# Inexpensive optics for new AR15 owner **URL:** \ **Category:** Guns & Gear\ **Created:** [January 8, 2025, 2:50am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792 "2025-01-08T02:50:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![SteveBMe](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/stevebme/32/98336_2.png) [@SteveBMe](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/SteveBMe)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 2:50am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/1 "2025-01-08T02:50:54Z")
Hi. I just bought an AR 15, and am interested in getting a scope for it. It’s an Anderson Mfg, out of Kentucky. I’ve read a couple articles about this one, and am thinking that for a first time AR owner, I’d like to keep the price under $300. I suppose because of the searches i do online, Facebook has gotten my search terms, and loads a LOT of sites that purportedly sell optics really cheap. (I’ve never done a search on Facebook for weapons, so that they load advertising for equipment is surprising to me). In looking further into them, i find most of them are scams. Vortex, and numerous others. I’ll admit I’d love to get a 2000-3000 scope for a couple hundred dollars, but sometimes it’s just TOO obvious. I recently ran across one advertisement for a scope that the real website is selling for less than the scammer. SCOPES - SFT2 Tactical [https://search.app/wLKQaAJGocpYGxVN6](https://search.app/wLKQaAJGocpYGxVN6) Have you guys ever heard of or used these? Are you familiar with the company? Yes, i know… you get what you pay for. Unfortunately, i don’t have that large of a budget, so something good for the range of the gun is satisfactory. One article i read says this gun was tested at 100 yards. With no scope. Anderson AM-15: Value-Priced, Not Cheap - The Shooter’s Log [https://search.app/fKf2PtCAgG9PikdB8](https://search.app/fKf2PtCAgG9PikdB8) Your thoughts and inputs are deeply appreciated! Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![General\_Consensus](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/general_consensus/32/129258_2.png) [@General\_Consensus](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/General_Consensus)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 3:12am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/2 "2025-01-08T03:12:46Z")
For a inexpensive scope that the company stands behind. They will fix or replace even if you ran it over (your fault) . If I remember right. You call them print out a sheet. They give you a number. Ship it to them they ship it back… They are not complete Shiat either… Again we are not talking high end … > **[Binoculars, Riflescopes & Red Dot | Osprey Global](https://buyospreyglobal.com/)** > > Osprey Global is the most rugged, reliable, and quality built outdoor optics. Backed by our lifetime warranty, gear up for your next adventure! I have owned one … I buy all kinds, high end, low end… I just like to try things out… This approach to life did get me in to some trouble with the wife … Not sure why her sister had to say anything… ---
**Author:** ![Karacal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/karacal/32/146742_2.png) [@Karacal](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Karacal)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 3:16am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/3 "2025-01-08T03:16:55Z")
> [@SteveBMe](#): > > i find most of them are scams. Vortex, and numerous others. Please explain. ---
**Author:** ![SteveBMe](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/stevebme/32/98336_2.png) [@SteveBMe](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/SteveBMe)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 4:11am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/4 "2025-01-08T04:11:04Z")
Go onto Facebook and see for yourself. ---
**Author:** ![Karacal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/karacal/32/146742_2.png) [@Karacal](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Karacal)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 4:16am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/5 "2025-01-08T04:16:31Z")
Sorry I do not do FB. You stated that Vortex is a scam, you stated it and need to tell us why. Prove why and how Vortex is a scam. ---
**Author:** ![Scoutbob](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/scoutbob/32/158375_2.png) [@Scoutbob](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Scoutbob)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 4:21am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/6 "2025-01-08T04:21:26Z")
I’m not an avid rifle guy. I’ve heard many guys say it’s not uncommon to spend more on an optic than the rifle itself. That being said, I have an sig red dot on my AR. It was less than $150. I’ve heard questionable things about sig optic compared to other brands, but I watched a guy on YouTube throw the thing around and it never lost zero. I’m more of a pistol guy though so take what I’m saying with a grain of salt… I have a feeling a vortex optic would be better than my dog optic. ---
**Author:** ![Peter204](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/peter204/32/137650_2.png) [@Peter204](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Peter204)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 4:29am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/7 "2025-01-08T04:29:25Z")
Me, on my DD? Sig Red Dot + Magnifier…“Romeo + Juliet.” And Vortex? Their pistol Customer Service has always been great to me. ---
