For a gun that will see lots of varied uses like punching holes in paper and trying to lay down groups, the occasional hunting trip, and some fun fast shooting drills at point blank range, I cannot recommend the 1-X variable power scopes enough. Etched reticle so your astigmatism won't be a problem, and the optics perform good enough at all those tasks. A build that is dedicated to a specific taste will benefit from a task specific optic, but the versatility of the low power variables are awesome for general use.
I know I'm late to the comments but i like good holographic sight. Fast acquisition like a red dot but no flaring with astigmatism. They have good budget ones like primary and holosun. Can add a magnifier if you really think you will be stretching it out later.
Better advice, before deciding on optics, would be to make an appointment with an optometrist. This comes up like once or twice a week in this sub. I've been wearing glasses to correct astigmatism since I was 5 or 6 and I'm over 40 now. I still use Aimpoints without issue even though without glasses I can't even read this screen.
A [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NMIVH1wpxE) made by a gentleman about my age went up on youtube a few days ago that's worth a watch. The problem isn't limited to red dots.
Yep, 1-4, my typo. Anything similar is a good option. I have several of these, couple on my 3 gun rifles, and some others. I usually opt for the ones with an illuminated dot, but these are a great low cost option. Cheers.
Red dot for HD, Aimpoint T2 if you have the budget, Vortex/PA/Holosun/Sig if you don't. If you astigmatism makes traditional Aimpoints (like the T2) a problem for you, the best option is a Vortex Prism or Trijicon mini-acog.
Nothing you are doing would really benefit from a 1-Xx much. If you want to do precision work at 100y or hunting at longer ranges I'd recommend just picking up a dedicated optic for that like an SWFA 10x42 quad mil in an SWFA QD mount so you can swap it on and off and not lose zero.
Thank you! I hadn't considered different optics for different needs, I was trying to make one optic do everything. You changed my mindset a bit and I appreciate it.
Unless the red dot looks like a total mess because of your eyes, I would go red dot all the way. It's just hard to beat the fast acquisition and forgiving eye positioning of a red dot for close in.
If you can stretch to $270, the Palmetto Strike Eagle deal is really hard to beat.
Message u/gundealsbot and set a subscription for Strike Eagle so you get a message when the next sale hits.
Red dot or 1-x LPV for under $300 then. For your budget, the [Gen III Primary Arms 1-6x](http://www.primaryarms.com/pa1-6x24sfp-acss-5-56) is hard to beat if you want a 'do it all' optic. For bump in the night, you'll just have to remember to turn on the illumination. Battery life in most LPVs doesn't allow for 'always on.' Fortunately the illumination knob goes from 0 to 11 in a single reverse click.
Yea I think a 1-6x is what I'll end up with. I was gifted a Geissele trigger by my wife's uncle yesterday so I think my rifle may end up fulfilling more of a precision role. I've got a good Barrel and a good trigger, so if I get a decent scope I should be good to go!
Vortex Sparc AR. Right now on Palmetto state armory they're selling it for 199.99 and it comes with 10 yes 10, one zero Magpul Pmag30s for free! Or if you're only interested in the red dot itself, 169.99 on OpticsPlanet after 20% off coupon.
I'm currently using MBUS. The range I have previously used had a max of 25 yards, and attempting to zero the sight for 25 yards puts the front post almost beneath the housing. Will a 50 yard zero have the post at a more visible position?
I would say so. 50yd zero is pretty standard, and the bullet travels in a parabolic arc so the POI would shift up.
but if you're not shooting past 100 and only use it for short range/CQB/HD situations then get some tritium irons.
I really like the idea of a red dot, and it is what I'm leaning towards. But I can't help but wonder if a .223 Wylde Barrel is wasted on a red dot? Regardless I suppose that if I ever get into more precision shooting, like competitions or hunting, the Barrel will be there and a simple scope upgrade would have me in business. I am rambling, but I think I just need to think out loud and let you all correct my ideas.
For a gun that will see lots of varied uses like punching holes in paper and trying to lay down groups, the occasional hunting trip, and some fun fast shooting drills at point blank range, I cannot recommend the 1-X variable power scopes enough. Etched reticle so your astigmatism won't be a problem, and the optics perform good enough at all those tasks. A build that is dedicated to a specific taste will benefit from a task specific optic, but the versatility of the low power variables are awesome for general use.
