Rifle Scopes Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

[okeefe]

I recently purchased a TRG 22 with the desert digital camo pattern from a fellow hide member. I am trying to decide on a scope. I plan on shooting out to 700 Yards and occasionally 1000yds. I have done a lot of research on the hide to try and narrow down my choices. At this point I have decided on; 5x-25x, FFP and Mil/Mil mounted in a SPUHR mount

So really I need to make a decision as to which brand of scope and possibly reticle.

I thought I had decided on a S&B with a P4 fine reticle, however, I attended the SHOT show and got to look and handle the new Nightforce Beast. I liked it enough to put a deposit down and get in line for an approx May delivery, however, I really would like to get some glass on this rifle as I have had it now for 3 Months and have not shot it. And I have a real feeling that May will turn into a June or July delivery date for the BEAST.

So what do you think, do I pull the trigger on an S&B or wait for the BEAST? or if anyone has some other ideas I would like to hear your opinion. I have also heard that S&B has had some quality issue as of late, however I don't know if this is a systemic issue or just a few incidents.

I know that this question gets asked a lot, however, I think that I have taken advantage of the search function and have narrowed things down.

So what do you guys think?

 

[steve123]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

Well your first mistake was not buying a Bushnell HDMR as standby so you could shoot the new TRG.

Never trust any scope companies on their anticipated availability!

I was going to wait for the Beast myself and decided to go with S$B. Glad I did so far. If I end up having to send it back for repair or whatever I'm going to be pissed!

 

[anothervr6kid]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

I'd say pick up a S&B or USO now and sell it to pick up the Beast once it's available. You can usually sell them for close to what you pay for them if you buy them used. The USO t-pal will only fit in on SPUHR mount though... contact Mile High for info on the mount.

 

[stefan73]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

USO T-Pal will fit on more than just a Spuhr. I haven't seen Hakan making 35mm mounts. There are plenty of manufacturers that you can get some good rings from.

How did you like the beast when you looked at it?

 

[PatrickChewing]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3756273&gonew=1#UNREAD

 

[northern50]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

Did you buy the Sphur mount yet? If so find something that will fit in it. Otherwise I'm running a NXS with a set of seekins rings on my TRG, Love it.

 

[okeefe]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefan73</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

How did you like the beast when you looked at it?</div></div>

For starters they looked awesome. It was explained to me that what I was looking at was not a final production version. The turret locks in particular were not finalized but I think that what I was looking at was pretty close to production.

It is near impossible to make a good assessment of the glass quality inside the exhibition halls. And to make matters worse Nightforce was in a different building then S&B. The exhibition hall that Nightforce was in had the worst lighting of all the locations. Bottom line is that my decision to put a deposit on the BEAST was largely based on the hype and reviews that I have read on the hide.

Quite honestly the S&B felt better in my hands. the turret clicks felt more positive and the glass clarity was outstanding. Again subjective assessment because I couldn't do a side by side assessment.

what I didn't like about the Nightforce was that the entire ocular rotates when you adjust the zoom, this is the same as the F1 and while I understand the purpose I think that for the non "operator" it will be just a pain in the ass because you wont be able to use Butler Creek type scope caps to protect your investment. I am not going to get another one issued to me by (insert agency/military name hear) when I scratch the glass because I didn't cover it up . Yeah I know minor issue however it just seems like a design feature that needs a change. The other issue was the .1 Mil lever, not sure exactly what the benefit is but it seems like something else that can go wrong. Just my 2 cents.

 

[okeefe]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Northern50</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Did you buy the Sphur mount yet? If so find something that will fit in it. Otherwise I'm running a NXS with a set of seekins rings on my TRG, Love it. </div></div>

I have not purchased anything yet. I do like the look of the Sphur as well as the integrated features and the one piece design. I will take a look at the Near.

Thanks for the suggestion

 

[vinsonr]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stefan73</div><div class="ubbcode-body">USO T-Pal will fit on more than just a Spuhr.</div></div>

I think he meant 'will only fit in one Spuhr mount' which I believe is true. The BEAST intrigues me but I'll have to try the .2 elevation with .1 lever before I throw down $3k+ on it.

