Rifle Scopes Gas gun optic selection

[33shooter]

I have been a member here for a short time and really enjoy the optics forum. I have learned a great deal here and am trying to overall make a better educated decision. I wanted to wait till after Shot in anticipation of some new optics but that did not happen like I had hoped. Here's my questions.

I have a 18" LaRue OBR in 7.62 that is suppressed with an AAC 7.62SD. The gun shoots great and I've tried a few scopes on it. Mostly a SWFA SS 5-20x50. While that scope was good in function, it was too much scope for the gun. I felt that the length and weight was too much and did not care for the eye box at higher magnifications even though the glass was suitable.

I took all the accessories off the gun (RISR, offset irons, bipod) to reduce weight and would like a scope that suits the rifle best. A minimum of 10x max magnification is necessary as I may have time at 1k. Was hoping for a smaller and lighter version of the Vortex Razor 5-20x but no dice. I was considering a few scopes and would like your suggestions on what suits the platform best. I'm looking at:

Leupold MK6 3-18x44 CMR-W (was hoping for illumination)
USO SN-3 1.8-10x44 gap red illumination
Premier LT 3-15x50mm illuminated
Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50

I would like illumination but its not totally necessary. The Vortex is really too long and the Premier is close. However, the LT will have the best Glass in the bunch. The USO and the Leupold are both nice and compact but I don't know what's better.

Of the bunch, what do you think for a gas gun? Any I am missing? I am building a shorter lighter .308 that will get used more for hunting than the OBR and will get a 2.5-10x32 PST. I know the Bushnell HDMR scopes are slick, but they're too heavy for me. Help me decide and put me on the right track.

 

[scudzuki]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

I think that the DMR is a great fit for a .308 gas gun, good reticle choices, plenty of adjustment, good glass, wide mag range (I call it a 4x-21x since tunneling kicks in below 4x and the FOV stops increasing) but you've ruled it out for the weight, which I understand, it is a bruiser.

I have mine on an FNAR which is already no lightweight and it's a great fit.

The Bushnell ET 6-24x50 FFP is smaller and lighter, same lifetime warranty, mil/mil, similar glass, but less adjustment (still enough with a canted base) and I think it gets overlooked alot, especially since it can be had brand new for under $850 with the popular G2DMR reticle.

Although the 6-24 has no zero stop, on a 20 MOA mount (mine's in an ADM Recon 20 MOA) with a 100 yard zero, there's only around half a turn left before it bottoms, so it's tough to get lost... I call it my quasi zero stop...

Joe

 

[33shooter]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

Thank you, I had not considered that optic. I'll take a look at it.

 

[HBAM1]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

I own 3 US Optics scopes.
each one is custom and unreplaceable.
IMHO, of the ones mentioned its a no brainer, the 1.8x10 would rock on your OBR.

 

[ace of hearts]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

I have recently picked up an obr and like you I am struggling with what to put on it. I am leaning heavily toward the premiere light tactical, although this may still be on the large side for this platform. The March 3-24x44 is very compact for this range of scope and is temping as well. I assume that you have already see this 3 part review, but just in case...



http://opticsthoughts.com/index.php/rifl...es-east-vs-west

http://opticsthoughts.com/index.php/rifl...-scopes-part-ii

http://opticsthoughts.com/index.php...s-part-3&catid=4:rifle-scope-reviews&Itemid=4

 

[33shooter]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

The March is a great scope, however it's a little more than I wish to spend and it's not received glowing reviews for low light conditions, which I will likely shoot in.

Thank you for the links, I'll look over those again.

Edit: I really need to look through the LT. I've seen the USO and the Vortex and know what they're like. I know the Vortex is a budget optic of the bunch and the USO was ok, though a little heavier of the group. The above article really makes me want the LT. And it's the current front runner with the MK6 close behind.

 

[qqqq33]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

hdmr gets my vote

 

[33shooter]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: week end warrior</div><div class="ubbcode-body">hdmr gets my vote </div></div>

Not on the list. Already ruled out.

 

[ROK]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

When deciding on a scope I first ask myself how do I plan to use the weapon.

- If you plan to lay prone/benchrest or will I be shooting from a number of alternative firing positions?
- Known or unknown distance?
- At what ranges do I anticipate engaging targets?
- Paper puncher or other?

I am going to mention a scope you do not have on your list only to ensure you check all of your options... The best overall scopes,in my opinion, are the S&B PM series. S&B scopes are rugged, tracking is excellent, good reticle selection, and excellent glass. The Premier LT 3-15 weighs in at 25 Oz vs the S&B PM II 4-16x42 at 31 Oz.

Reticle selection is a personal thing and I am not a bdc guy. The S&B has an option you might consider P4L:

- TMR Style
- Illuminated
- Quick Ranging

Best of luck!...

 

[BCP]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

NF 2.5-10, Leupold M3, Leupold 4-14x50 Mk4, super sniper 3-9 are the scopes I like for all around use. Can't afford a premier LT but if I could that would be my first choice.

Whatever you decide on at least try to get behind one, some scopes have great features but you might not like the eyebox that sort of thing.

 

[33shooter]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

Thank you ROK and BCP. ROK, unfortunately the S&B's are a little out of my budget, and yes they are only 6oz heavier, the LT is the upper limit of what I would like. The LT is a little on the long side also but it's a premier.

ROK, the MK4 scopes fit the bill for weight, and I can get the matching M5 turrets and reticules. However, I am not looking for a MK4 based on my past experiences. The NF doesn't get the best reviews in low light and the SS is good, but I'd like a little more.

ROK, you're right about the uses, and I should have been more clear. I will shoot from a bench, from alternative positions, at known and unknown distances, at ranges out to the maximum effective range of .308, for punching holes, tac matches, hunting, and general shooting. This is a do it all gun for me.

 

[supernt]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

One thing to keep in mind on the OBR, is that with the exceptionally tall top rail you may want to choose an optic with a smaller objective. This will allow you to choose a mount that brings the optic closer to the rail for a proper cheek weld. This was an issue for me because I did not like the Magpul CTR stock with the funky riser. So if you are running an A2, UBR, LMT sopmod or some other stock without a cheek riser, this is something to consider.

With my LMT sopmod stock, I ended up going with a NF 2.5-10X32 mounted in Larue low rings. This gives me an excellent cheek weld, but it does make access to the charging handle a little tight.

 

[33shooter]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

I didn't like the wonky RISR either, it just didn't feel right for me. I was going to use a lower profile mount from LaRue, the LT120 because it is closer to the rail. I considered badger rings and maybe aandland rings as well.

 

[supernt]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

Any set of quality rings or one piece mount will work well. Just make sure to get ones that bring your optic down as low as possible. I actually had to remove some material from the bottom of my scope cap

 

[DirtyDave]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 33shooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
USO SN-3 1.8-10x44 gap red illumination
</div></div>

USO has revamped their options and the 10x is not offered in a 44mm objective any longer. The 37mm objective would suit the OBR better anyways. USO gets my vote. I have the 1.8-10x37mm USO's on 2 of my rifles, one is a TPAL and one is an ERGO. Both are great, though the ERGO is discontinued.

 

[Infinity]

Re: Gas gun optic selection

USO