Gentlemen, long winded questions/random thoughts regarding optics to a scope newbie...

Subject rifle is an Armalite M015A2NM, I wish to put a scope on it (at times).

I currently have an old Beeman SS2 fixed power (3X) on the standard carry handle rail/see-thru with the screw lock on the bottom.

Question number 1.

Here's what I've noticed since laser eye surgery, am now 20/12.5 right eye (right handed shooter). The Beeman no longer has a sharp crosshair unless I put reading glasses on! However, the inexpensive Bushnell Banner on my .17HMR rifle has a crisp crosshair with relatively the same distance from eye to lense. Is there something I should know or does the older Beeman just have a long eye relief or some such issue common to older scopes? I guess if I mounted the thing halfway down the barrel the hairs would sharpen up but then the view would be rather tiny.


Question number 2.

Obviously I'm a scope novice, old school iron sights military 3 position guy. The two scopes below I'm considering for my AR am basing my wants on a compact scope to ride well on the carry handle without being grossly too long. Both can be had in mil-rad and illuminated. Am leaning towards the fixed 6x Valdada for simplicity and price, plus I've read decent reviews on them. Both seem to have the maximum magnification for the most compactness, and being variably illuminated apparently can help in the lower light situations. Am I going to have the same problem with these scopes as the Beeman? Nothing short of mounting one on my rifle and looking through them will tell me for sure I guess.

As you can tell, I'm kind of new at this. Is there a forum or scope-basics site I should know about? I enjoy the inexpensive scope on the .17 and am not into the tactical/sniper thing, but I do want to have fun reaching out with the heavy barrel .223 and also enjoy it for DCM shoots.


Am bouncing between these two scopes...

http://www.swfa.com/pc-10202-292-ior-6x30-...ifle-scope.aspx
http://www.swfa.com/pc-6147-311-leupold-25...riflescope.aspx

Thanks in advance for comments or directing me towards someone more knowledgable.

This post has been edited by DSbur: November 27th 2008 12:17 AM

there was a great little discussion in the optics forum on this exact subject today.

They are both excellent scopes. The problem we're going to have is that we can't replicate what you see. I have the same condition in my right eye, but I haven't had a problem with a scope. I only have it with really small print up close. I wish I could be of more help to you.



TS

Nothing better than seeing a shooter that has picked out a good quality scope for his AR. I am a firm believer your scope should be of quality as your weapon is.
Normally magnified Scopes do not have a long eye relief, the closer you are to the scope the better field of vision and the crisper the image will be. Mounting a Magnified scope further away from the shooter will reduce what you can see and clarity of the scope.
Another solution is to purchase the scope with the adjustable objective so you can dial in better with your vision.
Since you have narrowed down to two brands one of which is the IOR, please check here for a superb selection of them from one of our Sponsors.
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Marv will do you right and be sure to tell him you are a Member here if you speak with him.

Gentlemen, went over to the optics section (I've been in the beginners section too long I guess...) and started perusing. In just a few minutes I figured out that I could adjust the rear lense optics on the old Beeman SS2 3x21(what I thought was a fixed ring was actually a friction ring that could be loosened and the whole shebang could be 'focused') and viola' the dang thing is sharp! Boy have I got a ways to go...

She still doesn't have mil-rads and such and the adjustments screws are small and probably not meant for a lot of back and forth adjustments. Still, she'll get me going on good loads developement in the meantime and I can trade her off to an airgun shooter who would appreciate her more. It's only 7.5" and 3X and exceptionally clear, haven't seen anything for our AR's THAT short in glass other than the reflex sights.

Will check things out with Marv, thanks for mentioning the optics forum-didn't realize it was there! You guys are great.

Gentlemen,

Finally got to try the new acquisition today. Was pleasantly surprised to end the day shooting 1.5-1.75" groups at 200yds bench with BlackHills 68gr Match HPBT rounds. Either I'm the luckiest SOB or she dials in rather quickly. Personally I feel luckier than skilled as I consider myself rusty and out of practice for so long.

Oh yeah, vertical stringing is from what?

One thing I've forgotten is that I've got to re-learn how to hold the AR, it seems kinda jumpy compared to my 03A3 Springfield (that fore/aft recoil thing I guess).

The little Beeman scope may be servicable but the elevation turret is rather sensitive and I don't see it as a permanent solution. Regardless, thanks for your help and comments.

Good to hear everything worked out for you.

Good shooting as well.

Breathing. Breathe Relax Aim Stop Squeeze... I had some vertical stringing in my shooting the other day.



TS