View Full Version : Scope Advice
Edit: :mad::mad::mad::mad:
My AR10 upper is arriving soon.
308W TS-24 1:10 BRGHTN SST 5C barrel;
Contour: .93 main body, .875 dia gas, .8745 to muzzle 5/8x24TPI;
Main body Remington style straight fluting, Tear drop fluting from gas block to muzzle.
Plan to engage targets out to 1000m.
Do not wish to spend much more than $2000
Looking at the following scopes:
Vortex Razor HD Gen II 4.5-27x56 (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/razor-hd-gen-2-45-27x56-riflescope-with-ebr-2c-mrad-reticle/reticle) MSRP $3000 SW $2500 Local price $2000
Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50 (MRAD) (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-razor-hd-5-20x50-riflescope-with-ebr-3-mrad-reticle-10-mrad-turrets/reticle) MSRP $2500 SW $2000 C $2000 Local price $1700
NightForce 5-25x56 B.E.A.S.T. (http://nightforceoptics.com/beast/) MSRP $?
NightForce 5-20x56 SHV (http://nightforceoptics.com/shv-5-20x56/) MSRP $?
NightForce 5.5-22x56 NXS (http://nightforceoptics.com/nxs/5-5-22x56-nxs-riflescope/) MSRP $? SW $1743-$2025 C $1980-$2120
Any other scopes I should be considering and recommended places to purchase?
I had luck finding my scope ( http://nightforceoptics.com/nxs/5-5-22x50-nxs-riflescope/ ) on Brownell's of all places. I tried Optics Planet, but they overcharged, and didn't even have the damn thing in stock when I had already placed my order. That's another issue, if you buy it online, make sure you call them to ensure that they have it in stock. Also, with the Nightforce scopes, ensure the vendor has the right reticle you want.
I don't have any experience with the Vortex(s), but Nightforce is the way to go IMO. Here's a couple links that may help:
5.5-22x56 NXS: http://www.brownells.com/optics-mounting/scopes/rifle-scopes/nightforce-nxs-5-5-22x56mm-scopes-prod38463.aspx
B.E.A.S.T.: http://www.eurooptic.com/nightforce-scopes-beast.aspx# :eek:
SHV: http://www.armslist.com/posts/3260548/fort-collins-colorado-optics-for-sale--nightforce-shv-5-20x56
If you can live with a 50 Obj., there is this one: http://www.eurooptic.com/nightforce-nxs-55-22x50-mrad-zero-stop-mlr-c202.aspx
The Reaper
10-28-2014, 09:27
Here is one of the better recent scope reviews I have seen.
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2014/09/19/tactical-scopes-field-test-results-summary/
I am saving up for the (believe it or not) Bushnell.
They are the best bang for the buck overall, and are in your price range.
Best of luck, and happy hunting.
TR
Here is one of the better recent scope reviews I have seen.
THANK YOU!
I'm a scope / gun whore.
I've got 6 S&B's (2 5-25x, 3 3-20x & a 3-12x), the Vortex 5-20 Razor, Bushnell HDMR 3-21, Bushnell 1-8, Leupold Mk6 3-18, and several other Vortex, Bushnell's Leopold's, Minox, Zeiss. I had a NF 3-15 F1 and a NF Beast (sold both)
Right now there are a lot of really nice scopes on the market. When S&B went over $4k, I had to look else where. Like TR said, the Bushnell is very nice. I had issues with my turrets not being as accurate as they should. I sent it back (twice) and finally got adjustments acceptable. The glass is good for the price, and it's a fairly compact scope.
Khales and Steiner have recently come out with some really nice scopes in the $3k range. I've used the Khales and it's just as nice as the S&B's. Haven't used the Steiner but have heard good things about it.
Vortex 4-27 Razor Gen2 has been ordered. I've used their 3-18 Gen 2 and it's really nice but I wanted the x27 power. I buddy of mine has used one and said it's just as nice if not nicer than his S&B's - glass, adjustments, profile, reticle, etc.. It is a HEAVY scope, but only 8oz more than the S&B 5-25. If I was going to buy one scope right now with no $$ issues, it would be the Vortex.
The EBR-2C reticle is really nice. Has the features of the Horus but not as obtrusive.
frostfire
10-28-2014, 13:25
Here is one of the better recent scope reviews I have seen.
