Which scope for AR .204???

[shotgunred50]

I have recently ordered a model 1 AR-15 in .204. I am probably not gonna get this rifle until christmas time no thanks to the gun feeding frenzy started by our current administration. Anyway I was just wondering if any of you guys have some scope suggestions. I have been looking at the nikon monarchs, and several others. I was also curious if anyone has experience with barska scopes. There are a few on cheaper than dirt but I dont want to buy a piece of junk, at the same time I really do not want to spend more than 600 or 700 dollars. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[Rick in Oregon]

Buy the best you can afford, stay away from Barska for sure. The scope would depend on what you intend to do with the rifle....what will you use it for?

[shotgunred50]

I plan on killing as many groundhogs as possible on my farm. My dad has a model 70 winchester in .22-250, but the AR will be my go to varmint rifle when it arrives(I can't wait). I may even buy a seperate upper assembely in the future for deer hunting and or plinking. Right now I am in need of a nice scope for the .204. What do you think about the nikon monarch? any other suggestions under 600-700 dollars?

[Glen]

I like the Nikons. Also look around for a Leupold VXII 6-18x40. That should come in under $600.

[MT204]

I myself am building an ar-15 204 ruger.
Have a AR-X Enterprises side bolt upper, a Tactical Innovations lower, geissele trigger and a magpul prs stock.
Now I'm just waiting for my Shilen barrel to get here (another month they say).
I just yesterday got a Burris Xtreme Tactical 6X-24X-50mm and a Burris AR-P.E.P.R. mount to install the scope.

[shotgunred50]

Let me know how you like the burris tactical scope. I am also looking for a good drop in trigger that is consistent, light and does not have a lot of take up. To me if a rifle has a bad trigger, the whole gun just sucks.

[blkdog]

Take a look at the Nikon Buckmaster 6x18. It comes with side focus and very good optics for the money. I have several and I have been very happy with them. They are not equal to my Nightforce or Lupy but they are great when you need to scope several rifles with good glass.

[Wrangler John]

I have Bushnell 4200 Elites in 6-24x (2 ea), 3.5-10x; Nikon Monarchs 6.5-20x and 6-24x with side focus; Burris 3-9x's; Leupold 3-9x (several) and a Weaver Classic Extreme 3-10x, and some I forgot (like the two Unertl target scopes). My last scope purchase was a Leupold VXII 6-18x. I recommend this last scope as it is smaller and lighter than the rest, which makes it more handy for a light rifle. In my ground squirrel hunting area I find I seldom turn the power up beyond 14x, with most work being done at about 12x, under 200 yards. Most of my early squirrel hunting was done with a 3-9x Leupold and I wasn't handicapped. The optical quality of these brands are all about the same, with the Elite 4200's and Leupold's a bit better to my eye.

My suggestion is look at the Leupold VX11 series, the Bushnell 4200 series, and then the Nikon line. I use http://www.theopticzone.com for comparison shopping, but suggest you give Nosler's Pro Shop a call if you decide on a Leupold, as they had the best prices last June.

[Charlie AR15]

I have an AR and LOVE my Vortex Viper 6.5x20x50 scope with the BDC reticle. I had a Leupold 6.5x20x50 on it; but love this Viper! Camera Land in N.Y. sells them and they are great people to deal with. Vortex has a $50. rebate going on now. Much less expensive and I think a better scope than the Leupold. Will be buying (at least)another one soon ! You really should check them out before buying any other . BTW, ARs absolutely RULE in PD towns !! Yours in 204 Ruger will make you smile a lot ! Mine is in 20 TAC (driver) which is a lot like the 204. PDs don't have time to hide after a miss before you get off a second adjusted shot. Can't do that with a bolt gun!

[shotgunred50]

Thanks for all of your help guys. I am going to go to bass pro shops just to give some of these scopes the actual eyeball test. After all everyone shoots a little bit different and people have their own preferences. I like something that is really clear with a good reticle that doesn't split off and make you think you're seeing double all of the time. Any more suggestions will be appreciated.

[OldTurtle]

Unless you want to go into the higher dollar scopes ($600 ceiling), I'd take a serious look at the Vortex, the Sightron, and the Nikon... All have quality glass and I know Vortex and Sightron have excellent warranties that will apply to any subsequent owner, should you ever decide to sell it..

I have two Sightrons and a Burris Black Diamond (a little over your price point) for my longer distance shooting and have found no reason to go more expensive..My next one will probably be a Vortex...