OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Tactical Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Thoughts on Optics for a 300Blackout SBR AR
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

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

Thoughts on Optics for a 300Blackout SBR AR

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
gunlocators View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: August/24/2014
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 6
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gunlocators Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Thoughts on Optics for a 300Blackout SBR AR
    Posted: August/24/2014 at 04:04
I am in the process of building a SBR in 300 Blackout. It will have a 10 1/2" Barrel. I am going circles trying to decide on a scope. The gun will be for target shooting, hogs varmits ect.

Optics Budget Max is $1500 but really would like to spend the money saved towards a suppressor for the 300. I already held out $400 for the 2 Tax Stamps so I still have $1500 to play with. I prefer to get optics and have some left for a nice one piece QD Mount that will hold zero. Last requirement CLEAR Glass I am tired of low end scopes this rifle deserves decent respectable optics. So here are the choices I am leaning towards however I am NOT set on these and would appreciate any feedback or suggestions. 

Some of the optics I have considered are:

Leupold 1.5-4 VX-R Patrol (Have not seen how clear glass is, cant find one locally to try)
http://swfa.com/Leupold-125-4x20-VX-R-Patrol-30mm-Riflescope-P73286.aspx (Kit has 1pc Mount just not QD Like I wanted)

Burris Xtreme XTR-14 (Have not seen how clear glass is, cant find one locally to try)
http://swfa.com/Burris-1-4x24-Xtreme-Tactical-XTR-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P76493.aspx (This is nice as it has Fastfire 3 reddot included)

Vortex Viper PST
http://swfa.com/Vortex-1-4x24-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44570.aspx

Another 2 I consider but will eat up my budget is the ACOG for .300 Blackout and The Browe Both will eat my budget I have set aside and will limit me getting a can right now. I know I can get a can with a rebate or discount for $600 so that would only leave $900 for optics including QD Mount.......


Ok hope I painted a informative picture of my budget and requirements looking forward to suggestions. Even if the optics suggested is not on the list.
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: August/24/2014 at 08:05
Welcome to Optics Talk. 

I'm an advocate for the VX-R. I have one in 3-9x with the Firedot Duplex reticle and I think it works very well in low light hunting applications and for target shooting. I've shot some darn fine groups with my .223 Remington.  
I haven't fooled with the 1.5-4x, but I would definitely consider it. Glass quality is "pretty good" and online with the others you've mentioned, I'd say. The real benefit to me is the Firedot reticle on the Leupold.  
If at first you don't secede...try..try again.
Back to Top
Sgt. D View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: February/20/2008
Location: North Carolina
Status: Offline
Points: 4525
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sgt. D Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/24/2014 at 08:23

At SWFA, Best price I've seen as well!!   I have one on order. Can let you know more in a week or so.

Nikon 1.5-6x42 M-300 BLK 30mm Riflescope              $699.95

Stock # - NIK6796


  • Matte
  • BDC SuperSub
  • 30mm
  • Rugged, One Piece Body Tube
  • Fully Multicoated Optical System
  • Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets
  • Hand-turn 1/4-inch reticle adjustments
  • Spot On Ballistic Match Technology
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Quick Focus Eyepiece
  • Waterproof
  • Fogproof
  • Shockproof

Nikon has developed the all-new M-300 BLK riflescope to maximize the effectiveness of the .300 AAC Blackout cartridge while using both supersonic and subsonic ammunition. Now, shooters have a 30mm body riflescope that can harness both variations of this up-and-coming cartridge.


Welcome to the OT.

Take care of Soldiers, Show em how its done and do it with em, Run to the Fight & and hold your ground! I die my men go home! If you're a NCO and this ain't you. GET OUT! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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: August/24/2014 at 14:03
If u plan on shooting subsonic and want to shoot very far, you will want a scope with target type turrets and alot of elevation travel. I habe the vxr partol 3-9x. I like it, glass is good and the illumination is awesome. But it does not have enough elevation adjustment. So eventually i will get something else. The ss 1-4x or 1-6x would be a pretty good choice as they have alot more and they also have better glass than the vxr line.

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
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/24/2014 at 15:21

FFP with lots of drop on the reticle, like an IOR 2.5-10.



A 10.5 will be loud, even suppressed 

Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
REP View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: July/01/2010
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 238
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote REP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/24/2014 at 18:29
Originally posted by Sgt. D Sgt. D wrote:


At SWFA, Best price I've seen as well!!   I have one on order. Can let you know more in a week or so.

[URL=http://swfa.com/Nikon-15-6x42-M-300-BLK-30mm-Riflescope-P68403.aspx]Nikon 1.5-6x42 M-300
BLK 30mm Riflescope
[/URL]              $699.95

Stock # - NIK6796







  • Matte

  • BDC SuperSub

  • 30mm


  • Rugged, One Piece Body Tube

  • Fully Multicoated Optical System

  • Spring-Loaded Instant Zero-Reset Turrets

  • Hand-turn 1/4-inch reticle adjustments

  • Spot On Ballistic Match Technology

  • Lifetime Warranty

  • Quick Focus Eyepiece

  • Waterproof

  • Fogproof

  • Shockproof

Nikon has developed the all-new M-300 BLK riflescope to maximize the
effectiveness of the .300 AAC Blackout cartridge while using both supersonic and
subsonic ammunition. Now, shooters have a 30mm body riflescope that can harness
both variations of this up-and-coming cartridge.


Welcome to the OT.





X2 for the Nikon although I have two of the vx-r's and they are a lot of scope for the money. Frankly I feel like the glass in the Nikon is somewhat superior to the Lupold offering though, the M-series and P series Nikon scopes offer a lot of quality glass for the money.