**Author:** ![SteveBMe](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/stevebme/32/98336_2.png) [@SteveBMe](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/SteveBMe)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 5:00am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/8 "2025-01-08T05:00:01Z")
> [@Karacal](#): > > Sorry I do not do FB. > You stated that Vortex is a scam, you stated it and need to tell us why. Prove why and how Vortex is a scam. No, i stated there are scams purporting to be Vortex and several other high end optics. They were selling their wares for $100 to $300, of scopes worth $2000-3000. P ---
**Author:** ![SteveBMe](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/stevebme/32/98336_2.png) [@SteveBMe](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/SteveBMe)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 5:02am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/9 "2025-01-08T05:02:10Z")
> [@Scoutbob](#): > > I’m not an avid rifle guy. I’ve heard many guys say it’s not uncommon to spend more on an optic than the rifle itself. > > That being said, I have an sig red dot on my AR. It was less than $150. I’ve heard questionable things about sig optic compared to other brands, but I watched a guy on YouTube throw the thing around and it never lost zero. I’m more of a pistol guy though so take what I’m saying with a grain of salt… I have a feeling a vortex optic would be better than my dog optic. My gun store operator says he’d rather see me spend 500 on a rifle and a couple grand or better on the optics… ---
**Author:** ![Karacal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/karacal/32/146742_2.png) [@Karacal](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Karacal)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 5:19am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/10 "2025-01-08T05:19:44Z")
> [@SteveBMe](#): > > They were selling their wares for $100 to $300, of scopes worth $2000-3000. That is eBay everyday. I have seen sellers stating in their product descriptions that even though their product says Sig or has the Vortex logo on the side that they are NOT authentic. I believe the cheapest scope I have put on an AR(5.56) was made by Monstrum, bought it on Amazon, $99, etched reticle, held zero, no issues. ---
**Author:** ![Ronald150](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/da6949/32.png) [@Ronald150](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Ronald150)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 7:02am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/11 "2025-01-08T07:02:58Z")
@SteveBMe My son has a STRIKEFIRE II red dot system with front and rear lens covers on his AR-15 by Vortex from Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shop also available on [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com) $199 You can also match it with a Vortex Optics VMX-3T 3X Red Dot Sight Magnifier with built-in Flip Mount also $199 ---
**Author:** ![Karacal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/karacal/32/146742_2.png) [@Karacal](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Karacal)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 7:06am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/12 "2025-01-08T07:06:38Z")
There are some good quality scopes out there, Burris being one of them, for under $250 even $200 ---
**Author:** ![Trever1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/trever1/32/134369_2.png) [@Trever1](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Trever1)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 10:22am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/13 "2025-01-08T10:22:44Z")
I just posted about Sightmarks M Spec. I’ve got two of these and my abuse can’t kill one,holds zero after 2000 + rounds. ---
**Author:** ![Will\_B](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/will_b/32/102791_2.png) [@Will\_B](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Will_B)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 10:55am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/14 "2025-01-08T10:55:31Z")
You can get into a Vortex around $300, > **[Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope, Color:...](https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-strike-eagle-1-8x24-riflescope-30mm.html?_iv_code=VX-RS-SE-18X24-2-SE-1824-2-OP-KIT2023)** > > Shop Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope | 4.7 Star Rating on 56 Reviews for Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x24mm 30mm Tube Second Focal Plane Rifle Scope Blazin'... A lot of guys run red dots and magnifiers,… my Eotech rig is quite a bit outside your listed price range…. But I also had a sightmark setup on my 15-22 that worked well. The slide to side magnifier action was clunky but worked. Edit; The newer magnifier looks better…… > **[SightMark T-5 Magnifier SM19064 Finish: Matte, Magnification: 5 x, w/...](https://www.opticsplanet.com/sightmark-t-5-magnifier-with-lqd-flip-to-side-mount.html)** > > Shop SightMark T-5 Magnifier | 4.1 Star Rating on 10 Reviews for SightMark T-5 Magnifier Best Rated + Free Shipping over $49. Slap that behind something like this > **[OpticsPlanet Exclusive Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec FMS Reflex Sight with...](https://www.opticsplanet.com/sightmark-ultra-shot-m-spec-fms-reflex-sight.html)** > > Shop OpticsPlanet Exclusive Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec FMS Reflex Sight with Integrated Sunshade 1x33 mm | 4.4 Star Rating on 30 Reviews for OpticsPlanet Exclusive Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec FMS Reflex Sight... ---
