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Variable Power $650 Budget

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10321
Printed Date: March/19/2024 at 00:00
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Topic: Variable Power $650 Budget
Posted By: Second Amend
Subject: Variable Power $650 Budget
Date Posted: March/11/2008 at 20:50
I've got a Rock River Varmint 20" with NM 2-stage trigger and PRS stock, and am looking for a scope for it.   This rifle will be mostly used on the bench for target ranges from 100-400 yards, with the possibility of also trying farther distances. 

I'm looking to purchase a variable power scope that would be flexible enough at these distances, but still come within my budget of $600 (more or less).  I need enough power to be able to shoot for as much accuracy as I can.

My initial choices are:
- Bushnell 6-24x50 Elite 4200 30mm (with exposed turrets) $570
- Millet LRS-1 (6-24x56 35mm) $450-500

I really like the reputation and quality of the Super Sniper scopes, so I may consider a 16x.  When is their variable coming out?  It may be a no-brainer for me.

What would you recommend and why?



Replies:
Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: March/12/2008 at 01:19
The two choices you have are both very good and should work well for you.

Generally, I seldom use magnifications above 16x or so, even from the bench, so I would suggest looking at some 4-16x scopes or similar:

Nikon Monarch 4-16x50 or 5-20x50
Bushnell Elite 4200 4-16x50
Sightron S2 Big Sky 4.5-14x44SS or 4-16x42AO or 6.5-20x50SS or 6-24x42
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 or 6.5-20x50

Since you are shooting from the becnh and AR rifles are pretty friendly to large objective lenses, I would probably recommend going with a 50mm or greater objective lens in one of the configurations above.

ILya


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: March/12/2008 at 01:42
The two choices you have are both very good and should work well for you.

Generally, I seldom use magnifications above 16x or so, even from the bench, so I would suggest looking at some 4-16x scopes or similar:

Nikon Monarch 4-16x50 or 5-20x50
Bushnell Elite 4200 4-16x50
Sightron S2 Big Sky 4.5-14x44SS or 4-16x42AO or 6.5-20x50SS or 6-24x42
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 or 6.5-20x50

Since you are shooting from the becnh and AR rifles are pretty friendly to large objective lenses, I would probably recommend going with a 50mm or greater objective lens in one of the configurations above.

ILya


Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: March/12/2008 at 06:10
Look at the new 6500 series elites as well. You can also find some screaming deals on the sample list.
Welcome and enjoy your stay at OT


-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/12/2008 at 19:22
Does anyone think I should just go with the SS 16x42 and be done with it?  Or am I limiting myself here without the flexibility a variable scope offers?


Posted By: Dolphin
Date Posted: March/12/2008 at 19:49
I would go with the variable.  Your choice of the Bushnell up to 24x is not a bad choice if you want to shoot beyond 400 yards.  It is a quality scope and the optical quality at 24x should be good, even though I have never had the opportunity to look through that particular scope.  One thing to remember, it is better to have more magnification with your initial purchase than less, if that is important, as you will find yourself wanting another scope in the future if you feel you are short changed.

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D. Overton


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/12/2008 at 21:01
Originally posted by Dolphin Dolphin wrote:

I would go with the variable.  Your choice of the Bushnell up to 24x is not a bad choice if you want to shoot beyond 400 yards.  It is a quality scope and the optical quality at 24x should be good, even though I have never had the opportunity to look through that particular scope.  One thing to remember, it is better to have more magnification with your initial purchase than less, if that is important, as you will find yourself wanting another scope in the future if you feel you are short changed.


This is my logic as well, though I have to keep in mind that one scope can't do it all.
I like the Millet LRS-1 on paper, but I wonder where it would fare on the recent chart Chris put up.  If it has the optics of LX-III or 4200, and is built like a SS, then I'd consider it.  But who wouldn't?


