{"id":42512,"date":"2015-09-11T14:37:30","date_gmt":"2015-09-11T18:37:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/?p=42512"},"modified":"2015-09-11T14:37:30","modified_gmt":"2023-08-19T00:35:15","slug":"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/","title":{"rendered":"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_42522\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Trijicon-ACOG-3x30-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-42522\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" class=\"size-large wp-image-42522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Trijicon-ACOG-3x30-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Whatever you do, don't skimp on the optic. Your custom rifle is only as good as the optic on top.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Trijicon-ACOG-3x30-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Trijicon-ACOG-3x30-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Trijicon-ACOG-3x30-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Trijicon-ACOG-3x30-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-42522\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Whatever you do, don&#8217;t skimp on the optic. Your custom rifle is only as good as the optic on top.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>THE SERIES<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Part 1:<\/strong> <a class=\"clickTracking\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-step-by-step-series-introduction\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Build an AR-15: The Series Introduction<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Part 2:<\/strong> <a class=\"clickTracking\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-ar-calibers\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Build an AR-15: AR Calibers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Part 3:<\/strong> <a class=\"clickTracking\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/build-an-ar-direct-impingement-or-piston-operation\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Build an AR-15: Direct Impingement or Piston Operation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Part 4:<\/strong> <a class=\"clickTracking\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-tools-and-materials\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Build an AR-15: Tools and Materials<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Part 5<\/strong>: <a class=\"clickTracking\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-the-lowdown-on-lowers\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Build an AR-15: The Lowdown on Lowers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Part 6<\/strong>: <a class=\"clickTracking\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/build-an-ar15-intro-to-uppers\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Build an AR-15: Intro to Uppers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Part 7<\/strong>: <a class=\"clickTracking\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/build-an-ar-choosing-and-installing-the-barrel\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Build an AR-15: Barrels<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Part 8: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-butt-stock\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Build an AR-15: Choose The Right Buttstock\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Part 9: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><\/b>When deciding on the perfect optic for your AR build, the very first thing you need to do is match the performance window of the optic with the performance window of your rifle. For example, installing an optic that\u2019s optimized for 1,500-yard shooting won\u2019t do a whole lot of good on a Cricket .22LR bolt-action youth rifle. While that\u2019s an exaggeration, the concept of matching performance characteristics does come into play with the AR family.<\/p>\n<p>One of the neat things about the AR family is the wide variety of calibers you can stuff into the same basic rifle platform. Some of these are more appropriate for longer range applications than the original 5.56x45mm. If we get into optics for all the 130 or so AR platform calibers, we\u2019ll be here until the 2016 election, so let\u2019s focus on the standard &#8211; the .223 Remington. Certainly, many if not all of the optics discussed here can be useful in other AR calibers like 300 Blackout or 6.8 Remington SPC.<\/p>\n<h2>Performance Window of the AR-15<\/h2>\n<p>What will the standard AR chambered in .223 Remington or 5.56x45mm NATO really do? That depends partially on the specific gun, as short barrel rifles will launch these projectiles with significantly lower velocity than 16 or 20-inch barrel rifles.<\/p>\n<p>To take a very specific look at the down-range performance of the .223 Remington, let\u2019s use an example case of very common ammo. For the ballistics numbers here, I\u2019m using the Federal American Eagle 55-grain FMJ Boat Tail ammo.The vast majority of what people are buying and shooting with their rifles is pretty darn close in performance to this 55-grain load, so it should be pretty representative.