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Author Topic: Scope and Mount for AR  (Read 4314 times)

drofnas

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Scope and Mount for AR
« on: January 12, 2013, 11:14:47 am »
I have been reading tons on scopes and have learned a bunch. I currently have an Aimpoint H1 on my Daniel Defense V7. I like it very much, but I would like to have a bit more confidence on reaching out. I am looking at scopes. I have been thinking in the 2-8x range.

I guess my question is mostly about mounts. Will I be able to co-witness with sights, or should I just forget that? I have fold-down sights on it now anyway. Do I need to look for a riser-type mount, like for the H1? If co-witnessing is not an option, maybe this is a silly question? Do the QD mounts (LaRue or other) really maintain zero? I am thinking switching back and forth between H1 and scope?

I am leaning toward the Nikon 8487, M223 Riflescope, 2-8x32mm, Matte Finish, BDC 600 Reticle. At $350, plus another $200 for a mount, this is not chump change. Any thoughts on this, or maybe a better option?

Thanks for the input. I learn much on this site, even when I am not posting. A wealth of experience and info here. Thank you.
Michigan

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    sarge712

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    Re: Scope and Mount for AR
    « Reply #1 on: January 12, 2013, 11:38:41 am »
    I just bought the AimPoint PRO (Police Rifle Optic) at MidwayUSA for $400. It comes already mounted in a ring and all you have to do is place it on the rail and tighten the tension knob until it clicks three times. Its pre-set to the proper torque so you can't over tighten it and damage the rail or mount.

    I initially zeroed the irons on the US Army's 25/300m target and tried out an initial zero for the PRO there too. It was a tight group you could cover with a dime. I then moved back and finally set the zero at for the PRO at 50 yards ( our qual distance) and the group opened up to the size of a quarter.

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    Re: Scope and Mount for AR
    « Reply #2 on: January 12, 2013, 11:42:20 am »
    Sarge, he's already got an Aimpoint H1 (you don't get much better than that).


    Yes, the LaRue mounts absolutely return to zero. They are the way to go, I have several LaRue products and they will not let you down. Well worth the cost which seems steep at first but you get what you pay for and then some.

    You cannot cowitness through a magnified optic...it's optically impossible. So you just fold down your rear sight and mount your scope over that

    I would definitely spend some money on a good scope which you are planning to do...

    Yes, the $550-600 that you are going to spend on this combo is a bit pricey, but do it. Do not try to cheapen out on this. You might want to look for a used LaRue mount, that will save you a bit of money. A quality scope with a bomb proof mount is combat reliable and a joy to go to the range with...because you will actually spend your time shooting instead of fixing problems.

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    Re: Scope and Mount for AR
    « Reply #3 on: January 12, 2013, 05:48:33 pm »
    I'm extremely pleased with my LaRue mounts. I have the exact scope you're looking at and while I have made hits out to about 750 with it, I have a bit of buyers remorse over the BDC reticle. Every load is different, so the holdovers aren't exact or constant. I think I'd have an easier time with MOA dots, but ymmv. I downloaded the Strelok Ballistics App for my Android, so I can see exactly what each hold means just before or while I'm shooting.
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    Re: Scope and Mount for AR
    « Reply #4 on: January 12, 2013, 07:47:13 pm »
    Here's my logic on scope mounts. If you do it right, you buy it once. This means that you might get 30 years of use out of this purchase. I know lots of people who bought cheaper mounts who ended up buying new equipment, sometimes very quickly.

    I've never heard of anyone replacing a LaRue mount. Ever.

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    Re: Scope and Mount for AR
    « Reply #5 on: January 12, 2013, 11:30:13 pm »
    Burris Pepper mounts are solid.  I've used them a lot with no problems.
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    drofnas

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    Re: Scope and Mount for AR
    « Reply #6 on: January 13, 2013, 01:55:48 pm »
    Thank you so much for the feedback. Good stuff.

    I understand now the concerns with the BDC graduated scopes. What seems weird is that there are scopes with the MilDot Reticle and MOA clicks on the adjustments. I guess I want to find a scope that is in the $300ish range, with either both MOA and MOA, or MIL and MIL. I figure since I don't really know either system, and I'm decent at math, I can make either work. I just don't want a mix/match thing. That doesn't make sense.
    Michigan

    drofnas

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    Re: Scope and Mount for AR
    « Reply #7 on: January 26, 2013, 09:45:42 am »
    As I continue to do research and save my $$, I have just heard of a 20MOA mount. What is this for? If I am understanding it, it is for longer ranges. I really don't see myself trying to make 2000 yard shots with my 16inch AR. Is there a reason for me to consider this?

    I also just found out about Zeiss scopes. I was really thinking Nikon Monarch, but the reviews are even better for Zeiss. I would probably end up with the cheapest Zeiss (3-9x40) if I went that route. Any input between a Nikon Monarch (2.5-10x40) versus the Zeiss. The reticle options are fewer with Zeiss. To go to the BDC type reticle takes the price up very quickly on the otherwise same scope.

    I just know I don't want to spend money over and over. Trying to make a good first choice. (I think I did with the Aimpoint. I would like to do it again with a scope.)

    Thanks again.
    Michigan

    drofnas

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    Re: Scope and Mount for AR
    « Reply #8 on: January 26, 2013, 11:23:31 am »
    As I continue to do research and save my $$, I have just heard of a 20MOA mount. What is this for? If I am understanding it, it is for longer ranges. I really don't see myself trying to make 2000 yard shots with my 16inch AR. Is there a reason for me to consider this?

    I also just found out about Zeiss scopes. I was really thinking Nikon Monarch, but the reviews are even better for Zeiss. I would probably end up with the cheapest Zeiss (3-9x40) if I went that route. Any input between a Nikon Monarch (2.5-10x40) versus the Zeiss. The reticle options are fewer with Zeiss. To go to the BDC type reticle takes the price up very quickly on the otherwise same scope.

    I just know I don't want to spend money over and over. Trying to make a good first choice. (I think I did with the Aimpoint. I would like to do it again with a scope.)

    Thanks again.

    OK--1 more: Vortex Optics Viper HS 2.5-10x44 30mm Tube. This looks like it has a great combination of what I am looking for. The brand name Nikon is known to me because of cameras. The other two (Zeiss and Vortex) are new to me.

    Thank you again for any input you can give. All three of these scopes can be had in the $350-$450 price range. (I know, my range is going higher.)
    Michigan

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    Scope and Mount for AR
    « Reply #9 on: January 26, 2013, 01:15:42 pm »
    Zeiss vs Nikon is kinda like BMW vs Lexus. They're both known for very good glass.

    drofnas

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    Re: Scope and Mount for AR
    « Reply #10 on: January 28, 2013, 09:31:52 pm »
    I ordered today. Nikon Monarch 3-12x42. Quick Release AR Burris PEPR. I got it all from theriflescopestore.com. Scott was very helpful. Lots of short videos, and Emailed back and forth with me answering my specific questions. Very good experience. We will see how it all turns out. Now I will have to venture far from my home to actually try this stuff out when I get it.

    Thank you for your input. Very much appreciated. With this much cash on the line, I don't want to just throw it around. (About $520 out the door.)
    Michigan

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