Red Dot (w/ or w/o magnifier) or Cqb Scope

[AK545Man]

I have a semi auto 7.62 Nato and I'm thinking about putting optics on it. I'm wondering what does everyone use on theirs. I have a red dot on my Tantal which works great but I wonder if I should go scope on the 7.62 because of the range it can cover. Not looking to spend more than $200.00.

[BPTactical]

I think your thought process is on the money. With the increased range capability of the 7.62 x 51 you are going to benefit from a dedicated, magnified optic (scope).
I had an Eotech with Magnifier on my LR 308 and pulled it in favor of a Nikon Monarch scope. Much better utilization of the rifle and optic.

[AK545Man]

I can see the logic in the that. My only concern about scopes is what would happen if I ever needed to use it close up. I guess I have my Tantal for that though. Do you know how a variable cqb scope differs from a traditional? I don't know jack about optics.

[steveopia]

I can see the logic in the that. My only concern about scopes is what would happen if I ever needed to use it close up. I guess I have my Tantal for that though. Do you know how a variable cqb scope differs from a traditional? I don't know jack about optics.

Just make sure you get a raised mount so you can still use the 'ol iron sights. [Tooth]

[BadShot]

A lot of this depends on the role of the gun. Sounds like you want an intermediate range rifle setup, OK that's a fair role for a 7.62 rifle. What rifle is it by the way?

What I'm reading you to want, you could do well with a 1x4 or 2.5 -10x variable magnification optic. I like the 1x4 optics a lot because you get enough umph with the 4x and not have to do a lot of adjustment, add to that a mount with 20MOA cant (slope) you can generally reach out to 600+ meters without much issue. Add to being able to drop back to 1x you have in essence a Red Dot (depending on your choice of optics) like system. If you set it up correctly you'll even be able to flip up a BUIS and be good to go in case there's a problem with the optic.

Now comes the fun, at $200 you're going to be hard pressed to get really decent glass. You might consider the Millet DMS-1 Gen2 (they may even have a gen 3 out by now), that's a fair entry level 1x4 short dot like optic. Even looking at a quality RDS and magnifier (and you'll want something that can take the recoil over time) is going to run you a fair bit more than $200.

Now if you open up to under $600 you can get a whole assorted range of very good optics in either configuration you're talking about. Just remember that you'll get what you pay for and often it is well worth it to just save up a little bit more and buy once, cry once. Do your research and check out honest reviews (e.g. no gun rag reviews or fan boy reviews/blogs).

[AK545Man]

The rifle in question is a PTR-91. I have a low profile mount that actually sits below the irons, so with the optic removed I could use the irons without have to remove the mount. I'm definitely looking for an intermediate setup. I think I can see the logic as well with getting something above $200. I entertained the thought of an ACOG with the .308 bdc but that is too rich for my blood! Lol

[BPTactical]

You have the beginnings of an extremely accurate platform. Get a good quality "claw" type mount and adjust it properly. They will hold zero well but the only drawback is they sit kind of high. If you need short range sighting just remove the mount/scope and use the irons. Get the trigger cleaned up (PM me if you like) and you have a great distance 308 that will eat any ammo you feed it.
Keep your eyes open at Gander and such and you should be able to find a decent optic around your price range. BadShots suggestion of a Millet is sound advice and take a look at Mueller optics. I had one on a Savage and it wasn't half bad.
You do get what you pay for when it comes to optics however....

[AK545Man]

For sure. I will PM you when I'm ready to get some trigger work done. That may even be something I should do first before I even look at optics. It doesn't have the best trigger pull but so far is pretty accurate with irons.

[SAnd]

1 Minute Of Angle (MOA) is close to an inch at 100 yards. With a red dot sight with a 4 moa dot the dot will be 4 inches in diameter at 100 yards. That can make sighting difficult. There aren't many 1 moa red dots around. I don't know if a magnifier changes that.

Something to consider.

[AK545Man]

That's a good point. Another thing I did not consider. I guess it the target was completely covered at 100 yards that would make accuracy kinda impossible. All good info. Y'all have me doing all kinds of research now. [Tooth]