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Battle of the $450 - $750 Scopes - which one?

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feersum dreadnaught View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote feersum dreadnaught Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Battle of the $450 - $750 Scopes - which one?
    Posted: October/18/2009 at 09:06
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
  • Matte
  • Mil-Dot
  • 30mm
  • Side Focus
  • Tactical Model
  • Rainguard
  • Free Sun Shade w/ Purchase

Zeiss 3.5-10x44 Conquest Rifle Scope
Stock # - 5214209943

  • Matte
  • Mil-Dot
  • 1"
  • Etched Glass
  • 2nd Plane

$450

Nikon 4-16x42 Monarch Riflescope
Stock # - NIK8423
  • Matte
  • Mil-Dot
  • 1"
  • Side Focus

$720

Sightron 3.5-10x44 SIII 30mm Riflescope
Stock # - SIIISS3510X44LRMD
  • Matte
  • Mil-Dot
  • 30mm
  • Side Focus
  • Target Knobs
$650
Stock # - 800362
  • Matte
  • Mil-Dot
  • 30mm
  • Side Focus

$600

SWFA SS 3-9x42 Tactical Riflescope
Stock # - SS39X42
  • Matte
  • First Focal Plane Mil-Dot
  • 30mm
  • OK for .50 cal
  • 0.1 MRAD
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/18/2009 at 10:09
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. 
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/18/2009 at 10:21
 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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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/19/2009 at 13:20
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.
Reaction time is a factor...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote feersum dreadnaught Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/19/2009 at 14:13
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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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Roadwild17 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/21/2009 at 07:23
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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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 338LAPUASLAP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/21/2009 at 09:18
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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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/22/2009 at 01:28
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.
2 MOA Dot Aimpoint 9000SC 30mm Red Dot Sight
Stock # - AIIM11417
Matte, 2 MOA Dot
$373.95 
Add Aimpoint 9000SC 30mm Red Dot Sight to Cart 
As far as magnified optics this would be my first choice and I do have one on another rifle as well as having two of the variables on other rifles  and the variable is a possible:
SWFA SS 10x42 Tactical Riflescope Mil-Dot SWFA SS 10x42 Tactical Riflescope
Stock # - SS10X42HD
  • Matte
  • Mil-Dot
  • 30mm
  • Rear Focus
  • OK for .50 cal
  • .10 Mrad
  • HD Model
$799.95 
Add SWFA SS 10x42 Tactical Riflescope to Cart


Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - October/22/2009 at 01:33

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/22/2009 at 01:31

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/22/2009 at 05:14
There can be only one: 

$600

SWFA SS 3-9x42 Tactical Riflescope
Stock # - SS39X42
  • Matte
  • First Focal Plane Mil-Dot
  • 30mm
  • OK for .50 cal
  • 0.1 MRAD
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trays 7940 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/22/2009 at 05:24
Good choice with the SS, Can't go wrong, IMO.
Wes, nice rifle...


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote feersum dreadnaught Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2009 at 12:25
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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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote danjojoUSMC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2009 at 14:29

Congratulations, looking forward to seeing your report after the range.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2009 at 14:57
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.  Thunbs Up
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