Wanting to get a scope for an AR for self defense but also hunting out to 150 or 200 yards max. My budget is $300.

I am trying to decide between a Leupold 2-7 or a vortex strike eagle 1-8. I trust the leupold glass more but like the 1x setting on the vortex and illuminated reticle. Wondering if the 1x vs 2x low end will make much of a difference in close range.

You’ll still be able to see

You’ll use it hunting more than self defense.

I agree with princess here. The illuminated reticle is probably worthless but it will work fine.

I really like the 1-8 Strike Eagle that I have, but it is not on a hunting rifle. 2-7 is very versatile for a short range hunting optic.

I’m all about the 1x on the bottom end for stuff that has the potential for close range. My scopes all stay on the lowest setting if they’re in the pickup or ready for potential home defense.

8x is more than enough for a 200 yard hunting gun— yesterday I was shooting a 6” plate resting off a 20 round mag with my AR10 and a 1-4x Burris mtac. Try some transitions and shooting while moving with a 1x or red dot vs a 2 or 3x..... more magnification definitely makes it slower.

I’d go with the Leupold.

I tried to convince myself on that 1-8 Vortex for my AR a while back. Unfortunately, the 1-8 strike eagle was absolutely the worst glass I looked through, out of any AR scope that I tried, at any price range. I ended up keeping my Bushnell AR223 3-9x40 scope on it which I bought for $99 on black friday and has far superior glass (it's not great - it's just fine, but it was better than the 1-8 strike eagle). Maybe it was a sample variation issue (I hope so), but it was rough.

I did look through the 1-6 strike eagle and the glass was quite a bit better. I'd consider that, but IIRC, there is no side focus which bugged me because parallax is a real thing.

I'd probably consider looking for a 1-4 SWFA, or that Leupold you mentioned would probably be a good option.

Generally speaking, true 1x on the bottom end is very desirable for close range work.

It kind of depends how picky you are - You're kind of asking for a lot of things out of a $300 scope - you want to be able to shoot close, and at 200 yards, and have useful illumination, and I assume you want decent glass...

I'd probably get the 2-7 Leupold unless you really feel like driving your decision with the need for really close-up work.

Leupold VX-R 3-9x40

For a LPVO under $300 I think you will be hard pressed to be the Primary Arms 1-6x Silver Line-- I'm a fan of their 'Predator' reticle for simplicity and it is fine enough not to fill up the sight picture on animals. The chevron aiming point is nice especially shooting at moving critters. The ammo I run in my .223 didn't perfect match the 'BDC' but most won't. So I just set a 100 yard zero at the top of the chevron and verified which lower circle and dots were correct at which range and had ZERO issues running that 6x scope out to 400 yards.

The Gen III glass and components are better than the Vortex (or any other) offerings at the same price range.

I will say don't skimp on the mount-- get something solid and you'll be very happy with that optic.

https://www.primaryarms.com/primary...-gen-3-illuminated-acss-predator-reticle

Here's a solid option, and they have other Burris models as well in your price range, some with illuminated reticles.

https://www.natchezss.com/burris-mtac-rifle-scope-1-5-6x42mm-ballistic-cq-3-1-3-8-matte.html

^^This

Or an SS 1-4X, used or on sale. I've shot with it, and it is very, very good.

https://www.swfa.com/swfa-ss-1-4x24-tactical-30mm-riflescope-109309.html

At that price point, I like Burris. I have this 2-8, Fullfield II. It was right at $200.00
At the top of your price range, I also have a MTac. Great magnification range. The Burris scopes I have have great glass, hold zero, and were priced great.

I have the Burris M-Tac 1-4x and I love it on my 5.56 and love it.

Makes it easy to move with both eyes open on 1x and the reticle illuminated