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.50 BMG Rifle Scope Suggestions

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Category: Scopes
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Topic: .50 BMG Rifle Scope Suggestions
Posted By: Seymour Tangos
Subject: .50 BMG Rifle Scope Suggestions
Date Posted: October/22/2004 at 00:40

Hello fellow gun enthusiasts. I'm looking for an inexpensive, but excellent quality, MIL-DOT scope for an Armalite AR50 .50 BMG rifle (with #306-13 'Badger Ordnance' High MAX-50 1" wide rings) which I have recently acquired. I was previously recommended the SWFA 'Super Sniper' scope and this recommendation has really peaked my interest. The prices are to my liking, and from what I also understand, the glass is quite clear and they're made well enough to undergo the rigors of the .50 BMG caliber.

 

My only planned use for this rifle will be for occasional target shooting (to approx. 1,000 yards) and I do not plan on ever entering any competitions whatsoever....as those days have long since passed. I've already 'surfed the web' and have read about many different optics manufacturers' products; however, I'm not too thrilled about the idea of having a fifteen hundred dollar piece of glass sitting inside my gun safe for the majority of the time. I'm not sure if I should get a 10x, 16x, or 20x42 scope, as I have no experience with ever firing such a massive caliber rifle. Should I might also be considering a variable-type scope before committing to the 'Super Sniper'? My eyes are now lousy but my aim was once 'dead on'. Any and all constructive advice will be appreciated...thanks. 

 

 



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I remember the days when 'SPAM' just used to be an undesirable lunch meat.



Replies:
Posted By: Littlemac
Date Posted: October/22/2004 at 05:34

I am right where you are.  I have a nice .50 BMG but still don't have a scope on it.  I will be following this thread closely to see what the suggestions are.

 

I don't know of many folks that regularly shoot BMG on a weekly basis, so your point about a scope that will sit most of the time is very valid.  For me, the most important thing is hitting the target at 1000 yards, next will be it durability and last the cost.  I don't want to get raped on the cost- but a high end scope is not out of the question.



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From the morning report- "Today everyone fights, no one quits- If you run I will shoot you myself." Lt 6th mob inf


Posted By: redneckbmxer24
Date Posted: October/22/2004 at 07:01

how close are you going to get with this gun. as long as you stay out a little, i would get the 20x, but then out far, mirage might bother it on a real hot day, a 10x will work too but the target is going to look sorta tiny at 1000 yards. i think i would go for the 16x though, the mirage shouldnt effect it 'that much', and it will give you a good view of the target.

 

cory



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If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, I'll be only one of millions!!!


Posted By: Littlemac
Date Posted: October/22/2004 at 11:13

Primarily I want to shoot a 1000 yards with some consistency.  I see your handle on this forum all the time.  Have you ever seen anyone put a short range scope on a 50 BMG in addition to a long range scope?  I am starting to see this applied on Ar-15s  They will have something like an Trijicon NSN on the top for long range and then iron sights or Halo sights on the side for close in shooting.  My buds and I call shooting a 50 BMG at less than 600 to CQB.  Close quarters Brutal.  That was the idea behind it anyway.

 

Thanks for the input.  LM



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From the morning report- "Today everyone fights, no one quits- If you run I will shoot you myself." Lt 6th mob inf


Posted By: Brady
Date Posted: October/22/2004 at 14:38

The 10X SS would be my choice. I recently had the chance to shoot a .50 with a variable scope on it, and used it mainly on 10X. I was shooting targets from 300 yards out to 1000 yards. I had no problem hitting a target the size of an ice chest at 1000 yards with just 10X. keep in mind that a 1000 yard target will appear 100 yards away through the scope if set on 10X. So if you can see something with your naked eye at 100 yards fairly good I would stick with the 10X. 

 

 



Posted By: Seymour Tangos
Date Posted: October/24/2004 at 03:22

Hello and thanks for all of the excellent responses so far. Unfortunately, a stroke a few years back really took a toll on my eyesight, so even with eyeglasses (maxed-out prescription), I would feel comfortable to say that I can see about 50 yards or so and anything beyond that...well, just forget it. Also, as I've previously noted, I really won't be firing the 'fifty' all that much anyway...especially at twenty-five bucks for a box of ten. Since I was at least fortunate enough to save-up just enough money to be able to purchase a 'fifty' before Governor Schwarzenegger's .50 BMG ban goes into effect in a couple of months, a 'high end' / 'top dollar' scope is definitely out of the question for me for quite some time.  