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ll assume we\u2019re shooting it from a 16-inch barreled rifle so the actual velocity will be a little less than the 3,240 indicated on the box. That most likely applies to a 20-inch barrel. I clocked the velocity of this round using a Shooting Chrony Beta Master Chronograph placed 15-feet down range and came up with an average of right about 2,900 feet per second when fired from a Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P15 VTAC.<\/p>\n<p>When I plug in that velocity, using an optic mounted 2.75-inches above the bore and a 50-yard zero, I get the following ballistic table.<\/p>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/223-ballistics.png\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-42514\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/223-ballistics.png\" alt=\".223 Remington Ballistics\" width=\"570\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/223-ballistics.png 570w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/223-ballistics-136x150.png 136w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/223-ballistics-271x300.png 271w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px\" \/><\/a>\n<p>Now it\u2019s time to play pick your numbers. If you care about energy down range, check out the foot-pounds column. At 450 yards, the .223 projectile is carrying about the same amount of kinetic energy as a 9mm pistol delivers near the muzzle. When you lob one all the way out to 900 yards, you\u2019re roughly equivalent to a .22LR projectile. While I certainly wouldn\u2019t want to be plugged by one at a farther range, most people tend to think of the .223 Remington being effective out to 300 or 400 yards. That makes sense as it\u2019s still carrying a respectable amount of energy and traveling close to 2,000 feet per second. Can you hit targets farther out? Sure, but the destructive power drops off dramatically and bullet drop and wind drift get to be a real problem.<\/p>\n<p>Another interesting thing that the trajectory chart tells us is that you can hold directly on a target, without compensating for distance, out to 323 yards. I have this trajectory math set up with a 5-inch threshold either way, assuming we\u2019re aiming at a moderate size target. Given that, we can consider optics with no on-the-fly adjustment capabilities like red dots. Without the need for dials and complicated graduated reticles, we can be effective out past 300 yards.<\/p>\n<h2>Accuracy of the AR-15<\/h2>\n<p>Another factor to consider is the accuracy potential of the AR-15. While there\u2019s an old rule of thumb that requires four minutes of angle (MOA), or shots within a four-inch circle at 100 yards, most modern AR rifles will shoot somewhere between one and two minutes of angle. That\u2019s within 1-2 inches at 100 yards, 2-4 inches at 200 yards, etc.<\/p>\n<p>I relate this because the size of the aim point in your optic of choice becomes an issue, or more accurately, a non-issue. Most red dot zero magnification optics have dots that range in size from one to three MOA. Given the average one to two MOA of the rifle itself, these dots just about cover the potential variance of the rifle from shot to shot. Cover your target with the dot, and if you do everything right, the shots will fall \u201cinside\u201d of whatever you cover with the dot.<\/p>\n<h2>The 200-yard barrier?<\/h2>\n<p>I like to consider the optics choice based on an admittedly arbitrary 200-yard barrier. If the gun in question will be used almost always inside of 200 yards, I\u2019\u2019m almost always going to choose a non-magnified optic.<\/p>\n<p>Unless your intended use is precision target shooting where your targets are measured in single-digit inches, a red dot sight will give you visibility, speed and enough precision to reliably hit your target anywhere inside of this range. A red dot sight like an Aimpoint PRO or Micro has a 2 MOA dot size, so at 100 yards, that dot is only covering a two-inch circle. At 200 yards, it covers four inches. A torso target is 15 or so inches wide, so it\u2019s relatively easy to get the necessary precision for repeatable hits.<\/p>\n<p>Past 200 yards, you may want more aiming precision. For example, crosshairs in a magnified scope will cover a much smaller area of your target at 300 or more yards than most any red dot.<\/p>\n<p>Most people make the mistake of over magnifying their rifle. I get it, and do the same thing, mainly because it\u2019s fun to set up tiny targets 100 or 200 yards downrange and hit them. If that\u2019s your intended use for your rifle, then knock yourself out and do it! If it\u2019s to be a defensive rifle, just consider sacrificing that \u201cprecision for fun\u201d use and going with something that will be more effective on realistic defensive target sizes. As soon as you start to magnify, the field of view through the scope becomes a very real limitation. To put some numbers on that, a 9x scope will only show somewhere in the neighborhood of 11 feet of visible area at 100 yards distance. Just finding your target, much less tracking a moving target, becomes very difficult when your visible area is limited.<\/p>\n<h2>Home defense?<\/h2>\n<p>Is it going to be a nightstand gun? If so, you really want to consider a zero magnification optic.<\/p>\n<p>For a home defense gun, speed and low-light operation are paramount. These two factors also imply a need for a maximum field of view visibility. It\u2019s hard to imagine using anything other than a zero-magnification red dot or tritium powered iron sight setup indoors. You\u2019ll be able to shoot with both eyes open and easily see everything going on around you. Depending on your choice of red dot, the tube or frame of the optic itself also makes for a super fast close range aiming solution. When the distance is measured in feet, anything you see through the frame of your optic is going to get hit.