help choose a scope..

[mxa]

I'd like to get some opinions on which scope I should get for my FN A1 SPR, .308 that I will use only for target shooting out to maximum range of 600 yards. I'm considering the following scopes:

1) Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20x50 LR/T M1 ~ $1300.00

2) Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14x50mm LR/T M1 ~ $1100.00

3) Trijicon AccuPoint 5-20x50 ~$1040.00

4) Zeiss 4.5-14x50 Conquest Rifle Scope ~ $950.00

5) Zeiss 6.5-20x50 Conquest Rifle Scope ~ $1050.00

6) Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP Rifle scope ~ $850.00

7) Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP Riflescope ~ $900.00


I would like to limit the amount I'm going to spend to about 1300.00 or so. I'd like to hear some opinions since this is will be the first scope that I ever purchased. Feel free to suggest another model. Any help or suggestions would be great because I'm at a point of just flipping a coin to make my decision.

 

[LaserSpot]

I'm not familiar with Vortex; where are they made?

I don't know much about Trijicon either.

Zeiss is supposed to have good glass, but I prefer a 30mm tube on a 50mm scope. The skinny tube just doesn't look right to me on that big a scope; also, a scope with a 1" tube wont have as much internal adjustment range.

I have a Leupold similar to #2 with a 30mm tube and a side focus knob. It's a very good scope, good image quality, I've never had a problem with it.

Be sure to include good rings in your budget. I like to use quick-detachable rings so I can take the scope off when cleaning the rifle.

 

[Rokman]

I would choose from numbers 1-5, since I do not know much about the Vortex line and for that money. I would choose a 30mm tube with side focus, but maybe drop the 50mm objective. Choices 1-3 would be very durable and I know the Ziess has nice glass, but don't know if they have a 30mm tube in that line.

 

[Maverick223]

The glass quality of the Trijicon is atrocious (not even close to the good glass found in the ACOGs) for the price, it is absolutely out of the running IMO. Leupold is decent quality, but overpriced...so why pay more for less? That leaves Zeiss and Vortex, which are both very good quality optics, reliable, repeatable, durable, and good deals. The Conquest will have better glass and a better reticle for your use (the RZ-1000 is made specifically for the .308), whilst the Vortex is a little cheaper, is available in FFP, and has a 4x erector (the Zeiss is a 3x). The 30mm vs. 1" tube is a moot point, because you don't need the additional elevation afforded by a 30mm tube, and I for one don't think a 1" tube looks bad (and I own tubes in 1", 30mm, and 34mm), besides it is lighter.

I would have to choose the Zeiss for its spectacular glass and RZ-1000 reticle, but the Vortex would come in a very close second due to the FFP feature. If you don't like the RZ-1000 reticle (due to the primary stadia being located at the 40yd mark, or you feel it is too cluttered), then that would probably be enough to sway me towards Vortex instead. As far as magnification, I feel that the lower magnification models are sufficient for your needs and intended range, and that the higher magnification may be a hindrance at closer ranges.

I believe that Liberty Optics sells all of the aforementioned optics (save for possibly the Trijicon), and you can get a nice discount by calling/e-mailing him and asking for the THR.org discount. (P.S.: I stand to gain nothing my mentioning this)

 

[mxa]

Maverick223, thank you very much for your insight. You made some great comments. As you can see I wasn't exactly sure what range of power I needed but was leaning towards the lower end since 600 yards was my max. Thanks again.

 

[Maverick223]

No problem, glad I was of some assistance.