Optics

[EliteAirborne]

I just picked up a MOE Smith and Wesson AR-15.

Im looking for optics with a decent zoom but able to use my Iron sights. Since im new im not sure what i should be looking for. Hoping to keep it around $100 range nothing extreme.

If more info on what i want is needed ill be happy to give it im not really sure what i need to look for.

[Zane1844]

. Hoping to keep it around $100 range nothing extreme.

That will be difficult.

I am sure, this is an assumption, that any magnified optic will make irons extremely difficult if not impossible to use. So you need a variable.

Look at a brand like Tasco. Be prepared to buy two, maybe three, if you plan to use your carbine a lot.

Also, look at the threads here about optics. You know exactly what you will be told then.

[Sean W.]

What magnification are you looking for? What is the purpose? You're not going to find a quality optic for $100.

[Failure2Stop]

There are few iron sights that I would recommend for under $100.

[Littlelebowski]

There is no answer in that price range. Save up.

[EliteAirborne]

Okay so it seems ill need to pay more, ill just save up, that price is all i have this moment. How much am i looking at spending?

And what am i looking for since i want a form of optic while being able to keep iron sights as backup?

I plan to just use at ranges and shoot around in our woods or something.

As for magnification im not sure exactly what i want im more looking for the name or type of scope im looking for so i can browse on line. Im not sure what kind of optics let u keep your own iron sights. Any info on this would go a long way

Thanks for all the replies already

[Failure2Stop]

Okay so it seems ill need to pay more, ill just save up, that price is all i have this moment. How much am i looking at spending?

And what am i looking for since i want a form of optic while being able to keep iron sights as backup?

I plan to just use at ranges and shoot around in our woods or something.

As for magnification im not sure exactly what i want im more looking for the name or type of scope im looking for so i can browse on line. Im not sure what kind of optics let u keep your own iron sights. Any info on this would go a long way

Thanks for all the replies already

The only optics that will allow you to use irons through the sight are the non-magnified type such as made by Aimpoint and EoTech.
There are some lower-cost options out there, such as Vortex, but they are generally considered to be hobby-grade solutions. They might work for what you need, but most folks here are using the Aimpoint CompM4, M3, M2, Pro, T-1, or H-1; or the EoTech XPS, EXPS, 553, 516, or 517.

[WS6]

I just bought a couple of RDS from Primary Arms for about $85/each.

They are NOT TRUSTWORTHY for duty/home defense, but the dots are very crisp (I have not tried to zero them yet, so no remarks there), and lots of people have good luck with them. Primary Arms stands behind them for 1 year.

For a plinker, or a training gun, or "to see if you like an Aimpoint." Before shelling out the cash, I think they are a great option.

This is certainly not my choice, or something I advocate relying on (I view it as a training/plinking optic, and bought them for friends who wanted to "try before they buy" and have something to train with, before shelling out for an Aimpoint, or if they hate it, an Eotech), but it is an option if you only have $100 and just want to pop some soda-cans for the time being and "try before you buy" an Aimpoint style optic.

[Agnostic]

For a lower priced magnified option, I picked up a Vortex 1-4x scope that I really like. It sits on a non-fighting, non-defense rifle. I have not used it much on my AR (~400-500 rounds), but it seems to be solid for packing through the woods (which it did this weekend). I have the capped version since the rifle's purpose is shooting less than 500 yards and I don't expect to use the dials much. The single biggest issue I have read about on this scope is the reticle, which is very fine. I love it for my uses, but I could see how others could want something else.

It will not allow you to co-witness with irons, but you could use a variable optic with fold-down irons or offset irons.

If you want a variable optic and want to move up to something battle worthy, try Nightforce, S&B, Leupold, etc. Expect to pay a lot more money.