OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Tactical Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Tactical Scope Mid-Range
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

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

Tactical Scope Mid-Range

 Post Reply Post Reply
Poll Question: Which mid-range <$550 tactical scopes should I buy?
Poll Choice Votes Poll Statistics
0 [0.00%]
1 [14.29%]
6 [85.71%]
You can not vote in this poll

Author
Message
nksmfamjp View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: January/06/2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 117
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nksmfamjp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Tactical Scope Mid-Range
    Posted: March/02/2006 at 04:49

I'm looking for a tactical(long range hunting) scope which has these features:

Repeatable tactical(glove type) turrets

mil-dot recticle

parallax adjust

best glass for the money

> 60 MOA of travel

good low light performance

ultra drop proof tube

 

 

BTW. . .This will go on my Savage 12BVSS in 300WSM for long range big game and sometimes varmint hunting.

 

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: March/02/2006 at 12:21

Not sure what you price range is, but I would look at 4-16x50 scopes.  There are several good ones available. 

 

Burris Black Diamond 4-16x50 is quite good.

 

For a little more money you can get an IOR 4.5-14x50.

 

Basically, unless you are strictly a tactical shooter I would suggest going with a variable.

 

ILya

Back to Top
cheaptrick View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: September/27/2004
Location: South Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 20844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/02/2006 at 14:43

Friend, you have a $300 scope and a $700 (and change scope) in your poll.

A fixed versus a variable.

And lastly, the "best glass for money" column.  That's easy...The Supa Snipa!!

 

Let me ask you a question.

Can your budget allow for a $700 plus dollar scope?

If the answer is "yes, I can", then you may want to consider the Burris with a Nikon Tactical, a Sightron or a Leupold, ect.

These scope match up a whole lot better, is all I'm saying.

 

The SS has gotten a ton of great reviews from all corners of the world, from honest to goodness operators, but nobody ever sold their US Optics ST-10 (fixed 10x) so they could "move up" to a SS. The SS is a great buy "for the money".

     

No disrespect intended to you, Sir.

But, golly you need to decide budget first, and then figure out if you want a fixed or a variable.

 

If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
ChrisGarrett View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: July/18/2005
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Status: Offline
Points: 99
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ChrisGarrett Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/02/2006 at 16:42

I'll throw in the Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x50 with target turrets and Mil Dot.  I just got the fine plex and that's fine for my needs.  $575 delivered and very sturdy with crystal clear optics and side focus.

 

About the same time I picked up an NOS (new old stock) Bausch&Lomb Elite 4200 4-16x50 AO in fine plex, but this lacks the Mil Dot and while it has target turrets, they are capped.  Still, for $420 delivered, it's a killer piece of glass in the 'low' price category.  I have this mounted with Leupold (as is the Zeiss on a Savage LE2B) Standard rings and mounts on a Sendero 7mm RemMag and no issues to speak of.

 

Good luck, Chris

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/02/2006 at 16:49

Forget the "Ultra Drop Proof" feature it doesnt come on any of them. Some of these have most of the features you want others may have less features but are a good value and good choice for your type use.

 

The 10x Super Sniper can be had for $299 and is well worth looking at.

SS10X42M SS10X42

For $399 you can have either the Super Sniper 10x M with side focus , or a Leupold 3-9x40 Mark 4 PR duplex.

LEU56860 Leupold 3-9x40 Mark 4 PR Riflescope Leupold 3-9x40 Mark 4 PR Riflescope
  • Matte
  • Duplex
  • 1"
  • Target Knobs
SWFA: $399.95

 If you can live with a fixed 6x this 6x42 for $449 should gather a lot of light.(from what you said I'd pick this)

 

IOR6X42T30 IOR 6x42 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope IOR 6x42 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope
  • MP-8
  • 30mm
  • Free 2.5" Sun Shade w/ Purchase
SWFA: $449.95

Now if you have the budget for it and you want to shoot varmits as well as distance I like this Leupold with 100MOA

LEU57170 Leupold 4.5-14x50 VX-III 30mm Riflescope Leupold 4.5-14x50 VX-III 30mm Riflescope
  • Matte
  • Varmint Hunters
  • 30mm
  • Long Range
  • Side Focus
  • Index Matched Lens System
SWFA: $769.95

and I like this NIkon Monarch Gold

6622 Nikon 2.5-10x56 Monarch Gold 30mm Riflescope Nikon 2.5-10x56 Monarch Gold 30mm Riflescope
  • Matte
  • Nikoplex
  • 30mm
  • Side Focus
SWFA: $799.95



Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
Back to Top
nksmfamjp View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: January/06/2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 117
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nksmfamjp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/02/2006 at 17:28
I found the Burris for $612 in town and for $520 on the net. I'm not sure, but I think this is a very good scope.  Is it?

