Tactical Hunting Scopes

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P.B.Walsh

P.B.Walsh

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Hey, I just wanted your opinions on some of the good scopes like Nightforce, Leupold, Nikon, or Bushnell.

And I'm not buying a S&B or USO, $2000+ is alot for me being a scope (it's would be hard to justify a rifle for that much) my limit is around $1200. Any opinions.

Must have a Mildot type reticle (MLR, or the new Leupold one).
Waterproof
Must be able to go through ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks in advance for all the info, BTW this scope will go on an SPS Tactical .308, I'm looking to have fun customizing this rifle.
 
Wow, I ment durable not indestructible, and it compared sooo good compared to a $1000+ Leupold, and glass looked pretty d$:n good especially for $400, WOW.

And with roughly $800 left I can by rings and a good mount, not to mention possibly Bager Ordinance bottom metal. Looks like going with my belief that
"whatever the millitary uses, I use" isn't correct.

Still any more options.
 
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Before you get that BM, look at badgers scope rings, you will need them. Those are the defenition of indestructable.:evil: For a AR though, if that is what you are mounting this on, i would get a larue SPR mount....(so you can take it off if need be, and remount it with negligable POI shift)
 
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I LOVE my Nikon Non Tactical 4-16x50 but since you are looking for a Mil dot go for the Nikon Tactical with a 30mm tube and Mil-dot
 
I'm not that knowlegable on whether to get a 0MOA or up to a 20MOA base.

This rifle will only shoot to 600 yards (that's all I got while hunting). So what base should I get in MOAs of course.

Thanks
 
I'm not that knowlegable on whether to get a 0MOA or up to a 20MOA base.

This rifle will only shoot to 600 yards (that's all I got while hunting). So what base should I get in MOAs of course.
Click to expand...


If max range is 600 yards, you don't need a 20 MOA base-- or any canted base.



For an optic that you'll be using hunting, don't let "glass quality" fool you. A hunting optic shows its true colors in failing light. This is where you will really discern the differences in glass in terms of light transmission.

There was a review of the Super Sniper that I read on Snipersparadise.com recently that compared the Super Sniper to a Leupold Mark IV. The SS got great marks. However, it was noted that in failing light, the SS failed miserably in comparision to the Leupold.

I've tried my hand at a number of less-expensive tactical optics as hunting scopes over the years. None of the "off-brand" optics that I used were acceptable for failing light at dusk and dawn hours.

My last reluctantly admitted experience was a couple weeks ago with a Millet DMS-1 on my AR. I was very disappointed with how dark it was at twilight. I sold it this week.

While the Falcon states that it has 94% light transmission (I think I remember that from when I was looking at them a year ago), I find myself skeptical. Before forking out $400 on an optic, I'd look for a LOT of reviews indicating that it would do what I needed it to do.


I am hearing good things about the light transmission of the Bushell 3200 and 4200 lines. Those may be optics to look at. I am VERY impressed with Nikon's glass. My father has a $150 Nikon Prostaff that is practically as good in light transmission as my Leupold Mark IV.




-- John
 
Well $1200 would about get you into an IOR tactical scope. They are on par with Nightforce but still pricey. They offer better glass, turrets and everything else (except maybe CS) than Leupold.

The Bushnell 4200 and 6500, Nikon Monarch, Vortex Viper and Zeiss Conquest all offer great value. The Sightron SII, Bigsky and SIII are definitely worth a look also.

If you are looking for a real high end scope for a low price check out Kahles scopes at CDNN. They are right up there with the Euro Zeiss and Swarovski and cost under $1000 these days.
 
Is a $1000+ scope worth it (for longevity). Because I figure that if a get a $500 scope around December (that's when I'll probaly get the rifle) and it breaks in 5-6 years I could replace it easier, and not cry about it. Or would it be worth just bying a well made scope.

Sorry for all of these questions, but last year a bought an SPS Varmit and bought a scope because it was cheap. It was/is a $100 BSA. Not the greatest glass and it fogs up real bad when it rains. And the best veiw (quality) I can get is at 4x. It's a 4-14x40mm.

BTW Itll have a 20" barrel. If you want all the specs. It's filing to be an SPS Tactical.

www.remington.com Look under firearms then centerfire the modle 700 and you'll find the rifle under that.
 
I got my Leupold Mark 4 used off of AR15.com EE for $750. This one has the illuminated TMR recticle.