<\/p>\n<p>One exception is the 1-(whatever)x crop of AR optics on the market. These dial all the way down to 1x (zero) magnification. While at home, you can set your dial to the 1x setting and come close to the speed and field of view benefits of a red dot optic. You\u2019ll still have some minor shadowing issues if your eye is not centered on the scope exactly, but it\u2019s a pretty good solution. If you go this route, I would suggest getting an illuminated reticle option so it\u2019s actually visible indoors in lower light conditions. Of course, you\u2019ll have to remember to turn it on if ever needed for home defense.<\/p>\n<h2>Zero Magnification Choices<\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at some proven red dot and holographic optic choices at various price points.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eotechinc.com\/holographic-weapon-sights\/model-exps2\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">EOTech EXPS2<\/a> MSRP: $579<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_42515\" style=\"width: 160px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/EOTech-EXPS2-LEFT-.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-42515\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" class=\"size-full wp-image-42515\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/EOTech-EXPS2-LEFT-.jpg\" alt=\"EOTech EXPS2\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-42515\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">EOTech EXPS2<\/p><\/div>\n<p>EOTech makes infinity plus one models, so let\u2019s narrow things down. Unless you need night vision compatibility, the EXPS2 is a great option. It uses a common Lithium 123 battery that\u2019s mounted sideways so it takes up less space on the rail and is more resistance to long term recoil effects. The EoTech reticles are super fast, generally consisting of a large circle for close range targeting and a one MOA dot for precision at longer ranges. It\u2019s hard to go wrong with any of the EOTech models.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aimpoint.com\/us\/products\/all-products\/product-singleview\/product\/ACO\/?cHash=796048b1ba456806ed04812630fe8dc9\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Aimpoint ACO<\/a> MSRP: $393<\/p>\n<p>Aimpoints relatively new Advanced Carbine Optic (ACO) shares many of the same features as the popular Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) but is simplified to meet a lower price point. The fixed mount is optimized for AR rifle placement and height. Like the PRO and Aimpoint Micro models, the ACO is designed to be an \u201calways on\u201d optic, which is one of the reasons I like them so much. As a home defense or LE option, it\u2019s ready to go with no need to remember switches and settings. You can turn it off, but if you change the batteries once a year, you never need to.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_42516\" style=\"width: 610px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Aimpoint-ACO.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-42516\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" class=\"size-full wp-image-42516\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Aimpoint-ACO.jpg\" alt=\"Aimpoint ACO\" width=\"600\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Aimpoint-ACO.jpg 600w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Aimpoint-ACO-150x120.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Aimpoint-ACO-375x300.jpg 375w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-42516\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aimpoint ACO<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vortexoptics.com\/category\/strikefire_II_red_dot\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Vortex Strikefire II<\/a> MSRP: $239<\/p>\n<p>This one comes with a cantilever mount that\u2019s perfect for AR use. The four MOA optic is also available in red dot only or red and green dot combination models. While it\u2019s not an \u201calways on\u201d design, it does feature an automatic shutoff to help preserve battery life. It\u2019s a great value as you can find them for well under $200 on the street.<\/p>\n<h3>The minis!<\/h3>\n<p>There\u2019s a whole slew of \u201cmicro\u201d red dot optics on the market. These are lower profile but can be used as your primary optic, or angle mounted in conjunction with a magnified scope for short range use. Just give the rifle a 45-degree twist to sight using the secondary mini red dot. The <a href=\"https:\/\/warnescopemounts.com\/product\/ramp30-team-warne-30mm-tactical-1-pc\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Warne RAMP mount<\/a> is a great solution to mount both a scope and mini red dot sight.