Best precision scope money can buy

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knowledgegreen

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So, lets hear it. What is the best precision long range rifle scope money can buy, and why?

In the market for some quality glass and would like opinions. Thanks in advance for replies.
 
I make no claims to expertise, but I would suspect it will depend on what application you want it for. Hunting verses sniping verses benchrest all have at least slightly different needs. Shooting a 50 bmg verses .308 are also different. When you are spending $2000 or more for a scope, you can have it tailored to exactly what you need.

The two mentioned above are obviously very good. Also check out Schmidt & Bender .

patent
 
USO and Nightforce are basically the kings. I'm lucky enough to own the latter of the two. 5.5-22x56mm. It's very good.

Though to be honest, I really like my Shepherd's dual-reticule system (but not it's small 40mm objective), wish all scopes used this.
 
In order of ruggedness, quality, opticality with 3 points assigned to each category on an algorithmic scale...

1. Leupold Mk 4
2. Schmidt Und Bender
3. Nightforce

WildmildotsAlaska
 
I actually prefer the RPG style ranging reticle in my Swarovski ZFM 10x butt thats only useful in those types of Eurotrash scopes ....watching those crosshairs drop as the range knob is turned sure is funky!

Get one of those Horus vision reticles with the zillion hash marks, makes a mildot look like a cross hair...

WildcomplicatedAlaska
 
I'm partial to front focal plane reticles, so of the great brands already mentioned that narrows the field to US Optics, S&B, and Leupolds with the Premier Reticles modification.
 
I'm partial to front focal plane reticles
Click to expand...

Actually, so am I. Wish NF offered it.


Then again, it's pretty easy to crank to 22x and range. I find I use most magnification a scope has to offer at ranges past 400yds or so. At the range, even 100yds gets cranked all the way in to 22x typically.

Backing off I see only useful for moving targets or initial acquizition.

I still like the Shepherd dual front/rear pane reticule system the best. They need a bigger objective, NF tube/controls, and a custom BDC that's made-to-order for each scope. That would be the perfect tube.
 
If I had the $$$, I'd go with a U.S. Optics scope. You can get them custom made to your own specs, I believe, for no added fee (other then the parts).
 
Having shot all of them, my choices in order:

1. US Optics (e.g. SN-3)
2. S&B PMII line
3. Nightforce
4. Leupold Mark 4

All will get the job done. The Leupold is about 50% or less the cost of the SB and USO.

-z

ETA: There's currently a group buy on SnipersHide for USO SN-3's at about $1550-1700.
 
A lot of knowledgable people here! :) I appreciate the responses from everyone. Wasn't even aware of the US Optics operation.
 
What would be the absolute, no-holds-barred best scope for an 8mm Remington Mag with a heavy 28" barrel, bolt-action, used for long-range target shooting and occasional hunting?

/"Ice Cream" scene from City Slickers ;)
 
IMO only,

US Optics SN-3, 3.2-17x44mm, reticle and knob clicks of your choice. If you and your rifle can shoot to 1800 yards, this scope can. The optical clarity of the SN-3 is pretty clearly superior to the Leupold or NF. (I haven't compared it side by side to the SB yet.) Note that the USO scopes are very heavy.

My two serious bolt rifles are getting a pair of SN-3's ordered for them this week:

1. For the AI-AWP in 308 (and later 260REM), a 3.2-17x44mm SN-3, 35mm tube, 0.1mil click EREK knob, and the Horus H25 reticle.

2. For the 50BMG, a 3.7-22x44mm SN-3, same rest except the mil-scale reticle.

If you are serious about a USO scope, you have until March 11th to get in on the SnipersHide group buy.

-z
 
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