Edited by nksmfamjp
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/02/2006 at 22:16

The Burris 4-16x50 does look like a good scope and I have one Burris 1x that I like very much, but I have had less than satisfactory contacts with the Burris factory regarding two of their scopes (3-9shortmag and 3-12 pistol)- so I'm a little shy of Burris.  I've had very good luck with Leupold and the sniper instructor here at ILEA reports superb service from Leupold. I think the IOR would also be a good choice and I like their MP8 reticle. For dollar value their

6x42 should be a fine scope and very bright in a true tactical scope. I would rather have the $299  10X Super Sniper than the Burris even though the Burris has better glass the SS is a very rugged scope and very reliable.

IOR414X50T IOR 4-14x50 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope IOR 4-14x50 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope
  • MP-8
  • 30mm
SWFA: $759.95

IOR6X42T30 IOR 6x42 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope IOR 6x42 Tactical 30mm Rifle Scope
  • MP-8
  • 30mm
  • Free 2.5" Sun Shade w/ Purchase
SWFA: $449.95
And of course I still like the Leupold VXIII

Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
Back to Top
Critter View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: April/20/2004
Status: Offline
Points: 56
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Critter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2006 at 05:30
I think people do themselves a disservice by not expanding their options at least in the planning stage.

For example, given the rule of thumb of 2x for every 100 yards of shooting distance, the 500 yard scope is nominally a 10x variable. Just about the best on the market at any price is the SN-3 1.8-10x44 .5 moa erek with compact eyepiece and objective that is manufactured by USO. This scope retails for around $1400. Now that may seem like a lot, but for the best glass on the planet, how can you go wrong.

I am not advocating a particular brand, but really quality optics regardless of Leupold, S&B, or USO require you to save a little longer.

Back to Top
cheaptrick View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: September/27/2004
Location: South Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 20844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2006 at 08:18

Critter:

What a great looking stick!!

McMillan A5??

Which reticle did you go with?

I had a 3.2-17x SN-3, with EREK knob and a MOA reticle. Absolutely lethal.

 

I couldn't agree more with you on USO and the quality of their  scopes.

However, $1400 is just way out of reach for most shooters, especially when they are shooting factory sticks.

It's like putting a Ferrari motor in a Ford Taurus, IMO.

 

So if you got the paper, get the PMII or SN-3. But, there are many solid alternative optics out there for FAR less.

 

Thanks for the gun porn pics...

If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
Critter View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: April/20/2004
Status: Offline
Points: 56
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Critter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2006 at 11:48
That stock is a McMillan A4, the rifle is actually a M40A3 clone. Note mod to rear receiver ring. Reticle is mil scale.

This one is the new McMillan M40A1-3 stock on a .204 Ruger Custom. (35 grain bullet at 4000+)



This scope is the USO SN-3 3.2-17x44/58 with unlit HORUS H-25. 20oz plastic pop bottle filled with water simulates a Prairie Rat. This thing wacks them with great authority out to 200 or so. Amazing cartridge.

Edited by Critter
Back to Top
cheaptrick View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: September/27/2004
Location: South Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 20844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2006 at 17:28

Thanks for the great pics!!

The rings on the M40A3 clone don't look like Badgers. What brand are they?

The rail looks like a Badger 20 or 30 MOA, but I may be wrong.

 

Outstanding weapon systems with quality pics!! Good deal.   

If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
Critter View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: April/20/2004
Status: Offline
Points: 56
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Critter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/04/2006 at 18:16
The rings and base are manufactured by US Optics.

Here is a close of view of some on my M70 7WSM with McMillan A5.

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/04/2006 at 19:23
The USOptics scopes are definately a thing of beauty.

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

Joined: September/27/2004
Location: South Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 20844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2006 at 04:19

Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

The USOptics scopes are definately a thing of beauty.

 

Yeah, and the rifles aint bad neither!!

Nice stuff, Brother.

If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
nksmfamjp View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: January/06/2006
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 117
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nksmfamjp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2006 at 08:00

First of all, thank you all so much for your help in my dilema.  I wish I had more choice when shoping in my area, but few people around here understand good glass or are willing to drop cash for it.  I really don't care fixed or variable.  I can live with either.  Variable is nice just so I can carry it at low power and 50 yd parallax for those big buck quick shots, but really my experience shows that I'm ususally at some point laying in cactus ranging and scoping 800 yard deer/elk/antelope who are just living and eating under the big sky!  In the past, I've spent all kinds of time studying movement and terrain to figure out how to position myself 1 - 300 yards from them.  This method occasionally leaves me standing at my predetermined spot like Elmer Fudd saying, "Which way did he go, that w'ascally w'abbit."  With this rig, I hope to be able to spend that time figuring the dope and settin' the scope. 

