Would you put this scope atop a Sako TRG?

Ok, I have been looking for a good scope for one of my TRG's for quite some time and I narrowed it down, originally, between Nightforce, Schmidt and Bender, and US Optics. All are pretty nice scopes but when it came down to it, the Nightforce was out because the reticle was not on the first focal plane. That left me with US Optics and S&B. However, I was hoping to get a discount through work and so far they have not been willing to give us a discount on any test products which means they are probably out considering I was looking to spend $1500-$1700 max for a scope and both US Optics and S&B are easily double that. Simply put, without a discount through my work, they are out.

The more I researched I began to ask myself if the difference in price was really worth your gain over say a Leupold? I mean, is the glass and everything else really that much better that it would justify $2000 more than a Leupold? The military has been using Leupold for years so I am told and has never had a problem with them. They may not be the best of the best but they work and have been beaten through the years by our military so in a way they have proved themselves and then some. I have been looking at the Leupold Mark 4 ERT 6.5-20x50 M5 Rifle Scope and it seems to be a pretty good scope. I can also get the scope for around $1000 and their MSRP is like $2100 or so. The cheapest I found it new online was $1700+/- a bit. So, I am trying to decide whether I should save and get the more expensive scopes or go with this one. I have had some people on other forums tell me if I buy the Leupold that I will regret it and wish I would have bought one of the more expensive ones but I just cannot see it making that much of a difference. This will be my first nice rifle/optic set up so I want to do it right especially since I have like $3800 in just the rifle.

Some of you will ask what this is for and it will be mainly used for target practice, competition, and some hunting. However, if it ever could/should need to be used as an SD weapon then I suppose it could be for that. I do not plan on shooting past 1000 yards with it as this is a .308. So, there you have it please help me decide. I have 90 days to test and evaluate the scope and if I do not like it I can send it back. I am also curious as to what reticle you guys suggest. I was going to order it in the TMR reticle but I would like to hear feedback on this.

I don't have much experience with high dollar scopes. But the Mk 4 should be fine. Also check out Vortex, they are very popular on many forums and praised on snipercentral.

There is also IOR Valdada. Like I said, I don't have much experience behind these scopes but there are other great options besides Leupold, Nightforce and S&B. Probably out of your price range, but there is Premier Reticles too.

I've got a Vortex I'll be comparing to a US Optics scope shortly. From what I've seen though, it's worth a long, hard look. At 12x it's as clear as my USO scope. Cranked all the way up to its highest magnification it gives something up, but it's got high magnification as an option whereas my USO is fixed power.

It'll be a couple of weeks before I can point you at something you can compare yourself, but Vortex ain't bad at all, especially for the price.

I would look hard at thr vortex razor you can pick up a used one within your budget. Nightforce also has a ffp scope it's the f1 it's a solid scope and also worth a look. I would take either over the USO you talked about earlier. The leupold is a decent scope but can't keep up with the above in reliability.

SilentStalker,
If you can get the Leupold you mentioned for around $1,000 then it should be a done deal. You'll have a FFP scope with matching mil/mil, a lifetime warranty and very good glass for a lot less than comparable models. I'd buy one for that price no doubt about it. The decision isn't so easy if you're paying close to full price.

Nightforce also has a ffp scope it's the f1 it's a solid scope and also worth a look.

If he's ok with 3-15x then the Nightforce F1 would be a good choice. I'm buying one for my AI in .308 Win and feel that it's good value for money at around $2,000.


The leupold is a decent scope but can't keep up with the above in reliability.

I don't agree with the reliability comment. I have seven Leupold Mark 4 scopes and a pair of Premier Reticles and I have no complaints with Leupold scopes in terms of reliability. Leupold is now making some really good scopes with prices to match. Their move to FFP and mil/mil puts them back in the race, particularly since other companies have increased their prices considerably over the last year or so e.g. Premier Reticles.

I mean, is the glass and everything else really that much better that it would justify $2000 more than a Leupold?

yes.

note that when leupold attempted to match the features (see Mk8) they put MSRP over $4100. granted, street price is closer to $3100. so you may as well take the vendor bias out of your question and ask if a $3100 leupold is $2000 better than the $1100 leupold you had in mind...


The military has been using Leupold for years so I am told and has never had a problem with them.

and you believed that?

edit: wait... whose military are we talking about?

Tis true. The vortex razor in either the 5 or 10 mil knobs are better than any MK 4. The leupolds are simply overmatched features wise. I ran a Premier Heritage for a while, but after having lots of problems with it, I decided to go with the razor. Best decision I ever made, even though the Premier is supposed to be the better scope.

Let me know if you have any questions specific to the Razor.

The vortex razor in either the 5 or 10 mil knobs are better than any MK 4. The leupolds are simply overmatched features wise.

That might be true if you're comparing MSRP for both models, but for $1,000 vs. $2,000 the OP may be willing to give up the illuminated reticle and 35mm tube available in the Razor.

For the record, I haven't had any issues with either of my Premier scopes.

There is a lot of difference in a S&B, USO or Nightforce. One of the main things is clarity on the highest magnification settings. Unless you are planning on going into combat with it, a Vortex, Leupold, Bushnell Tactical Elite, and others along that range are great choices. I have scopes all through the price range. This more than any other area of shooting sports, do you get what you pay for. I prefer a Premier as my favorite scope, but at over $3k they get expensive quick.

If one can be had for $1000 the loopy might be a decent deal, if not the other choices outshine it IMHO.

Hmmm...you guys have me thinking now. I might can swing a Vortexx for a pretty sweet deal through work as well. Like I said I have 90 days to test and evaluate and if I do not like it then I can send it back, no charge. That says something in and of itself IMO for Leupold. I can't speak of the quality but I have not had anyone else do that for us yet other than Eotech.