<\/p>\n<p>In this category, check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leupold.com\/hunting-shooting\/scopes\/deltapoint-reflex-sights\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Leupold DeltaPoint<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.burrisoptics.com\/sights\/fastfire-series\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Burris FastFire<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Magnified Scope Choices<\/h2>\n<p>If you want to magnify, you\u2019ll find a universe of potential scope options. Perhaps the most important consideration is to make sure your optic and mount will coexist happily on your rifle. On the AR, you have to take into consideration a relatively short receiver mounting area and the fact that the charging handle is located right where the ocular lens wants to be. Using a traditional scope with traditional rings might result in a configuration where you have to mount the optic too far back, which puts it too close to your eye and right over the top of the charging handle. For this reason, I really like the purpose-built one-piece cantilevered scope mounts like the Warne RAMP. The base will fit on the receiver rail segment while the rings are thrust forward. This allows you to place the scope in a more natural position.<\/p>\n<p>Also, given the limited effective range of the AR, at least in .223 Remington \/ 5.56&#215;45 NATO, be careful not to over-magnify unless you have a specific reason for doing so. As little magnification as 4x will allow you to easily hit targets at 500 yards without adversely impacting your field of view. While you can reach a target at the outer range of the .223 cartridge with 4x, it\u2019s nice to have 6.5 or even 8x at your disposal. Of course, if your game is small varmint hunting, you may want even more magnification since your distant targets will be small.<\/p>\n<p>Here are a few of my favorite magnified scopes for the AR.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.trijicon.com\/na_en\/products\/product2.php?id=ACOG&amp;mid=3%20x%2024\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Trijicon ACOG 3&#215;24<\/a> MSRP: $1,285<\/p>\n<p>I picked this particular ACOG as the 3x fixed models are my favorite, but the 2x and 4x models are surprisingly effective at longer distance too. The simplicity of a fixed low power optic really grows on me the more I shoot it. The 3x models are low power enough to use at indoor distances if necessary, but magnified enough to give you surprising precision at distance. ACOGs aren\u2019t cheap, but you get what you pay for. With most models having some form of dual illumination, they\u2019re going to work, period. The one I\u2019m currently using is fiber optic and tritium lamp powered, so the reticle is always lit, in day or night conditions. No batteries or switches, it\u2019s just there. I\u2019m really getting spoiled with this one.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bushnell.com\/tactical\/rifle-scopes\/elite-tactical\/smrs-1-6-5x-25mm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS 1-6.5x<\/a> Street Price:\u00a0 ~$1,100 depending on model.<\/p>\n<p>Quality magnified optics aren\u2019t cheap. Besides the quality of the glass, one of the things that drives price is a first focal plane reticle. Without getting too much into the weeds, a first focal plane reticle grows and shrinks with the zoom setting. This is important because the hash marks maintain their same meaning at any magnification level. If your reticle has ranging features, they work at any magnification. If it has ballistic drop compensation holdover marks, they are accurate at any power setting. With second focal plane (and less expensive optics), those features only work properly at one power setting. That\u2019s what you\u2019re paying for.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_42519\" style=\"width: 457px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Bushnell-Elite-Tactical-SMRS.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-42519\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" class=\"wp-image-42519 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Bushnell-Elite-Tactical-SMRS-e1441911869728.jpg\" alt=\"Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS\" width=\"447\" height=\"241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Bushnell-Elite-Tactical-SMRS-e1441911869728.jpg 447w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Bushnell-Elite-Tactical-SMRS-e1441911869728-150x81.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Bushnell-Elite-Tactical-SMRS-e1441911869728-400x216.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 447px) 100vw, 447px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-42519\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I like the Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS series because the illuminated reticle works like a red dot at the 1x setting, while allowing precise holdovers at higher zoom levels. It\u2019s also built like a tank.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nikonsportoptics.com\/en\/nikon-products\/riflescopes\/m-223-1-4x20-bdc-600---------.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Nikon M-223 1-4&#215;20 BDC 600<\/a> MSRP: $299.95<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s hard to go wrong with any of the models in the Nikon M-223 series. The glass is excellent and it\u2019s hard to beat the price value. This particular model features 1-4x zoom. The ballistic drop compensation reticle has circles and marks that indicate hold points from zero to 600 yards in 50-yard increments.