midwayusa.com Logged In Birthday Pricing

Here’s the price not logged in:

midwayusa.com Not Logged In Standard Pricing

…just a little bit of dishonesty. Seriously, if they don’t want to offer a discount, then don’t. Lying about a discount is way worse than not giving one at all.

The first thing to understand about the scope industry is it’s impossibly huge. There are WAY too many options. Given that I’d get something modest first to see what you like and assume you’ll get something else down the road. In my research it seemed the 3×9 (zoom) x40mm (front lens size) with a standard reticle (crosshair) was the most popular. From there I set a price of $300-$500 and from there narrowed the manufactures and models. Finally, take the list to Cabelas and try them all out. They’ve got almost all the scope models available for testing and even a stand so you can test them across the store. I bought from them too for the service of keeping the product in stock though it cost a bit more.

I bought the Leupold VX-II in the above specs for $299. It’s a very nice, very standard scope. I would buy something else knowing what I know now and given the opportunity to do it again for the AR-10, but the scope will be really great for a number of applications including hunting rifles or even plinking on a .22LR so I’m not disappointed with the purchase. It’ll get used A LOT for YEARS to come on many different guns. It’s probably a good start.

For the AR-10 Carbine I want to get an 4x or 6x ACOG next. It’s about $2000 so that’s a couple years down the road.

For the AR-15 I got an EOTech 512 red dot. Wicked cool but no magnification which is a bit rough. I’ll probably get a third party magnifier for it for around $200 which should round out the features. If you go for the EOTech go for the models with the adjustments on the side so they can be manipulated with a magnifier installed. The 512 has them on the back which is not optimal in that case.

Armalite 1" Scope Mount Assembly EX0027

Finally for the scope you’ll need rings. I went for the Armalite one piece set so the dis/mounting is easy. With two separate rings you’ll need a $100 mounting kit to make sure they’re in line and don’t break your scope. You may be able to find a cheaper one piece and definitely more expensive ones with quick release etc…

With optics it’s all about seeing the product before you buy. Narrow the list and take the family to Cabelas one weekend to look at all the models. Bring your credit card.

Ok, this time I’d practiced dry firing a whole bunch at home and actually read my scopes manual learning a bunch a long the way. I also steadied the butt of the rifle on a bunch of sand bags. The first two targets are seven shot groups at 100 yards of DAG Surplus 7.62×51 (.308) ammo with NATO M80 147gr Bullets. This one’s good save the one flyer on the right and another that didn’t hit the target:

Dag 7.62x51 Surplus Accuracy in AR-10 Pic 1

Here’s target 2 with all seven shots:

Dag 7.62x51 Surplus Accuracy in AR-10 Pic 2

…That’s just about 2 MOA.

Here are some targets at 100yards of American Eagle 7.62×51 168gr OTM. A five shot and three shot group:

American Eagle 7.62x51 168gr OTM at 100yards 5 shot

…and here’s a three shot group finishing up the box of ammo:

American Eagle 7.62x51 168gr OTM at 100yards 3 shot

…again about 2 MOA.

Armalite guarantees their 10A4C for 2-2 1/2 MOA so I guess they’re off the hook.

7.62x51 Dag Surplus Target And AR-10

This stuff is wicked cool. Here’s my target at 100yds using my AR-10 carbine. The highlighted trio are my first three shots of the day. Amazing. As you can see I go downhill from there…

Got this from Santa. It seems well built and functional but looks a bit cheap. No elevation adjustment which for some reason I assumed it would have. It’s going on the AR-15 who’s purpose is just for fun at under 100 yards so it’ll be fine.

Magpul Flat Dark Earth MBUS AR-15 Rear Sight Top

Magpul Flat Dark Earth MBUS AR-15 Rear Sight Up

Magpul Flat Dark Earth MBUS AR-15 Rear Sight Large Short Range Aperture

Magpul Flat Dark Earth MBUS AR-15 Rear Sight Small Long Range Aperture

Magpul Flat Dark Earth MBUS AR-15 Rear Sight Front

Magpul Flat Dark Earth MBUS AR-15 Rear Sight Side

Got this from Santa. I love the MIAD name. Mission Adaptable. That’s what I need. Every day my AR-15 mission changes so I need to swap the parts grip extensions around to perfectly suit it.

It does look good when joined by its FDE siblings though…

Magpul Flat Dark Earth MIAD AR-15 Pisol Grip

Here’s the new UBR stock I got for Christmas…

Magpul Flat Dark Earth UBR Stock

M4 Carbine Flat Dark Earth Magpul UBR

I built this over the year so it’s had a standard green stock and hand guard on it. Now it’s finally finished and outfitted as follows:

BCM 14.5″ carbine upper with permanently attached flash hider.
Stag Lower
Magpul FDE:

• UBR Stock
• MIAD Grip
• MBUS Sight
• MOE Hand Guard
• Magazines

EOTech 512 RDS