What kind of scope for 14.5" carbine?

[BallisticHarmony]

The furthest out I'll shoot in the foreseeable future will be 200 yards due to range limitations. Gun is a KAC SR-15 MOD 2 which currently has a Micro H-2. I've been able to shoot 1-2 MOA at 100 yards, but I'm ready to throw some magnification into the mix.

The recommendation I've been given from a highly respected shooting buddy is the NF 2.5-10x32. The cheapest reticle I've seen short of a hunting reticle is the 600MV, which seems like plenty for my purposes. Initially I was looking at cheaper Trijicon offerings, but my buddy told me I'm not allowed to put Rota wheels on Fuzion tires

Most of shooting is benchrest, but I don't want to limit the versatility of the rifle with a massive scope. On the other hand, I already have an H-2 for fast stuff. I may hunt with it in the future, but I mostly want to tighten groups up. Please let me know if I need to further elaborate on intended use.

[Leaveammoforme]

A month ago I'd have said 2.5x10 is too much scope for inside 200 yards. That was prior running my 20" w/a 3x9 in a local match. I expected to be hindered on the 'Shoot and Scoot' stages but have an edge on the 200 yard work.

The 200 yard stuff was a breeze. I placed respectively in the CQB stages and won one of them. This surprised me as I shoot with some very competent machine like individuals that I'm usually chasing with my normal red dot gun.

I did notice that close in, tight shots (over shoulders/heads of No-Shoots) were less of "That looks about right" to knowing exactly how high (reticle wise) I was aiming. While I could only dial down to 3x, I held my own with the dots and the 1xwhatevers.

Extra weight doesn't bother me and I shoot both eyes open. So, if you can say the same I'd think you'd be well served with the 2.5x10.

[Canonshooter]

At under 12 ounces I find the Leupold VX-R Patrol perfect for my needs. I would happily spend more on a scope but want to keep the rifle as light as possible (7-1/2 lbs. as shown below minus the WML). If light weight is a priority for you, there's not much else out there in LPVs that offers decent quality without adding at least 50% more weight.

FWIW, I run Goodyear Eagle Sport tires on my Rotas. ;-)

[MegademiC]

At under 12 ounces I find the Leupold VX-R Patrol perfect for my needs. I would happily spend more on a scope but want to keep the rifle as light as possible (7-1/2 lbs. as shown below minus the WML). If light weight is a priority for you, there's not much else out there in LPVs that offers decent quality without adding at least 50% more weight.

FWIW, I run Goodyear Eagle Sport tires on my Rotas. ;-)

What I use as well for the same reasons.
I was actually considering a vortex 2.5-10.

[MisterHelix]

The 2.5-10 is a pretty good bet, or perhaps a 1-8 with illuminated reticle.

I guess personal preference will dictate your choice. The AR that I hunt with has worn a T2, then a Trijicon 3-9x40, and now has an ACOG TA31 on it.

Some folks like 'em, some folks can't stand 'em. I find that fixed 4x is enough to make accurate hits out to the distances I commonly shoot, and the FO Illuminated reticle works well for me.

I also appreciate its compact footprint and solid construction.

I have a NF on my .308, and it's a nice scope too. (The 4-12x56 I have is kinda big for a carbine) I like the MOAR reticle for target shooting, but the fine reticle might get lost in the woods at dusk.

Good luck, there's plenty of good choices out there.

[Furbyballer]

The new trijicon 1-8 is an excellent value and an excellent scope. I would highly recommend it since it can be found for $1200. The red mil/mil reticle is daylight bright, is very easy to pick up without the illumination, extremely clear glass, and an awesome eye-box. I run mine on a 12.5 V7 build I did and it seriously winning me over and making me contemplate selling my 1-6 razor for another one. A nice 1-6 (Razor, mk6, kahles, swarovski) or 1-4/5 (steiner, NF, USO) would also fit nicely into the roll you have in mind for this rifle. If you want a cheap awesome alternative, look into the aimpoint 3x-C magnifier.

[diving dave]

I have a NF 1-4 on my 14.5 BCM, and smack steel at 200 with boring regularity. P8080022.JPG

[BallisticHarmony]

The new trijicon 1-8 is an excellent value and an excellent scope. I would highly recommend it since it can be found for $1200.

If I went this route then I'd probably try to sell my H-2 and LT660. Idk how the market is for that but if trying to sell ZT knives taught me anything, I'm gonna lose some money.

[pinzgauer]

The furthest out I'll shoot in the foreseeable future will be 200 yards due to range limitations. Gun is a KAC SR-15 MOD 2 which currently has a Micro H-2. I've been able to shoot 1-2 MOA at 100 yards, but I'm ready to throw some magnification into the mix.

You have a pretty much optimal carbine setup shooting very decent carbine groups.

Personally, I'd not load it up with anything much heavier than your current optic.

I don't understand the desire to try to turn carbines into SPR type setups.

I'd be thinking 1-6 and small. Or just shoot the Reddot, at 200 it should not be that limiting. (Hostage head shots mentioned above aside)

[gaijin]

IF max is 200 yds any number of 1-4, 1-6 LPVs will work well and compliment your 14.5".
A 5.56 ranging reticle works for me to 300 with small/moderate steel targets (6-10").
Beyond that distance the velocity loss from the shorter barrel causes the ranging "ticks" to be pretty far off.

I use a 1-6, Trijicon Accupoint (Mil reticle) and Steiner P4Xi on a couple 14" guns.
I have no difficulty shooting 5/8 scale silhouette targets to 400 and tighter shots- head/6" at 200 are simple with 4X.