Rifle Scopes new scope ?'s
- Thread starter blwn99x
- Start date
Re: new scope ?'s
the bigger the objective the better the light gathering, theoretically.
the bigger the objective the better the light gathering, theoretically.
Re: new scope ?'s
Light gathering is one aspect. You have to look at the total package. I've had a few rigs where the difference between 50 and 56 was the difference between having to use medium or high rings.
Still, don't get the idea that buying an inexpensive scope with a big objective is going to get you a scope that will compare to a better built scope. I'd almost be willing to bet that a Nightforce with a 32mm objective is going to transmit more light than the 56mm Falcon.
What's your budget? Whenever I am shopping for a new scope, I follow a couple of rules. Quality over quantity and reliability over bells and whistles.
Light gathering is one aspect. You have to look at the total package. I've had a few rigs where the difference between 50 and 56 was the difference between having to use medium or high rings.
Still, don't get the idea that buying an inexpensive scope with a big objective is going to get you a scope that will compare to a better built scope. I'd almost be willing to bet that a Nightforce with a 32mm objective is going to transmit more light than the 56mm Falcon.
What's your budget? Whenever I am shopping for a new scope, I follow a couple of rules. Quality over quantity and reliability over bells and whistles.
Re: new scope ?'s
Avoid gimmicky scopes like the Falcon. As said above, low quality with extra features is still low quality. Good quality with few features usually trumps the gimmick scopes.
If I didn't have a lot to spend, I'd get a Bushnell 10x from Midway and continue saving for something better.
Avoid gimmicky scopes like the Falcon. As said above, low quality with extra features is still low quality. Good quality with few features usually trumps the gimmick scopes.
If I didn't have a lot to spend, I'd get a Bushnell 10x from Midway and continue saving for something better.
Re: new scope ?'s
Why are you looking at the Falcon. Let me know what you are using the scope for a the features and I will try to help you find something that fits your budget. Seen many issues with the falcons. You can also email me at [email protected]
Why are you looking at the Falcon. Let me know what you are using the scope for a the features and I will try to help you find something that fits your budget. Seen many issues with the falcons. You can also email me at [email protected]
Re: new scope ?'s
You get what you pay for, especially when it comes to glass. Save your pennies and buy a quality optic the first time round. Look for a used Vortex Razor, Bushnell HDMR, or Super Sniper 5-25.
If those are too expensive then look at the 3-12 Bushnell Tactical, Super Sniper 10xHD, or the 3-15 Weaver Tactical.
I would avoid the Falcon 5-25 FFP. While I never had issues with mine, I found the glass to sub par, and based on reports from other hide members they are problematic.
You get what you pay for, especially when it comes to glass. Save your pennies and buy a quality optic the first time round. Look for a used Vortex Razor, Bushnell HDMR, or Super Sniper 5-25.
If those are too expensive then look at the 3-12 Bushnell Tactical, Super Sniper 10xHD, or the 3-15 Weaver Tactical.
I would avoid the Falcon 5-25 FFP. While I never had issues with mine, I found the glass to sub par, and based on reports from other hide members they are problematic.
Re: new scope ?'s
I just got a little Midway special Weaver Grand Slam 3-10 from a Hide member and it looks like a real quality piece. There is one on here for sale right now for like $380 shipped I believe.
I just got a little Midway special Weaver Grand Slam 3-10 from a Hide member and it looks like a real quality piece. There is one on here for sale right now for like $380 shipped I believe.
Re: new scope ?'s
i was looking at the falcon due to cost, my budget is $1000 or less. I do understand that there are much better scopes out there. this particular scope will be going on my first 308 ar-10 platform rifle that i just completed. i do want to try and get a first focal plane scope if i can as i have read there are advantages to that , but on the other hand i have never owned a "nice" scope ever so, really i am open to all suggestions. my one goal is to have the ability to shoot 1000-1200 yards with good magnification,and have the reticle match the turrets(moa/moa or mil/mil) other than that the bells and whistles are just extras that i am not sure that i need yet.
i was looking at the falcon due to cost, my budget is $1000 or less. I do understand that there are much better scopes out there. this particular scope will be going on my first 308 ar-10 platform rifle that i just completed. i do want to try and get a first focal plane scope if i can as i have read there are advantages to that , but on the other hand i have never owned a "nice" scope ever so, really i am open to all suggestions. my one goal is to have the ability to shoot 1000-1200 yards with good magnification,and have the reticle match the turrets(moa/moa or mil/mil) other than that the bells and whistles are just extras that i am not sure that i need yet.
