OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Tactical Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Scope for .308 Tactical Rifle
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

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

Scope for .308 Tactical Rifle

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
DarrellM5 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: December/12/2008
Location: Central Nevada
Status: Offline
Points: 10
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DarrellM5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Scope for .308 Tactical Rifle
    Posted: January/19/2014 at 14:45
I’d like some advice on a scope for my Savage 10FLP (left handed) in .308.  The rifle currently has a SS 10x42 (non HD version) mounted on a Ken Farrel 20moa base with Burris XTR rings but I’d like a little more magnification.  I’m taking the Precision Rifle 1 class at Front Sight in March which will involve quite a bit of 1000 yard shooting and even a little further.  I live in rural Nevada so I have the opportunity to do as much long range shooting as I want and we have an outdoor range with targets out to 1200 yards.  I’m also thinking about trying some sniper type competitions in the future.

My budget is around $1000.  So far I’m looking at the Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 and the SS 3-15x42 but I’m open to other suggestions.  I’m also undecided on Milrad vs. MOA.

I’ve made some excellent decisions in the past based on the advice of OpticsTalk members and I’m looking forward to your replies.

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: January/19/2014 at 15:12
you can get the SS 5-20 non illuminated for around 1000 if you pay attention to the samplelist, sign up for updates and you'll get a notice everytime they list an item on there.   I love my SS 3-15 and also really love my SS 5-20 Each has a place. If your going to use it mainly as a tactical rifle and limited close shots, the 5-20 would be my choice. But if you'll every use for closer engagements then the 315 would be my choice.

I'm not a big PST fan, had several, non lasted in my collection
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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: January/19/2014 at 15:55
I've not had one, but have experience with people, like SVT, who have just not been happy with the PSTs.  The 3-15 is a very nice scope, but lacks illumination.  If it had IR, I would own one… still have not ruled it out.  I've not "spoken" to anyone with a 5-20 SS who is unhappy with it.  Quite the contrary, everything I've heard about it has been high praise.  The one I've looked over was very nice.  
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: January/19/2014 at 16:57
Depending on how close in you're shooting, the 5-20 will either be great or might feel like a little too much magnification on the low end, making the 3-15 a better option. (If you can live without illum).

Milrad vs. MOA: Either is good as long as the turrets match the reticle, as with the scopes you're considering. I went mil/mil because the first reticle I ranged with was mil. Maybe some others can chime in here, but I do think it's important to get used to the angular (unitless) concept of correcting aim. If using a MOA reticle tends to lead towards thinking in inches rather than using your reticle to correct, then I'd lean towards mils. But if not, you do get a little finer adjustment with 1/4 MOA clicks. I just don't have the experience with those reticles to say yay or nay...just throwing out a question here.
Reaction time is a factor...
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2014 at 18:23
Having taken the front sight precision rifle classes several times the 10x is more than adequate for that class. I have taken it with a ss 10x and had no problems. So if u wanna save up a bit longer dont let the front sight class make u buy early.

I would save p your bucks and buy the ss 5-20x hd. Its worth it
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."
Back to Top
Mike McDonald View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman


Joined: September/01/2004
Status: Offline
Points: 739
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike McDonald Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2014 at 18:27
Yuu may be thinking magnification is your friend.
In mirage situations, you cannot dial up enough magnification to blast through the mirage, but you can stay under it.
A 10x scope will do that , and as previously stated, 10x at 1k is more than adequate.
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2014 at 19:24
Also 85 to 90% of PR1 at front sight is 600 and less.
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."
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: January/19/2014 at 20:06
SS 5-20 non illuminated.

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
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: January/19/2014 at 20:31
Why non-illuminated… the IR on this scope is just amazing and the cost, compared to other scopes of equal quality, is negligible… 
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
dustin198308 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: January/20/2014
Location: Tennessee
Status: Offline
Points: 2
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dustin198308 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2014 at 00:40
Also look at your Bushnell Tactical Elite series scopes, you can get one for under $1,000 on here I believe. You can shoot 1,000 yds with a 10X but it is a little harder. Bushnell makes a really good 6-21 or 24 I believe. I would definitly recommend going MIL/MIL, everyone is slowly pushing away from the MOA scopes except for a few companies who offer MOA adjustments and MOA reticles in the scopes which is basically the same deal. It is just simplicity which is really nice after having to convert measurments for years. Good luck and have fun.
"The bullet will never lie"
Back to Top
DarrellM5 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: December/12/2008
Location: Central Nevada
Status: Offline
Points: 10
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DarrellM5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2014 at 13:07
Definitely not sensing a lot of love for the Vortex products in the replies.

Although I'll keep researching, I think I've got a game plan.

I'll subscribe to the sample list and watch for a SS 5-20.  If I can pick up a non-illuminated for $1000 or maybe an IR for $1200 I'll jump on it.  If not, I may go for the 3-15.

If I can get a new scope in time for Front Sight, great.  If not, I'll plan on using my current SS 10x42 in the class.  I'll be getting some range time between now and then to see how it will work for me.

I'm leaning toward Milrad instead of MOA.  All 3 of my other SS scopes are Milrad and so are my Steiner Military binoculars.

