Any recommendations for a good, light-gathering scope in low to mid powers -- say up to 7X -- for a big-bore AR? Looked for rugged, reasonably compact and affordable -- and realize this is asking a lot.
Thermal scopes are a discussion for another day.

Bill:
I had a 6x Weaver on my 700/.243.
Black hog, dark timber, in the shade at 30 feet.
Too close to focus. I had a hell of a time picking out their ears for a head shot face on staring at each other.

Verify how close it will focus, you never know from a blind how close they will get. We had about 80 yards beyond that. Nothing showed ex except up close.

I replaced it with a I think Weaver, 6.5-18x because they focus down to 30 feet. Too much power of course, but, focus is so fine we could see the texture of the bricks on my front fence at 35 feet thru the front window.

The power is there IF you want it. Midways price at the time was ? $120 delivered. Checked the first one out and it was perfect. So I ordered 4 more for all the varmint rifles and .243. Then Jack came out with 3 more so I bought those too Sold two.

I may never need close focus again, nor that much power either. Just wanted you to know to check that part too.

I have one left with a Dot. IF you'd like to try it out, just return it if you don't like it. Big bell, might be 50 or 55mm. I like them for what I'd use them for. Everyone has their own preferences.

George

George, thanks for offering. I am looking for something fairly compact to go on an AR in .450 Bushmaster for close-range work.

Any decent 1.5 to 4x. or so.

I run Leupold's on most of my shorter range rifles.

Ordered a Vortex 1-6X Strike Eagle 30mm. Oughta work, I think.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Ordered a Vortex 1-6X Strike Eagle 30mm. Oughta work, I think.

Yes it should.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Ordered a Vortex 1-6X Strike Eagle 30mm. Oughta work, I think.

Bill, I wanted something similar for my coyote AR. I didn't like the overly busy reticle of the Strike Eagle, so I settled on the economical Crossfire II 1-4x24 from Vortex. It has basic crosshairs with an illuminated dot. I took it out for its trial run last week on coyotes and fox and so far I like it pretty well. If you don't mind that SE reticle, I think the scope will treat you pretty well. Good luck!

DR, I looked at the Crossfire II, but wanted a smidge more magnification. Keep us in the loop on your fox and coyote work.

So did I at first. I ran the 1-4 for three days of hunting last week. I killed a coyote at about 50 yards and a fox at 100+, both on 2x with no issues. I really wanted the lower power for close shooting in thick brush, so I think it's going to work well. In nearly 20 years of calling, I've shot one coyote beyond 150 yards, so I think even 4x will be just fine. If I head to real open country, I'll break out the other rifle with a 3-10 Nightforce.

How low a cost?
1. Minty used, Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9x40 is my first choice. Got 3200 Elites on two of my rifles. $200 or less. Minimum focus at 3X is 25 yards according to Chuck Hawks (unverified).
2. Kahles AH 3-9X42. Excellent clarity and superb low light performance. Weighs only 13 ounces. Minimum focus not found. Minty used run $550-ish. I have two.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Any recommendations for a good, light-gathering scope in low to mid powers -- say up to 7X -- for a big-bore AR? Looked for rugged, reasonably compact and affordable -- and realize this is asking a lot.
Thermal scopes are a discussion for another day.

I put a Trijicon Credo HX 1-6 x 24 on my POF Revolution .308

Pretty happy with it for most hunting. But I have a second upper with a Pulsar thermal for true low light/night conditions.

I use a Leupold 1.75-6 on my AR10 308.

I shoot a lot of hogs and have for many years . If it is up close and one is trying to whack multiple hogs, I use a red dot.

I do have a Christensen AR in 308. I have a 1-6 on it with an incredible field of view . My favorite reticle and it is illuminated. I am drawing a total blank on the brand.

I think it is a Burris.

Find one of the older Leupold 3-9 with AO--they will focus down nice and close--