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.308 Tactical Scope Need Help

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nmerchant View Drop Down
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    Posted: January/20/2012 at 18:05
Team,
 
I have a match springfield armory .308 setting on a sage EBR tactical stock with a Sadlak industries scope mount (I love it). My next step is to purchase a scope for this MAN TOY however I am perplexed with the options. I have the following concers:
1. Durability of the scope due to the abuse it will take from this rifle
2. Ability to maintain zero due to the abuse
3. My price range 1,500 to 2,000 or less I don't want to exceed this price preferably.
4. My range on this rifle will be anywhere from 600 yard to as close as it needs to be.
5. Choice of reticle I do like a Mil-dot but would prefer something a little more maybe similar to the new Leupold  but not so busy or maybe the SS Quad Mil-Dot (and do I really need illuminated, does it do more than in just low light)
 
The scope I have been looking hard at is the Leupold Mark IV (Front Focal Plane), but I have been told to look into the SWFA scopes, and Vortex.
 
Please help and please make any and all recommendations, MY CAREER and LIFE will be put to the test with this rifle. Also if there are some pitfalls to be aware of please let me know. I welcome all input. 
You are only as good as your last performance.
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djp0623 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote djp0623 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2012 at 18:32
If I read your post correctly I'm basing my recommendation on your 600 yd as an upper limit.

I have the SS 3-9x42 milquad and absolutely love it.  It's clear, the low light capability is fantastic.  I actually tested the low light capability by aiming at cows in a field under a clear night sky with a full moon.  The reticle was dark enough that I could see it no problem.  I could have easily gone on a beef killing spree. I had no problem seeing the reticle in the early morning (before legal shooting) while deer hunting.

I've shot 400 yds with ease with this scope, and plan on trying to take it out to 1000 with my FNAR.  I like holdovers.  So I am zeroed at 100 yds and the plan is to find out what turret adjustments get me zeroed at 500.   So From 100-500 yds I will use holdover, and from 500 -1000 I can use holdover.  The milquad is a very versatile reticle.  Not to mention, you will keep a lot of coin in your pocket.


If you were still using the 600 yd point as a max, and still wanted to spend that kind of money.  I'd probably snag a 3-18x50 z6 off the sample list when one comes available.  Arguably some of the best glass out there, I think it gets you into the swaro HD glass, and can take out past 1000yds if you wanted.  

I did however, just buy a Leupold VX6.  Only because of the rumors about the quality of the glass, and a fear of a price hike if it does meet/exceed the hype.  I bought the plex reticle because of the CDS turrets.

My 2cents
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nmerchant View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nmerchant Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2012 at 18:57
To clarify future posts, I will be taking this rifle beyond the 600 yard mark hopefully someday make that thousand yard club.
You are only as good as your last performance.
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djp0623 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote djp0623 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2012 at 19:29
Hunting, Target, or both  

I'm asking this since weight becomes a big consideration when hunting is involved.
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jjrgr21 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jjrgr21 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2012 at 19:50
i wouldn't get the leupold, i like the mk4's but the SS 5-20 is far superior in every way. i have the 4.5*14 mk4, and the SS, side by side you would think the leupold was made in china. the 3-9 will take you to 1k, but you'll be wanting more. and with the 5-20, the next step better is a huge step in $$$.

and if a leupold breaks, you'll have to wait a while. if your SS breaks, you'll have a new scope in about a week most likely.

but i will say, i like my mk4 better than my SS 3-9, but they are very different.
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nmerchant View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nmerchant Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2012 at 20:24
This weapon is going to be for tactical shooting, and hunting.
You are only as good as your last performance.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jjrgr21 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2012 at 20:55
which leupold were you considering?
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nmerchant View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nmerchant Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2012 at 10:34
Mark IV 4.5 x 14 (Front Focal Plane) 1/4 MOA Mil Dot.
You are only as good as your last performance.
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jjrgr21 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jjrgr21 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2012 at 10:37
i'd still get the SS 5-20, and just suck up the extra weight. and save yourself some $$. the glass is that much better than the mk4
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nmerchant View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nmerchant Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2012 at 10:44
WHat about the durability of this scope a Springfiled M14 with the EBR platform will reak havok on  a scope
You are only as good as your last performance.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2012 at 11:48
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "MY CAREER and LIFE will be put to the test with this rifle."
Are you law enforcement ? because you say: "This weapon is going to be for tactical shooting, and hunting."  or ?
To begin with the M1a is a fine rifle but to make it accurate is challenging at best. Mine is about a 2moa rifle and seems to tighten up a bit at 600 yds. 
I run a 1.5x Trijicon accupoint on mine as they make fine gunfight rifles but I tend to have better success at long range with an AR Platform .308 or better yet a bolt gun. 
To try your hand at long range the 5-20x50 Super Sniper is a fine choice its a tough scope and while I would normally recommend a fixed power like the 10x for the M1a due to its high speed action the 5-20x50 SS will take the abuse just fine.  Other scopes I would look at are the U.S. Optics scopes which are very nice. There is also a good deal on a used Nightforce on the samplelist where used scopes are listed.
US Optics 1.8-10x37 SN-3 30mm Riflescope
US Optics 1.8-10x37 SN-3 30mm Riflescope
Stock # - USOSN3N
  • Matte Black Type III hard Anodizing
  • Illuminated C2 Reticle
  • 30mm
  • Low Profile - Rapid Focus Eyepiece
  • Push Button Digital (Red) Illumination
  • EREK 1/10 MIL Elevation Knob
  • US#3 1/10 MIL Windage Knob
  • T-Pal Left Side Parallax/Focus
$2,289.95
US Optics 3.2-17x44 SN-3 30mm Riflescope
US Optics 3.2-17x44 SN-3 30mm Riflescope
Stock # - USOSN3E
  • Matte Black Type III hard Anodizing
  • Illuminated Mil-Scale GAP Reticle
  • 30mm
  • Low Profile - Rapid Focus Eyepiece
  • 11 Pos Rheostat (Red) Illumination
  • EREK 1/10 MIL Elevation Knob
  • US#3 1/10 MIL Windage Knob
  • T-Pal Left Side Parallax/Focus
$2,659.95

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
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nmerchant View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nmerchant Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2012 at 11:58
I do private security work to answer your questions however I want some versatility with this rifle due to it being not only semi but also full auto. I truly appriciate your help. My biggest concern right now for it being the right scope are weight vs the sadlak mount and the durability of the scope due to the rifles abuse.
 
I currently have a 300 Win with a leupold scope which is my bolt action.
You are only as good as your last performance.
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