriction list now?

Cheers
Pete

Some are, some aren't.

Most hunting scopes are fine.

If it is classed as Significant Military Equipment, it will come under ITAR. This will require an End User Certificate.

Some companies are more restrictive than others in regards to exports.

You can usually get what ever you want provided you complete the paperwork. Thankfully NZ is classed as a "Trusted Ally" (along with Canada, UK and Australia) and has an exemption from some ITAR restrictions. Paperwork still needs to be done though.