Posted By: trigger29
Date Posted: March/13/2008 at 06:36
http://www.swfa.com/pc-9792-259-zeiss-3-9x50-conquest-rifle-scope.aspx - http://www.swfa.com/pc-9792-259-zeiss-3-9x50-conquest-rifle-scope.aspx
May be another one to look at. I don't know if thats enough magnification for you, but the reticle really lends itself to long range shooting, and should be pretty good optically as well.


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"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."


Posted By: Dolphin
Date Posted: March/13/2008 at 07:24
I would stick with the Elite 4200 over any Millet product.

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D. Overton


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/13/2008 at 11:03
Originally posted by Dolphin Dolphin wrote:

I would stick with the Elite 4200 over any Millet product.


It may be the obvious choice, but what are your reasons?


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: March/13/2008 at 12:14
Ior 4-14x50

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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: March/13/2008 at 12:27
Holy smokes 24x is way to much for 400 yard shooting.  I guess if you want to see the grains of the paper it will work.  10x works great for out to 1000+. 
Over magnification can be a bad thing.  I had a 24x IOR and never used it above 14x for actual shooting, they start getting dark because the exit pupil gets small and you start to loose the quality of the image you are seeing.  I think a scope with 16x is plenty for virtually any type of long range shooting. 


-------------
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."


Posted By: Dolphin
Date Posted: March/13/2008 at 17:01
Originally posted by Second Amend Second Amend wrote:

Originally posted by Dolphin Dolphin wrote:

I would stick with the Elite 4200 over any Millet product.


It may be the obvious choice, but what are your reasons?
 I have never owned a Millet product, but my primary reason is based on the responses that I have heard on the OT and the failure rate.  Now that being said, I have also heard that they have made improvements.  I have peered through a Millet at our local gun shop and it was optically clean.  But, other than that, I cannot tell you first hand anymore.  I own an Elite 4200 and it is a great scope.  All other, or for the most part, owners of the 4200s feel the same way.  Thus my reasoning.


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D. Overton


Posted By: 3_tens
Date Posted: March/13/2008 at 17:38
Here is a Kahles that is doing good for me. It is slightly over your budget.  Anyway a budget is nothing more than a target. Something to shoot at.
http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10258 - http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10258


-------------
Folks ain't got a sense of humor no more. They don't laugh they just get sore.

Need to follow the rules. Just hard to determine which set of rules to follow
Now the rules have changed again.


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/13/2008 at 21:30
Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

Ior 4-14x50


For under $650? Link?
Big%20Grin


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/13/2008 at 22:18
Originally posted by Dolphin Dolphin wrote:

Originally posted by Second Amend Second Amend wrote:

Originally posted by Dolphin Dolphin wrote:

I would stick with the Elite 4200 over any Millet product.


It may be the obvious choice, but what are your reasons?
 I have never owned a Millet product, but my primary reason is based on the responses that I have heard on the OT and the failure rate.  Now that being said, I have also heard that they have made improvements.  I have peered through a Millet at our local gun shop and it was optically clean.  But, other than that, I cannot tell you first hand anymore.  I own an Elite 4200 and it is a great scope.  All other, or for the most part, owners of the 4200s feel the same way.  Thus my reasoning.


Fair enough. Points taken, and thanks.


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/13/2008 at 23:37
One of my range buddies swears by IOR.

I'm looking at the 4-14x50 Tactical 30mm scope that sells for around $1K.  I can probably stretch my budget a little if I think it's worth the extra money over the 4200.

What do you think of Mil-dot vs MP-8?
Exposed turrets vs non-exposed?


