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A do all scope for $1500?

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SavageHunter11 View Drop Down
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    Posted: June/05/2016 at 22:42
I have a dellema. I'm building a rifle for some long range South Dakota hunting but also would like to use it in local 600 yard competitions and in a couple years 1000 yard competition. I built a 6.5 Creedmoor on a Savage Target action with a Criterion bull barrel, XLR Element Chassis and butt stock, and timney trigger, Now I am at the point where I need glass and I'm can't seem to find a scope that will fill both roles. I was dead nuts set on the Bushnell HDMR 3.5-21x50 with the H59 reticle but I read that the glass quality isn't there. Any suggestions for $1500 or less? What about a SWFA SS HD 5-20x50? Someone help point me in a direction.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SavageHunter11 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 10:00
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 10:09

I have no experience with the 5-20 SS. But have the 3-9 SS that uses the HD glass and it is a great scope. The optics are fine and the adjustments crisp. The nice thing is the 5-20 is also available with an illuminated reticle that would help for low light hunting.



Doug
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SavageHunter11 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SavageHunter11 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 11:16
I wish I could look through an SWFA. Also I should note that illuminated scopes are a big no-no in my state. I almost lost my hunting license for 5 years because I took a deer with a gun that had an illuminated reticle. My Only saving Grace was that I left the batteries at home and the gfp officer didn't find any batteries that fit the scope on my person.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 12:20

That is an interesting story. I am glad it came out well.

I am sure the many shooters here that have the 5-20 SS will chime in.

Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 13:12
SWFA SS 5-20x50 will work well for you and since you can't have illumination, you can get a non-illuminated version and save a little money:
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-5-20x50-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P51653.aspx

Another good option is Bushnell Elite Long Range Hunter 4.5-18x44 which is also available without illumination:

In the sub-$1500 range these two are probably your best options.  Bushnell is a little lighter and if you like to holdover with the reticle, it gives you some options.

The SS 5-20x50 is a a little better in low light and at extended distances owing to a larger objective lens and adjustment range.  It is a touch heavier though.

It sorta comes down to what you prefer.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SavageHunter11 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 13:14
Has anyone compared these two side by side? The unfortunate downside of where I live is I only have access to Vortex, Leupold, and Nightforce optics in stores. Everyone in South Dakota seems to have a hard on for Leupold. Is a Mk4 in the same class as the HDMR and SS HD 5-20?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 13:40
Mk4 is not as good as SS and HDMR.

With Nightforce, the only viable option in your price range is SHV F1 4-14x50 (I assume you are looking for a FFP scope), but it is not available without illumination.

With Mk4, the only FFP scope in your price range is the ER/T 4.5-14x50 which is an OK design, but not as good as some other mentioned in this thread.

ILya 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SavageHunter11 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 13:45
The reticle is what's holding me back on the SWFA. I know in the back of my head I should just get it and learn to hold without the Christmas tree reticle. Been spoiled with a ffp r- grid reticle on my ar that has served me very well and now my regular reticle holdovers are cheap.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 13:47
If you want to do reticle holdover, Bushnell Long Range Hunter is a good otpion
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SavageHunter11 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 13:50
Better glass than the HDMR?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 13:52
Similar for the most part.

HDMR had more variation sample to sample.  The Elite Hunter is a bit more consistent and quite good for the money.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SavageHunter11 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 14:07
My scheels just might have an Elite Hunter. I remember them having a $1400 Bushnell that wasn't one of the HDMR/DRM variants
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SavageHunter11 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 15:57
Popped down to scheels, they did have an Elite Hunter. Compared it the a PST they had and a NXS. I thought it was very compairable to the the NXS in glass and crispness of the turrets. I don't know if that puts the Elite Hunter into play as an option or keeps the HDMR as an option.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote saltydog235 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/06/2016 at 21:59
Nightforce NXS if you can find one on a used or demo special. The SHV F1 is great too.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 3_tens Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/07/2016 at 17:42
The Burris XTR 4-20X50 BUR201041  has the Horus 59 which will have the drops and wind  for $1399.
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