Rifle Scopes which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

[Luky]

I am looking for a new scope for my new Savage 10BA-LE. I have a Millet TRS-1 on there right now that is adequate (that I pulled from my AR-15) but would like something that is better for long distance with higher magnification. I am shooting from 100-900 yards at small targets (4" and 6" hanging disks)and IPSC silhouettes. I am looking in the $1k range +/- a couple hundred and the scopes that I am considering in order of my preference are the Vortex PST 6-24x50 FFP with EBR-1 mil/mil, the Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25x50 SFP TMR M1 MOA knobs #60070, and the Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x50 FFP G2DMR mil/mil for $810. I see a lot of Nightforce and S&B at the range during matches, but I just can't justify that kind of cash at this time. I am looking to improve my skills using mil dot ranging and at least have gear that will let me be competitive (skills allowing) in the local LR matches...

I have not been able to handle or look through any of these scopes in local shops. I did look through a Vortex PST 4-16x50 and wasn't that impressed, but have read the 6-24x50 are much better. I have read many posts, discussions, opinions etc, and was hoping for some additional insight and opinions from those that have used them. It seems the Leupold may have the "best" glass of the three, but my brother has the 60080 (6-20x50) version and says the turrets are rather sloppy and I am also concerned about the backlash on the parallax adjustment, which makes it my #2 choice. People have lots of good things to say about the Vortex PST, and also the Bushnell. I don't hunt or shoot at dawn/dusk so I am not as worried about that aspect. I just want a reliable, consistent, holds and returns to zero scope with a crisp image at high magnification. Holding its value would be an added bonus. If there is another contender that I should consider please let me know.

 

[sib1948]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

My Leupold MK4 4.5X14 50 SFP with TMR reticle is excellent, but would use next higher magnification to shoot to 1000. Also have older Bushnell Elite 4200 6X24 50 mildot, but feel the crosshairs are too thick at distance. Try to find some to look through and remember many good values on used scopes on sale here at the Hide. Most here are GTG and be sure and check the Good Guys List.

 

[6brshooter]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

A Bushnell hdmr with g2dmr are easy to find for 1350 new, mile high has some demo models for 1175. The new price is the same as the mark4 8-25 u are looking at. I have one and the reticle is awesome for a ffp . Fine center crosshairs for group shooting at 100, but the rest is thick enough for field use with the power backed down. If it had zero stop it would be perfect.

 

[CCCP2k]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

Your cash spent for the glass is always justified. Take the one you like once and forget about it. I own both S&B and NF. They are superb pieces. Loopy Mark IV is a great choice too. I've never owned one but my coach regarded all loopies with great respect. In his opinion one should not spend extra on NF or S&B. I respectfully disagree. US spends big $$$ on weapons for good reason. But Loopy does its job. I would not go lower than that though. Take a Loopy if the cash is concern.

 

[Double L]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

I have shot a lot of Leupolds over the years on hunting rifles and never had another brand satisfy me. Since getting into precision rifle an long range shooting 4 years ago and starting out with Leupold MK 4's or Vari XIII's upgrade thru the Custom Shop I have spent a ton of money converting most all of my long range guns to S&B and Nightforce. I don't regret spending of that money. The main reason for may change from the Leupold was the inablity to match the turret increments (ie: 1/4 MOA) to the reticle. The Mil Dots and TMR are in mills obviously. I'm a MOA guy and like the reticle subtension matched to the turrets for unknown distances. That being said I recently picked up a used MK4 8.5 x 25 with M1 Dials and a TMR reticle. I stuck it on a 243 Tube Gun and have been shooting it out to 1200 yds. I am quite pleased with it and suprised at the clarity of the optics compared to the older Leupolds I was shooting prior to coverting the S&B and Nightforce. There is nothing wrong with a Leupold if money is a concern but I would not go with a lesser brand for long range shooting even if I had to wait a while to build up the cash... you'll end up there anyway when you get hooked by the long range bug.

 

[Ring]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

the bushy and PST are both great... cant go wrong with either... the mk4 with mil/moa is 1980's crappy....

 

[Bradu]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

Too bad the Bushnell hdmr doesn't have an moa reticle/turrets, I would like to try one out.