Dustin19308:  I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 on my hunting rifle but haven't tried their tactical series.  I don't know if they are comparable to the Super Snipers or not.

Further comments and suggestions are definitely welcome and thanks for the help so far.


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: January/20/2014 at 13:31
The Vortex Razors are quality scopes, but are out of your price range.
For shooting 1,000+ I'd go with the SS5-20x50 too. I have the SS3-15x42 and love it, but I think a 50mm objective would have been better.
I also would go Mil/Mil, that way the Mil dot master is easy to use. JMHO
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
Dale Clifford View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight


Joined: July/04/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 5087
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2014 at 09:27
agree with lower mag ranges level basically, but I use the higher mag ranges differently, from a target shooters view. while high mag is terrible in mirage, I use it to measure mirage, especially past 600 yds. The higher mag range also helps read cross winds, eg. how fast the "heat bubbles" get from the cross hair to the 4 moa reading in the NF 8x32 as an example. the higher mag also helps read smaller lighter grass, and dust swirls in the target area, then dial back to make the shot using the increased field of view for spotting the strike.
The mag range of your choice will also affect the over size of the scope, which to me is a greater determiner of the mag range than the actual mag range itself, rather than making one tool cover every job. All swfa products are top notch and if you can't make the 5x20 do the job another brand costing 2x as much isn't going to get you there either. I believe there is no scope brand in the $1000 range for this type of shooting comparable.
I have a Razor and love it, but that was before swfa's 5x20. Also get their bubble level, errors due to gun off level due to canting are more pronounced pastww 600 yds, than shooter give credit. this level gets rid of the "wheres the markers" and reflects swfa's philosophy of making a better product period.
I love little league baseball-- it keeps the kids out of the house
Yogi Bera

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: January/21/2014 at 12:32
Originally posted by DarrellM5 DarrellM5 wrote:

Definitely not sensing a lot of love for the Vortex products in the replies.
I am a fan of vortex products but simply didn't have care for the PSTs I've had.  Its not they aren't adequate scopes its just they didn't live up to what I expected of it for the cost and there were better products that fit my need. 

Vortex has stuff that is excellent, and stuff that misses the mark.  I love Vortex's strikefire and sparc red dot.  Their diamond back line of scopes is an excellent budget friendly hunting scope.  The razor line is a tank.   I've not tried the PST HS scopes but hear they are decent but again, a little off mark.
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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: January/21/2014 at 13:39
I like PST scopes, although some are better than others.

My favourites in the PST line are definitely the 6-24x50 and 2.5-10x32.  4-16x50 is pretty good as well, although not as good as the two I mentioned.

Also, keep in mind that like anything else, PST scopes have gone through a few minor changes since their introduction and current production scopes are better than the ones from early production runs.

All that having been said, the SS 3-15x42 is an excellent design and I really like the Mil-Quad reticle.

For general purpose use on a precision rifle, it is hard to do better than a 3-15x42 or 3-15x50 configuration.

ILya
Back to Top
6\250\40 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: January/17/2014
Location: At the ranch
Status: Offline
Points: 204
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 6\250\40 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2014 at 14:04
First post. Longtime lurker.   +1 SS 3-15x42
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: January/21/2014 at 15:59
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

Why non-illuminated… the IR on this scope is just amazing and the cost, compared to other scopes of equal quality, is negligible… 
 
I know but the original budget was $1000.
SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope Illuminated Mil Quad SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope
Stock # - SSHD520X50MQI
  • Patented First Focal Plane Illuminated Mil-Quad Reticle
  • 30mm
  • HD Model
  • Locking Ocular Adjustment
  • 0.1 Mrad Elevation & Windage
  • 10 Mils Per Revolution
  • 30 Mils Of Total Travel
  • Side Focus
$1,499.95 
 
SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope SWFA SS HD 5-20x50 Tactical 30mm Riflescope
Stock # - SSHD520X50MQ
  • Patented First Focal Plane Mil-Quad Reticle
  • 30mm
  • HD Model
  • Locking Ocular Adjustment
  • 0.1 Mrad Elevation & Windage
  • 10 Mils Per Revolution
  • 30 Mils Of Total Travel
  • Side Focus
$1,299.95 

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
Back to Top
DarrellM5 View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: December/12/2008
Location: Central Nevada
Status: Offline
Points: 10
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DarrellM5 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/26/2014 at 14:19
A friend of mine mentioned that I should check out the Zeiss Conquest.  How does it compare to the scopes we've already discussed?

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: January/26/2014 at 16:13
I'll chime in on the Zeiss.

Conquest is a really, really good hunting scope. In fact, in their price range, I think they are sitting in the cat's bird seat. 
But the tactical or long range scopes are just so-so, IMHO. The SS variables blows the Conquest away.
Again...in my opinion. I'm a pretty big Conquest fan, as most here can attest, but not for a tactical application.  
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
Dale Clifford View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight


Joined: July/04/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 5087
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/26/2014 at 17:55
agree. I use a 2x8, 4x14, 6x20 conquest and they are fun.
Zeiss's real tactical scopes, cost 2-3x as much as the SS and the conquest but that's not the question.
I love little league baseball-- it keeps the kids out of the house
Yogi Bera

Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
  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 0.465 seconds.