OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Tactical Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Matching your rifle with an optic
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

Matching your rifle with an optic

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
jn_fsu View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/14/2011
Location: Annapolis, MD
Status: Offline
Points: 3
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jn_fsu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Matching your rifle with an optic
    Posted: August/14/2011 at 13:40
This will be my first optic ever. It's not just a optic to use but to learn and grow from.
Here is my story....
6 months back I completed my first rifle build. Until that point I have never owned a rifle and had very little experience. I spent roughly 6 months picking apart forums,threads, articles and reviews. I concluded I wanted to build my lower myself, which I did and selected an upper based on my budget to create a DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) style rifle.
But I failed to look into the optics side which I'm now doing... Shocked

My Rifle Overview:
Lower-
Mega forged lower receiver
CMMG LPK (swapped out fire control group)
RRA 2 Stage National Match Trigger/Hammer Set
Superior Shooting Systems National Match Spring Set
KNS Anti Roll Pin Set
Primary Weapons Systems Enhanced Buffer Tube
Standard Mil-Spec Buffer Spring
Spikes T2 Heavy Buffer
MagPul MOE Grip and Stock (with .70 Butt Pad)

Upper- (BCM Upper Receiver Group)
BCM 16" SS410 Barrel (with A2 FSP)
1/8 twist
National Match (USMC SAMR) Chambering
Troy 9" Extreme rail
Rainier Arms XTC Compensator/Flash Hider
BCM/JTR BCG
BCM Gunfighter Charging Handle
Troy DOA Flip Up Rear Sight
MagPul AFG (probably swapping to Bi-pod)

Now I would like to add optics. Which I have even less experience with. After picking thru several threads on the over all aspects and workings of a scope/optics. I then moved onto the ones pertaining to matching a scope to the rifle and the distances I would be shooting.
Ideally I would like to shoot effectively out to 600 yards. Realistically most of my shooting, range facility limited, will be out to 300 yards on a regular basis. I would like a scope that would not only allow me to shoot nice groups at 300 yards but would also easily transition to and engage multiple targets. I'm honestly not sure how realistic these goals are based on my budget but I would like your help finding the closest optic that would allow me maximize my rifles ability while commingling my goals and stay with in my budget. I would like ot stick with in a budget $300-400, after doing some serious reading,I'm willing to almost double it, now to $600ish, if it's neccesary. My budget does not include my mount, that has it's own budget.
I may be trying to bite off more then I can chew at first. I'm willing to comprimise if need be. My first thought is to learn how to properly use an optic period. I would preffer a simple "quality" optic over a fancier cheaper optic with mind set of learning and growing as a shooter.
I'm open to any suggestions on where to begin or what to begin with?
I have accumulated a list optics that seem to fall with in the suggested guidelines of rifle and shooting distances, based on these stickies.( http://www.shootingvoodoo.com/index.php/articles/practical_optics_selection/ and http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1938091#Post193 8091 )
I'm always open to options and suggestions this is about learning for me.
Optics list: (created from SWFA site)
Leatherwood 1-4x24 CMR Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope Kit http://swfa.com/Leatherwood-1-4x24-CMR-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-Kit-P47565.aspx
Leupold 3-9x40 Mark AR Riflescope http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x40-Mark-AR-Riflescope-P40553.aspx
Millett 1-4x24 DMS Tactical 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/Millett-1-4x24-DMS-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P48504.aspx
Nikon 1-4x20 M223 Riflescope Kit http://swfa.com/Nikon-1-4x20-M223-Riflescope-Kit-P47976.aspx
Vortex 1-4x24 Viper PST 30mm Rifle Scope http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-4x24-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44570.aspx
Vortex 1-4x24 Viper HS 30mm Rifle Scope http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-4x24-Viper-HS-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P48290.aspx
SWFA SS 3-9x42 Tactical 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-3-9x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P41044.aspx
Weaver 1-5x24 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope http://swfa.com/Weaver-1-5x24-Tactical-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P49447.aspx
Leupold 1.5-5x20 Mark 4 MR/T Riflescope http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-5x20-Mark-4-MRT-Riflescope-P3308.aspx
Leupold 2-7x33 VX-R 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/Leupold-2-7x33-VX-R-30m ... 48035.aspx
Leupold 3-9x40 VX-R 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/Leupold-3-9x40-VX-R-30m ... 48037.aspx
Hawke 4.5-14x42 Sidewinder Tactical 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/Hawke-45-14x42-Sidewind ... 44553.aspx
Hawke 1.5-6x44 Eclipse 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/Hawke-15-6x44-Eclipse-3 ... 41112.aspx
Nikon 2-8x32 M223 Riflescope http://swfa.com/Nikon-2-8x32-M223-Rifle ... 45661.aspx
Burris 1-4x24 Fullfield TAC 30 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope http://swfa.com/Burris-1-4x24-Fullfield ... 48171.aspx
GSRC 1-4x http://www.grscinc.com/CRS.html

