the best of 'inexpensive" optics for the AR-15

[savagecornmuffin]

My favorite cheap scopes right now are Weaver's Classic and Burris' FFII 2-7. Both are well under $200. I'd lean toward the Weaver as you have to twist the hole objective on the Burris to zoom. If you must have a 1-4, Burris' FFII Tac is nice for the price, but the reticle is obtrusive (imo).

[laxpatrick]

Had been primarily a Nikon guy, but recently picked up a couple from Vortex. I'm pretty impressed. Have a crossfire II on a carbine 5.56 and a 4-16 DiamondBack on my Grendel.

Clear glass, very bright.

[savagecornmuffin]

Oh, I've got a Viper HS 2.5-10 on a 308 rifle that I love. I've been curious about Diamondbacks and the Crossfires.

[am4966]

I have the Burris MTAC 1.5-6x42 slated for purchse to mount onto my 12.5" Grendel

http://www.burrisoptics.com/scopes/mtac-riflescopes-series/mtac-riflescope-1.5-6x42mm

I know the little brother to this scope has great glass for the money. I've looked at this optic for my 12.5" Grendel too, and alot of other optics, lol. I just can't find a scope, it's me I'm beaut having a hard time deciding on what optic to go with.

But to go with the OPs theme if you can find one at 300.00 a Burris MTAC 1-4

[BigBC]

In my thinking the most important requirement for a truck gun optic is remaining reliable under abuse. For that reason, I'd say Razor 1-6x, NF 1-4x NXS, ACOG, Aimpoint M4s/M4 in that order. Just going with good iron sights isn't a bad option. For this price point I'd suggest an Aimpoint Pro. A little more than the $300 budgeted, but anything less I'd stick with irons I can rely on, before I rely on a made in china optic.

+1 for the Aimpoint PRO. I use it everyday on duty and it hasn't skipped a beat. Lots of training with it as well. Battery life is great, comes with mount and lens covers. Hard to beat for a little over 400. Magnification not being a must, then this is a long term investment that will pay off on any AR-15 platform. My 2 c.

[Bwild97]

Amazon has a decent price for the 1.5-6 MTAC
Burris 1.5-6x42 MTAC

Hmm...Amazon lists it at 1.5-6x40? Could this be a knock-off?

[savagecornmuffin]

I ran the 1.5-6 MTAC for 2 hunting seasons on a 223 AR. That reticle is a little busy for me, but its a great scope. If Burris has one done with a mil-dot, I'll buy it immediately.

[Bwild97]

They do!
MTAC with Mil Dot

[Lightning8]

Primary Arms 1x6 with ACSS.

[ah1whiskey]

i think that were "blessed " with a lot of inexpensive yet reasonably good optics provided you don't go "dumspter diving" and buy some of those no-names off flea-bay that are made for airsoft toys--lol

i think the primary arms models are safe bets for the money. lots of excellent glass in the world under $300 and darn good glass all the way to $150 if you shop the sales.

[GM2]

Got my Mueller Optics 8.5-25x50mm Eradicator w/red dot for $224 from Optics Planet. So far I am impressed, great clarity and no loss of brightness or clarity at 25x