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_42521\" style=\"width: 666px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Nikon-16301_M-223_1-4x20_BDC_600.png\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-42521\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" class=\"wp-image-42521 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Nikon-16301_M-223_1-4x20_BDC_600-e1441911911779.png\" alt=\"Nikon M-223 1-4x20\" width=\"656\" height=\"463\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Nikon-16301_M-223_1-4x20_BDC_600-e1441911911779.png 656w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Nikon-16301_M-223_1-4x20_BDC_600-e1441911911779-150x106.png 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Nikon-16301_M-223_1-4x20_BDC_600-e1441911911779-400x282.png 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 656px) 100vw, 656px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-42521\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nikon M-223 1-4&#215;20<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.burrisoptics.com\/scopes\/msr-riflescopes-series\/msr-riflescope-3-9x40mm\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">Burris MSR Riflescope 3-9&#215;40<\/a> MSRP: $239<\/p>\n<p>A great value on a general purpose MSR optic is this Burris MSR model. 3-9x magnification is about as versatile as you can get and introduces you longer varmint hunting range. It&#8217;s got a BallisticPlex reticle so you can easily translate reticle marks to your ammo of choice. If you&#8217;re into prairie dog hunting, check out the 4.5-14&#215;42 model.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_42520\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/msr-riflescope-3-9x40mm-profile.png\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-42520\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" class=\"wp-image-42520 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/msr-riflescope-3-9x40mm-profile-e1441911959734-1024x284.png\" alt=\"Burris MSR Riflescope 3-9x40\" width=\"1024\" height=\"284\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/msr-riflescope-3-9x40mm-profile-e1441911959734-1024x284.png 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/msr-riflescope-3-9x40mm-profile-e1441911959734-150x42.png 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/msr-riflescope-3-9x40mm-profile-e1441911959734-400x111.png 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/msr-riflescope-3-9x40mm-profile-e1441911959734.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-42520\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Burris MSR Riflescope 3-9&#215;40<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Iron Sights?!<\/h2>\n<p>Iron sights are still around for a reason, so don\u2019t discount those as a primary option too quickly. For an AR rifle, they can certainly serve as your primary sighting tool. They\u2019re also great as a backup option in case your magnified or red dot optic cries uncle. You\u2019ll also find them on tricked out competition rifles mounted alongside a magnified optic, but at a 45-degree angle, so they can be used with a slight twist of the rifle for close targets.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_42518\" style=\"width: 280px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/XS-AR-dot.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-42518\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" class=\"size-full wp-image-42518\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/XS-AR-dot.jpeg\" alt=\"XS Big Dot front sight for AR platforms\" width=\"270\" height=\"270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/XS-AR-dot.jpeg 270w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/XS-AR-dot-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 270px) 100vw, 270px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-42518\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">XS Big Dot front sight for AR platforms<\/p><\/div>\n<p>If you choose to go the primary route, I would urge you to consider adding a little bit of healthy radioactivity to your rifle. As a primary sight, it sure would be helpful to have visibility in low light conditions, right?<\/p>\n<p>Check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.xssights.com\/products.aspx?CAT=8272\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\" title=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\">AR platform options from XS Sights<\/a>. You can start with a simple tritium powered post that replaces your current front sight post only. The post only option that uses your existing sight base is about $60 and comes in a dot or vertical line configuration. Or, you can get a front and rear set in different combinations of non-illuminated or tritium rear sights.<\/p>\n<h2>Closing thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>The most important takeaway is that your rifle is only as good as your optic choice. It\u2019s ever so tempting to put all the AR build budget into the rifle itself, but without a quality optic, the ability to hit targets consistently, in any environment, and for the long haul, is severely compromised. It\u2019s not at all unusual for serious AR shooters to spend as much on their optic as the rifle itself. Less serious shooters might consider spending half the cost of the rifle on the optic solution. It\u2019s that important.