When an optic has a transferable lifetime warranty, buying used is no big deal.

You can usually get a great deal if you look around. Just something to think about.

But do be aware that a LOT of chinese clones of various optics are showing up-- including Leupold Mark IV's, ACOG's Aimpoints (all of them).


-- John
 
Good replies, but I've been wondering what's better the SPS Tactical or the LTR, any experience.

Man I really won't a Nightforce 32mm or 50mm, just wish they wernt so expensive.

I'll take a look at the Nikons or Bushnells, hope the got a lifetime warrenty, if not then I'll get a Leupold or Nightforce since they've got a lifetime warrenty.
 
Does the SPS have a lighter barrel than the PSS?

The LTR is 20". That would be OK if you'll be shooting within 500 yards. If you want to stretch it out further, get a 24" barrel.
 
SPS Tacticals have a 20" barrel, it's pretty much a cheaper version of the LTR, and I got a 26" barreled one for longer range work, but I might rebarrel the Tactical with a new shiny barrel if I can't get a 7" group at 500-600 yards.

The Bushnell 6500 looks good but only has a 1 year warrenty for anbout $850!!! That's unacceptable, I wouldn't mind it for a $450 or less scope but not for that price. I'd reather save my money and get a lifetime warrenty.

How much is a Nikon, and what kinda warrenty dose it have.

Thanks again.:)
 
dont have any experience with them but when i asked a similar question elsewhere i was sent to SWFA.com to look at the super sniper scopes heard they were pretty good for budget tactical otherwise if you can get it leupold MK IV
 
I just looKed on optics planet and the Nikons are $200-$800, my one complaint about the Monarch 2.5-10x42mm is that while the magnification is where I want it to be the scope ain't got no parralax adjustment, is set up for 100 yard parralax, at least my BSA does go from 0-150-infinity. When I do buy the scope it WILL have a side focus not a focus where you have to reach foward to turn up the focus (BSA). I was gettin' real happy for a moment but then the picture had only 2 turrets not 3 like I won't, they do come with a lifetime warrenty however. If only Bushnell could do the same thing.......

I'll probaly end up buying Nightforce or Leupold, out of these two whitch is the best or are they the same scope but two different names.

I'll keep looking for a lower price though, it's just hard to justify glass being more than the rifle that I'll sit on...........
 
:)

Wow take a look at the super snipers, only one thing missing,?, variable power, but I think a scope is supposed to be more reliable (less moving parts= more reliablity), I also like the rear focus ring, I like being able to adjust the focus without moving my non-shoring hand from under my stock, and anything that ain't foward of the turrets is all good in my opinion. Yea the side focus looks more tactical but not for an extra $100, and in my opinion that's another AI 10 round mag. The only reason it looks tactical is because the bid names have it on their scopes, and those scopes make it in the media/press.

But for $350 I'll most likely get the SS.

It didn't have the twilight performance that the MkIV scope did, but the MkIV cost 3 times as much.

I think I've found a good budget entry level tactical/hunting/target (I'm poor so everything I have is a multitasker) scope that can run with the best of em'
(S&B, well mabey not them or USO, but certainly with Leupold or Nightforce), and here's the selling point for me.........$319.99 for the SWFA Super Sniper, not $1000-$2000. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):)

But really y'all have helped me out ALOT, saved me about $1000 on a scope, now I just get to spend it on other upgrades...wooo oo.:):):):):):)

Thanks again,
P.B. Walsh
 
Take a look at Zeiss Conzuest 6.5-20x 50. I love it, and it can be had for less than $1000 with reticle of your choice.
ZEI5214519904.jpg
 
Sorry if I didn't say it earlier cut I don't need any thing over 12x

1-12x40mm would be great, but I doubt that'll happed, the closest thing is a $1200 2.5-10x32mm (Nightforce), but I think I'll stick with a fixed power in 10x SS.

I'll probaly get a side or top mount on my scope for a red dot for close in shots.
 
btw PB the rear focus super snipers are also available with side paralax adjustment wich is really nice to have if you shoot at variable distances
 
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There's no such thing as a 'tactical' anything. It's a marketing term only. Any good scope will do.
High magnification scopes have reduced fields of view and they're big and heavy.
"...probably get a side or top mount on my scope for a red dot for close in shots..." Forget that. You'd have to quickly pick the sight. That doesn't work. Decide what kind of shooting you want to do and work on the ammo. Poor ammo with any sight means poor shooting.
 
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