So, I just bought a couple new fancy evil black firearms. One scattergun, one AR-15. The scattergun currently has a $25 BSA red dot sight on it; the AR has iron sights.
I'd like to upgrade both.
However, I think I've mentioned this before, I'm a cheap bastard. I'm not looking to drop $500 on the latest and greatest EOTech. I'd rather spend $100 on something not quite as bells-and-whistles-y and $400 on a case of ammo... For the Mossberg, I'd like to get a low-profile red dot or holo sight, nothing fancy, but something that can stand up to the rigors of a shotgun. For the Bushmaster, I'm thinking something with a bit (2X-4X) magnification that I could sight in at 100 yards and plink away. I'll need something that mounts to the carrying handle for the AR; the Mossberg has a standard Weaver rail.
So... What are my options?
Mossberg: This is the kind of sight I'm thinking of. $50 (less with C&R discount), favorably rated (realizing, of course, that n=2 isn't exactly a statistically valid group...). A slightly more expensive option, with better ratings, is this model. Any reason to look further, or other options that might be more what I'm looking for? I'd prefer to keep this scope options to under $100.
Bushmaster: This is where things get interesting. There's about, oh, a hundred million billion different sighting options available for the AR-15; with the choices only slightly limited by the carrying handle. Which, naturally, can be overcome for about $20... Ideally, I'd like to get a magnified red dot type scope at ~ 4X power for the Bushmaster, something that can reach out to 100 yards or so but not break the bank. Something under $150 here. Some possibilities are here, here, or here.
Any recommendations, either specific scopes to look for or certain manufacturers to avoid, are welcome. I've had extremely limited experience with scopes, mainly putting $10 4X scopes on rimfire rifles for 25 yard plinking, so I've got quite the learning curve ahead of me. The main focus for both optics is short-range work; nothing beyond 50 yards for the Mossberg and nothing beyond 100 yards for the Bushmaster. I don't need a ½ MOA scope nor a night-vision holographic sight here, just basic, no-frills, low-budger add-ons.
Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
That is all.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
The sight for the shotgun, could be anything, I suppose -- heck it is just for pointing anyway. But I would get a good used scope for the AR - look on line or Kittery Trading Post for a suitable one, say a used Aimpoint . We are in this for the long run, right? I think there is a danger in getting a cheap sight, as your success with hitting anything depends on that sight.
I picked up a Centerpoint from Walmart for $69. It's a 4-16x40mm, it has illuminated recticles (both red and green at 5 power levels), and locking knobs so that you can adjust windage and elevation without screwdrivers.
It might be something to try for just plinking. At $69 it fits your budget and is a quite full featured scope. The optics probably pale in comparison to Nikon or Triijicon, etc. But so does the price.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10248654
That said, I do confess to being new to scopes as well. So take my opinion with a grain of salt and a couple grounds of pepper. But Walmart is pretty good with returns.
libertyman,
The only real concern I have for whatever I mount on the Mossberg is that it not rattle apart after the first tube 'o' slugs... It's got the Weaver rail already on it; might as well use it, right? *G*
As for the Bushmaster, you've certainly got a point, but I'm really looking for minute of goblin at 50 yards with this carbine. If I want something to hit at 200 yards or more, I'll get the 20" barrel version with a flattop and put some serious glass on it.
I'm looking for something a step up from the iron sights that's not going to break the bank right now.
Although looking for a used Aimpoint or Eotech isn't a bad idea...
The Saj,
That's kinda what I'm thinking, go with a "starter" type scope with illuminated reticles for now, and then pick up something better down the road. Heck, I could buy a $50 holo sight for the Mossie and something like that Centerpoint for the Bushie, and then down the road get a better sight for the Bushie and move the Centerpoint over to the scattergun...
So many toys, so little money...
What's also in the works that's eating the gun budget is a new Knoxx SpecOps recoil-reducing stock and tactical forend for the Mossberg and an Ace skeleton stock and tactical forend for the Bushmaster...
Take a look through Zak Smith's article on optics selection for the carbine. It covers a great deal of lexicon and terminology. http://demigodllc.com/articles/fighting-carbine-optics-short-guide
Now, for some potentially painful truth - if you cannot budget $200-250 for your carbine optic, you're probably better off sticking with the irons. Cheap optics will fail to hold zero, fog up, and break under even the minimal recoil of a 5.56mm AR. In particular, I'd avoid anything made by Leapers, NcStar, BSA, or Tasco.
A few optics that I've tried that won't hurt your budget too much include the Ultradot 30mm or the Burris 2x20 pistol scope on a scout mount (both $150 or so.) You'll also want to set aside some money for decent rings (Burris Zee Rings, $50 from Midway) and a carry handle scope mount (the California Comp Works dual-level is the only one to consider, and fairly affordable at $50 direct.)
As for the shotgun, there aren't too many red-dot optics that will hold up to 12-gauge recoil. The Aimpoint T-1 will, and a lot of people have had good luck with sights like the JPoint and the Burris Fastfire, but any of those will blow your budget. I'd think about holding off on shotgun optics for a while.
Post a Comment