...I need to get a scope on...the Ar for mostly punching paper & maybe a prairie dog hunting...from 100 yards to 200 yards...& maybe to 275 yards...Trying to keep it around $200 or less
I agree with NoExpert.
For an AR15 at the ranges you are shooting, a good 1-4x should suit your needs...although, for sub-$200, you are not going to find a quality piece of equipment.
If you can you possibly extend your budget to around $300, then there are several higher quality, low-powered optics options available to you:
The
Burris TAC 30 appears to have good reviews, and I think that it is made in USA. It retails for right around $300. If you are hunting prairie dogs, and color is important to you, then there is also an exclusive
tan anodized version available from Midway.
Nikon offers their
M223 for around $260.
Also in that price range, you could get a Leupold
Mk AR or a
Vari-X II for just under $300.
I would recommend that you AVOID the
Millet DMS-1, even though it is is well withing your budget, and you might be tempted to choose it. I had one once and it did not last for more the a few hundred rounds before it started to self destruct.
All of my examples were from Midway, as that is where is buy a good bit of gear from. I like that they clearly display whether or not an item is in stock. Also, they have fair pricing and great customer service. Shipping has always been very prompt, as well.
I have only purchased from Optics Planet once.
I needed an, obscure, niche-specific Safariland holster that I found impossible to locate elsewhere. Optics Planet was the ONLY online retailer that I contacted who was even willing to consider special ordering the holster for me. I had to wait two weeks to get the holster, but it was worth it.
Optics Planet's prices are very competitive, and they have a massive inventory and selection, but as previously stated, you will definitely need to contact them by telephone before ordering to confirm stock availability.
I would recommend Optics Planet without reservation.