# 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:** 2
**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, 2:05pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/21 "2025-01-08T14:05:51Z")
One other comment; if you intend to mount an LPVO or other type of scope yourself, you will need a couple of tools to do it right. You could spend a lot more money on buying professional tools, but since I don’t plan to mount scopes for a living, this is what I used. A string level from Home Depot, and an inch-pound screwdriver from Amazon. [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Empire-3-in-Aluminum-Line-Level-93-3/100520083](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Empire-3-in-Aluminum-Line-Level-93-3/100520083) [BULLTOOLS Torque Screwdriver Wrench Set, 10 to 70 Inch Pounds Torque Wrench Set for Bike Repairing and Mounting - Amazon.com](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CB5R3FN3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) So, maybe another $35 in tools you will find more uses for if you are a DIY type of person. ---
**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, 2:08pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/22 "2025-01-08T14:08:19Z")
A decent inch-lbs screwdriver torque wrench is a must for anybody getting into mounting optics onto any of their firearms IMO. Wheeler is a brand gun folks have used for a long time. Vortex has one also > **[Amazon.com : Wheeler Manual Firearms Accurizing Torque Wrench with Inch/Pounds...](https://www.amazon.com/Wheeler-Firearms-Accurizing-Torque-Wrench/dp/B07YXCX5JT)** > > The Wheeler Manual F.A.T. Wrench brings perfect consistency to every screw on your firearm. This handheld torque wrench lets you apply repeatable, accurate torque settings to scope rings, guard screws and other screws. Overall, the torque wrench aids... ---
**Author:** ![Jamey1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/jamey1/32/16491_2.png) [@Jamey1](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Jamey1)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 2:40pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/23 "2025-01-08T14:40:41Z")
@SteveBMe … get what you can afford… You may get a scope and decide it isn’t for you… So now you’re looking at red dots or magnified prism sights… Then you find you really did want a scope… So go cheap with a three or four star rating figure out what you like and go from there ---
**Author:** ![Peter195](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d2c977/32.png) [@Peter195](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Peter195)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 3:22pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/24 "2025-01-08T15:22:04Z")
I have a Burris 5X on mine choices of Black, green or red DOT works great. ---
**Author:** ![mattm](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/mattm/32/178411_2.png) [@mattm](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/mattm)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 8:37pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/25 "2025-01-08T20:37:43Z")
Under $300 isn’t an issue. Not sure what you want to do. My AR’s have Primary Arms prism scopes which I love, very clear, sturdy and simple. Fixed magnification, the lower power fall into or just above your budget. I have a 4x Athlon prism and a 1-8 Athlon lpvo on a couple guns, great optics imo. Vortex, got a 1-6 Strike Eagle on one gun, 1-9 and 4-12 Crossfire’s on others, good scopes for the $$. Be aware if you buy a prism or red dot, the mount is built in, whereas with a traditional or lpvo you’ll most likely need to add rings or cantilever mount. A few sites had great prices on red dots recently, Sig Romeo 5 and Holosun 407’s for $99. Vortex Sparc $119 iirc. I put a romeo5 on a Stribog, think I prefer prisms but hitting what I’m aiming at. Good sites imo. Eurooptic AR-15 discounts Primary Arms Palmetto State Armory Joe Bob outfitters ---
**Author:** ![MikeBKY](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/mikebky/32/2592_2.png) [@MikeBKY](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/MikeBKY)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2025, 9:32pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/26 "2025-01-08T21:32:53Z")
My AR is equipped with a SIG Romeo & Juliet magnifier/red dot. The red dot works very well with or without the magnifier and the the magnifier flips up or down, down for just the red dot and up for magnification. It is about $400 on opticsplanet, I also have a similar setup on one of my PCCs. > **[ROMEO MSR AND JULIET3-MICRO COMBO](https://www.sigsauer.com/romeo-msr-and-juliet3-micro-combo.html)** > > Sealed compact red dot sight with 20,000+ hour battery life paired with the JULIET3-MICRO magnifier ---
**Author:** ![Joel106](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/joel106/32/126547_2.png) [@Joel106](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Joel106)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2025, 12:03am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/27 "2025-01-09T00:03:08Z")
Picked up my latest holosun from optic planet for $150 off. They seem to always have deals, along with other sites. I have a strike eagle i picked up for under $200 on sale (cant remember the site). I run quite a few vortex on different guns also. Found them on sale also. Deals are out there for a decent scope/optic if you look. Stay off the amazon, etc unless you are looking for a $30 optic. Even if its a name brand, they are asking retail or close to it. ---
**Author:** ![Mark712](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@Mark712](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Mark712)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 8:39am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/28 "2025-01-10T08:39:52Z")
I’ve got Vortex optics on mine and think for what little I use it it’s fine, I’ve got the red/green dot up front and a 3X magnifier behind it, but I don’t plan on giving it the Nam test and go crawling through the mud with it. I can throw it up and in a few seconds part someone’s hair up to 300 yds , that’s all I’ll ever need it for . ---
**Author:** ![Shamrock](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/shamrock/32/24612_2.png) [@Shamrock](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Shamrock)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 12:56pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/29 "2025-01-10T12:56:50Z")
> [@mattm](#): > > My AR’s have Primary Arms prism scopes which I love, very clear, sturdy and simple. I can second the primary arms prism scopes. I have astigmatism issues that turn most red dots into uneven starburst. But the 1x prism scopes make for a nice clear sight picture. Plus they have an etched reticle that will work in lighted conditions even if the battery dies. Primary arms also makes some affordable LPVO scopes and they are a reputable dealer for the Sig and Vortex products others have mentioned above. Palmetto State Armory is another place I would look for good prices as they often have sales on popular dots and scopes. I also have an old Sig Romeo 5 that I got for a little over $100 on sale. I have used it on several of my firearms until I could save up for a Prism or LPVO sight. Even with my astigmatism it works perfectly fine for home defense ranges and shots out to 100 yards or more. It would be a worthwhile investment for anyone wanting to see if a red dot will work for them. ---
