I am considering putting an optic on my AR15 to hunt hogs. I anticipate shots ranging from up close and personal to 100 yards. My eyes aren't so great, so I feel like my current red dot wouldn't cut it. Ideally, I'm looking for something like a 1-4x, lightweight, low profile scope with a non busy optic - something akin to a duplex. Having a small red dot (like the Leupold firedot) would certainly be a bonus. Budget is up to $500 new or used, though I would love to stay well below that. Does anything in particular come to mind? Thanks.

Meopta optika 6
1-6x24mm second focal plane

Picked up a Bushnell SMRS elite tactical 1-6.5x24 last year. I think they discontinued that model but the scope is awesome. Use it for exactly the same scenario you’re describing. I also run a vortex crossfire on a 3030, nowhere near the scope the bushnell is but it works. Killed a solid boar just last evening with that combo, actually.

Based on experience, SWFA 1-4 or a Primary Arms 1-6. or 1-8. I don’t understand the fascination with a duplex. Reticles aren’t that hard to figure out,

I'm open to other reticles - it's just that simple is better in my case. I am going to be using this mostly for hunting pigs in swamps here in GA - and some of those may be on the run. So a reticle that lends itself to simplicity and quick acquisition is what I am looking for.

Steve knows how to use a Mil/Mil, MOA/MOA scope.

I made sure of it.

Sorry about that. Didn't mean to sound like a jerk. SWFA has an illuminated diamond and the PA's have illuminated chevrons. Both are good for fast acquisition. Everyone makes 1-4s or 1-6s so the choices are almost endless. Just don't buy a Vortex.

Yes sir you did...and I shot an elk at 650 yards. True story.

My 1x8 Strike Eagle works great. PSA had a killer deal on them the other day. $349 with rings.

For 100 yards in and in, I'd look really hard at the Leupold 1.5 x 4 or 2 x 7 with a Firedot Reticle.

Normal crosshairs with an illuminated dot that really helps finding the center of your reticle on a black pig in low light conditions.

Edit - Whoops, just saw the sub $500 note...

That SS 1-4X is a whole lot of scope for the money. Have not seen one break down yet.

And yes, whatever you do, do not buy Vortex.

What is shocking to me is the 50 mils of adjustment it has. Overkill for that type of scope but impressive.

I’m a fan of the Burris AR 332 for quick acquisition and fairly simple reticle. it’s straight 3x, they also make it in 5x.

Burris RT6

Good recc. except for the price point.

Thanks guys. I ended up getting a really good deal on a barely used Leupold VX-R 1.25-4 and aero mount. It’s one with capped turrets and a version of the FireDot reticle that should be good for swamp hogs. Appreciate the input.

1 X 8 for sure Why get a 1 X 4 when a 1 X 8 just does more!

I have a 1X8 and my only regret is that NF doesnt make a 1x10

I like the looks of that. I wonder if it would hold up to the recoil of an AR 12...

Because he said sub-$500 and there are Vortex haters. I am not yet until it breaks but there are better reticles for sure.

Based on my Leupold VX-2, VX-R, VX-3 and Meopta MeoPro I believe the Optika will be better in low light.

I am going to roll with the VX-R for now and see how it does. The Optika6 features are appealing, but the weight of that scope is surprising. About twice the weight of the VX-R and heavier than the full size VX5-HD on my elk rifle. Not a deal breaker, but a definite consideration for a woods rifle being carried for miles.