Mid-power FFP scope?

[Chris Rhines]

I'm thinking about trying something new out for my next 3-gun rifle. I want to use a mid-power mil-dot optic with good external adjustments, and see if dialing corrections is any faster/more accurate than holding over.

Problem is, I'm not sure that there's a suitable scope out there. What I need is a mid-power (2-8x or so) scope with repeatable external adjustments and a front focal plane reticule. Some other requirements:
- As small and as light as possible.
- Low-profile windage and elevation knobs are a big plus.
- Replaceable elevation knob for a custom BDC would be nice.
- Illumination would be nice, but not critical.
- Should go without saying, but nice glass is really important.
- Price is a factor. I'd like to keep the scope cost around a thousand bucks or so.

So, does such a scope exist?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[taliv]

Not that I know of at that price. Nf makes a 2-10 that's decent. If you want to triple your budget s&b has a new shot dot coming out that is supposed to be pretty amazing. And USO has some nice 1.8-10 as well

But dialing is never going to be as fast as holdover with a good reticle

 

[taliv]

Also check out the leopold mk8 cqbss

 

[pdd614]

Ss 3-9 with either the standard mildot or the upgraded reticle is the only thing that comes to mind. You can get a great deal on this scope through a group buy. The group kit consists of a free bobro mount, flip ups, ard, and sunshade. I ran this scope for a couple of years, and it held up well. If somebody ends up buying on of these scopes, it's almost a must to get the switchview that goes with it.


http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-3-9x42-Tactical-Riflescope-KIT-P50225.aspx

 

[Chris Rhines]

Thanks to all who have responded.

I agree that holding over with a properly designed reticule will always be faster. The problem that I've had is holding over for odd distances out past 300-350 yards. For instance, a 10" plate at 415 yards gives me 1.8 mils up. My scope reticule is calibrated in mils, so I have to hold the 2-mil mark low and walk the shots in. This takes time and ammo. Whereas with a NXS 2.5-10 and a BDC knob, I could dial 1-2 clicks over 400, hold the center, and have a better chance of a first shot hit. Maybe.

It occurs to me that if I'm going to dial corrections out past 350, I don't really need an FFP reticule. I'm looking hard at the Nightforce Compact 2.5-10x and the Leupold M2 2.5-8x. The SS 3-9x is possible, but it's pretty big for a lightweight AR.

Anything I'm overlooking?

-C

 

[taliv]

honestly, i think you're in good shape with just the FFP reticle. you don't want to stop and dial anything if you don't absolutely have to, especially on the clock.

 

[chrome_austex]

Agreed with Taliv on not dialing stuff on the clock.

SS 3-9 is an option (it hits most of the criteria), but its not lightweight or low profile, and the glass could be better, but overall its a great scope.

Just last weekend my holdovers for 280y and 480y were +0.3 and +2.3 mil, so I dialed the turret to +0.3 and held dead center for 280 and exactly 2 mil over that for the 480y. Worked like a charm. (this with an SWFA SS 1-4, and not the SS 3-9x which is sitting in the safe waiting for my next bolt gun).

I'm a big fan of the accessible mrad turrets, FFP reticule, and mildot combination.

 

[pdd614]

Just as a side note. There is no way I would pay 4k for a leupold mk8.