Optics for the SFAR?

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hittman

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Here's something I know nothing about so hope somebody here can help.

If I get this gun and plan to take it to the range (100 yards) occasionally ….. what mid-price-range scope or other optic should I consider?
 

RC44Mag

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I would say it depends on what barrel length you go with. I like red dots on carbines( Aimpoint Pro) for quick target acquisition snap shooting up closer and rifle length I prefer scopes for more accurate fire at distance,including 100y. Leupold VX3, Nikon Monarch are my go to brands, models. Good quality but not breaking the bank. Although you'd have some trouble finding nikons now.
 

Air-cooled

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Sig makes a scope specifically designed for AR style guns. They come with three different reticles, one for 300 Blackout, one for 556....and yes, one for 7.62. I have one and really like it. Here's a pic of mine on a bullpup .308.
 

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gunzo

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Competitors in 3 gun matches often use a small variable with a lighted reticle. A 1-6 power for instance. At one power & the reticle turned on the scope acts just like any other red dot with quick target acquisition. Then more magnification is available for linger ranges. Versatile.
 
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I am biased to Leupold scopes, but vortex makes a great product in low end prices. Unless you get into the 9 power range you cannot or may not be able to see bullet holes in paper. Is that important? that's up to you.
This is were many fail with an AR style weapon. They place the scope more like a traditional hunting rifle on the top. If so it will be far to close to your eye and to low. The scope needs to be mounted further forward on the receiver. The rear lens should be no further back than the bolt release. Most scopes still need to be forward of that point. The cantilever scope mounts do 2 important functions. They get the scope up high enough to get a sight picture and allow the scope to be placed further forward to allow proper eye relief. When mounted correctly the scope on AR platform will be as fast as any other sight system. If not you will be hunting or moving your head into proper position after the rifle is mounted on your shoulder. A good scope mount is not cheap.
 

Air-cooled

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The nice thing about the Sig Bravo5 or Bravo3 is that because of its use of prisms it is of a shape that does not require a cantilever mount. In fact, it comes with its own mount. It is also very rugged and costs less than $350. Most reviews are excellent. I have Leupolds too, and this is every bit as good.
 

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"If I get this gun and plan to take it to the range (100 yards) occasionally ….. what mid-price-range scope or other optic should I consider?"
For this specific purpose, ANY scope will be fine. I like the VORTEX Crossfire 2-7x32 because it's more compact and offers good optical clarity. Plenty of magnification for any use I have.
Yes, there are more specific use scopes that have become very popular due to the '3 gunners' but most of these have features no needed for your stated purpose. One of these that I like is the VORTEX Crossfire 1-4 V-Brite model. Crosshair with a pinpoint illumination in the center when turned on. The illuminated center dot doesn't overwhelm the sight picture like a fully illuminated crosshair may do.
The downside of these 'Tacticool' scopes is the weight since many/most weigh over a pound plus the mount. I have 1/2 dozen of these '3 gunner' scopes from 4 different brands (USA branded and/or pure Chinesium) and none really offer a great advantage over a moderately price 2-7x or 4x scope in actual use.
"PRISM" scopes tend to be eye relief sensitive and so far, I've not found one in my price range that doesn't overhang the rear of the upper. At that point, I'll just use a common scope and get a wider field of view.
 

krw

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I have a IOR 3-18 on my POF. I wanted something to engage targets ine the 4-600 yd range though. With IOR's you have Lovers and Haters but I picked this one up at a bargain price and really like it. Especially since the reticle is FFP
 
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Any thoughts on this?


I have one of their reflex sights. I never did use it, but just in handling and playing with it, the lens fell out. Seems it was glued into position, and the glue was not up to the task. I glued it back in, but I'd never trust it anywhere but at the range.

I know they make some very inexpensive products, and I also would like to know the quality and performance of their other products.
 
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t-reg

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Mines getting the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 in a Leupold cantilever mount that the American has been wearing.
It's a hunting gun, doesn't need anything fancy, keeping it simple.
 

Air-cooled

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Mines getting the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 in a Leupold cantilever mount that the American has been wearing.
It's a hunting gun, doesn't need anything fancy, keeping it simple.
3-9X Redfield with a cantilever mount is fancier than a 5X Sig Bravo. And with the cantilever mount, it is the same price.
 

hittman

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For now mine is wearing pop up sites. I couldn't decide on an optic so, no hurry, it can wait.

I've had a couple of red dot sites over the years and they just never impressed me much for some reason.

Thanks for all the ideas.
 

BlacknRed21

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I've been debating this for a while. It's all about the philosophy of use. Mine being the 16", keeping it light weight is the name of the game, but still being a DMR I want to still be able to reach out there with the .308. I believe I'm going with the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44 FFP scope. It only weight 22oz (same as the sig 5x) and I'll secure it down with one of their cantilever mounts. I run Vortex scopes on all of my guns and absolutely love every one of them. Then throw on some magpul pro 45 degree iron sights for 50 yards and in. Versatile and light weight.
 
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For your purposes the Sig Bravo sounds perfect. I like my long reachers to be boring to over 1,000. I'm pondering a 6.5 Creedmoor AR 10 build. My 300EBR is getting a little ponderous but @ 40x 1,000yds looks like 25yds. All the other variables still apply but with good dope it's like shooting a 22 @ 100yds.
 
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