Just bought my first AR... lower.

[gnumadic]

Just bought my optic, a Holosun HS503GU. Wasn't planning on getting this particular model, but the price was too good. $141.49!!!

https://gun.deals/product/holosun-503gu-reflex-sight-wfree-mount-14149-shipped-use-make-offer-option#comments

If anyone else needs an optic, hop on that deal! Worst case, you sell it for the same amount or a tiny loss.

Wow, that's tempting. I had planned on a Deltapoint, but I don't think that price can be beat, and the GU model is the one I'd want...

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If I were going for a red dot I would definitely pick that up. The longer I've waited the more I'm leaning away from a red dot (and even a holographic sight) and more toward a scope with a QD mount.

As for budget, I know the whole rule about spending as much on your optics as you did the rifle, but I would like to keep it on the lower end. The WAF is about $250 but I could probably stretch it a bit.

Are any of you running a 1-4x illuminated reticle scope? I'm looking at these. They're all SFP except for the illuminated Bushnell, which is first focal plane. I don't have any of the Vortex optics on here. Maybe it was some of the bad reviews I read on similar price points.

- Burris MTAC 1-4x24: $299
- Primary Arms 1-6x24 KISS Gen 3: $290
- Millett Tachtical DMS 1-6x24: $222
- Bushnell FFP 1-4x24: $205
- Mueller Speed Shot 1-4x24: $195
- Bushnell 1-4x24 (non illum): $110

As for mounts, I have it down between ADM ($150) and Bobro ($200), but could just pick up an Aero non-QD mount to save money. Or I could go with one of the QD mounts and a non-illuminated scope (and upgrade later...or not).

[SlvrDragon50]

I'm still  a little dumbfounded by how expensive mounts are. If I were shooting in Tac Ops, I would definitely go with a magnified optic, but I'm trying to stay in the "budget" category.

If you don't mind buying used, you should take a look over on Brian Enos. So many used optics there at fantastic prices! I've heard good things about the Primary Arms 1-6.

[M1A4ME]

I've got two 1X4 Bushnells with the illuminated red dot in the center.  Both mine are the 7.62X39 BDC versions.  No issues so far.

I've got two 1X4 Bushnelss that are not illuminated.  Both of those are the .223 versions.  No issues with them either.

I own several older Bushnells (older like 35 years or more) and I'm never had any issue to complain about.

One (yes, older ones are surely made different than the newer ones) has survived on my M1A for almost 40 years.  M1A's are supposed to be rough on scopes.

[Earl Keese]

Just bought my optic, a Holosun HS503GU. Wasn't planning on getting this particular model, but the price was too good. $141.49!!!

https://gun.deals/product/holosun-503gu-reflex-sight-wfree-mount-14149-shipped-use-make-offer-option#comments

If anyone else needs an optic, hop on that deal! Worst case, you sell it for the same amount or a tiny loss.

Wow, that's tempting. I had planned on a Deltapoint, but I don't think that price can be beat, and the GU model is the one I'd want...

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If I were going for a red dot I would definitely pick that up. The longer I've waited the more I'm leaning away from a red dot (and even a holographic sight) and more toward a scope with a QD mount.

As for budget, I know the whole rule about spending as much on your optics as you did the rifle, but I would like to keep it on the lower end. The WAF is about $250 but I could probably stretch it a bit.

Are any of you running a 1-4x illuminated reticle scope? I'm looking at these. They're all SFP except for the illuminated Bushnell, which is first focal plane. I don't have any of the Vortex optics on here. Maybe it was some of the bad reviews I read on similar price points.

- Burris MTAC 1-4x24: $299
- Primary Arms 1-6x24 KISS Gen 3: $290
- Millett Tachtical DMS 1-6x24: $222
- Bushnell FFP 1-4x24: $205
- Mueller Speed Shot 1-4x24: $195
- Bushnell 1-4x24 (non illum): $110

As for mounts, I have it down between ADM ($150) and Bobro ($200), but could just pick up an Aero non-QD mount to save money. Or I could go with one of the QD mounts and a non-illuminated scope (and upgrade later...or not).

I would also consider Leupold's VX-R with Firedot, or even the Mk AR with Firedot. They can be found used on fleabay well within your price range. I picked up my VX-R Patrol 3-9 for around $300. I looked through several optics with fully lighted reticles and don't like them at all for my purpose(hunting at dusk/dawn). The firedot is very unobtrusive, yet effective. I'm looking for another in 1.25-4x for my wife's .223. I also went with the Aero SPR mount. It's extremely lightweight and finished nicely. The one drawback is that when you torque the ring screws it rolls the scope towards that side. Took me a few tries to get it leveled.    Before you spend money on a QD mount, are you sure you're going to swap optics regularly in the field? If not, it's a waste of money and added weight.
  On my Grendel, I'll most likely buy a long range scope and QD mounts for it and the 3-9 since the gun serves a dual purpose. The aero mount will move over to the wife's .223 when I get the Leupold 1.25-4x.

[gnumadic]

@SlvrDragon50 I know, right? I can't seem to find a budget QD mount that is well regarded. I may peruse the classifieds and eBay to see what's available. I guess if it's something with a lifetime transferable warranty, then I shouldn't be worried.

@M1A4ME Glad to know your Bushnell experience has been good. Are your illuminated ones first or second focal plane? The one I was looking at (the current model w/the throw down lever) is FFP and at 1X the reticle just looks like a dot. If you magnify out to 4X it becomes a usable BDC reticle. Of course, just when I think it's a good idea the folks over on the AR expert forums bash it as worthless. They say go SFP at that level of magnification.