 

Also, besides being optics knowledge deficient, I'm also not that 'slick' on knowing what all of scope/optics numbers actually mean or represent, so I'm relying upon you experts out there to lend a hand with my predicament. I would like to use the 'fifty' to shoot targets at out to about a 1,000 yards or so. Like 'Little Mac', I also feel that anything closer than that could be considered 'overkill' and would be more of a job for a .308 'precision target rifle' (Remington 700PSS or Savage 10FP)...which is also on my 'want list'.

 

So, from what I gather from my readings so far, since non-moving targets would actually be my forte with the 'fifty'...the variable-type scope would not be that necessary after all? I guess that I now just need to decide whether to purchase a 10x, 16x, or 20x 'Super Sniper'...one which would benefit me most and also help compensate for my lousy eyesight and lack of finances. 



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I remember the days when 'SPAM' just used to be an undesirable lunch meat.


Posted By: redneckbmxer24
Date Posted: October/24/2004 at 13:21

see, the only problem with the high power scopes is going to be mirage, on a hot day. but if you eye sight is only good out to 50 yards, then a SS20X42 will be jsut like seeing at 50 yards. so why not go with it.

 

cory



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If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, I'll be only one of millions!!!


Posted By: Chris Farris
Date Posted: October/27/2004 at 14:10

Our most popular scopes for 50 BMG's is by far the http://www.riflescopes.com/departments/231/rifle_scopes/super_sniper.htm - Super Sniper.

 

Serbu BFG-50 w/ Super Sniper 10x42

The scope in the picture above has survived over 1000 rounds so far, and has not had any problems. - Mark Serbu or Serbu Arms.

 

Dear SWFA:,
I ordered one of your http://www.riflescopes.com/products/SS16X42/tasco_super_sniper_16x42.htm - SS16X42 Scopes about 2 years ago to put on my BIG .50 cal. I cant say enough about how pleased I am with the quality and performance of this scope. I use the windage and elevation turrets all the time and I have never lost my zero. This is more than I could say about a lot of scopes I have had in the past. This scope has enough MOA To take my .50 cal out to 2000yds with the use of a 20 MOA tapered base. I have hit a good number of targets at 1 mile away thanks to this scope, and that is a lot of clicking up and down. I am so happy with this scope that I plan to buy a http://www.riflescopes.com/products/SS10X42M/tasco_super_sniper_10x42.htm - SS10X42M for a custom Remington 700 in 300WSM that I have been working on. Thank you SWFA!

Jeremy H.

 

 

I have a Super Sniper mounted on my 8lb .338 Lapua which kicks 10 times harder than my BFG. First 200 rounds were fired without any kind of muzzle brake. Last 40-50 have been with a good JP Brake installed. So far the scope itself has held up very well (wish I could say the same about the rings...the recoil has wrecked two seperate sets of rings so far).

Craig C.

 



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SWFA, Inc.
http://SWFA.com - SWFA.com
http://www.swfa-ss.com - SWFA-SS.com
http://www.mil-dot.com - Mil-Dot.com
http://www.samplelist.com - SampleList.com


Posted By: Seymour Tangos
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 12:07

So Chris, which power 'Super Sniper' scope do you recommend that I actually purchase...the 16x or the 20x?

 

Since Cory (redneckbmxer24) does mention the 'miraging effect' with the higher power scope on hot days, and seeing that I do actually reside and target shoot in the desert, how much of an effect (deterrent) would this actually be to me? I'm more concerned of having/retaining a clear 'sight picture', as well as still being able to see the target(s) at about 1,000+/- yards with my poor eyesight. Also, do you recommend that I maybe also purchase an optional 'Super Sniper' 2.25" sunshade, a set of Butler Creek 'flip-up' lens caps, a Mil-Dot Master to go along with the scope as well? Oh, and will the Super Sniper 'Kill-Flash' benefit me all that much if purchasing all of the aforementioned accessories?

