Low-Mid Priced Scope for .50 BMG

[DougB]

Some friends and I recently got Serbu .50 BMG rifles and need to scope them. We're all fairlly cost concious. We will use these for plinking and (very) informal target shooting. We live in CA, and bought them mostly because they were being banned here. We'll probably shoot mostly in the 200-300 yard range, but occassionally (when we get a chance) out to 800-1,000 or more yards. I've been nominated to decide what scopes we should get. We'd prefer to stay roughly in the $150-$300 range. Here's what I'm considering:

1) Bushnell Elite 3200, 5-15x50mm, 1" tube, AO, Multi-X reticle, 3.4" eye relief, approximaely $300.

2) Bushnell Elite 3200, 10x40mm Mil-Dot reticle, approximately $180.

3) SWFA (formerly Tasco) Super Sniper, 10x42mm, 30mm tube, large knobs, rated as .50 caliber okay, approximately $300.

4) Simmons Aetec, 4-14x44mm, 1" tube, illuminated reticle, side focus, approximately $225.

We're not sure which features will be most important on these rifles (I don't think any of us has ever shot a .50 BMG). We're willing to risk a lower end scope if it has a good warranty that will cover repair or replacement if the scope doesn't hold up well to the recoil. I know some will recommend we save up for a Leupold, Night Force, or other high-end scope (2-5 times our budget), but we'll probably take our chances on a less expensive scope. Any recommendations in our general price range will be much appreciated.

Thanks

Doug

 

[50 Shooter]

Barrett was offering package deals with the Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40mm, haven't heard any complaints from people that bought the package deal. I would either get that one or the SS scope to get started, down the line you can upgrade to something better.

Where are you in Kali? If you're in SoCal, we shoot the 3rd Sunday of every month at Angeles Shooting Range www.angelesranges.com next shoot is on the 21st. There's a few guys that own BFG's, I picked up one of Mark's universal receivers before the end of the year just to get one.

http://www.daplane.com/50bmg/

 

[Beethoven]

Super Sniper, hands down.

I've got a 16x on my 700P and absolutely love it.

The reviews from real snipers and other experienced riflemen speak for themselves.

One thing; considering you'll probably be shooting pretty far with that .50, may want to consider the 20x Super Sniper.

That's what I'm going to get for my Serbu.

 

[DougB]

Thanks for the advice. Nice to hear from fellow Serbu owners. I also bought a Serbu receiver last year (to beat the ban). I recently got the completed rifle back from Serbu. I haven't shot it yet, but I'm very happy with the construction quality and design.

I'm still debating about which scope to get (and recommend to my friends). The Super Sniper seems like a pretty safe choice, but I'd be more excited about it if it were a variable (I understand they plan to come out with one).

The Bushnell Elite 3200s seem like good quality scopes for a very reasonable price. The price and mil-dot reticle of the fixed 10x is tempting, but the variable with 50mm objective also sounds good.

I live in Northern CA (Sacramento area) so the Angeles shooting range is a long trip for me, but thanks for th invite.

Doug

 

[50 Freak]

I had a BFG. Mounted a SS 20x on it. Lasted about 30 rounds before the lense inside the scope came free. (this was a BFG that had the old brake, not the new shark brake which is 10 times better). Anyways, sent it back to Tasco (back when they were still in business) for repairs, the SS now sits on my Ultramag 50. Has lasted about 20 rounds so far with no problems.

Not too sure about how much longer it wll last though. The SS's on 308 and other smaller calibers are an pretty good match. It's the heavier calibers that give it a run for it's money. Check on Biggerhammer and see how many SS's have failed on heavier recoiling rifles.

If you have a few hundred more, spend the money and get a good IOR Valdada scope or Leupold. They both have good warrantees and make good scopes for the money.

 

[Beethoven]

Doug: I'm in the Sac area too if you ever want to get together for some shooting.

 

[artherd]

Just drop the $1300 on a Nightforce. It's worth it.

You won't regret it (and you won't do better for less than $2k+ either)