At this point, I really just want to see how far I can reach with this rifle. I don’t wear glasses (Yet), and can see through the AimSport that’s on it pretty good -better now that I have the rail extension attached.
If you can reliably hit a man-sized target at 300 yds, particularly with 3 shots in 10 seconds, then you are OK, and a decent rifleman.
If you can do that while standing, you are a studly man.
If you can do that while moving, and taking fire, you are an actor in a movie.
Optics help, but won’t be the differentiator with an AR at extreme range.
NET: get what you like and feel ‘right’ with.
While the .223/5.56 in a standard AR or carbine platform can be ‘accurate’ to 300+ yds., why try that hard? 7.62 and up are better rounds, generally with longer barrels and the right twist.
Besides, that justifies buying another rifle!
The upside of 5.56 is $.40 +/- per decent round downrange. 7.62 that’ll hit what you aim at (unless you reload) is pushing $1/rnd.