Have an Armalite M-15NMA2, interested (among other things) to put optics on top (flattop upper will come later). Am old school, have an old Beeman 3X sight we used to use back in the 80's when nothing else was available, with the Colt AR handle insert/rail. Looking for compactness, magnification above 4x ideally (up to 10x), mil-rad or would settle for mil-dot 1-2.

Gentlemen, I've perused dozens of websites for scope manufacturers (Aimpoint, Trijicon, Leupold, etc.), other forums, etc. and except for the lines/features of the NCStar cheapos which I will avoid I'm at a loss where to look.

I'm hoping that there is some obscure quality optics out there that someone can point me towards. I'm not interested in red dots or quick tactical reflex sights, just good old fashion crosshairs to reach out a little with 68grain match ammo and a bipod.

Thank you in advance.

Honestly if that is what you are wanting then I would have to recommend Leupold.

This for your Mount to your carry handle.
Scope

Barska 3-9X42 IR with BDC for .223 AR barrels, 9 inches long and just about a pound in weight. I got mine on sale, They usually go for 120-ish otherwise.

If it helps any, all of my ARs except this new one have carry handles. Yeah, old school myself. In all the years, I've been trying this scope and that I have only found one that wouldn't adjust low enough for a close in zero. That was a cheapie too.

That leaves a pretty darn wide field of scopes you can fit.

Tj