<\/p>\n<p>Part 1: <a href=\"\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-step-by-step-series-introduction\/\" campaign=\"build an AR-15\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Build an AR-15: The Series Introduction<\/a><br \/>\nPart 2: <a href=\"\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-ar-calibers\/\" campaign=\"build an AR-15\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Build an AR-15: AR Calibers<\/a><br \/>\nPart 3: <a href=\"\/blog\/build-an-ar-direct-impingement-or-piston-operation\/\" campaign=\"build an AR-15\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Build an AR-15: Direct Impingement or Piston Operation<\/a><br \/>\nPart 4: <a href=\"\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-tools-and-materials\/\" campaign=\"Build an AR-15\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Build an AR-15: Tools and Materials<\/a><br \/>\nPart 5: <a href=\"\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-the-lowdown-on-lowers\/\" campaign=\"Build an AR-15\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Build an AR-15: The Lowdown on Lowers<\/a><br \/>\nPart 6: <a href=\"\/blog\/build-an-ar15-intro-to-uppers\/\" campaign=\"Build an AR-15\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Build an AR-15: Intro to Uppers<\/a><br \/>\nPart 7: <a href=\"\/blog\/build-an-ar-choosing-and-installing-the-barrel\/\" campaign=\"Build an AR-15\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Build an AR-15: Barrels<\/a><br \/>\nPart 8: <a href=\"\/blog\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-butt-stock\/\" campaign=\"Build an AR-15\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\">Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Butt Stock<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When deciding on the perfect optic for your AR build, the very first thing you need to do is match the performance window of the optic with the performance window of your rifle. And we&#8217;re here to help. Here&#8217;s a guide designed for those building their own AR-15s.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":42594,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7,891,334,888,209],"tags":[197,724,132,102,620],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-42512","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gunsamerica-authors","8":"category-ga-guides-build-ar","9":"category-building-an-ar-15","10":"category-columns-ga-guides","11":"category-tom-mchale","12":"tag-accesories","13":"tag-build-an-ar","14":"tag-buzz","15":"tag-feature-articles","16":"tag-tactical"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"No rifle is complete without a way to aim it. Optics allow you to get the most out of your AR-15. Here&#039;s a guide for those who build their own AR-15.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"When deciding on the perfect optic for your AR build, the very first thing you need to do is match the performance window of the optic with the performance window of your rifle. And we&#039;re here to help. Here&#039;s a guide designed for those building their own AR-15s.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/mygunculture\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2015-09-11T18:37:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-08-19T00:35:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"638\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Tom McHale\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@http:\/\/twitter.com\/mygunculture\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@gunsamerica\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Tom McHale\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Tom McHale\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/0d300d007eac411171a5b1eff424c4de\"},\"headline\":\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\",\"datePublished\":\"2015-09-11T18:37:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-08-19T00:35:15+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2973,\"commentCount\":1,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2015\\\/09\\\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Accesories\",\"Build An AR\",\"Buzz\",\"Feature Articles\",\"Tactical\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Authors\",\"Build an AR\",\"Building an AR-15\",\"GA Guides\",\"Tom McHale\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/\",\"name\":\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2015\\\/09\\\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2015-09-11T18:37:30+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-08-19T00:35:15+00:00\",\"description\":\"No rifle is complete without a way to aim it. Optics allow you to get the most out of your AR-15. Here's a guide for those who build their own AR-15.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2015\\\/09\\\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2015\\\/09\\\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1.jpg\",\"width\":900,\"height\":638,\"caption\":\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"name\":\"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\\\/Digest\",\"description\":\"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America&#039;s premier destination for buying and selling firearms.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"GunsAmerica\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/image-3.