I greatly enjoyed my F1 that I recently traded for a USO 5-25. I've shot but never dialed a Schmidt & Bender - great glass of course. I like the turrets on both the NF's and the USO's.

If I were waiting for a BEAST I'd likely get another F1 for the time being.

 

[Pappasniper]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

For 700 to 1000 yards you could buy the F1 NXS 3.5-15X50. Still a remarkable scope and you could always get the Beast a year from now when things settle down and they work out the kinks.

And the F13.5 -15 is the most versatile scope around. I just bought one for an SPR AR15 build. Never bad scope to have laying around. One call to Sport Optics and your wait is over.

Good luck on that kick ass gun

 

[turbo54]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

If you dig the beast and want one, stay the course...but definitely buy an interim scope in the meantime.

 

[Mead]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PappaSniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For 700 to 1000 yards you could buy the F1 NXS 3.5-15X50. Still a remarkable scope and you could always get the Beast a year from now when things settle down and they work out the kinks.

Good luck on that kick ass gun </div></div>

I've got one on my TRG22 and I can't really think of a better optic. I've taken it to 1200 yards without a problem, and have never needed or even particularly wanted more magnification. The BEAST looks badass but I really don't think I'd use a lot of the features to their fullest extent. The F1 is simple, sweet, and rugged as hell. That's about all I need.

 

[neeley205]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well your first mistake was not buying a Bushnell HDMR as standby so you could shoot the new TRG.

Never trust any scope companies on their anticipated availability!
</div></div>

Im with Steve on both counts. I try not to be that guy, but even after only a few years of seriously participating in shooting, I have become very pessimistic about anticipated release dates, especially by optics companies.

That being said, I am going to give the 3.5-21 HDMR a shot. I have been seeing some serious shooters doing really well with it lately. As soon as my 6.5CM TRG 22 gets here, I will be calling someone for a Bushnell. . .that sounds weird to say, but true none the less.

 

[okeefe]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

I have thought about the Bushnell, but to be honest I just can't see myself putting a Bushnell on this rifle. I know how that statement sounds, and I'm not really a label chaser but in my experience there really is a difference in high end scopes. Additionally resale tends to be a lot higher.

I'm OK with spending the money if the quality is there. I think the expectations for high end scopes is extremely high, and it should be. However in my experience I tend to be a lot more generous in my evaluation of the cheaper (relatively speaking) scopes. I have Bushnell, IOR, Zeiss conquest, Zeiss Divari, & Leuopld and they all have their merits within their price range

 

[axeltow]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

Did you look at the Kahles k624i while you were at shot? it might be worth a look. dont forget the $3000 price tag. about 500 less than s&b and beast and just as good, imo.

 

[okeefe]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: axeltow</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Did you look at the Kahles k624i while you were at shot? it might be worth a look. dont forget the $3000 price tag. about 500 less than s&b and beast and just as good, imo. </div></div>

I walked right by them. I could kick myself now. I just didn't have enough time to cover everything

 

[Flatland308]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

I run a Vortex Razor HD 5-20X50 on my TRG-22 and it is great glass and a tough SOB.

 

[Jeeprider]

Re: Sako TRG 22 Scope Choice - Do I Wait for the BEAST

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nly205</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well your first mistake was not buying a Bushnell HDMR as standby so you could shoot the new TRG.

Never trust any scope companies on their anticipated availability!
</div></div>

Im with Steve on both counts. I try not to be that guy, but even after only a few years of seriously participating in shooting, I have become very pessimistic about anticipated release dates, especially by optics companies.

That being said, I am going to give the 3.5-21 HDMR a shot. I have been seeing some serious shooters doing really well with it lately. As soon as my 6.5CM TRG 22 gets here, I will be calling someone for a Bushnell. . .that sounds weird to say, but true none the less. </div></div>

I run S&B and a Bushnell HDMR. Is the Bushnell a better optic, no but it's a contender. I make hits just as well with my Bushy HDMR as I do with my S&B 5-25. Honestly I'm over all the hype of all the big dollar scopes. Run what works for you, but I would avoid getting caught up in the "German glass" and NF turret locks and gizmos. I guarantee none of those things will make you a better shooter. Get whatever scope you want, but I have learned over time and tons of money spent on the best glass that top tier scopes are marginally better than the mid tier scopes.