**Author:** ![Karacal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/karacal/32/146742_2.png) [@Karacal](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Karacal)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 11:01am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/15 "2025-01-08T11:01:50Z")
Once upon a time I ran a SPARC w/3x magnifier, nice set up. My .224 Valkyrie AR has the Diamondback for long range. ![IMG_0590](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/2/b/2bc65576502de2705c1c2cd163a68ede0f21a34c.jpeg) ![IMG_0591](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/d/a/da1840302b6f3cdaa1eeec58bc3c57f93b71daa5.jpeg) My next one will probably be a Burris ![IMG_0592](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/b/6/b66da89ce1c54eebacc48598a288299d3d6d1953.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Nathan57](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/nathan57/32/37700_2.png) [@Nathan57](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Nathan57)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 12:07pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/16 "2025-01-08T12:07:30Z")
Inexpensive but not-crappy AR15 optic? Vortex Holosun ---
**Author:** ![Nathan57](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/nathan57/32/37700_2.png) [@Nathan57](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Nathan57)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 12:11pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/17 "2025-01-08T12:11:01Z")
> [@SteveBMe](#): > > My gun store operator says he’d rather see me spend 500 on a rifle and a couple grand or better on the optics… Depends on what you’re doing with the rifle, IMO. If we’re talking home defense or personal defense as the most important role, personally, I’d buy a $1,500-$2,000 rifle and then $200-$300 on a Vortex or Holosun red dot sight and maybe (for not-home defense times) a flip to side magnifier If it’s a fun gun, or hunting or varmint gun, trying to shoot moderate+ distances in real world variable not always perfect lighting conditions, I could see spending way more money on the glass. IMO it’s generally better for an AR15 pattern rifle to start with a really good, quality rifle that’s top shelf tip to butt and then get inexpensive but serviceable accessories/optics to put on it…and upgrade those add-on items as time goes on but with the same high quality complete rifle underneath all of it. I’d be happy to start with a Daniel Defense, ADM, BCM, etc, and a Vortex Sparc or whatever + streamlight ---
**Author:** ![Michael1888](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/85e7bf/32.png) [@Michael1888](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Michael1888)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 12:14pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/18 "2025-01-08T12:14:15Z")
Sight Mark is inexpensive optic sight which uses a red dot. I have one on my AM15 and also on my Ruger carbine. No problems with either one. Easy to bore sight. ---
**Author:** ![Joseph488](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/joseph488/32/145925_2.png) [@Joseph488](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Joseph488)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 12:35pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/19 "2025-01-08T12:35:35Z")
As others have alluded to, I’d start by defining the role of the rifle. How are you going to use it? If it’s just home defense, probably a non magnified red dot. If it’s for plinking or hunting a few hundred yards out, a decent magnified scope with a reticle designed for shooting at distance. If it’s a general purpose gun for close in to medium distance (say, defending against a possible intruder, or more likely a rabid coyote, depending on where you live), a 1-4 or 1-8 variable scope can be good. Some are available with a center illuminated dot, so at 1x they work much like a standard red dot optic. Lots have given advice on different optics above. I’ll add that for value for the dollar it seems hard to beat Vortex. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_H](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/gary_h/32/5302_2.png) [@Gary\_H](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Gary_H)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 1:43pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/20 "2025-01-08T13:43:04Z")
> [@Joseph488](#): > > Lots have given advice on different optics above. I’ll add that for value for the dollar it seems hard to beat Vortex. If you do down-select to Vortex LPVO, its gonna be hard to beat this deal: [https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strike-eagle-1-8x24-gen-2-riflescope-w-ar-bdc3-reticle-vortex-sport-cantilever30mm-ring-mount-2-offset.html](https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strike-eagle-1-8x24-gen-2-riflescope-w-ar-bdc3-reticle-vortex-sport-cantilever30mm-ring-mount-2-offset.html) Type in “strike” in the discount code during checkout and the price comes down to $260 including mount. You will get a genuine Vortex scope and mount. I personally own this setup, paid more than $260 for it, and like everything about it for my application of going out with friends to plink at 100 to 200 yard targets. It does have a battery operated reticle highlight, but the reticle is etched into the glass - I personally don’t bother turning on the battery powered highlight as the etched reticle is very clear to see during daylight conditions. For home self defense, I have this red dot: > **[AT3™ RD-50 PRO™ Micro Red Dot with Cantilever Riser Mount](https://www.at3tactical.com/products/at3-tactical-rd-50-micro-red-dot-sight-w-optional-riser-mount)** > > The newly improved AT3™ Micro Red Dot with Cantilever Riser Mount offers premium features, outstanding value, and ships free! It has worked great and held zero for years. The drawback is there is no etched reticle if the battery goes dead. Not trying to tell you what to buy, just giving you some examples that you don’t have to take out a mortgage to get a sight for your application. IMHO an AR would not be my choice for a really long range rifle that would require a $2k+ scope. [Next page](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792.md?page=2)