I’ve been kicking around the idea of putting together a close to medium range ar for varmits and the like. The biggest stumbling block I’ve run up against is that I don’t know what to do for an optic. While I’d like to have illumination in a scope for low light shooting, it seems like that limits my optic choice and costs more than I can justify. It seems like leupold and burris and the like make some great non illuminated 1.5-5, 1-4, or even a fixed 4x for a price I can work with. I should note that I already have an m4 with an aimpoint and light on it for true nightime use. Am I limiting myself by purchasing a non illuminated optic?
Not if it’s not needed. Buy the best optic you can afford with the features you need.
If night-hunting is legal for varmints in your state, put a light on your carbine? A Scout Light provides plenty of illumination when using a Leupold 1.5-5X in the dark.
In my state lights are only legal for 'coons and 'possum.
Get something with an illuminated reticle. You need it–TURN IT ON. You dont–LEAVE IT OFF. Its better to have it and not need it…
What is your budget? Check out the Swarovski Z6 series. Probably way too expensive, but they are top notch.
http://z6.swarovskioptik.com/?l=EN&DirectLink=Z6_Vollansicht