Re: new scope ?'s
I would think on that budget you could get a pretty decent scope.
I would think on that budget you could get a pretty decent scope.
Re: new scope ?'s
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blwn99x</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i was looking at the falcon due to cost, my budget is $1000 or less. I do understand that there are much better scopes out there. this particular scope will be going on my first 308 ar-10 platform rifle that i just completed. i do want to try and get a first focal plane scope if i can as i have read there are advantages to that , but on the other hand i have never owned a "nice" scope ever so, really i am open to all suggestions. my one goal is to have the ability to shoot 1000-1200 yards with good magnification,and have the reticle match the turrets(moa/moa or mil/mil) other than that the bells and whistles are just extras that i am not sure that i need yet.</div></div>
Don't buy a cheap scope. You'll regret it, especially if you're shooting at those ranges. It's more than magnification power that let's you see the target; glass quality is even more important.
FFP is only necessary if you want the capability to have consistent reticle subtensions at any power. If you honestly believe that you will be using the scope at its highest power the majority of the time, FFP isn't worth the extra money unless you want better resale value (note: most nightforce scopes are SFP).
Look for something like the Nikon Monarch mildot (e.g., http://alfaweapons.com/nikon-monarch-rifle-scope-416x-42-mildot-matte-1-side-focus-8-p-24025.html) if you're looking for something in the $400 range. The glass is good quality for a scope in this price range.
If you're looking to spend on the order of $1000, I would look at the Bushnell, Nikon tactical, or SWFA SS HD product lines for something used in the optics forum. If you're willing to bump up a little more, you might even be able to swing a used Vortex Razor HD or a Nightforce.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: blwn99x</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i was looking at the falcon due to cost, my budget is $1000 or less. I do understand that there are much better scopes out there. this particular scope will be going on my first 308 ar-10 platform rifle that i just completed. i do want to try and get a first focal plane scope if i can as i have read there are advantages to that , but on the other hand i have never owned a "nice" scope ever so, really i am open to all suggestions. my one goal is to have the ability to shoot 1000-1200 yards with good magnification,and have the reticle match the turrets(moa/moa or mil/mil) other than that the bells and whistles are just extras that i am not sure that i need yet.</div></div>
Don't buy a cheap scope. You'll regret it, especially if you're shooting at those ranges. It's more than magnification power that let's you see the target; glass quality is even more important.
FFP is only necessary if you want the capability to have consistent reticle subtensions at any power. If you honestly believe that you will be using the scope at its highest power the majority of the time, FFP isn't worth the extra money unless you want better resale value (note: most nightforce scopes are SFP).
Look for something like the Nikon Monarch mildot (e.g., http://alfaweapons.com/nikon-monarch-rifle-scope-416x-42-mildot-matte-1-side-focus-8-p-24025.html) if you're looking for something in the $400 range. The glass is good quality for a scope in this price range.
If you're looking to spend on the order of $1000, I would look at the Bushnell, Nikon tactical, or SWFA SS HD product lines for something used in the optics forum. If you're willing to bump up a little more, you might even be able to swing a used Vortex Razor HD or a Nightforce.
Re: new scope ?'s
SWFA, mil/mil, either 10-12-16 or 20 X for $300 hard to beat and way better than a falcon menace.
hope this helps.
SWFA, mil/mil, either 10-12-16 or 20 X for $300 hard to beat and way better than a falcon menace.
hope this helps.
Re: new scope ?'s
for $1000 or less
Used Nightforce SFP
Vortex viper PST
the SWFA variable power line if you like MIL set up(*cringe*)
Bausch and Lomb 4000 series from way back when
Bushnell if you don't mind learning two different formulas or Mil
used Leupold
Weaver again Mil/Mil
out of the lot I think the used Nightforce is the best buy if it's a bolt gun. If you're running and gunning then the Vortex line(warranty can't be beat).
for $1000 or less
Used Nightforce SFP
Vortex viper PST
the SWFA variable power line if you like MIL set up(*cringe*)
Bausch and Lomb 4000 series from way back when
Bushnell if you don't mind learning two different formulas or Mil
used Leupold
Weaver again Mil/Mil
out of the lot I think the used Nightforce is the best buy if it's a bolt gun. If you're running and gunning then the Vortex line(warranty can't be beat).