Right now I'm just accumulating a list then I'll begin sorting and dropping until i short it down. Then do some extensive research to make a final pick or atleast narrow it to two or three and go from there... 
Back to Top
stickbow46 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: January/07/2009
Location: Benton, Pa
Status: Offline
Points: 4678
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2011 at 14:38
Welcome to the OT!
 
SWFA now has a great deal on the thier SS 3-9,it's called Kit # 6 for $599.95 & it includes your mount,sun shade,ard & Butler Creek caps.This is a fantastic scope,I'm sure if you do some reading through the optics talk you will see 100% favorable reviews.This scope is all you will ever need & that includes shooting out to 600 yrds.Also you get the best CS around & the scope is made like a tank.They also offer a full money back garrenty[as long as you don't mar the product].
 
D'ont let this special get past you.I don't work for SWFA,I'm just passing on to you some good info as a very satisfied customer. 
Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
Back to Top
Kickboxer View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: February/13/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 23679
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2011 at 15:17
Based upon your stated requirements and description of your firearm, I would certainly give the SS3-9 the highest priority look.  You mentioned a number of scopes that I like, but personally, I have great confidence in the 3-9.  I'm not a fan of 3-9 scopes, as a whole, but I am a fan of the SS 3-9.
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
Back to Top
jonoMT View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: November/13/2008
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 4853
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonoMT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2011 at 19:18
Welcome to the OT! And what a great first post. You've really done some research, did a nice job of describing your rifle and, most importantly, stated what your shooting goals are and your budget. For what you stated is the majority of your likely shooting, the SS 3-9 is the best within that price range and a good match for the caliber (i.e. it's not an ideal 1000-yard scope but gtg out to 600).
Reaction time is a factor...
Back to Top
helo18 View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight
Avatar

Joined: December/02/2006
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 5620
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote helo18 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2011 at 19:24
I would go with the 3-9 SS of the ones mentioned. Get the kit. Great scope and a great deal in the kit.
To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/15/2011 at 07:10
Back to Top
jn_fsu View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/14/2011
Location: Annapolis, MD
Status: Offline
Points: 3
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jn_fsu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/15/2011 at 23:13
Thanks everyone!
I always do my home work and try to explain in as much detail as possible what I'm trying or want to do. If I had originally nailed down EXACTLY what I was building to begin with I would have put alot of research into what optic I wanted or need to use. That coupled with not realizing how bad my eyes are until after going out and shooting left me neglecting my optics research...
Funny thing is from the start I picked the SS 3-9x42 as a solid quality optic which I didn't  feel would be difficult to use and a great learning tool. But I knew very little about what magnification I needed and type of optic to get in order to achieve my goals. So I went thru and just started reading, reviewing and putting together alot of options to pick thru.
I'm still going to continue to look into a few of the others but as it stands the SS 3-9x42 is my front runner.  I'm going to rule out the 1-4x scopes. There just not going to give me enough magnification in my opinion. Even the 2-(?)x optics seem to come up short for the distance mark and controlled shooting i'd like to do. So I'm thinking a 3-9X is definately the area of optic I want. But hey I'm no expert or even a novice at this point... So I'm still very open to suggestions. Feel free to post links to reviews and information on any optic you think will fill the bill.
Back to Top
koshkin View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Dark Lord of Optics

Joined: June/15/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13181
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/16/2011 at 09:57
Nice build!

