Recommend me an optic?

[garrettbragg12]

I recently picked up a nice little Rock River AR, and want to put a nice optic on it. I'm looking for something red dot type rather than a cross hair hunting scope. I plan to use it as a hog gun, at ranges of 50yds-300yds. I really like the ACOG system, but just can't drop that much money. Heck for that much I could buy a new rifle. Hoping to keep under $4-500. Would love to hear what y'all are using, and whether or not you recommend it!

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

I like ACOG because it has a reticle pattern as well as a visual aid. If batteries pack up you're still OK. I personally use three. I have an EOTEC which is on my Beretta Storm, I don't think they're very accurate out past 100 or so. Maybe 200...I use an AIMPOINT 2 MOA on my M4gery. I prefer that. That's the best I could afford and it was $500 here in Canada. I have a little Bushnell Trophy on my .22 dedicated top for the M4gery and it's perfect. I used to use one on my Storm...the multiple reticle is cheaper than the single here for some reason. It's about $100 here. The two I first mentioned should do well for a hog gun...

[Bulls-I_24]

I have an Eotech 512 and a 3X Eotech magnifier. Ive seen the 512 on sale under $400. If using a magnifier I suggest a model with side buttons for brightness adjustment.

Browning:
Why do you say you don't think they are accurate out past 100 yards? Is it the lack of mill dots for easy adjustment calculations?

The new models have multiple dots that are visable through a magnifier for different yardages.
I plan on getting one of those for 5.56 and using the 512 for my CMMG .22 insert.
I havn't shot the 512 past 50 yards yet but I could drive a tack with it at that range.
Attachment 51570
Attachment 51571

[browningautorifle]

you don't think they are accurate out past 100 yards

I think it's the lack of finely graduated sights. It's not just me, most I know don't rely on them for accurate shots out past 200. I did say 100 but also said 200 after, I'd stick with 200. If you try to group with the red dots, I don't think you'll get much compared to a set of iron sights. I don't know about tacks. I know I DID that with irons, wouldn't bet on it with a dot. I can see golf balls though. Even out to 100. That doesn't matter here, he wants to know which one...and why. They all work for their purpose. The magnifier sure does help.

[Bulls-I_24]

Personally I would feel comfortable taking a 300 yard shot with a red dot and magnifier. Could it be done with just a red dot or iron sights, probably. Would I make that my first choice no. I like the flexability of an open feild of view at close range and the ability to go longer if I need to.
Isnt 5.56 ballistics somewhere near 36/310 yards for zeros?
Depending on hunting conditions I would probably use .308 for the 300 yard range.

[Stevo]

I have a Hi-Lux CMR 1-4x on my 3 gun AR. It's held up nicely with no issues and is in your price range.

On the top rifle in the pic:

[browningautorifle]

Personally I would feel comfortable taking a 300 yard shot with a red dot and magnifier

Comfortable? Yes...will it do as well as it could? Maybe not. But probably will score a hit. Certainly it's been done. I'm just not as happy with it as I could be.

[Bill Hollinger]

The EOTEC is a great sight. I use the Trijicon ACOG Reflex with 4.5 minute mil-dot. It's deadly out to 300 yards.

[Brian Dick]

Have a look at the IOR-Valdata CQB sight. I've been using one for years on one of my M4 top ends and it's excellent. It has a horse shoe with a red dot reticle and ranging stadia lines, is adjustable for brightness and uses a watch type battery which lasts a very long time. They aren't cheap but half the price of an ACOG.