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Battle of the $450 - $750 Scopes - which one? |
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feersum dreadnaught
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/25/2009 Location: CT Status: Offline Points: 28 |
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Posted: October/18/2009 at 09:06 |
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Looking for some thoughts about the trade offs between the list below - strengths and/or weaknesses. I think I've found the real players at this price point
According to the FAQ scope list, the Elite 6500 and the Zeiss Conquest are on the same level, the Nikon Monarch is one step down along with the Sightron. Neither the SS Variable nor the Weaver Tactical have been rated yet, but I'd assume the SS will be put on par with the Elite 6500 and the Zeiss Conquest, based on early reviews. Hoping the Weaver Tactical will be up at least as good as the Nikon, based on being made on the Super Slam framework.
SS and Weaver are FFP. Zeiss and Nikon are 1" tubes, others are 30mm. Only the SS is mil/mil. All but SS are AO. I'd consider them to be in the same cost ballpark, but the Nikon -
the delta there would get a good set of rings, so it is not determative for the decision for me.
I'm initially wanting to put this on my M-1A SuperMatch that has a Sadlak Airborne mount, and maybe eventually move it to a Remington 700 5-R .223 build up in progress - or leave it there and buy anew.
Intended use is for fun shooting between 50 and 250 yards. I'm not a sniper, not play one on TV. I'd like to learn how to use mildots, and be able to place my shots. My range hours are 8 am to sunset, so I probably won't get to test the twilight quality except at my house, or the occasional trip out to my brother's place.
I'm not ready to jump up to nightforce levels - that or better will go on the Sako TRG-22 / FN A3G fantasy rifle currently being put off in favor of 529 plan contributions for the daughters.
However, I am interested in getting the best value for my $. My current best scope is a Nikon Monarch 5x20 on a RRA Predator-Pursuit, so I've at least touched the edge of quality...
I know there is high regard here for the SS variable. But where does it place among the competition? What say you?
$750
Stock # - 652164T
Zeiss 3.5-10x44 Conquest Rifle Scope
$450 Nikon 4-16x42 Monarch Riflescope Stock # - NIK8423
$720 Sightron 3.5-10x44 SIII 30mm Riflescope
Stock # - SIIISS3510X44LRMD
$650 Stock # - 800362
$600 SWFA SS 3-9x42 Tactical Riflescope Stock # - SS39X42
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fear god and dreadnaught
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billyburl2
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/08/2009 Location: Cottonwood, AZ Status: Offline Points: 4015 |
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The usual complaints of the scopes you have listed(other than the S.S.) is the amount of internal elevation adjustment. But at your intended max range of 250yds, that argument doesn't hold water! Unless, there is a possibility of shooting further later with this rifle, all your choices are good ones. My only other concern is that the M1a is pretty well known for eating scopes, and while all the above scopes have great warranties, that does little good when you want to go shooting! IMHO the 3x9 S.S. is the ideal scope for this rifle.
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If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
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RONK
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: April/05/2007 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3199 |
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From what I can gather of your needs, I'd say the variable Super Sniper is what you want. It's as good as or better than any of the others you listed and the only one with Mil reticle/ Mil turrets, (?) (not sure about the Weaver's adjustments). as well as the only FFP listed. Hands down best choice.
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jonoMT
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: November/13/2008 Location: Montana Status: Offline Points: 4853 |
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The variable SS will give you the best experience under $1040 (IOR 2.5-10 FFP), shooting what I believe is the most sensible combination: mil-dot reticle, mil (mRAD) clicks, and first focal plane. And you get great tracking, reliability and good glass. I have a NF 2.5-10 and it doesn't have parallax adjustment either...just isn't much of a factor @ 10X and below. Had the SS been available last year, I wouldn't have hesitated to get it instead.
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Reaction time is a factor...
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feersum dreadnaught
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/25/2009 Location: CT Status: Offline Points: 28 |
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thanks - based on the reviews and advice, I've gone for the SS variable package. Looking forward to seeing just how good this one is in person.
