what is the cheapest scope you have on an AR that works?

mdick

mdick

New member
hey all,

What is the cheapest scope any of you have on an AR that has held up? AND - cheap variable power scope with a power range at least 15x on top end.
 
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Hey man I've got a BSA sweet 223 on my dpms 16. Its actually a nice for a cheap price. 120 bucks I think online maybe cheaper. Just run a good set of rings with it and you'll be good to go.
 
Originally Posted By: jarheadhunterNot to 15x power, but I have a Vortex Diamondback that is a 4x12x40 and was $180. Love the scope.


+1... i really like mine as well, and for the price, it wont hurt if i ding,dent,scratch or break it....
 
Another one that is not 15x would be the mueller APV or an APT. I have one of the apt's on my 10/22 and put them on a couple of my buddies ar's and we have all been happy with them. I would not waiste my time on the BSA. If you are looking at one and really want one I have a 4-14 or 4-16 with the mil-dot that I would be willing to sell you. It has been on my 25-06 and have had no problems with it. It is just not as clear as the mueller.
 
I put a Bushnell fixed 4x Sportsman on my AR for a last minute rushed NV yote hunt. That was 2yrs ago and about 500 miles of washboard gravel and powerline road later on the atv it's still holding up. How long it will last I have no idea, but for $39 new I'm not compaining. Will upgrade when this 4x fails.
 
Simmons Whitetail Classic 6.5 x 20. Clear glass all the way to max power and holds zero. Midway USA for around $125.
 
I can't believe I'm even going to write this(and if anybody wants to kick me in the balls for doing so, I will try to stand still for the first kick)..

I've *heard/read* pretty good things about the Centerpoint scopes. From what I understand they are made for spring piston guns so they should handle the recoil of an AR just fine. Also read/heard the clarity ain't to bad.

The topic is cheap scope, so there ya go. I've seen the Centerpoints at Walmart.
 
My 30 yr old BSA platnum target scope 6-24x, cost was $69 when I got it way back then. Still using it to this day and I can shoot as good or better than the guys w/a $1200 scope at the range.
 
I have a couple of BSAs. They are supposedly Midway exclusives 6-24 SF Mildot. Midway sells them for $150. I have one on a CZ .22 for shooting flies off 50td targets and the other on my target AR. They get a little fuzzy at 20x and beyond, and the either the distances paralax knobs are off, or my range is shorter than the club claims.

That said, while someday I AM going to spend the money for better glass, until then, these are usable. They hold zero and shoot a pretty square box.
 
I won't kick ya "Doggin Coyotes" for lookin at those Walmart Centerpoint scopes. I was thinking pretty much the same thing for a cheaper replacement scope for my AR and ATV use. I've had two mid priced variables go bad NOT from AR rifle recoil but from rough roads while on my ATV. To much shock and vibration I guess. I carry it on the front of my ATV in a gun mount. Go to look through them and the crosshairs are tweeked 45 degrees off center. I just take them off and put my detachable handle back on the AR when that happens. I carry it in my backpack with the MO JO and a down vest. Tried the 4x Walmart Bushnell Sportsman a few years ago and so far, so good. Maybe the lower end fixed power scopes are a little tougher than some of the variables..less moving parts. Does that make any sense? Anyway, the Centerpoint Walmart springer air gun scope also grabbed my attention for a spare.
 
$29.95 3-9x40 no name scope my son bought at "Truck load" sale many years ago when he was 9. Just had to have it. It has been on 30-06, 308 and more recently moved to my blaster AR when I got him a good scope. It just won't die.
 
The Simmons Whitetail at Midway USA, 6.5X - 20X is the best bargain out there, IMO. $110 - $120, depending on which reticle you want.
 
I'm running a Nikon Prostaff on one. And a Buckmaster on the other. I don't see a reason to go much lower then that. But I also do not run that high of magnification. I figure if I can hit an 8" plat at 400 there's no need for the extra bulk. Bench and prairie dog guns are a different story. I like my Vortex Vipers for those.

Again, these are JMHO.
 
While not up to 15x...I found a old Simmons Aetec 2.8-10x in a pawn shop for $50 that I will put up against any other 'low priced, poor reputation' scope...BSA Platnums are also better then the rest of the BSA line and usually don't break the bank...

My Simmons Aetec on my "cheap" AR...
PCAR2.jpg

PCAR.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: mdickhey all,

What is the cheapest scope any of you have on an AR that has held up? AND - cheap variable power scope with a power range at least 15x on top end.

Walmart's Center Point 4-16x44(?) $69.99. About 80% of the ones I've bought work great out of the box and hold zero. The other 20% can't be bore sighted or need to have different rings. Worst case it to go return them for another one.

Little "foggy" at 16x but they hold zero.
 


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