Need recommendation for flattop AR15 optic please

[DualCarbon]

I have a S&W AR15 (model MP15a) with a flip up Troy rear sight and standard triangle front sight (like the example pic).

I'd like to get an optic for this flat top MP15a. It would be used in a suburban (basically meaning not urban or rural, but with alot of houses with small yards) hypothetical defense scenario. Hopefully not a last stand alamo-type scenario. Thinking price of $400-500? I would need to know what is needed to mount the optic to the gun also (ideally it would come with that mount, or if you could recommend one). The gun has a 1/9 turn barrel, and I use 55grain-62grain rounds - if that matters. Also, I'm not sure if the front sight "gets in the way". Is that a problem? Do I need to have a gunsmith put in flip up front sight too?
Thank you for any suggestions or links!

[Eat Beef]

You could put anything from a holosight (Eotech) to a red dot (Aimpoint) to an Acog (out of your price range) to a low power variable (1-4x) to a traditional scope (3-9x) or a fixed power of some sort. We'll need to know what you want it to do if we're to give viable advice.

What do you want? Close and fast? Long and accurate? A blend of both?

The front sight tower will be a problem with higher magnification traditional scopes. I have a Leupold 3.5-10x on a similar S&W in 5.45, and it greys out a little. I'm only using it for hogs, coyotes, and such, so it's not killing me, but I wouldn't accept it for a defense weapon.

You can swap the front sight tower out yourself, no sense in paying extra to have some gunsmith who probably has the same level of expertise as you do.

For what I'm imagining your needs are, I would think an Acog or one of the new low power variables (1-6x, etc.) would fit your needs. Either way, don't skimp on glass. Buy once, cry once.

[REO 54]

I have been looking at the Nikon M233. Entry level optics,resonable price...$299.

[SilverJeep]

I started with a Trijicon RMR red dot (actually yellow) site. I think it was $400-$500 (can't remember exactly) It was fiber optic fed during the day, tritium fed at night. No batteries!

It was great for close up (25 -50 yards). At 100 yards the dot covered the width of a man size target. I could get all my shots on the paper, but tight groups were out of the question. Not to mention accurate placement. Past 100 yards, forget it!

Finally broke down and got a Trijicon ACOG TA-31F. Wow! What a difference. I have never been so impressed with an optic. Have never regretted it. Awesome groups, right where i want them. ...plus its fiber optic and tritium fed as well.

If you get something cheap, make sure it has a good resale value so that you can trade up later to an ACOG.

[SilverCity]

Have a look at a 1-4x Leupold scope and Rock River Arms mount. I find myself preferring the magnification a scope provides for more accurate shooting, especially in a suburban SHTF scenario. You must make sure of your shots to avoid collateral damage. Also, you can dial the scope down to 1x or 2x for faster target acquistion on runners.


SC

[DualCarbon]

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I'll need to decide more if I need magnification or not.