 

On another note, which model number/type Harris BRMS Series S bi-pod do you recommend that I also obtain from your organization? 6"-9" bench rest model with notched legs and swivel feature (non-level shooting surfaces) or a 9"-13" model. More than likely (if I'm not at an actual range with a shooting bench) I'll probably be shooting off my truck's hood/tailgate or from some other stable MacGyver'd contraption, and Armalite wants two hundred bucks for a Prince bi-pod.

 

So far, it looks as if my SWFA bill will be just slightly over six hundred bucks. Although money is becoming harder for me to come by these days, at the same time, I'd also just as soon do everything right the first time in order to save on shipping/handling costs. Please advise as any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your continued help and assistance.



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I remember the days when 'SPAM' just used to be an undesirable lunch meat.


Posted By: redneckbmxer24
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 17:20

what size will your targets be??? if you eye sight isnt all that good, you might be better off at 1000+ yards with the 16X over the 20X.

 

cory



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If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, I'll be only one of millions!!!


Posted By: Seymour Tangos
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 18:25

Hi Cory,

 

Just standard paper targets and silhouettes, and maybe a soda can or two...nothing much else. Thanks.



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I remember the days when 'SPAM' just used to be an undesirable lunch meat.


Posted By: redneckbmxer24
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 19:01

GEEEZ, a soda can is TINY as 1000 yards, but i think you can manage it with the 16x.

 

cory



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If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, I'll be only one of millions!!!


Posted By: Seymour Tangos
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 19:10

Cory,

 

The soda can was my feeble attempt to be funny    Heck, I'm lucky if I can even see one with my eyes at ten yards at best    Looks like a 16x it will be. What do think about the optional accessories that I also previously mentioned? Thanks again for your help.

 

ST



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I remember the days when 'SPAM' just used to be an undesirable lunch meat.


Posted By: redneckbmxer24
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 19:14

the ARD is.......well, i dont see a point in buying it, its nothing thats really needed. a sunshade, yes, you will want one of those, and butler creek flip ups. and invest in the harris S-BRM bipod too, i happen to like the notched leg model, but either one works.

 

cory



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If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, I'll be only one of millions!!!


Posted By: Seymour Tangos
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 19:23

Cory,

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll place my order this weekend. Now, if the gun shop will only get my .50 BMG ammo in...then I'll be set. Thanks again for all of your help and take care.

 

Regards,

 

ST



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I remember the days when 'SPAM' just used to be an undesirable lunch meat.


Posted By: redneckbmxer24
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 19:24

what kind of ammo did you get, the HSM ammo is soem good stuff.

 

cory



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If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns, I'll be only one of millions!!!


Posted By: Seymour Tangos
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 19:29
I took their advice and ordered two boxes (twenty rounds) of TTI .50 BMG 647 GR. M33 FMJ...just so that I can get my feet (and possibly shorts) wet  

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I remember the days when 'SPAM' just used to be an undesirable lunch meat.


Posted By: Richard
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 21:23

I put a Swarovski 10X Tactical Mildot on my Barrett 99,  50 BMG and my Sako TRG 42 338 Lapua ( SWFA purchases) .  The Sako shoots less than 0.75 minute of ange 5 shot groups at 500 meters , the Barrett shoots well inside the 12 in mean radius specs  ( 600 yd) of the Barrett M 33 (IMI ) ball ammo.

 

I expect better rusults on the Barrett with match ammo.

 

My range is only 500 meters so I can't speak to 1000 yd performance but I very satisfied with the two Swarovski's  10 X 's  I have.  I have heard good reports ont the Super Sniper 10 X

 

I shoot in Western Pa where mirage is still a problem on an open range in the sun even in the fall

 

I find 10X to just fine - no problems at 500 on mirage or seeing the target center. I realize this is not 1000 yds but expecting beer can accuracy from a 50  at 1000 ysd is a bit of a stretch for me at least .

 

The Swarovski 10X is most satifactory .

 

A 16X is probably the most magnification you can get by with on a sunny day.

 

Recoil on a 30+/- lb 50 should not be a problem for a good scope.

