I just picked up my first AR 15. I bought the base model Windham SRC flattop and need some experienced input on optics. I had all but settled on the Burris AR-536 then read several bad reviews of late in regards to canted lenses and such. I'm working on a budget of around $400 bucks tops. Would like at least 5x magnification with the option to disable it and use as a fast spot. Thanks

Out of budget but there is no question as to the scope I will be putting on my 16" AR when I can afford to.

SS 1-6x Mil/Mil FFP.

Have a 2.5X10 Zeiss Conquest on the hunting AR which is strictly a hunting one with 24 inch barrel in 6.5 Grendel. For a short handy defense carbine the PS-90 gets the nod around here.

For short range lite weight hunting rifles I like 2X7 magnification scopes, most of those have Nikon's on them.

I believe I saw some 2x10 PST's recently not far off from that price

1x4 or 3x9 Leupold VXR, VX2,

The Vortex Viper 2-7x32 would be another good option.

I plan on getting the Burris AR-332 because, after lots of reading, it seems the canted reticles were a few years ago. everyone I have talked to have nothing but good to say about it. same boat you are in, let me know what you decide to go with.

Still undecided Luke. Im spending a few hours a day researching online but there are so many choices.

Does anyone have any experience with this Burris?

Burris 200437-FF MTAC Riflescope 1-4X-24mm Ballistic Plex CQ w/ FastFire & Mount

How far are will you shooting? Day or night? Either way I like the lower magnification scopes. 2.5-10x50, 3-9x50. Most of my hunting is at night. The lower magnification work best at night. I was very surprised with the performance of a friends Nikon Prostaff 5 2.5-10x50. It's just under your price range works great both during the day and night. Use a Burris AR P.E.P.R or Nikon M-223 mount.

How about a Leupold Mark AR in the magnification of your choice.


Chupa

Yes. I ran the Burris XTR on my 16" M4 for competition. If you put me inside of 800 yards, I'll be tagging some targets with that scope. I had some hunting buddies that said there was no way we could shoot that small AR with a 4x scope out to 500 yards. I made sure each one of them had shot multiple rounds on steel at 500 yards with my 1-4 Burris XTR. Then they were believers. The fast fire is for emergency CQB, and that's up to you. I think the fast fire would be good if you ran a higher power scope, and understood the hold off and cant for it. But I only ran the 1-4 scope. I like the true 1x, since I can shoot with both eyes open for CQB targets. This is the main scope I run for Team Sniper matches when I was running the gas gun. It was easy for targets inside 400 yards. I used the BDC reticle for my holds. Don't worry about lining up the reticle to exactly the bullet and speed for the drop. They hardly ever match up any way. I ran (at the time) a Hornady 68 grain BTHP. It shot flatter than the reticle subtensions, but I just held slightly less and knew where each hold was. Once you get it and find a load that shoots good in your rifle, zero it, and take it out to each yardage point to figure out the drop. Once you know this, and hold for any wind, you can get on target very easily.

I also have a SS 3-9 mil/mil FFP scope for my 300 blk out that I like. I use this more for hunting and dialing elevation, though.

Don't think you NEED the extra magnification. 4X is plenty if you know how to use it. The 1-4X gives you more speed to acquire targets and engage them faster. There is less precision on 4x than a 20x scope, for sure, at long range. But you have to balance what you want the scope to do. Are you getting it for long range precision, or fast target recognition and engagement. That's a question only you can answer. That's why I have multiple scopes for different applications. But don't feel you can not make hits with a 1-4 power scope at longer ranges. Come spend an hour or so with me (or FiremanJG) at his gun range, and you'll understand, too. It is very possible.

Shorter range fast target location will be primarily what I need. I would say 100yds would be the longest shot in east texas I would be taking. The area I hunt is pretty thick for the most part with some open pasture. I think I'll give the Mtac 30 a shot.

I decided on the Burris AR 536 over the TAC 30 simply because I think I will eventually get the FF III and have a much better combination to reach out longer distances and still pop the closer targets? Thoughts?

I am super happy with mine