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2014/09/19/tactical-scopes-field-test-results-summary/
I am saving up for the (believe it or not) Bushnell.
They are the best bang for the buck overall, and are in your price range.
Best of luck, and happy hunting.
TR
wow, never see a test that elaborate before. Thanks TR
Concur. Bushnell HDMR. I own one and have shot multiple demo rifle with it from .308 all the way to .50. At the range, people ask me all the time if they can buy mine. A few years late from their $850 promotion price, but even at the current price point (and mil discount!) it's still your best bang for the buck. If you like Horus reticle, you can order directly from them too
May want to give Sport Optics a call, they are very knowledgeable and willing to answer questions. Also they carry the brands you're looking at.
Peregrino
10-28-2014, 19:20
Another vote for the Bushnell HDMR. Mine is the Beta test, I've used it on a DPMS .308 for several years now. Last weekend I used a friend's new one mounted on his OBR (:cool:) and was very pleased with the combo. The scope perfectly complemented the rifle and the two together produced consistent 100M cloverleafs. The optical and ergonomic differences between it and the other choices in the article TR linked are minimal; it is clearly a "best value" choice. The price difference between it and the more expensive ones tested equals a lot of ammo and accessories that will "enhance" your shooting experience and make your rifle more versatile/effective.
That and sometimes it pays to know people. I had several "marksmen" whose opinions I respect either recommend/endorse it (without compensation) or validate my personal experiences against their own.
And yes - mine tracks just fine.
You say that like it is a bad thing. :D
Do you know if the gears in the Bushnell are metal or plastic? Also how is repeatability when you change elevation etc? Is it consistent? Have you done a "square test" where you shoot. four clicks up, shoot four clicks right etc etc. ?
I don't know if they're metal or plastic.
I did the mechanical square test (but far more than 4 clicks) and it never would come back to zero. Mine wasn't the only one that had that problem.
Bottom line is they fixed the problem. Every scope manufacturer has had issues. One of my S&B 3-20x had to go back due to the locking turret not working correctly.
Guymullins
10-29-2014, 02:41
You say that like it is a bad thing. :D
Do you know if the gears in the Bushnell are metal or plastic? Also how is repeatability when you change elevation etc? Is it consistent? Have you done a "square test" where you shoot. four clicks up, shoot four clicks right etc etc. ?
4x4x4x4 clicks will only give you an inch square at 100 yds , so it isn't much of a test unless you are shooting less than a quarter inch groups. I test scopes at at least 20 click increments so that the square shot is nice and large and easy to see.
Guymullins
10-29-2014, 08:17
I was using 4 clicks as an example. I go more clicks myself.
Nah, I bet you can shoot 1/4 inch groups.
Guymullins
10-29-2014, 15:04
3 shots from my .308 at 100 yards. Wish all my groups were like this. Shows even a blind pig can find an acorn now and then.
My .375 makes bigger holes with one shot. You may do your scope test with two clicks per side. Carry on.
Well the election is over and the bonuses have been paid.
Been doing some scope research. If I'm careful I can reach for a NightForce BEAST (http://nightforceoptics.com/military/beast/) w TReMoR2 (1st choice) or H59 (2d choice) reticle. Followed by the NightForce ATACR w MIL-R (http://nightforceoptics.com/military/atacr/) or the Vortex Raxor HD Gen II 4.5x27x56 w EBR-2C MRAD reticle (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/razor-hd-gen-2-45-27x56-riflescope-with-ebr-2c-mrad-reticle/reticle). Not really thrilled with the ATACR reticle.
Still exploring the Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS 4.5x30x50 w G2 reticle (http://bushnell.com/all-products/rifle-scopes/elite-tactical/xrs-4-5-30x-50mm#) scope.
I recognize that there is a wait time for some of these scope/reticle combinations.
Thoughts?
Anybody got an "in" for any of these scopes?
The Reaper
11-14-2014, 13:36
I have two Nightforces, and I am very happy with them, but the next long range scope I buy is going to be a Bushnell.
TR
Peregrino
11-14-2014, 19:31
You might want to stick with the H59 reticle vs. the TReMoR2 if you're planning to use it on more than one caliber or with non-standard loads.
You might want to stick with the H59 reticle vs. the TReMoR2 if you're planning to use it on more than one caliber or with non-standard loads.
