I want to replace the cheap red dot on my Bushmaster AR 15. I'd like to get a NON ILLUMINATED 1 x 4 second focal plane scope in the $200.00-$400.00 range. I'm open to recommendations from you AR guys.

Do they even make a scope with a non-illuminated reticle anymore? I really don't want a scope that requires batteries.

Thanks in advance.

This is what I got. Illuminated but I don't put the batteries in and it works like a non-illuminated reticle

the vortex cross fire has an illuminated recital but it is etched glass so if you never turn it on or pull the battery out you don't see any difference

runs right about 200 , you need a 30mm mount , get the cantilevered one


Bushnell does make an non illuminated 1-4 but it has turret dials that are exposed and can be bumped

for most AR use zero and maybe use the retical drop points for hold over.
unless you plan to shoot heavy bullts at far targets , but then 1-4 really isn't the right tool for that

many LPVO low power Variable optics are trying to bridge that gap between the speed of the red dot in close and the need to extend range to 3-4-500 yards sometimes also.
illumination does get you a point on a dark target faster in low light

being etched glass you are not dependent on the battery it is just a bonus illumination

* following *

Mike

if you don't do much closer than 25 yards , the 2-7x32 scopes work well but slow you down on close fast target acquisition
fast enough to shoot running deer at 15-20 yards but slower if your trying to beat a clock on bunch of targets from 2-30 yards.

until I got into a game where close targets were a thing I thought the 2-7 was about as close to perfect scope , I still have them on my hunting guns
they will focus down to a few yards

this is a 2-7x32 vortex


.

I went with the Vortex. Both were priced the same but the Vortex had caps over the turret dials where the Athlon did not. I thought the Vortex 30mm 2" offset mount was pricey and probably should have looked harder for something similar but I got lazy and ordered both together.

Thanks for the suggestions Yes Sir and GCP.

30mm vs 1 inch adds cost to all of them good mounts are not cheap on AR's

Got the optics swapped out.






Now to get it sighted in.

do you shoot NTCH nose to charging handle?

it is the way the Irons were taught on the M16/AR-15 your eye is always in the same place and depending on clothing or position you run the stock in or out

if you shoot that way it also always sets the eye relief

did you adjust the fast focus eye piece out that far intentionally ? if not check page 4 of the manual for the how to adjust it for you.

remember those are 1/2 MOA adjustments and not 1/4 like most hunting scopes so your math is 1/2 moa per click

Not intentionally, the length of pull on this gun is only 13" so I guess I shoot pretty close to NTCH until I replace the stock (if I do). Most of my other rifles have 13.5"-14" LOP.

I honestly don't remember being taught to shoot that way on with the M16 but that was a long time ago.

Yes, I adjusted the diopter that way. That is where both the horizontal and vertical cross-hairs are the darkest/crispest. They adjusted differently and that is where they both look the best.

The manual says the clicks equal 1/4" MOA.

And thanks again for the recommendation.

Under age 40 with good eye sight 4-16x44. For all types of hunting. Over 40 years of age 6-24x50 for all types of hunting. I would go with regular duplex with MIL or MOA turrets. Then if you buy the right brand of scope you could buy yardage turrets if you want or make a yardage tape for your turret. I have tried BDC reticle but never could make them work , missed to many standing coyotes. You will only need 2 different power range scopes your whole life. This is a opinion from a old old prairie dog , coyote , deer , antelope hunter. MD