[wcm]

I've got an AR 15 H match and I would like to set it up with a scope for varmints. Don't have much money to spend on the project so I'm looking for input from those of you that know optics. I have been told by a friend that the Barska IR Point Black .223 B.D.C. Riflescope would be a good buy for the money but I'm not familiar with scopes in general.
What do you guys think?

 

[hailstone]

Depending on the power and variable range will dictate cost. But you get what you pay for in cheap scopes. I've bought used firearms with the cheaper scopes and everyone has been removed for sale or dumped in the trash because of the poor quality. If your young then you won't notice the fuzzy focus, blurry images, non linear adjustments, etc. Older eyes tend to notice these things faster because they wear one down during a long day of varmit hunting. Been there done that years ago with no desire to every return and wishing I had saved my money for better optics.

 

[bsn]

The only Barska scope I had any experience with had horrible optics. There are better choices.

 

[kdub]

Think I have a Barska - its a Sportsman's Guide scope and was on the "Cheep" for a 3x9x56 illuminated heavy crosshair with a 30mm tube. Decided for the price I wouldn't be wasting too much and was curious as to quality. Actually, it has pretty clear optics and works quite well, especially in very early morning and late evening hunting. Had it mounted on a 6.5mm rifle, so can't judge how it would work out on a heavy recoiling rifle, but for my use, is was more than adequate.

Weighs a ton, though! It now resides in the vault until more such hunting requires an illuminated optic. Put a lighter Leupold Vari-X II 3x9 back on the rifle and lowered the "turkey neck" line of sight back to near normal.

 

[wcm]

Thanks guys for the input. Think I'll do the smart thing here and listen to experience.
I've decided to go for the Leupold Mark AR with the mil-dot retical 4-12, it's three times the price but probably ten times the scope.
Thanks again.

 

[Sandman1]

You are making the right decision. Your glass is not the right place to save money. My only experience with Barska is a spotting scope, and it is next to worthless.