Absolutely agree.
Before you buy a NF Beast, try to get some time with one. I wasn't crazy about the turrets.
DJ Urbanovsky
11-15-2014, 12:15
What Peregrino and koz said. The H59 is a fantastic reticle. No futzing with turrets to compensate for windage and elevation. I have an original Horus Blackbird with the H58 on my 16" .308, and it is super fast and easy to use. The H59 adds a mil to each side of the H58 Christmas tree and has an open center. The Blackbird is 1.5-8x power, has nice glass, and is a solid build, but you will probably want more magnification if you're engaging out to 1000 yards. In fact, aside from stronger illumination, my only major complaint with mine is that I wish it had stronger magnification for longer shots. But for a sub $1000 scope (that's retail - I got a smokin' on mine), I feel it's hard to beat and I have been very happy. Check out Horus' offerings. They have variables that go up to 26x magnification.
Looking at this to put on a .223 Wylde 18" match upper. At $150 it looks like a great deal.
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm BDC Reticle, Target Turrets Matte Blk (http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/4-5-18x40-bdc-reticle-target-turrets-sf-matte-blk.html)
Technical Specs (http://bushnell.com/all-products/rifle-scopes/ar-optics/2-12x-40mm#)
The Reaper
11-28-2014, 14:32
Looking at this to put on a .223 Wylde 18" match upper. At $150 it looks like a great deal.
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm BDC Reticle, Target Turrets Matte Blk (http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/4-5-18x40-bdc-reticle-target-turrets-sf-matte-blk.html)
Technical Specs (http://bushnell.com/all-products/rifle-scopes/ar-optics/2-12x-40mm#)
I have not shot that particular optic before, but I would not recommend it, even for a redneck deer rifle.
Bushnell continues to make a line of lower quality economy scopes while making the very nice high end products.
Even with Bushnell, you get what you pay for.
Just a heads up.
TR
I have not shot that particular optic before, but I would not recommend it, even for a redneck deer rifle.
Bushnell continues to make a line of lower quality economy scopes while making the very nice high end products.
Even with Bushnell, you get what you pay for.
Just a heads up.
TR
Thanks again to you and everyone else.
frostfire
12-20-2014, 21:42
Looking at this to put on a .223 Wylde 18" match upper. At $150 it looks like a great deal.
Bushnell AR Optics 4.5-18x40mm BDC Reticle, Target Turrets Matte Blk (http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/4-5-18x40-bdc-reticle-target-turrets-sf-matte-blk.html)
Technical Specs (http://bushnell.com/all-products/rifle-scopes/ar-optics/2-12x-40mm#)
Before you pull the trigger on that one, take a look of this one too. Tons of bang for your buck, and flawless review
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_1_6X_Scope_with_Patented_ACSS_Reticle _p/paps1-6x.htm
Solid scope from a solid company. Had to return a defective TRS25 the other day, less than 24 hours I received the RMA and a few days later I received a brand new, working TRS 25. Excellent customer service like what I used to get from Larue
Bushmaster
12-26-2014, 20:01
I know this is a little late, but here is my vote for a decent "high-end" optic for a "low-end" price:
http://www.leupold.com/tactical/scopes/mark-ar-riflescopes/
Don't let the AR in the name fool you. I have four of these and three of them are on bolt guns. I have two 3X9's and two 4X12's. You can get the 3X9's for around $300 and the 4X12's for around $450. Some of the money you save can go towards a quality base and rings where many guys try to go cheap.
Other than the Leupold quality and lifetime warranty the two big things I like about these scopes are:
1. You can order a custom BDC from Leupold for the exact round you are shooting for about $65. You provide them the data, bullet weight, BC, muzzle velocity, temp, altitude, etc and they plug it in to their ballistic computer and laser etch a BDC for that round. I have one for 5.56/77 gr Sierra Match Kings, .308/168 gr Match Kings, and .243/95 gr Match Kings and they are dead on for range. For hunting I use .308/165 gr Game Kings and .243/100 gr Game Kings and the BDC are solid for normal hunting ranges (4-500 yards.)
2. The new MOD 1 P5 dials are all in Mils as opposed to MOA. This makes corrections when shooting unknown distances a lot simpler especially if you match it up to a MILDOT reticle.
Here is a decent review of these scopes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt6V-vFLpTU