New 204 Owner looking at optics

[Ranch565]

So just layed down the cash for a WMD Guns 204 Ruger AR, 24in Heavy Barrel. It's a beast of gun, literally but extremely stable platform. It's not on their website but they do sell them and have been for about 5 years'ish

Now looking at glass and maybe I'm missing something but why would I need more than a 3x9 or 2.5x10 power scope? I'm assuming all my shots are going to be less than 250m and a high percentage of them being between 75m to 150m. The rifle is not suppressed yet but it will be.

I see folks talking about x20, x25 power scopes so just wondering for 300 yard gun, why?

David

[Rick in Oregon]

I see folks talking about x20, x25 power scopes so just wondering for 300 yard gun, why?

Well David, I suppose that depends on the size of what you intend to shoot.

All my 204's are bolt guns, but my targets of choice are ground squirrels, prairie dogs, coyotes and badgers. All of them wear Leupold VX3 LR 6.5-20X scopes. Hitting a squirrel at 300 yards with a 9X scope is do-able, but difficult. Crank it up to say, 14X or even 20X, and it's a done-deal.

As you say the rifle is already a beast, you may want to look at scopes intended for the AR platform with adequate power for your intended targets and not overwhelm the rifle. I'm a die-hard Leupold fan, and know they offer such scopes. Vortex also offers AR-intended scopes.

Good luck with the quest. Let us know what you decide once the rifle is complete.

[Ranch565]

Thanks brother. I will go for the higher magnification. As soon as I get it out of the box I will take some pics.

David

[TEXAS222]

Hi David,
First, the older your eyes get the more power you need.
Second, I feel like it's having too much horsepower, just because you've got it doesn't mean you have to use it. But if you ever need it you've got it.

My 24" 204 Ruger AR has a Sightron SIII LR MOA-H 8X32X50 made in Japan on it & it's just fine, I love it. Bench shooting or sighting in, I just crank it to 32x & use it as my spotting scope. JMO.

Jim D

[B23]

I put a Burris Veracity 4-20x50 on my 527 Varmint 204. I have no complaints with it so far and would use one again.

[HoundofSC]

times 2 on the Leupold scope. One thing to keep in mind with higher magnification is mirage. Sometimes at longer ranges I will actually crank my magnification down a bit and it helps with mirage issues. That in mind it is better to have it there to decrease in times like that than not have when you need it. Like others in the thread have said, it all depends on what you plan on doing with the gun

[Ranch565]

Hey guys, thanks for recommendations. I did finally order a scope. I do really like Leupold and have 2 others but to get the magnification I wanted it was just to pricey. I settled on a Vortex PST-5251. It was actually hard to find because so many places had it in back order.
It's also my first scope in MOA, I have always done Mil's (MILRAD) so I will have a bit of adjustment with the math side of things but it seems simple enough.
The only bad thing I can see right now is that I went with the cantilever rings Vortex recommended and they are a little low for the AR platform. I typically like a jawbone check to stock but this forces me to rest on the top of my cheek bone(which pushes my chubby face a little lol

Shot a box of 32G Hornady Super Performance and the very first cold bore shot was way off compared to the next few follow up shots.

I don't see a way to attach images or I'd show the rifle scope and first set of groups.

thanks again!

[Ranch565]

ok, figured out the whole photo thing

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u42 ... pvopen.jpg
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u42 ... gjctgz.jpg
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u42 ... 0cclnk.jpg

[Rick in Oregon]

ok, figured out the whole photo thing

Don't think so. Use the IMG code and your photos will appear on the forum.

[k9i449]

I building a TC Encore MGM 24" barrel. Going to use a Bushnell 4500 6-24X40 SF. Cause they were on sale at Natchez plus a 50.00 rebate. It was NEW no refur. NICE scope. Natchez has some great buys right now.

[BobTR]

Hello! I bought atn x-sight II hd 3-14x (https://www.atncorp.com/smart-hd-weapon-sight). This modern digital scope has many great features and makes hunting a pleasure.

[Bill K]

Hey Rick. The fruitcake/nut is at it again. Bill K

[Rick in Oregon]

Not for long, Bill!

Not sure how these assclowns get on here, maybe with bots, but they are almost always eastern European or from that wonderful part of the world. AMF!

[Bill K]

I guess they need cealis and that junk to preform, even on goats, you think..? Bill K