Picking a scope for 223 target

[MH357]

I just finished building an ar-15 flat top with bull barrel, floated forearm and weighted stock. I only plan on useing this as a target fun gun and ocasionaly a ground hog or two. Mostly a paper shooter. I was strictly a leupold guy but have started to notice other manufacturers are as good or better and usually cheaper. I have never used a scope over 12 power before. I am interested in the Bushnell 4200 6-24X40, bushnell 4200 8-32X40 or a nikon buckmaster 6-18X40 with the side focus or nikon monarch 6.5-20X44. Midway prices just for comparison.

4200 6-24x40 478.99
4200 8-32X40 528.99
buckmaster 6-18X40 349.99
monarch 6.5-20X44 459.99

Any draw backs to the 32 power other than small field of view and less light gathering ability.

Any sugestions or thought greatly appreciated.

Thanks Mike H

[Talon]

Originally posted by MH357
I just finished building an ar-15 flat top with bull barrel, floated forearm and weighted stock. I only plan on useing this as a target fun gun and ocasionaly a ground hog or two. Mostly a paper shooter. I was strictly a leupold guy but have started to notice other manufacturers are as good or better and usually cheaper. I have never used a scope over 12 power before. I am interested in the Bushnell 4200 6-24X40, bushnell 4200 8-32X40 or a nikon buckmaster 6-18X40 with the side focus or nikon monarch 6.5-20X44. Midway prices just for comparison.

4200 6-24x40 478.99
4200 8-32X40 528.99
buckmaster 6-18X40 349.99
monarch 6.5-20X44 459.99

Any draw backs to the 32 power other than small field of view and less light gathering ability.

Any sugestions or thought greatly appreciated.

Thanks Mike H

Hello MIke,

Here are two recommendations. I Have two Mueller Tacs sittting on two my Varmint/Target rifles.

Several people I know use these to optics.

http://www.muelleroptics.com/product...et-scopes.html

http://www.swfa.com/c-231-super-snip...le-scopes.aspx

Peace
Talon

[skeet]

I happen to have a B 4200 6x24 on a Remington 700 VLS in 22-250 and it is as good a scope as you could ask for...and much cheaper than a Leupold. Have a new in the box Nikon 6x18 SF that I am going to put on either a 700 Target in 223 or 243. Haven't decided that yet. A frien bought a Bushmaster AR varminter and we put a 6x18 Nikon on it and the darn thig really shoots. I'm trying to talk him into letting me get it to shoot all these coyotes here in Wyoming. It would be a nice calling rifle. It is a little heavy though. Stick with your original thoughts. Don't think you will go wrong. The Nikon is a very nice scope for less money. Good warranty too. 32 power is more than you can usually use...especially out doors. My 24 power is even too much when the mirage starts building

[Jack]

You have narrowed the list down to some excellent scopes, so whatever choice you make will be fine.
I will agree with what Skeet said about mirage- it gets to be a problem when the power gets above 20X. Fir that reason, I would lean towards one of the 6-20 models.
I have a Nikon Monarch in 6-20 and it's a great scope.
One you might look at that's not on your list, but is in the same area as far as price and quality, is the Weaver Grand Slam 6-20. I have one of those, and I would compare it to the Nikon Monarch.