 

I have to agree, the US Optics scope looks nice and you will never hear a bad opinion of them.  But for that money. . .I'm sorry, but my wife will divorce me if my scope costs more than my car!

 

Well, I looked at a 3.5 - 10 x 40 Leupold Mark 4.  I hate to bash, but this scope was the poorest of the 4 I looked at yesterday.  It had the M1 knobs,  The elevation knob had good click sound but really didn't have a solid point it was stopping at.  Mushy, I guess you would say.  The windage knob would only click whe turning it off zero, but had no detent or click at all after that.  I told the salesman I thought it was broke, but he thought it was ok, so back in the case it went.  The parallax knob goes from big dot to infinity.  Hmmm. . .roughly how far is big dot?  I know parallax numbers are off always due to atmoshperic conditions, but no numbers doesn't even get me a starting point.  I could probably live with that too.  Now for the real reason it was the worst.  When looking at a 200 ish yard target, it seemed to have the poorest resolution, dimmest brightness and worst color.  I don't really know how to quantify this better than that.

 

Next I looked at a Burris 3 - 12 x 50 Tactical Illuminated model.  First off, I don't like this particular scope due to it not having a real mil dot recticle, but I think the make the same scope with true mil dot.  The turrets were crisp, but not overly loud.  It did feel like each had an exact adjustment point.  Brightness was probably the best I've seen in a riflescope, but I really haven't been able to shop S&B, Zeiss, or Swarovski.  I have looked through some Nightforce scopes, but always in the store.  It has been a while also.  It may have been the same, maybe a hair lower than Nightforce.   Resolution was great.  I could have read the phone number off of the for sale sign about 200 yards away, except it didn't have one!  The signs letters FOR SALE were crisp.  It had great color.  It really felt like it was more like 16 power due to the resolution.

 

Last I looked at a Burris 3 - 12 x 50 Tactical non-illuminated model.  It had a real mil dot recticle.  It would be nice if it were illuminated, but I think I would rather have the mildots than illumination, if I must choose.  Turrets were crisp, but not overly loud, as before.  Brightness and resolution were equal. 

 

I'm not sure about the illuminated recticle.  Do they have just as crisp of lines, or does the illumination coming back at you wash this out some?  I should know, but they didn't have a battery in the scope.

 

I also looked at a Sightron SIII.  Turrets were nice, but not tactical height/style.  I don't think that would be good for long range hunting.  It's glass, IMHO, was as bright as the Burris, but maybe a hair lower resolution.  Since this model was 10x max, maybe that was the difference.  Also, it doesn't have the adjustment range that the burris has in the turret.

 

I also looked around for the best Nikon I could find.  I found a 4.5 - 14 x 40ish Buckmasters scope.  It seemed pretty good.  I was looking at it at another store.  It seemed not quite as bright as the previous scopes and hard to get the focus right.  Once focused, it seemed to have pretty good resolution.  Also, the turrets were loud and positive, but not target/tactical style.  Of course, being a Nikon, it would be elevationally challenged.  Not enough adjustment.

 

If Burris made a 5.5 - 22 x 56 with a mil dot or moa recticle, I would own a scope today probably.  Burris. . .Are you listening?  While price is important, features are more important as are quality and toughness.  Warranty is nice, but quality is better.  I would rather have it right after I fly 2000 miles to hunt than have them agree to fix it after a scope blows my hunting trip.

 

Also, please feel free to post your experience with any Burris scope you have had.  I need to get a feel for this brand's reputation.

 

BTW. . .Since I can't shop Super Sniper, how do they compare to the listed 700 - 1100 scopes?



Edited by nksmfamjp
Back to Top
cheaptrick View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: September/27/2004
Location: South Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 20844
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/05/2006 at 10:21

I think you need to do a recon mission over at Sniper's Hide.

Many good people ovet there that can help you.

 

Log in and do a search for a few hours and I think you'll come away with some good intell.

 

http://www.snipershide.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi

 

I think a great middle of the road scope has already been mentioned by Chris Garret, and that's the Zeiss Conquest.

The only real gripe with it is lack of "up", which can easily be corrected with a 20 MOA rail.

If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
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 0.367 seconds.