Re: new scope ?'s
I bought a used Vortex PST FFP here for $800 that is like new. Don't know anything about the Falcons. Going to try to put some lead down range with my new rifle and scope tomorrow. I read a lot of great reviews on these scopes here and elsewhere and hope that I will like it.
I can attest to not being able to afford NF or better to start with however from what I've seen in my research that if you buy one of the scopes that others here are recommending then when you can trade up you won't be losing much money.
I bought a used Vortex PST FFP here for $800 that is like new. Don't know anything about the Falcons. Going to try to put some lead down range with my new rifle and scope tomorrow. I read a lot of great reviews on these scopes here and elsewhere and hope that I will like it.
I can attest to not being able to afford NF or better to start with however from what I've seen in my research that if you buy one of the scopes that others here are recommending then when you can trade up you won't be losing much money.
Re: new scope ?'s
I can't speak for the 5.5-25
I have a 4-14 that has served me pretty damn well. I completed a basic sniper course with one mounted on a Savage 10 PC, which is a fairly light rifle. No scope related problems whatsoever.
Glass is very good for the price. They have a limited lifetime warranty now.
It IS a budget scope, as such, performance at the higher magnification levels is normally not as good as a higher quality scope. This is where the 56mm objective would help.
I can't speak for the 5.5-25
I have a 4-14 that has served me pretty damn well. I completed a basic sniper course with one mounted on a Savage 10 PC, which is a fairly light rifle. No scope related problems whatsoever.
Glass is very good for the price. They have a limited lifetime warranty now.
It IS a budget scope, as such, performance at the higher magnification levels is normally not as good as a higher quality scope. This is where the 56mm objective would help.
Re: new scope ?'s
There have been hundreds of these posts and I always try to help new shooters from the mistakes I have made.
#1 Dont go cheap on glass, if you cant afford a USO today, thats OK. Buy a swfa fixed 10x and call it good. wait for a large tax return to get the USO.
#2 I like mil/mil and train with it almost exclusively.
It is much faster for range estimation and easier to remember 3.5 mils = 400 meters than 16.9 MOA = 400 meters at least for me.
But if you are an MOA guy, thats ok too. I just think its important to pick one mathematical scheme and stick with it for the remainder of our scope purchases.
#3 pay attention to the torque settings for the rings and mount, its important.
#4 Buy quality mounts and rings, Badger Ordinance comes to mind.
#5 A scope has nothing to do with the rifle's "accuracy" only the precision of which it is capable.
One last piece of advice, be sure to account for the cost of feeding the weapon.
I see guys who spend $2500.00 on a scope and then complain they cant go with me to the range because they are out of ammo.
Would these guys be better marksman if they had bought a swfa ss10x and spent the rest on ammo? I think so.
Welcome to another Narcotic habit.
There have been hundreds of these posts and I always try to help new shooters from the mistakes I have made.
#1 Dont go cheap on glass, if you cant afford a USO today, thats OK. Buy a swfa fixed 10x and call it good. wait for a large tax return to get the USO.
#2 I like mil/mil and train with it almost exclusively.
It is much faster for range estimation and easier to remember 3.5 mils = 400 meters than 16.9 MOA = 400 meters at least for me.
But if you are an MOA guy, thats ok too. I just think its important to pick one mathematical scheme and stick with it for the remainder of our scope purchases.
#3 pay attention to the torque settings for the rings and mount, its important.
#4 Buy quality mounts and rings, Badger Ordinance comes to mind.
#5 A scope has nothing to do with the rifle's "accuracy" only the precision of which it is capable.
One last piece of advice, be sure to account for the cost of feeding the weapon.
I see guys who spend $2500.00 on a scope and then complain they cant go with me to the range because they are out of ammo.
Would these guys be better marksman if they had bought a swfa ss10x and spent the rest on ammo? I think so.
Welcome to another Narcotic habit.
Re: new scope ?'s
Good advice.
Good advice.
Re: new scope ?'s
I have nothing bad to say about the falcon (other than the reticle is pretty fat). I have used them in the past and they have functioned well. These are IMO the best entry level scope to get into the FFP mil/mil line for the money.
However if you budget is $1,000.00 and you want FFP mil/mil the Bushnell elite 6-24 with Gap2 reticle is the scope.
I have nothing bad to say about the falcon (other than the reticle is pretty fat). I have used them in the past and they have functioned well. These are IMO the best entry level scope to get into the FFP mil/mil line for the money.
However if you budget is $1,000.00 and you want FFP mil/mil the Bushnell elite 6-24 with Gap2 reticle is the scope.