 

[Longshotbill:)]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

I have the bushnell your in ffp mil mil and its holding zero on my 110 be 338 lapua. it's my first 1k glass but i like it so far. i get a bit of cloudy near full magnification and i think that has been fixed now.

 

[sib1948]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

Agree with Double L. The Leupold MK4 8.5X25 with TMR reticle would be perfect for your needs for years to come. Solid with lifetime warranty and great CS. Many more pricy scopes available, but not sure they're worth the extra money for now. As you shoot over time you'll come to know exactly what you want and need and can consider more specific models to satisfy those needs. Many new changes coming to scopes in the next few years.

 

[UNRL Ghandi]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

If you're looking for something that can be used for mil ranging practice, go with the Vortex FFP vs the Leupold SFP. The 24x high end magnification for the Vortex will be the same as the 25x Leupold for your LR matches. Both have 50mm objective, so the real discriminator I think would be the FFP/SFP.

 

[OptedOut]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

In your price range a bit higher look at some IORs. Vortex are good, I deal with that company but their reputation came from the Razor and the PST line is not close. Never tested a Bushnell that I cared for. Leupold is a fine scope and I never bashed them, yea they have had some duds but ALL scope manufactures put out a bad one once in a while.

 

[Luky]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

Good feedback. Thanks.

A couple of days after posting this I was at the range and a guy had a viper PST FFP 6-24x50 that he let me look through and play with the turrets. We were at a 100 yard indoor range so I didn't really get to look long distance with it, but even at Max zoom it was clear and I was impressed with it. I liked it enough to put one on order at optics zone.com (they have a 9% off coupon and free shipping) but they sent me an email
saying out of stock and maybe 6-8weeks to get one from Vortex. So now I am in a holding pattern and looking for a decent one piece mount.

I am not thrilled with the giant rail system on my 10BA-LE (scope is so high off the barrel), and was looking for a Savage round receiver specific mount to replace it with. Probably with 20moa, 30mm rings. Any suggestions ? It looks like the DNZ Freedom Reaper one piece tactical mount for a savage SA meets everything I am looking for at about $150 (less from swfa). Anyone have experience with the DNZ mounts?

 

[SWRichmond]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Luky</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Good feedback. Thanks.

A couple of days after posting this I was at the range and a guy had a viper PST FFP 6-24x50 that he let me look through and play with the turrets. We were at a 100 yard indoor range so I didn't really get to look long distance with it, but even at Max zoom it was clear and I was impressed with it. I liked it enough to put one on order at optics zone.com (they have a 9% off coupon and free shipping) but they sent me an email
saying out of stock and maybe 6-8weeks to get one from Vortex. So now I am in a holding pattern and looking for a decent one piece mount.

I am not thrilled with the giant rail system on my 10BA-LE (scope is so high off the barrel), and was looking for a Savage round receiver specific mount to replace it with. Probably with 20moa, 30mm rings. Any suggestions ? It looks like the DNZ Freedom Reaper one piece tactical mount for a savage SA meets everything I am looking for at about $150 (less from swfa). Anyone have experience with the DNZ mounts? </div></div>

Ken Farrell

http://www.kenfarrell.com/index.html

 

[sib1948]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

You made a good choice and won't be disappointed. Vortex has great CS like Leupold with similar Lifetime guarantee, even if YOU drop and break the scope.
It always takes a few months to get things to line up before you start shooting, but you'll find it's time well spent !!!! 20-30 MOA rail a must for distance. You'll also need 60-80X for spotting at the distances you plan to shoot. I'd start surfing the Hide For Sale section for that-probably in the $300-500 range. It always winds up costing more than you originally think when you add in all the "incidentals". You're just starting your adventure. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[Luky]

Re: which scope to buy? Vortex, Bushnell or Loopy?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWRichmond</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Ken Farrell

http://www.kenfarrell.com/index.html </div></div>

I don't see any one piece mounts for a Savage... Did I miss them? Looks like regular rails with separate rings.... While they look nice, a set up would be about twice the cost of the DNZ Freedom Reaper Tactical 20moa set up...