Entry Level Scope for .50BMG?

You dropped that kind of coin on a Fity and you want an entry level scope?



Q

I would look for something with a lifetime warranty. Seriously

For inexpensive, I would consider something from Vortex, or maybe one of the new Redfields. AFAIK both have lifetime warranties; so do most/all Nikon and Leupold models. Anything in the $100-200 range from those as a temporary starter, I suppose.

I have a Nightforce 5.5-22x56mm on my Big Mac.

High enough Magnification while maintaining 100 MOA elevation adjustment. You can go higher magnification, but will lose elevation range for instance the 12-42x56 has 45 MOA adjustment. Personally 22x magnification works fine for me up to and over 1000 yards. YMMV

I have a Nightforce 5.5-22x56mm on my Big Mac.

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So a Nightforce is a entry level scope like the Bushnell and Super Sniper....cool, I always thought they were higher priced and over all better quality.

After turning a very expensive piece of glass into a kaleidoscope after only 4 rounds. We put a cheap Wal-Mart 3-9 Tasco off of a .22lr on my 50 and it held up and zero for over 100 rounds. I was amazed and impressed.

So a Nightforce is a entry level scope like the Bushnell and Super Sniper....cool, I always thought they were higher priced and over all better quality.

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Nightforce is the cheapest scope I'd put on a .50bmg, so yeah. It's an entry level scope for the application.

The 3200 has a VERY good and Quickly repeatable warranty. You want the 10x with Mil dots

After turning a very expensive piece of glass into a kaleidoscope after only 4 rounds.

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Care to say what brand/model so the rest of us can avoid it?

I'd go with the Super Sniper 16x42.

I put the Bushnell 3200 10x Tactical on mine also, I think it was $168 shipped. Glass is Japanese and actually pretty good. Most 50 BMGs do not get shot a lot, its not something you take out plinking all the time, to every range trip, send 200rds downrange each time its out, etc.... so I did not want to invest a lot either. Optically is pretty similar to a Super Sniper. I had actually bought a Super Sniper for my 50 and the 3200 for another rifle but ended up selling the SS and using the 3200. You have target knobs, turn counters etc. After using the 30moa base on my 50 the 3200 has enough travel to keep a 100yd zero and enough scope adjustment to reach out to ~1950yds (73moa). There are a couple other pretty scopes for a little more also, like the Buckmasters 4-14 mildot and Mueller TacII 2.8-10.

Scope selection should be based on use of rifle. If you are shooting competitively that is at 1000yds for 50bmg and you will be shooting against mostly Nightforce Benchrest scopes, on a budget would indicate maybe a Weaver fixed power scope. I really doubt I would have a practical need to use my 50bmg for defense, if that was the case its most like it would be needed against armored targets at short range, so a 1x Aimpoint, etc would probably be best.

Quote:
After turning a very expensive piece of glass into a kaleidoscope after only 4 rounds.

Care to say what brand/model so the rest of us can avoid it?

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It was a leupold mark 4, I wouldn't avoid them or suggest a Tasco over them. I was just pointing out, you never know when expensive stuff will break and cheap crap will hold up.

I have a SWFA SS(super sniper) 20x on my M99.Has held up well and a bargain at $300.Sure,the NF,Lupy MK4s,S&B are better but cost alot more.Many start out with the SWFA SS or even the Bushnell 3200(Barrett puts these on M99s in the kits).

Just ask yourself what you are going to use your gun for.If you really get serious about shooting .50 long range and competition,then save up for a better scope.If you just blew your wad buying the gun,rings,ammo,reloading equipment,a lesser but decent scope isn't a bad option.If we were all made of cash life would be simpler.

If your looking for an entry level scope that works with the .50,try the SS.I can usually do 10-12" groups at 1000 yards with match ammo,so I'm tickled pink.

Get the Elite 3200 10x40, you can sell it after you can afford the Nightforce entry level snob scope, and not lose much resale

I've had two Elite 3200s and there great glass for the money

If 10X is enough for what you want to do, I'll agree with the Bushnell 3200. I've heard good things about them.