Posted By: trigger29
Date Posted: March/14/2008 at 07:14
http://www.swfa.com/pc-9798-259-zeiss-45-14x50-conquest-rifle-scope.aspx    %20Rapid-z%20800%204.5-14x44%20Conquest - http://www.swfa.com/pc-9798-259-zeiss-45-14x50-conquest-rifle-scope.aspx    
Rapid-z 800 4.5-14x44 Conquest
 
http://samplelist.com/default.aspx?display_num=10&mfg_selection=5&prod_type=-1&hide_sold=false - http://samplelist.com/default.aspx?display_num=10&mfg_selection=5&prod_type=-1&hide_sold=false  
Kahles Helia CL Multizero $599
Both would be an improvement over the 4200. I have the Zeiss on a .270 WSM and almost cried at the thought of spending so much for a scope, but have never looked back since I got it. Just love it. Going to buy a Multizero now.


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"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/14/2008 at 21:23
Great choices you guy are providing.

My budget is now $1K, since it'll be  4-6 weeks before my rifle is ready.
I'm seriously considering the Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50.


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: March/14/2008 at 21:37
I would go with the IOR, the MP8 blows away the mildot reticle.  

-------------
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."


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/14/2008 at 23:12
Originally posted by superstool73 superstool73 wrote:

I would go with the IOR, the MP8 blows away the mildot reticle.  

How so?

The IOR is a contender.


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: March/14/2008 at 23:23
They have half mil marks and multiple widths of the marks that can be used for more measurement in ranging.  It is easier to range with the 1/2 mil marks as sometimes you may need to use 1.8 mils or 1.9 mils to get an accurate measurement for ranging the particular distance.  That is much more difficult to break down when you only have a mark every mil to judge with. Also the center dot that is used in place of the cross hair is much superior in my opinion.  

-------------
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."


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: March/14/2008 at 23:24
But all that being said if all you are ever are going to do is shoot on a range at known distances the mildot or MP8 will serve no practical purpose other than maybe hold over.  

-------------
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."


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/14/2008 at 23:28
Originally posted by superstool73 superstool73 wrote:

But all that being said if all you are ever are going to do is shoot on a range at known distances the mildot or MP8 will serve no practical purpose other than maybe hold over.  


Thanks.  You get more refinement with the MP8, but it seems so cluttered.

What's your (or anyone's) take on the illuminated reticle and exposed knobs?


Posted By: supertool73
Date Posted: March/14/2008 at 23:48
Its not cluttered, they work great. 

Exposed are good if you plan on making adjustments all the time for different ranges and windage.  If you don't plan on that no need to have them.

Lit reticles perform best in low light, at dark they are pretty much over powering even on the lower setting.  If your target is lit up pretty well, they may benefit you some but in darkness they are pretty hard to use as it becomes very hard to make out your target with the bright red light in the scope.


-------------
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."


Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: March/15/2008 at 08:57
The MP-8 reticle looks cluttered in the pics, which are emboldened and not completely representative of the actual reticle, which is absolutely fantastic. If you ever look through one you will see why some of us here are sold on IOR. 

-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/18/2008 at 12:31
Had a chance to check out the Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44 and 6.5-20x50mm.   Positive impressions so far.


Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: March/18/2008 at 12:45
You should really look at the MP-8 reticle, although the Zeiss is a nice scope for sure.

-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: Second Amend
Date Posted: March/19/2008 at 00:07
Originally posted by cyborg cyborg wrote:

You should really look at the MP-8 reticle, although the Zeiss is a nice scope for sure.


Will definitely do so.  One of my range buddies has several IOR scopes on a few of his rifles, so I'll see if he's got the MP-8.




Posted By: trigger29
Date Posted: March/19/2008 at 07:08
Got the 4.5-14x44 Zeiss you looked at, and just started shooting long range with it. (don't know what everyone else considers long range, but for me anything beyond 400) I was very impressed with the scope. I believe they are a screaming deal for pretty good optics. I don't know if you looked at the Rapid-Z reticle that I suggested earlier. I suggested the lower power to stay inside your budget, as the 4.5-14 runs about $800. I just used the reticle last saturday to put on on a steel target at 600 first shot I ever tried that far. A Kahles with Multizero off the samplelist would be a screaming deal also. Not sure what powers they have.

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"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."



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