Help deciding on optics around $500

[el_chupo_]

I have decided that I want to scope one of my AR's. I sold the Aimpoint I had for it, and now need to make a decision.

This will not be my "life depends on it"/HD gun. I have a LMT with an Aimpoint for that role.

This will be going on a 16" middy, if that affects the decision. It wont be a "precision" gun, but it will be my heavier AR. I dislike weight just like everyone else, so I am not looking for a 2lb scope.

Realistic shooting will be under 300yds. It will be mostly used for punching paper, hitting the gong, possibly gun games like 3 gun. It might go as a backup gun to a course, but the LMT/Aimpoint would generally get the nod for that role. Because of the limited range I will be shooting at most of the time, I have really been looking at 1-4x scopes.

I dont have a set budget. My wife is generally OK with my gun purchases, I have an account for guns and such - my budget limitations are really set based on my desire and value I place on filling the role of the item. So if this was a HD gun, I might be talked into a higher budget, but this is a fun gun. We are also talking about looking for some land in the next year or two, so a lot of my disposable income may soon be going toward "the greater good" of having some acreage and a new house, so I am not looking to drop a ton.

With that said, I am wanting to stay around $500. I may spring for a nicer mount (Larue), or I may stay with a SSALT from SWFA. So lets plan on around $450-500 for the optic itself.

My first thought it Viper PST. But I dont know if I will get a whole lot of benefit to it vs. a Leupold Mark AR (with illumination), or a MTAC 1-4x. I have read others like the reticle or glass on other optics better, while some love the PST.

The list of scopes I am considering:

Vortex Viper PST
Leupold Mark AR
Burris Mtac
Leupold VX-R (maybe Patrol, maybe a "hunting" reticle version)
Weaver Super Slam 1.5-6x

I am open to thoughts and ideas, or just a general "shut up and buy XXXXXXX" already".

Thanks

Matt

[polymorpheous]

I got the Vortex.
Nice and clear, gathers light well.
I have the MRAD reticle, and am still learning it. (Holdover marks were a must have for me.)
For the money I felt it was a great buy.

[jnichols2]

You can get a real nice scope if you increase your budget to $550.

An Eotech XPS/EXPS is around $550 with mount.

An Aimpoint Pro can be had for $400, but another $150 for the mount.

[polymorpheous]

You can get a real nice scope if you increase your budget to $550.

An Eotech XPS/EXPS is around $550 with mount.

An Aimpoint Pro can be had for $400, but another $150 for the mount.

I think you need to go back and read the OP.
He is not looking for a RDS for this rifle.

[el_chupo_]

Thanks Polymorpheous, on both counts.

I keep going back to the PST, but I dont know if I need ranging marks on the optic if staying under 300 - with a 200yd/200m zero, I dont see it playing a huge roll - but if I get into 3 gun, then I may want them.

I am going to have to find someone local that has one in stock to give em a look, see how I like the reticle. Its the only one I have had a hard time getting an hands on look at.

[polymorpheous]

Trijicon's 1-4X offerings are nice.
The only reason I didn't go with them is the reticle.

John McPhee came to my home range last year for his "Heavy Carbine" course.
I couldn't afford to take 2 classes last year, so I didn't attend.
Talking to guys that did about glass, McPhee suggests MRAD reticle with holdovers.

This recommendation lead me to my choice of the Vortex.
I have a thread in the "Custom Build" sub-forum regarding the upper and optics choices.

[el_chupo_]

I have an Accupoint now, not currently mounted, that I am considering getting rid of for this scope. I just am not sold on the reticle. I like a crosshair, or at least more than the post/triangle. I'm just not sure if I will use a ranging reticle, or a basic crosshair/illuminated dot won't be all I want.

Thanks for the thoughts so far!

[.46caliber]

Leupold VX Hog. Available in both illuminated and non varieties. I've been scouring the same price range for a 1-4x. I like the reticle best other than the Vortex Viper. I have seen mixed reviews on the illumination and fineness of the reticle on the Vortex, but I need to put my hands and eyes on it yet.

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

[Agnostic]

I have a Vortex Viper PST 1-4x that I got new for a price I couldn't refuse. So far I really like it. The illumination in bright light is hard to see, and it has not been used enough for me to know how robust it is. But, Vortex has a good warrantee if you break it.

I also like the Trijicons, but wish they had a better reticle choice. I really like the Vortex Reticle, but it can sometimes be difficult to see against a dark field of view without illumination.

The Vortex meets my needs on a non-fighting rifle.

[wingspar]

I did my research a few months ago (several things have prevented me from purchasing yet) and had narrowed it down to the Vortex Viper PST and the Leupold VX-R. At the time, I don’t remember seeing anything about the Leupold Mark AR mentioned in the forum. I see it is cheaper than the VX-R, but I can’t find any info at all about reticles with the Mark AR.

Is there anything about the Mark AR that stands above the VX-R and how does one find out about Mark AR reticles?