Get the SS 3-9x42.  It will comfortably take you to the practical limit of the cartridge (and beyond).

At a later point, if you decide to expand on the CQB options, you can always add a miniature red dot to it if you are so inclined.

ILya
Back to Top
billyburl2 View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: January/08/2009
Location: Cottonwood, AZ
Status: Offline
Points: 4015
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/16/2011 at 21:23
SWFA SS 3-9x42 Tactical 30mm Riflescope http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-3-9x42-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P41044.aspx
This one!
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?
Back to Top
ack-fin View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: March/27/2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Status: Offline
Points: 5
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ack-fin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/27/2012 at 05:05
I have owned a SWFA  SS 3-9 x 42 for over a year on a Remington 700 .308 and I am in Love with it.  You cannot do wrong by choosing it at any cost and the best part is it's damn cheap for what it really is.
Back to Top
BeltFed View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar

Joined: February/12/2008
Location: Ky
Status: Offline
Points: 22284
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BeltFed Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/27/2012 at 12:16
For a scope that fits the discription of what you are looking for, I too would have to say the 3-9x42 SS best fits your needs.
I chose the same scope for almost the same needs as you. The kit deal wasn't available at the time, and my mount choice came up short of expectations, but I am familiar with the Bobro mount in the kit, and it is a quality mount that would have served me better.
Get the kit. It is money well spent, and you can't beat SWFA's C.S..
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.
Back to Top
jn_fsu View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/14/2011
Location: Annapolis, MD
Status: Offline
Points: 3
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jn_fsu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/27/2012 at 15:40
Thanks for all the replies guys!
I actually recieved a Leupold Mark AR 3-9x40mm (Mil-Dot) for Christmas and it's working out really well with my set up. I added a Modpod (bipod) from Vltor and a custom muzzle brake also. Once I figure out what load work best in my rifle I'll have Leupold set up a custom dial for BDC and I should be good to go from there. I really would have liked to have tried the SWFA SS 3-9x42mm but since someone else was flipping the bill I wasn't complaining... Bandito  
I've got  several more builds set up for the future maybe I'll try it on one of them or if my Leupy dies on me. 
Back to Top
Urimaginaryfrnd View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Resident Redneck

Joined: June/20/2005
Location: Iowa
Status: Offline
Points: 14964
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/27/2012 at 20:21
Just a note to those of you who dont use ARD's much (Kill Flash - anti reflection device) If you find that the ARD darkens the image more than is acceptable you can cut a small horizontal rectangle out of the middle of the ARD approximately  1/6 of the total area, and it will be brighter but still retain most of its ability to prevent reflection. Best done gently with a Dremell tool. 
SWFA SS Kill-Flash SWFA SS Kill-Flash
Stock # - TSSARD
Anti-Reflection Device
$39.95 

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/27/2012 at 20:25
Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

Just a note to those of you who dont use ARD's much (Kill Flash - anti reflection device) If you find that the ARD darkens the image more than is acceptable you can cut a small horizontal rectangle out of the middle of the ARD approximately  1/6 of the total area, and it will be brighter but still retain most of its ability to prevent reflection. Best done gently with a Dremell tool. 
SWFA SS Kill-Flash SWFA SS Kill-Flash
Stock # - TSSARD
Anti-Reflection Device
$39.95 
Have you done this Wes?  Pictures?
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.174 seconds.