I decided to jump into the AR world and need something on my 5.56/223. Looking to maybe shoot some pigs and really have something in case the fan starts to go clunk clunk!!

Should I look at just a red dot? Fixed power? Variable? May try to shot pigs under feeder lights and varmints too.

I know there are +/- for everything but would like to hear some good and bad.... Also not looking to break the bank!!

it's hard to go wrong with a 2-7 or 3-9 variable, but if you want to spend twice as much, the 1-6 or 1-8x illuminated scopes are hard to beat. on 1x they work like a red dot.

Second a 1-6x like Burris RT-6 for jack of all trades. That's what I do and have been satisfied for everything except low light precision. A 1.5-6x40 or so would probably work out better but 1x when pretending I'll ever clear a house is hard to give up.

If you're really going to hunt at night a 7x or 8x 56mm scope with a reflex on a 45 deg mount is an idea. I haven't tried it yet because like a lot of my ideas if I think about them long enough I figure out why it's a bad one.

I like the 3x micro prism from Primary Arms. . It’s only 8 ounces.

I have a Romeo red dot and a magnifier on mine and my wife has a very hard to find now Leopold 2x7 Firedot on hers. I may go to a 1x6 illuminated in the future as my eyes get older.

Aimpoint

The Sig Romeo 5 (red dot) is hard to beat. $100 and you'll get hits to 300.

The Eotech Vudu 1-6 is excellent. FFP, great glass. $1100 ish.

I just put a Sig Romeo 5 on my x39. I'm very impressed with it for the price.

I went with a Leupold red dot.I really do like it, but a buddy of mine went with the rt6. I like it better. Wish I'd have gone the LPV[ route instead. I may switch over in the future.

Go with quality QD mounts like LaRue or American Defense and get both. Red dot and then whichever scope you want for longer range stuff.

I REALLY like these low power variable optics for an AR. I think it is the overall best solution, especially for your listed purposes. We have a 1-4 Trijicon Accupooint that we love. The 4x still feels enough to take a 200 yard or less shot while the 1x is good enough for quick shooting. i've heard the vortex strike eagle and primary arms ones that are 1-6 are very good too. And I also agree that putting it on a high quality QD mount, our is larue, is the bees knees.

The Burris RT-6 1-6 is a great, and very popular scope. Priced way below it's value
Speed reigns supreme in three-gun competition. So if you want to compete, you better be fast on the target and fast to shoot. Race inspired and tactical strong, the new RT-6™ is built for speed, accuracy and easy handling. Guaranteed to shave seconds off the clock.
Shorter than most 1-4x scopes for quicker, easier handling
The 6x zoom has true 1x setting for eyes open engagement.
Ballistic AR™ mil reticle with trajectory compensation out to 600 yards

Do not get a LaRue QD mount.

If your wife sees how well they work, it will destroy your argument for a second, dedicated firearm.

Thanks guys!! Lots of options and I’ve heard good things on the Burris too

I found my favorite scope by accident. I have had Athlon, Nikon and Texas Precision Optics scopes. I bought an upper in 6mm from one of our members and it had a Burris 4.5-14x42 Fullfield E1 mounted. PERFECT scope for me. It's light considering it's size at 15 ounces. Light transmission is better than all three other scope makers I have owned. Also I foiund out I like second focal plane better than FFP. I liked it so much I bought a second one for my 300 BO.