I'll show it off once it arrives, gets mounted, and I get a chance to play...
May have to spring for some 168 gr FGGM once I get it sorted out, instead of my typical SA milsurp fodder
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fear god and dreadnaught
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Roadwild17
Optics GrassHopper Joined: July/15/2009 Status: Offline Points: 33 |
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just my thought, weaver really missed a chance to take a large share of this market. If there new tactical scope had been mil/mil and a little more adjustment, it would have been a solid contender in this price range.
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338LAPUASLAP
Optics Master Scope Swapper Joined: October/17/2009 Status: Offline Points: 2596 |
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This is off hand for me but try the NIKKO STIRLING...
I have suggested it to casual aquaintences and none of them have complained they thank me for saving their pockets...Solid Optics great price point and they are one of the most unknown/under rated scopes on the market that are solid optically not a ton of correction but you do not need it...
Call and speak with Chris @SWFA... (Some their knock it and haven't tried it)
(sitting back waiting for the room to get smelly)...
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No one
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Urimaginaryfrnd
MODERATOR Resident Redneck Joined: June/20/2005 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 14964 |
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If you are looking for a scope for an M1a I suggest you consider a fixed power scope on an aimpoint red dot in 2moa dot. One reason I really like a aimpoint red dot on the M1a is that cheekweld is a huge problem unless you install a Karsten cheek piece. I have had several scopes on my M1a including an Aimpoint, an ACOG and a Leupold Mk4 10x M3 and Leupold Mk4 8.5-25. I actually just got my M1a back today from having it refinished by Walter Birdsong and while it was gone I robbed it of its Trijicon which is now on my AR so I'm in the market for a scope for my M1a also. I have considered putting several models of the Super Sniper on this rifle best of the lot for this particular rifle would be the 10x HD. I also am considering putting on a Leupold FX3 6x42 heavy duplex. I did attach an Aimpoint Comp M4 to it a few minutes ago but that sits too high. This is the aimpoint that would work better by using two 30mm rings: With an aimpoint cheekweld is not an issue what the red dot is on the rifle hits this is a wonderful thing for the M1a because cheekweld sucks with optics mounts but is ideal for iron sights.
Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - October/22/2009 at 01:33 |
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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do". Bobby Paul Doherty Texas Ranger |
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Urimaginaryfrnd
MODERATOR Resident Redneck Joined: June/20/2005 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 14964 |
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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do". Bobby Paul Doherty Texas Ranger |
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Rath
Optics GrassHopper Joined: September/08/2009 Status: Offline Points: 36 |
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There can be only one:
$600 SWFA SS 3-9x42 Tactical Riflescope Stock # - SS39X42
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Trays 7940
Optics Master Joined: August/09/2009 Location: Texas Status: Offline Points: 1149 |
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Good choice with the SS, Can't go wrong, IMO.
Wes, nice rifle...
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feersum dreadnaught
Optics GrassHopper Joined: June/25/2009 Location: CT Status: Offline Points: 28 |
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got the 3x9 variable SS by UPS on Friday, and used the rainy day Saturday to mount it up on the Sadlak Airborne/M1A SuperMatch (and do some other chores).
ordered a new 1.25" cheek pad from these folks yesterday: http://www.cheeknstock.com/order_form.html
So, hopefully, this weekend, I get to see how it does at the range. I did some comparision looks between the SS and a Nikon Monarch 5x20 and a Weaver V16 4x16. SS is better.
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fear god and dreadnaught
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danjojoUSMC
Optics Journeyman Joined: August/20/2009 Location: NE Ohio Status: Offline Points: 329 |
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Congratulations, looking forward to seeing your report after the range. |
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"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be"
"Every part of life comes into focus just as you are about to pull the trigger." |
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supertool73
Optics God Superstool Joined: January/03/2008 Status: Offline Points: 11814 |
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That was a good choice. The SS variable was actually built stronger in a few places to deal with the punishment that comes from being on a m1a. I think you made a wise decision going with it.
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Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.
"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own." |
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