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/image-3.png\",\"width\":286,\"height\":156,\"caption\":\"GunsAmerica\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/gunsamerica\",\"https:\\\/\\\/instagram.com\\\/gunsamerica_official\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/GunsAmerica\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/0d300d007eac411171a5b1eff424c4de\",\"name\":\"Tom McHale\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Tom McHale\"},\"description\":\"Literary assault dude writing guns &amp; shooting books and articles. Personal accountability rocks!\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/mygunculture.com\",\"http:\\\/\\\/facebook.com\\\/mygunculture\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/http:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/mygunculture\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/gunsamerica.com\\\/digest\\\/author\\\/tom-mchale\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic","description":"No rifle is complete without a way to aim it. Optics allow you to get the most out of your AR-15. Here's a guide for those who build their own AR-15.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic","og_description":"When deciding on the perfect optic for your AR build, the very first thing you need to do is match the performance window of the optic with the performance window of your rifle. And we're here to help. Here's a guide designed for those building their own AR-15s.","og_url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/","og_site_name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","article_author":"http:\/\/facebook.com\/mygunculture","article_published_time":"2015-09-11T18:37:30+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-08-19T00:35:15+00:00","og_image":[{"width":900,"height":638,"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Tom McHale","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@http:\/\/twitter.com\/mygunculture","twitter_site":"@gunsamerica","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Tom McHale","Est. reading time":"15 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/"},"author":{"name":"Tom McHale","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/0d300d007eac411171a5b1eff424c4de"},"headline":"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic","datePublished":"2015-09-11T18:37:30+00:00","dateModified":"2023-08-19T00:35:15+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/"},"wordCount":2973,"commentCount":1,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1.jpg","keywords":["Accesories","Build An AR","Buzz","Feature Articles","Tactical"],"articleSection":["Authors","Build an AR","Building an AR-15","GA Guides","Tom McHale"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/","name":"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1.jpg","datePublished":"2015-09-11T18:37:30+00:00","dateModified":"2023-08-19T00:35:15+00:00","description":"No rifle is complete without a way to aim it. Optics allow you to get the most out of your AR-15. Here's a guide for those who build their own AR-15.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1.jpg","width":900,"height":638,"caption":"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/build-an-ar-15-choosing-the-right-optic\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Build an AR-15: Choosing the Right Optic"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#website","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","name":"Gun Reviews and News | GunsAmerica.com\/Digest","description":"Gun Reviews, Industry News, and Product Reviews for Rifles, Pistols, Revolvers, Shotguns, Optics, and Ammunition. Looking to purchase a firearm online? Look no further than GunsAmerica.com, America&#039;s premier destination for buying and selling firearms.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#organization","name":"GunsAmerica","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png","width":286,"height":156,"caption":"GunsAmerica"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/x.com\/gunsamerica","https:\/\/instagram.com\/gunsamerica_official\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/GunsAmerica"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/#\/schema\/person\/0d300d007eac411171a5b1eff424c4de","name":"Tom McHale","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0883c3001eb5dee6390cf78d2a846d07c11b8a2c419a2b8af9ae9396acba416d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Tom McHale"},"description":"Literary assault dude writing guns &amp; shooting books and articles. Personal accountability rocks!","sameAs":["http:\/\/mygunculture.com","http:\/\/facebook.com\/mygunculture","https:\/\/x.com\/http:\/\/twitter.com\/mygunculture"],"url":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/author\/tom-mchale\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/build-an-ar-15-optics-1-150x106.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42512","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42512"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42512\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":180858,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42512\/revisions\/180858"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42512"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42512"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42512"},{"taxonomy":"featured","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured?post=42512"},{"taxonomy":"hunt365","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/hunt365?post=42512"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}