@Earl Keese I almost put a Leupold on the list. I think they have a VR Patrol model that is closer to $400. I am thinking of the QD in part because I have flip-up BUIS that I bought when I was thinking red dot or Eotech. They seem kind of pointless as a back-up if you have an optic failure. I suppose I could sell those and get offset ones. Or I could put an Allen wrench in the grip storage.

I haven't been paying attention much to scopes on sale, other than it seems like PSA has a Vortex on sale every day (along with 10 PMAGs). Any particular vendors tend to run specials? The PA 1-6 scope ought to go on sale at some point, right?

[M1A4ME]

I have no idea what focal plane they are.  Never worried about that.  Is it clear/bright?  Does it hold the zero.  Does it last?  If so, I'm good with it.

I see some good magazine deals at Palmetto State Armory.  I usually buy the aluminum/GI magazines but I have bought PMags from them.

I've got the Primary Arms 1X6 on my DPMS GII.  It's okay.  I find it harder to keep that dot centered on a target than cross hairs.  It helps to play with the power setting to make the dot bigger and turn the light on so that I'm centering a big red dot on a slightly bigger black dot (that's for shooting paper.  Not an issue for self defense/larger groups.

[Earl Keese]

I don't know if you'll find a VX-R Patrol new for $400, but they have a lifetime warranty so I bought used. I was going to buy a new std VX-R, but the Patrol is in mils and I wanted to try it.

[gnumadic]

I don't know if you'll find a VX-R Patrol new for $400, but they have a lifetime warranty so I bought used. I was going to buy a new std VX-R, but the Patrol is in mils and I wanted to try it.

I might have misread a price earlier. The lowest I've seen it is $440 from an Ebay wholesaler (says it's new, excellent seller rating). What do you think of the push-button illumination control on the VX-R? I like the auto-off/motion sensor, but think I would prefer a dial. Burris also has a newer model of the MTAC with a cleaner reticle (AR 5X reticle), which I've found for $305 new. There's a refurb of the older CQ reticle for $234, but I don't like the big ring reticle.

Lots of used deals around for Vortex Strike Eagles, too. I'm also looking into a couple scopes from Atibal and Sightmark. I've got a 3-9x40 Sightmark on my 7mm-08 bolt gun and like it. [EDIT: I have a Sightron scope!] Atibal is Japanese glass, I think, but assembled in China. I've taken a few off the list, like Millett Tactical (no warranty info on their website that I can find, even though they are now owned by Bushnell). Definitely need a rock solid warranty.

[Earl Keese]

I like the button just fine on the Leupold, it's very well made and not difficult at all to operate. In the many reviews and comparisons I read, the firedot came out on top. The other feature that attracted me was weight, as the Firedot scopes tend to be lighter than competitors. My barrel has finally shipped, so I'll get some field time with it soon. So far I've only used it  from the bench and I'm very pleased. That said, the VXR isn't available in a true 1x, so the Burris has the advantage there if you plan to use it like a red dot. You really need to try to get to a big box store and look through as many scopes as possible- especially because of the lighted reticle.

[SlvrDragon50]

Just got my Holosun in. Great looking reticle, but unfortunatley one of the mount holes are partially stripped, and the screws can't grab onto the threading so I will likely have to replace the optic.

[gnumadic]

I like the button just fine on the Leupold, it's very well made and not difficult at all to operate. In the many reviews and comparisons I read, the firedot came out on top. The other feature that attracted me was weight, as the Firedot scopes tend to be lighter than competitors. My barrel has finally shipped, so I'll get some field time with it soon. So far I've only used it  from the bench and I'm very pleased. That said, the VXR isn't available in a true 1x, so the Burris has the advantage there if you plan to use it like a red dot. You really need to try to get to a big box store and look through as many scopes as possible- especially because of the lighted reticle.

I dropped into Bass Pro today...didn't have much time but looked at a Sig Romeo red dot, an Eotech XPS2-0, and a Vortex Strike Eagle. I am glad I did. Between my corrected vision and cross-dominant eye, the red dot was a host of flares instead of a single aiming point. The Eotech was better in that the reticle didn't duplicate, but it was not crisp like I expected. It was as if an electric current was running through the lines. The Vortex reticle was perfect and the brightness seemed like it would work in daylight. The shortened eye relief was apparent but I still preferred it to the Sig and Eotech.

By that point I had to leave. I would have liked to have checked out a Leupold Deltapoint Pro to see if it differed much from a tubular red dot.

[gnumadic]

Just got my Holosun in. Great looking reticle, but unfortunatley one of the mount holes are partially stripped, and the screws can't grab onto the threading so I will likely have to replace the optic.

Man that sucks about the sight. And you got such a good deal on it.
That SLR hand guard looks sweet!

[SlvrDragon50]

You had the same conclusion as me on the Eotech. Really surprised me. I heard they were more fuzzy than reflex, but it was absolutely AWFUL. You should take a look at the prismatic sights too, those were sooooo crisp. I really like this Holosun (SIG Romeo)  though, very crisp, can get very bright too.

I imagine Botach will just send me a replacement.

[Independent George]

Those SLR rails just look and feel great, don't they?

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[SlvrDragon50]

Those SLR rails just look and feel great, don't they?

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Yes indeed!! From my limited experience. It?s pretty hard to hold t comfortably without the lower and stock

I want to put the foregrip on, but I wasn?t sure where it would be comfortable. I?m just debating whether or not I wanna waste $30 on the red accent pieces for the SLR!


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