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Looking for advice on hybrd target/tactical scope |
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BWeber
Optics GrassHopper Joined: April/28/2004 Status: Offline Points: 19 |
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Posted: September/17/2008 at 07:57 |
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Hi,
I have a Leupold Mk4 4.5-14 scope on my 308 tactical rifle. I actually really like the scope. But I'm shooting a lot of f-class and I'm finding that the 14x magnification is just too little. I can't see the x-ring, so I know my scores are suffering.
So I'm trading that one in and looking to move up to something more powerful. I'm looking at the IORs and Nightforces in either 8-32x or 12-42x range. I'm told by all the f-class guys to go for the 12-42x because you can't have too much magnification. And with 12x on the low end you have plenty of room to dial down if the mirage gets bad.
But the problem is that I'm looking for a scope that will be truely hybrid. This isn't a dedicated f-class rifle. It's a tactical rifle that I shoot f-class with. And I may use it some for hunting. So I'm leery about completely losing my low-end magnification.
I know that 8x would be plenty low enough for me. But I'm trying to get a sense of whether I'd be limiting myself too much by only have 32x on the top end rather than 42x?
I read in Nightforce's brochure that the guy who won the Wimbelton Cup did so with a 5.5-22x scope.
Thoughts? Would 32x be enough? Or is 42x so much of an advantage that I just go for it?
Ben
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Urimaginaryfrnd
MODERATOR Resident Redneck Joined: June/20/2005 Location: Iowa Status: Offline Points: 14964 |
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I dont really shoot F class but I understand tactical and I really like the 5.5-22 Nightforce and would consider buying that long before I would consider the 8-32 or 12-42.
NOW for what I think of as the pick of the litter U.S. Optics SN-3 3.8-22x44 with GAP reticle and 1/4 moa EREK elevation knob. I have an 8.5-25x50 Leu Mk4 and at 8.5 it is really tough to use it for hunting or anything under 100 yds. I think I could live with something that had 6x as the low end but once you get over 6x you really pay a penalty trying to shoot anyting close and most police tactical shots are under 100 yds which is why the scope of choice is the 4.5-14x50 Mk4. Here is another one worth considering:
Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - September/17/2008 at 14:19 |
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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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BeltFed
Optics Retard Joined: February/12/2008 Location: Ky Status: Offline Points: 22284 |
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Urimaginaryfrnd has good advice. If your tactical rifle is being used for that purpose (LE or military) then that is your primary concern and your scope should be dedicated to it. I find that 4x is a good general purpose magnification but I too can live with 6x as a minimum in a variable for tactical and hunting. I think the US Optics, and IOR that Urimaginaryfrnd suggested would fit your needs. Thats just MHO.
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Life's concerns should be about the 120lb pack your trying to get to the top of the mountain, and not the rock in your boot.
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8shots
Optics Jedi Knight Lord Of The Flies Joined: March/14/2007 Location: South Africa Status: Offline Points: 6253 |
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Ditto to above. I also have a 8,5-25 and the 8,5 is limiting for shots at 50m or so.
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cheaptrick
MODERATOR Joined: September/27/2004 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20844 |
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What type or types of reticles do F class shooters use mostly?
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stattelman
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/07/2008 Status: Offline Points: 5 |
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i am in agreement with everything mentioned above especially with the 4 power in the low end. we used the mark 4 in iraq and the 4 power was perfect for the close shots but i think 6 would b a bit much. which is better for hunting/tactical though? Nightforce NXS or a Leupold Mark 4...I don't know...I'm leaning towards Nightforce but I am more familiar with the mark 4 M3A
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branson1369
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/11/2008 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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I am considering the Nikon 8-32 x 50 for my .308 Tactical. Anyone have any feedback
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USMC1369
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Rancid Coolaid
MODERATOR Joined: January/19/2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 9318 |
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Had a friend who was a 1369, most unlucky bastard I've ever known! The old saying" sometimes you win, sometimes you lose" never applied to him.
In my humble opinion, Nightforce is far better than Leupold, better controls, better glass, better durability. Most F-class shoots will have MANY Nightforce. For tactical scopes, Nightforce is the cheapest of the upper tier stuff, IOR ain't bad, take a look at their stuff too: great reticles, built solid, nice controls. If you find yourself in a position to get the good stuff, go USO or S&B. Finally, 24X is adequate for almost anything (and far too much for most things.) I don't recommend higher since the objective has to be huge to give good image - and it usually isn't huge enough. Also, mirage gets bad and any minor movement has a massive impact on view down-range. |
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Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn. Equality is something you whine about not being given. |
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branson1369
Optics GrassHopper Joined: October/11/2008 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 8 |
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Good suggestion on the 24 vs 32 I will go next week and outdoor test each @ a local gunshop. Got the 1369 when I was but a young PFC in 29 palms it rang true and has stuck.
Semper Fi
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USMC1369
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Dale Clifford
Optics Jedi Knight Joined: July/04/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5087 |
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the highest magnification vs. mirage depends alot on where you are shooting, 20 thru 32 work well if your in higher elevations, and the temp. range is more moderate, if youre closer to sea level or high humidity, less mag. would be more evident. nightforce target reticles are designed to have nothing on the edges in order to see the wind flags and other factors at the longer range, the subtension on the dots is made to correspond to just block out the target dot at the longer ranges. when your talking shooting at these ranges it will become more important to remember the different poi at different magnifications the bigger scopes have to offer. I use a 8x32 bench on a 300 wm Sako TRG out to 1200 and use the 32 for reading wind, mirage , and general observation of the target area, but the loads are set for hold over using the 22x which is the ranging set up on the np1-rr the bottom dot is 20 moa and dead on at 1000 yd without any dial in. |
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