I just added the M-series Nikon with the laser rangefinder built in with though barrel yardage reading. I have yet to get it afield but am very excited for what it will do for me on fast moving targets with mainly varminting in mind.

I'm not sure if they make this scope system with the appropriate cam system for the blackout but if they do it would be a great choice as it falls within your budget and offers a lot of glass and more for the money.

I will be interested in seeing what all is recommended to you on your string simply due to the fact that I have a blackout on order that is configured to match a Yankee Hill phantom 2 suppresser as well. At this point in the 300 configuration that our fellow member recommended above is first on my list for my personal consideration.

Good luck and keep us posted, REP
Enough is to much.
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: August/25/2014 at 13:24
I am currently testing that Nikon scope and I have a bit of a mixed feeling on the reticle so far.  Otherwise, it is a decent scope.

Honestly, if I were scoping a Blackout, I would be looking at something with a FFP reticle that has a lot of holdover marks.

If you are OK with a slightly larger scope SWFA SS 3-9x42 is my current scope of choice for this rifle.  I just built a Blackout for my brother and that is the scope he is going to have.

Among the lower magnification scopes, I would stick with something that tops out at no less than 6x.  SWFA SS 1-6x24 is a decent option, although for the Blackout I prefer more holdover points.  I've used the 1-6x24 SS on a Blackout and it worked well, but I ultimately thought it was a better fit for my 458SOCOM and that is where it lives.

With second focal plane scopes, I would probably get the Leupold VX-6 Multigun scope.  I am not a huge fan of the SPR reticle for many of the applications, but for the Blackout it works well, I think.

ILya



Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/25/2014 at 15:55
I've had no luck with calibrated reticles, prefer mil with data table. But maybe it's just me.
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
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: August/25/2014 at 16:28
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

I've had no luck with calibrated reticles, prefer mil with data table. But maybe it's just me.

Generally, I fully agree with you and for twisting turrets, I would stick with SWFA SS 1-6x24 for this application.

However, the Blackout is a lot of fun to shoot a bit further out with subsonic loads which, for the most part are defined by these two qualities:
1) They are not very accurate
2) They have a lot of drop

Interestingly, they do not have all that much wind drift, so holdover works well with them and the inherent in inaccuracy of holding over is sorta within the inaccuracy of the round.

ILya
Back to Top
gunlocators View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: August/24/2014
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 6
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gunlocators Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2014 at 02:09
I am really leaning towards one of these 3 the SWFA's are First Focal plane and Burris Dual Focal Plane. Any suggestions on these options. They all are eating a lot out of my SBR Build budget but don't want to skimp on the optics too much. I am thinking the 1-4 SWFA I might as well just get the 1-6 and be done if I go the swfa route. I cant seem to find any reviews on the Burris XTR 2 series in this model I guess its too new or I can work google good enough.....

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-1-4x24-Ta...pe-P48362.aspx

or 

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-HD-1-6x24-Ge...ag-P64247.aspx

or

http://swfa.com/Burris-15-8x28-XTR-I...pe-P68062.aspx
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2014 at 09:01
I'm a fan of more magnification in a subsonic round.  A 1-6X would be the bottom of what I would consider.  My 300s usually wear a 2-10 or 3-9.

My favorite 300BLK scope was a 2.5-10 IOR with their MP8 reticle, it had LOTS of drop on the reticle and is a good mag range for the caliber.


Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
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: September/04/2014 at 12:54
I've tried about 10+ different scopes on my 8" blackout (sub shooting only now) 
 
Just a few notables -
 
Browe, http://swfa.com/Browe-4x32-Combat-Optic-Rifle-Scope-P59445.aspx, sucked royally terrible experience with Browe, not sure how they are still in business with their business model.
 
Nikon - http://swfa.com/Nikon-2-7x32-P-300-Riflescope-P61433.aspx, good scope, worked better on the 16" upper I had than the 8" SBR. For the price, hard to beat. Fairly close drops on the reticle.
 
ACOG - http://swfa.com/Trijicon-3x30-Acog-Rifle-Scope-P12905.aspx, worked ok but didn't have the magnification that you need when shooting subs like RC mentions.  If dedicated to shooting supersonic (which should be the case without a suppressor) it would be fine.
 
Optisan http://swfa.com/Optisan-1-4x24-Mamba-EAR30-Mount-Combo-P51887.aspx, just for giggles while in between choices I tried it on there.  Worked fine but took some time to really get a good understanding on the adjustments for viable use
 
 
 
Mark AR http://swfa.com/Leupold-15-4x20-Mark-AR-MOD-1-Riflescope-P60889.aspx,  what I have on there right now.  Still need more magnification but waiting on SWFA's next release, hoping for a 2-10. 
 
I would like to try the smaller 2-10's out there, IOR, Nightforce, Vortex, etc.  I think for a sub only gun it would be the most practical
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2014 at 14:12
Downside to the Nightforce 2-10 is that it is SFP, so only calibrated at 10X.  Don't get me wrong, I have the 2-10x42 on a 308 AR, great scope, but not best, in my opinion, for a caliber with LOTS of drop and may need to take close shots (where 10X is very restrictive.)
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
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: September/04/2014 at 14:25
Something like this is what I want to try -
 
 
 
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/04/2014 at 14:34
8 mils on the reticle isn't bad.


Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/05/2014 at 09:08
I was asked about my statement that my Nightforce only ranged (accurately) at a specific setting.  I consulted the NF MOA reticle document (here: http://nightforceoptics.com/pdf/MOAR.pdf)and it confirms that ranging is only accurately accomplished at a single power setting.  It is possible to range at other powers, using some mathemagic; however, scope makers do not (to my limited knowledge) calibrate the mag range anywhere but one point, maybe 2.  Other numbers on the range are approximations.

Hope that helps.
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  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 0.613 seconds.