Rifle Scopes Tough decision- taking input

[DP425]

Please read before voting:

Okay, I picked up two 5R's a little while ago, one in .223 and one in .308. I already have a bushnell elite tactical 3-12x44 FFT which I've swapped between the two for some brief accuracy testing before they head out for barrel fluting, side bolt stop and knob installs.

The Bushnell is a mil-dot which I originally had sitting on a 700P LTR .308. I never really intended to keep it on there; rather, eventually go with something a touch bigger and moving this scope over to my .17 HMR.

So anyhow, now with the .223 I'm thinking 3-12x44 is perfect on here. So here are my options:
-Buy another 3-12x44 right now for the .308 and eventually put something larger on it, moving it over to the .17HMR.

-Buy the HDMR for the .308, eventually buying another 3-12x44

-Buy a viper PST 4-16x50 FFP for the .308 and another 3-12x44 later on for the .17HMR.


What does everyone think?

I'll also give some prospective on the prices I'll pay and the benefits each have going for them as per my opinion.

3-12x44 is the cheapest- The PST 4-16x50 is about $122 more... and the HDMR is about $250 more than the PST... which means about $375 more than the 3-12x44.

3-12x44 has price going for it and has an illuminated ret
4-16x50 has zero stops and illuminated ret
HDMR is not illuminated, does not have zero stops, but has locking turrets.



It MAY be worth mentioning that these will at some point be replaced with USO's... but I'm not made of money so it comes bit by bit.

 

[DP425]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

Wouldn't mind some comments along with the votes

 

[rusty815]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

I would actually go with the Weaver Tactical 3-15 EMDR, its about the same price as the elite tactical 3-12

 

[DP425]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

I suppose I should have mentioned- these are scopes for which a military discount is offered; Weaver has no such offer- there for, it isn't about the same price...

Plus I like to give my business to those who support the military with these types of deals; nothing against weaver but I'll put my money where appreciation is shown all else being equal.

 

[wolfpack0313]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

are those prices already discounted?

 

[DP425]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

I cannot disclose the prices. I'm just mentioning what the difference in cost are between the scopes after the discounts. Which isn't really much different than full price difference.

 

[DeadNoise]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

have you checked out the swfa 5-20? not sure on your price range but they are great scopes.

 

[scharfschutze762]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

I would highly reccomend the HDMR..It is made by Light Optical works..The same company that makes nightforce and the vortex razor line..It is a optically and technologically superior to all of the above including the USOs. And this is all fact.

 

[DP425]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sharfshutze</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would highly reccomend the HDMR..It is made by Light Optical works..The same company that makes nightforce and the vortex razor line..It is a optically and technologically superior to all of the above <span style="font-weight: bold">including the USOs</span>. And this is all fact. </div></div>

You can take that bullshit out of here- no one is buying. I have no idea what your intentions are, but it is well known that the HDMR is not on the level of NF, USO or the Razor. It lacks illumination, lacks zero stops, and there have been a great deal more optical issued brought up on here concerning the HDMR than any of the other three. Not to say it's a bad optic or I wouldn't have it on my list. But you're trying to sell a chevy as a cadillac.

Whatever your intentions are, I suggest you push it somewhere other than this thread.

 

[RustyShackleferd]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

HDMR if had to make the choice between the 3. Why not try to get a used NF? I found a used NF nxs 3.5-15x50 three weeks ago on here for $1070. I am sending mine back to NF to get it upgraded to ffp and add zero stops for $700. So for $1770 I will have a NF with ffp and zs.

 

[DP425]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DeadNoise</div><div class="ubbcode-body">have you checked out the swfa 5-20? not sure on your price range but they are great scopes. </div></div>

I'll say this one more time...

The three I've listed are the ONLY three I am considering- this is directly as a result of what they offer to service members and how that increased the value for the dollar.

Thanks though.

 

[DP425]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RustyShackelferd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">HDMR if had to make the choice between the 3. Why not try to get a used NF? I found a used NF nxs 3.5-15x50 three weeks ago on here for $1070. I am sending mine back to NF to get it upgraded to ffp and add zero stops for $700. So for $1770 I will have a NF with ffp and zs. </div></div>

I actually have a NF NSX on my OBR but I'm not interested in SFP and don't want to spend that amount. I may however look into what it would cost to upgrade my NSX w ZS to FFP. PM me some info on this if you don't mind?

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

My vote goes to the PST because that is the only one of the three I have any experience on and it is good enough for my needs, hunting and long range steel on moa and larger targets.

The only negative thing about it I can think of is the reticle thickness. However, unless you are wanting to shoot at dots smaller than .4" (at 100y) you will be happy.

 

[winxp_man]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

Might want to take a look at the none illuminated SWFA scope.



Aron-

 

[JBW3]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

I voted Vortex. I have had the chance to play with all three, and if I didn't own a scope company that is what I would spend my money on.
John III

 

[jasonk]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JBW#3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I voted Vortex. I have had the chance to play with all three, and if I didn't own a scope company that is what I would spend my money on.
John III</div></div>

Well there you go!!

 

[DP425]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JBW#3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I voted Vortex. I have had the chance to play with all three, and if I didn't own a scope company that is what I would spend my money on.
John III </div></div>

Thanks John!

That pretty much just sealed the deal! And I look forward to eventually replacing it with a USO

 

[mwroseberry]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

vortex is a good scope to hold you over until you can afford a USO. I saved up and went straight to an ST-10 from my SS 16x. Now I have a 3-17 SN3 on order.

To say I love USOs in an understatement. I'm a USO fan for life.

Good luck,
Merritt

 

[DP425]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mwroseberry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">vortex is a good scope to hold you over until you can afford a USO. I saved up and went straight to an ST-10 from my SS 16x. Now I have a 3-17 SN3 on order.

To say I love USOs in an understatement. I'm a USO fan for life.

Good luck,
Merritt </div></div>


Oh same here! Fell in love when I got my SN4!


Unfortunately, the wait is too long for anything from vortex at this point; seeing what I'm looking at from bushnell.

I guess I'm on a sort of 5 year plan to eventually transition into USO's on all of my centerfire precision bolt and semi's.

 

[Pappasniper]

Re: Tough decision- taking input

HDMR, you never regret buying the best of your options. And that reticle should be a good time.