First, let me start by saying I'm relatively new to the whole AR world, so any and all advice would be helpful and appreciated...

I own a Bushmaster Varminter .223 (24 inch barrel),and I want to upgrade my scope. I've heard only good things about the Leupold Mark AR (3-9x40), so I think that's the route I may be headed.

First - is this scope as good as what I've been reading/hearing? Is it a good match for my weapon?

Also, what scope mount would you recommend for the Mark AR and my specific rifle? Are they all the same?

Thanks in advance for your assisatnce!

Yes, those scopes are great. I have two of them. I like the Nikon M223 as well.

For mounts, burris PEPR for starters, and ADM recon (I use this one) for high end. Both are great mounts.

PEPR is the mount I like

I Have the MK AR. It works but I never dial it in so that feature is wasted for my use.

Any good 3x9 or 4x14 scope with decent glass will work and it doesnt look like a baseball bat laying on your gun.

Thanks guys.

Here's a dumb question - do I need the 30mm or the 1 inch mount?

I use the PEPR on my ars and really like them.

The PPER mount is a really good mount to use, Very popular with black rifle setup.
You in the right area for the optics. It's difficult to go wrong using a Leupold. The mount that DSS uses is also a great mount as well. I use Bobro mounts on mine.

Another vote for PEPR. I bought a quick disconnect model and I am very pleased with it. I can pop the scope off, use my irons, and slap the scope back on without losing zero. I intend to shoot a 5 shot group this weekend and detach the mount between each shot just to see exactly how consistent it is.

KC,

Please report back on that. I'd love to know the results.

Question - Do you know if I need the 30mm or the 1 inch mount for my Varminter?

You need a 1"

Link

Click on specs tab.

Thanks!

Another vote for the QD PEPR. I've had mine on and off of my 6.8 numerous times and it hasn't lost zero yet.

if you want a cheaper option and do night hunting, the illuminated ffII from midway is a great deal for $180.

Shocked nobody has mentioned LaRue.

The 30mm and 1" is refering to the diameter of the scope tube so whatever that is will be the size rings you will need. There are many other diameter scope tubes but those are the most common.

Ive used several of the MK AR scopes and they are great for the money !

Heres a little info on dedicated AR scope mounts. On the lower end you have something like a Primary Arms mount and kind of in the middle would be like a PEPR and on teh higher end Larue.

>>>Dedeicated AR Scope Mounts.<<<

Leupold is one of the best for the money, you cant go wrong with one. I have a MK 3 on my 700 5R 308 and another on a Bisley Hunter. On my AR I have a Nikon Coyote Special 4.5x14 BDC for hogs and coyotes which I have grown to love. I use the Nikon Spot On software with the scope and find it extremely accurate.

Those are good scopes, with a 24 inch barrel I would consider getting a higher powered scope, I know with mine at about 300 yards I was wishing I had a higher powered scope because I could not zoom in far enough with my 3-9 scope although I was shooting tight groups the target was harder to see. You don't have to zoom all the way in but its nice to be able to have that extra magnification power available.