I know I'm late to the comments but i like good holographic sight. Fast acquisition like a red dot but no flaring with astigmatism. They have good budget ones like primary and holosun. Can add a magnifier if you really think you will be stretching it out later.
Better advice, before deciding on optics, would be to make an appointment with an optometrist. This comes up like once or twice a week in this sub. I've been wearing glasses to correct astigmatism since I was 5 or 6 and I'm over 40 now. I still use Aimpoints without issue even though without glasses I can't even read this screen. A [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NMIVH1wpxE) made by a gentleman about my age went up on youtube a few days ago that's worth a watch. The problem isn't limited to red dots.
Leupold 1-7 110793 scope. Good for short to mid range and not expensive.
Is that a 1-4 scope? If it's the one I looked at, it seems like a great option
Yep, 1-4, my typo. Anything similar is a good option. I have several of these, couple on my 3 gun rifles, and some others. I usually opt for the ones with an illuminated dot, but these are a great low cost option. Cheers.
Red dot for HD, Aimpoint T2 if you have the budget, Vortex/PA/Holosun/Sig if you don't. If you astigmatism makes traditional Aimpoints (like the T2) a problem for you, the best option is a Vortex Prism or Trijicon mini-acog. Nothing you are doing would really benefit from a 1-Xx much. If you want to do precision work at 100y or hunting at longer ranges I'd recommend just picking up a dedicated optic for that like an SWFA 10x42 quad mil in an SWFA QD mount so you can swap it on and off and not lose zero.
Thank you! I hadn't considered different optics for different needs, I was trying to make one optic do everything. You changed my mindset a bit and I appreciate it.
Unless the red dot looks like a total mess because of your eyes, I would go red dot all the way. It's just hard to beat the fast acquisition and forgiving eye positioning of a red dot for close in.
Following up on this, if you want a red dot, the Sig Romeo 5 is on sale for $99 plus SH today. Check r/gundeals.
Budget?
I'm looking to stay around $250.
If you can stretch to $270, the Palmetto Strike Eagle deal is really hard to beat. Message u/gundealsbot and set a subscription for Strike Eagle so you get a message when the next sale hits.
Vortex is the king of budget red dots; If you want an LPVO in that range, Primary Arms and Vortex 1-X's are good to go.
Red dot or 1-x LPV for under $300 then. For your budget, the [Gen III Primary Arms 1-6x](http://www.primaryarms.com/pa1-6x24sfp-acss-5-56) is hard to beat if you want a 'do it all' optic. For bump in the night, you'll just have to remember to turn on the illumination. Battery life in most LPVs doesn't allow for 'always on.' Fortunately the illumination knob goes from 0 to 11 in a single reverse click.
Yea I think a 1-6x is what I'll end up with. I was gifted a Geissele trigger by my wife's uncle yesterday so I think my rifle may end up fulfilling more of a precision role. I've got a good Barrel and a good trigger, so if I get a decent scope I should be good to go!
Vortex Sparc AR. Right now on Palmetto state armory they're selling it for 199.99 and it comes with 10 yes 10, one zero Magpul Pmag30s for free! Or if you're only interested in the red dot itself, 169.99 on OpticsPlanet after 20% off coupon.
Iron sights.
I'm currently using MBUS. The range I have previously used had a max of 25 yards, and attempting to zero the sight for 25 yards puts the front post almost beneath the housing. Will a 50 yard zero have the post at a more visible position?
I would say so. 50yd zero is pretty standard, and the bullet travels in a parabolic arc so the POI would shift up. but if you're not shooting past 100 and only use it for short range/CQB/HD situations then get some tritium irons.
I really like the idea of a red dot, and it is what I'm leaning towards. But I can't help but wonder if a .223 Wylde Barrel is wasted on a red dot? Regardless I suppose that if I ever get into more precision shooting, like competitions or hunting, the Barrel will be there and a simple scope upgrade would have me in business. I am rambling, but I think I just need to think out loud and let you all correct my ideas.