ThumperIII
Active Member
I posed this question on another forum but received limited response. Hoping mdshooters is better.
Have a factory standard 16" barrel, chrome lined, mid-length gas system and mid weight barrel with FFS in 5.56 for my first AR. It will do what I want without breaking my bank. For now, the 5.56 will be doing duty as my all-around semi- rifle: plinking (fun), deer hunting and as SHTF potential - basically everything except for competition (just not interested).
For a variety of reasons (gun capability, caliber, intended usage, local terrain and cover, and personal) I am about 90% decided on a 1-4x scope as my best option in addition to the Troy folding rear BUIS. Have two scopes in current consideration: Nikon M-223 1-4x BDC (Midway) and the Burris 1-4X TAC30 Illuminated Ballistic CQ 5.56 #200443 (not XTS W/Fastfire II recticle). Both seem reasonably solidly built and clear optically for this price range. Both seem to get about the same proportion of rave vs complaint reviews. Aside from the turret differences that I read about, I have some comparison questions:
I have lost shot opportunities when a lesser light transmission capable scope failed to resolve a target I could see by eye. Nikon 92-95% vs Burris ???.
But also read where the fine line & small circles recticle of the Nikon BDC could not be seen against a dark background vs Burris larger illuminated circle & dots. (Burris circle should be faster to acquire at 1X both eyes open)
Does Burris recticle somewhat float like a reddot (less parallax - exact eye placement problem).
Which scope has least distortion? Best same aim with zoom and click adj return to zero?
Nikon one piece vs Burris PEPR mount.
How high is the center of the scope relative to a (F type) FFS. Will I need to go with low gas block and folding FS? Some FS in FOV not a problem unless blocks way too much view at low power.
Burris bullet drop comp is for 223 Rem 62 gr (closer to 62-75 grs of hunting ammo) vs Nikon 55 gr NATO. But wouldn't either trajectory be real close at 300yds and under?
Burris TAC30 2.4 MOA center dot at 4x (4MOA at 1x?) covers a lot of target area at 100yds is this too much or OK with the probable accuracy of 16" chromed barrel vs Nikon finer line & open circles recticle?
Burris 6MM pupil exit vs Nikon 4MM at 4X. much difference in light low transmission and eye alignment?
Problems / Complaints of Burris entire scope end rotating & no hinged cover use.
Is adequate eye relief a problem with either scope?
Compare customer svs and warranty?
(Millet DMS was looked at and passed over)
Any other good scope candidates in this price/quality range? Any strong vote for a 2-8X over a 1-4? Have a bull barrel Ruger M77 in 22-250 w 4-16 scope for accuracy needs, just a slow twist limits bullet weight.
Some shooters may be able to afford to just toss a scope in the drawer if it doesn't perform well, but whatever I get will probably have to be my one scope for my AR for as long as it lasts. About $300 is my top end for scope (plus mount cost)
Have a factory standard 16" barrel, chrome lined, mid-length gas system and mid weight barrel with FFS in 5.56 for my first AR. It will do what I want without breaking my bank. For now, the 5.56 will be doing duty as my all-around semi- rifle: plinking (fun), deer hunting and as SHTF potential - basically everything except for competition (just not interested).
For a variety of reasons (gun capability, caliber, intended usage, local terrain and cover, and personal) I am about 90% decided on a 1-4x scope as my best option in addition to the Troy folding rear BUIS. Have two scopes in current consideration: Nikon M-223 1-4x BDC (Midway) and the Burris 1-4X TAC30 Illuminated Ballistic CQ 5.56 #200443 (not XTS W/Fastfire II recticle). Both seem reasonably solidly built and clear optically for this price range. Both seem to get about the same proportion of rave vs complaint reviews. Aside from the turret differences that I read about, I have some comparison questions:
I have lost shot opportunities when a lesser light transmission capable scope failed to resolve a target I could see by eye. Nikon 92-95% vs Burris ???.
But also read where the fine line & small circles recticle of the Nikon BDC could not be seen against a dark background vs Burris larger illuminated circle & dots. (Burris circle should be faster to acquire at 1X both eyes open)
Does Burris recticle somewhat float like a reddot (less parallax - exact eye placement problem).
Which scope has least distortion? Best same aim with zoom and click adj return to zero?
Nikon one piece vs Burris PEPR mount.
How high is the center of the scope relative to a (F type) FFS. Will I need to go with low gas block and folding FS? Some FS in FOV not a problem unless blocks way too much view at low power.
Burris bullet drop comp is for 223 Rem 62 gr (closer to 62-75 grs of hunting ammo) vs Nikon 55 gr NATO. But wouldn't either trajectory be real close at 300yds and under?
Burris TAC30 2.4 MOA center dot at 4x (4MOA at 1x?) covers a lot of target area at 100yds is this too much or OK with the probable accuracy of 16" chromed barrel vs Nikon finer line & open circles recticle?
Burris 6MM pupil exit vs Nikon 4MM at 4X. much difference in light low transmission and eye alignment?
Problems / Complaints of Burris entire scope end rotating & no hinged cover use.
Is adequate eye relief a problem with either scope?
Compare customer svs and warranty?
(Millet DMS was looked at and passed over)
Any other good scope candidates in this price/quality range? Any strong vote for a 2-8X over a 1-4? Have a bull barrel Ruger M77 in 22-250 w 4-16 scope for accuracy needs, just a slow twist limits bullet weight.
Some shooters may be able to afford to just toss a scope in the drawer if it doesn't perform well, but whatever I get will probably have to be my one scope for my AR for as long as it lasts. About $300 is my top end for scope (plus mount cost)