**Author:** ![Mark712](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@Mark712](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Mark712)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 5:32pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/30 "2025-01-10T17:32:44Z")
I wish the hell I could take a pic of my stuff and put it on here, makes me mad as h311! If I take a pic and send or post it to USCCA website how do I put it in a particular post? I hate being dumb on these things ---
**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 10, 2025, 5:42pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/31 "2025-01-10T17:42:27Z")
![IMG_0286](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/3/a/3ae03fabf83bc585d8a9092800ca7d529662b9af.jpeg) Posting from my phone, click that button, select images and upload…… I’d imagine it works about the same on a computer ---
**Author:** ![Shamrock](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/shamrock/32/24612_2.png) [@Shamrock](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Shamrock)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 7:50pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/32 "2025-01-10T19:50:12Z")
> [@Mark712](#): > > I hate being dumb on these things It took me awhile as well to finally figure out the highlighted symbol in @Will_B ’s post was for uploading photos. ---
**Author:** ![Mark712](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@Mark712](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Mark712)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 10:03pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/33 "2025-01-10T22:03:39Z")
![IMG_0017](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/6/6/66d4d7c164ed8330aaf9ab4008a9786d1cd236ea.jpeg) ![IMG_0016](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/a/d/ade3dae803ac634bbab007f3555c8addbd6edb50.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Mark712](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@Mark712](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Mark712)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 10:11pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/34 "2025-01-10T22:11:18Z")
Here’s my inexpensive Vortex set up, considering I’ve had the rifle since the 5 th or 6 th month of the Obama administration and have fired it twice maybe three times I don’t need a Acog . Notice anything different about it ? It’s left handed and it also has kinda recently had the three prong comp put on it, or bought and put on it so the supressor fits on it, or the one my son uses and recomends Oh yea it’s a STAG and them make very good ARs ---
**Author:** ![Mark712](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@Mark712](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Mark712)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2025, 10:15pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/35 "2025-01-10T22:15:16Z")
Thanks for your help very much, someone from HQ got on and helped me to lol . I like the dual tone , I think it looks cool, I have a tan colored grip but it’s fatter of course but I like the stock one it fits my little paws. ---
**Author:** ![BenTheRifleGuy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/bentherifleguy/32/55199_2.png) [@BenTheRifleGuy](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/BenTheRifleGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2025, 2:42am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/36 "2025-01-21T02:42:09Z")
I’ve brought both scopes and red dots from Primary Arms, very good for the cost. I have an Sig Sauer Romeo 5 red dot on my AR that I’d highly recommend. I’ve used Holosun red dots before too; I like them, but they’re much more expensive. As others have said, figure out how you want the gun to be set up and then pick an optic to match. With that said, you can get a quality red dot for under $200 and can easily take that out to 200 yards without a magnifier. Simply zero it to 50 yards and the bullet will impact within 2 inches (vertically) of the dot out to 200 yards. This is the set up I usually recommend for most new AR-15 owners. It’s easy to set up and grab at a moment’s notice. No having to fool around with the scope because you forgot to turn down the magnification and your target is rapidly approaching your position. Just point and pull the trigger. ---
**Author:** ![BenTheRifleGuy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/community.usconcealedcarry.com/bentherifleguy/32/55199_2.png) [@BenTheRifleGuy](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/BenTheRifleGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2025, 2:45am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/37 "2025-01-21T02:45:01Z")
By the way, Anderson AR’s are great. I have one and I’d put it up against one of the more expensive brands any day. I actually have… every time I go out to the range…. It turns out knowing how to shoot a rifle is more important than dumping four or five figures into your set up. ---
**Author:** ![Mark712](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@Mark712](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Mark712)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2025, 7:27pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/38 "2025-01-25T19:27:57Z")
VORTEX-VORTEX-VORTEX…… ![IMG_0017](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/6/6/66d4d7c164ed8330aaf9ab4008a9786d1cd236ea.jpeg) ![IMG_0016](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/a/d/ade3dae803ac634bbab007f3555c8addbd6edb50.jpeg) Both the green/red dot and the 3X magnifier are VORTEX ---
**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 25, 2025, 10:51pm UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/39 "2025-01-25T22:51:17Z")
All this said,…… Quality optics are worth the expense! Eotech; ![IMG_0399](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/8/9/8979dfa712e29908d8d7a690ecfc84d0c2563865.jpeg) Zero magnification ![IMG_1584](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/c/a/ca76fd0d66edf1f11df4cd6020d5b7aceee11466.jpeg) Through G-33 magnifier ![IMG_1583](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/4/9/49f42d6140da17ae55ebd324506a88cc037975eb.jpeg) Vortex Razor; ![IMG_9854](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/1/b/1be8b4127dcd2baa42999faaae9035a2ffb48971.jpeg) At zero mag ![IMG_1586](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/6/1/619afc97d5d23bb28796db48b7a98f423861f48e.jpeg) At 10x ![IMG_1588](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/uploads/dd_dev/original/3X/7/3/73bbfaf8bb888ad7bdc6eba923a1ed4d7daeb9d5.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Mark712](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@Mark712](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/u/Mark712)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2025, 2:07am UTC](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792/40 "2025-01-26T02:07:05Z")
Yea If you have the money that is . Was that the question? If you don’t than there’s no reason you should do without Beautiful gun and set up BTW. [Previous page](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792.md?page=1) [Next page](https://community.usconcealedcarry.com/t/inexpensive-optics-for-new-ar15-owner/111792.md?page=3)