 

You may do well with the Super Sniper mildot



Posted By: Seymour Tangos
Date Posted: November/04/2004 at 23:49

Richard,

 

Thanks for your post. I'd sure like to get a Swarovski and a Barrett, but they're both kind of 'out of my ballpark'...so to speak. Besides, the Barrett which I actually wanted was banned here a few years back; however, they have released some M82A1 CA models with a fixed magazine. Unfortunately, I can no longer afford the seven grand price tag for the rifle, and the other Barrett models don't really interest me all that much. I'm sure for the amount of use I'll actually get out of it, my 50th Anniversary Edition Armalite AR50 will be just fine and won't bite me too hard...heck, the muzzle break itself probably weighs at least ten pounds alone! 

 

Like many other readers and forum posters out there, I too have searched throughout the 'www' and have read nothing but positive remarks in regards to the 'Super Sniper' scopes. I figured that I'd better go ahead and get one pretty 'quick-like' before SWFA 'gets wise' and begins raising the price. I think that I'll go ahead with the 16x as too many posts have alluded to the 'miraging effect' condition which might come with the cost of higher magnification. I really don't expect aluminum can accuracy from a .50 BMG at 1,000 +/- yards either, but hitting anywhere on a paper target will be something that I can feel proud of. Thanks again your your very informative input and "keep 'em in the ten ring"...at least that's what I believe what Jim Scouten used to say. Take care.

 

Regards,

 

ST

 

 



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I remember the days when 'SPAM' just used to be an undesirable lunch meat.


Posted By: WileyCat
Date Posted: October/21/2005 at 00:18
I been using a Bushnell Elite 3200 on my 50 BMG and it is holding up no problem- it is a very strong scope.  It is also a good deal price wise.

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WileyCat


Posted By: Sniper6
Date Posted: November/16/2005 at 00:51

I put a SS16X42 on my .50 Grizzly about 4 years ago ( no problems )and the reason I went with the 16X is that the gun/scope is about 45 pounds,now I am not going to be packing this thing up any mountains during the hunt but I do shoot it off the bench out to 2000 yards and the 16X has the elevation ( with a proper base ) to let me to adjust from a 200 yard zero to a 2000 yard zero using the turrets .I use 750gr AMAX that I load.

 I dont have a problem seeing MOA targets with this scope up to about 70 degrees.

With the 16X I see heat waves after about 75 degrees that I think effect accuracy beond 1000 yards.

The 50 has a long range to it and I am glad I went with the 16X ,you cant beat it for $300.



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What a great hobby!


Posted By: StreetRat
Date Posted: January/13/2006 at 22:49

Watchout when trying  to monut a Harris bipod to your AR 50, the recoil will just collapse the legs.  Those scope caps can be a problem too.  They can get you in the forehead or just fly off.  I took them off of my 50.

An M60 Bipod may work better for you and there is a guy on BiggerHammer that makes an adapter for the AR 50.  I have shot many rounds through AR 50s and they are the mildest 50 BMG to shoot.  I use a NXS 12-42x56mm on my Barrett M99 and it has held up well.



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The old ghillie's maxim...
"Stalk as close as ye kin, laddie - then git ten paces closer!"


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: January/15/2006 at 12:23

I have an   SS  20X and it is a love hate relationship. If  I had it to do over I would buy the 10X with the side focus.  In fact I have really been thinking of trading mine in to do just that. The quality is good and most importantly it is reliable. I also have Leupold 8.5-25illuminated and it is superb I wish I could afford to put one on every rifle I have,  but that's just not practical. I also have a Leupold mark 4 fixed 10X and am happy with the power range but getting used to the M3 dials can drive you nuts not being able to fine tune the point of impact (1 moa elevation 1/2 moa windage per click). The super sniper is in a practical price range and a good value especially since several of the Mark 4 scopes recently took a rather hefty price jump. There is still one plain jane Leu 3-9 PR that is in the $399 price range and might be worth considering but I really think that you will be happier with the SS 10X.  If you can justify the price you might look at the Burris Tactical they are very bright and clear like the ultra high dollar Leupolds. 

 

That said the SS10X will be a brighter scope than the 16 or 20 and it is what I recommend you buy. Do yourself a favor and spend the extra hundred to get the military model with side focus.



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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: skarmajunga
Date Posted: August/02/2007 at 01:47
I have a spare simmons 44 mag  scope 3.8-12 x44, anyone think it will be able to stand up to a .50 caliber? I was thinking of mounting it on my serbu single shot.



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