Scoping an AR……

[Noble Sniper]

Looking for some insightful opinions….. I recently picked up a piston driven AR and I’ve never put a variable power scope on one. I’ve always had RDO’s or a LPVO. It has. 16” barrel and is inherently accurate with proper ammunition (77gr Mk262). When does a scope start to become to big for something this size? Thanks!!

 

[Dean C.]

Weight concerns , price range, ranges you want to use the scope at? Myself I have found with a good 1-8 you can make hits at 500 yards on a man sized target with relative ease with my 16 inch LWRC and Mk262 ammo. Though a case could be made for a 3-12 and an offset RMR if you wanted even more magnification. Because TBH the 1-8 and 1-10 optics are all heavy , my rifle is approaching 10# loaded.

 

[gregkl]

When I built my "precision" rig, I put a 3-9 Leupold on it. It was a tack driver and I felt that the 3-9 would aid in me achieving small groups better than a lower magnification scope.

It wasn't built for CQB though. For those I initially ran a 1-4 but later switched to a red dot.

 

[Gabriel]

Weight concerns , price range, ranges you want to use the scope at? Myself I have found with a good 1-8 you can make hits at 500 yards on a man sized target with relative ease with my 16 inch LWRC and Mk262 ammo. Though a case could be made for a 3-12 and an offset RMR if you wanted even more magnification. Because TBH the 1-8 and 1-10 optics are all heavy , my rifle is approaching 10# loaded.

My rifle with the Vortex razor 1-6 on it is a little over 10 pounds.

 

[ACC]

I have LPVOs on two different AR set ups. Primary Arms makes some good options for budget prices. Mine are both 1-6x and do not add noticeable weight to the guns.

 

[indysims]

With the right mount you can do a good 4-20x 50mm 34mm tube scope no problem.

That's how I read your post, you're wanting to know what you can do bigger than a basic 30mm tube LPVO, am I right?

XSKEL34TW Gen 2, Extended Skeletonized 34mm MSR Mount, Black

Cantilever mount for any magnified or LPVO scopes. The XSKEL gives the Ideal height and position on AR10/15 style modern sporting rifles w/Picatinny rails

warnescopemounts.com

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[42769vette]

"to big" has absolutely nothing to do with the platform, unless your talking about ascetic's. If your talking about ascetic's only you can answer that question.

"to big" only applies to purpose of the rifle. Purpose and price range dictate proper optics selection.

 

[BiscuitsandGravy]

I really have no value to add except that as my eyes get older I've found that a 1-6 LPVO is very nice. A Sig Tango-MSR 1-6 is on the current fun toy of choice. But, I also have a Burris MTAC 4.5-14 on a couple 16"s we use for distance work like ground hogs, etc. Its personal preference. YMMV.

 

[Noble Sniper]

well…. I’ve got a Leupold Mk4 gathering dust. Had seen scopes ran with an offset RDO. I just have a feeling I’d be overscoped with a 6.5x20x50. I have one AR not multiple AR’s so kind of thinking killing two birds with one stone.

 

[BoilerWes]

well…. I’ve got a Leupold Mk4 gathering dust. Had seen scopes ran with an offset RDO. I just have a feeling I’d be overscoped with a 6.5x20x50. I have one AR not multiple AR’s so kind of thinking killing two birds with one stone.

No doubt that is an excellent scope. That said, probably not one I would choose to run on AR platform…unless you are thinking some sort of dedicated marksman/long range type set up.

 

[NyleRN]

Are you shooting man sized targets or trying to shoot clover leafs at 300-400yds?

 

[NyleRN]

well…. I’ve got a Leupold Mk4 gathering dust. Had seen scopes ran with an offset RDO. I just have a feeling I’d be overscoped with a 6.5x20x50. I have one AR not multiple AR’s so kind of thinking killing two birds with one stone.

If you only have one AR then most certainly go with ACOG/RMR on top

 

[Noble Sniper]

Funny you mention that I was just looking at them as a pairing….

 

[roscott]

Too big? Probably not.

Too much magnification on the low end for anything inside 50 yards? Probably.

Everything is a compromise. I like 2-10 on a do-it-all rifle. I’ve had good luck with a Vortex PST 2-10x32, but I’m looking hard at NF NXS 2-10x42. Better scope, same weight.

 

[Noble Sniper]

With the ACOGs…. I see them calibrated in 5.56 and 223. I have no experience with ACOGs….. I had a Elcan Specter (wish I wouldn’t of sold it) that was calibrated for 62g 5.56 so I’m curious as to what’s what I’m the world of the acog.

 

[NyleRN]

With the ACOGs…. I see them calibrated in 5.56 and 223. I have no experience with ACOGs….. I had a Elcan Specter (wish I wouldn’t of sold it) that was calibrated for 62g 5.56 so I’m curious as to what’s what I’m the world of the acog.

The ones I see are labeled .223/5.56, not one or the other. I prefer the chevron reticle. Different models offer different magnifications, FOV and eye relief. I like the TA31 because it gives the best FOV but it sacrifices eye relief. The glass in the ACOG is unbelievably clear.

 

[Noble Sniper]

A LWRCI Enhanced Fire Control Group…… I may have to dig around my parts drawers and see if I have rings I can throw it on there and get an idea. Dunno till I try I guess. In the mean time I’m gonna look into the ACOG pairings some more…..

 

[daddyusmaximus]

You say "piston driven AR" and mention a 16" barrel. If it's accurate, that's great, but a 16" gun is pretty much a normal do it all carbine. I personally wouldn't go too big on it, and make it too heavy. I'd treat it like a RECCE type, and go back to the LPVO. Very similar to what I have on mine with the P&W 14.5" Sig 516 upper. I have the PA 1-8 with the ACSS reticule on that one. It's the perfect combo for the close to intermediate ranges that type of gun will see use at.




Had you been talking about a longer rifle like an 18" or 20" inch SPR type gun, they I'd say it would be time to step up to more glass. I have the PA GLX 4-16x50 FFP on my 18" Larue Tactical Stealth 2.0.



Don't get me wrong. These are both pretty accurate guns, but they have different uses. The 14.5" is shorter, and lighter for a reason. It's the "do it all" combat rifle. It's not the specialized long range precision tool the SPR is. No need to make it heavier or more cumbersome than it needs to be, and having the capability (especially if you only have 1) of engaging at close range (low power) is of great importance in a combat weapon. Close engagements must be made very quickly. Here, the red dot is the undisputed king, but the LPVO does allow you... almost the same speed, with the added ability to reach out.

The LPVO (or even the red dot) is the better option if you only have the one AR. (IMHO)

 

[The Bubba Effect]

I am very fond of the 3x9 on an ar. It gives me enough mag for any practical application I can think of.

On a defensive rifle, i prefer the micro red dots.

 

[Jarvitron]

Military went with a 2.5-10x, 3-9x is way cheaper and will probably get you better glass. I have a 4-14x44 Primary Arms and it's a little long for my 18". Been wanting a Swampfox 2-12x Kentucky Long.