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Rifle Scopes Help choosing a new optic

ohiocop_aht

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 24, 2012
180
11
Ohio
I'm looking to upgrade my current glass sitting on my Remington 700p (.308) and after hours/days of research on multiple forums and manufacturer websites, I've pretty much hit a wall...
Currently, I have a Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 SFP with mil reticle + turrets. I have a few optics that stand out to me, but would like to get some opinions from guys that actually have experience behind these scopes.

I like the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x50 with the only downsides being that it is SFP, difficult to adjust illumination setting, and BC flip caps may be a hassle. The ATACR also seems to be an excellent scope, but again having the same drawbacks as the NXS.
The Valdada IOR 6-24x56 FFP seems to be everything I am looking for in an optic (clarity, magnification, illumination, FFP, great reticle) with the downsides being the massive 35mm tube, limited adjustments at only 16mils, and overall 39oz weight.
Leupold has a few Mk4's that I have been looking at as well, but apparently putting illumination in a FFP optic isn't offered which has been the main thing keeping me away from them.

Basically, I'm looking for something that has the durability, internals, and size of a nightforce, but with IOR's clarity, ease of use, and mainly being FFP, without jumping up to a Premier or S&B.

Thanks for any help/advice in advance!
 
SS 5-20 HD fits your requirements. If you don't care about illumination bushnell dmr g2, ers or xrs. Vortex razor is also a great choice.
 
yes, how important is illumination to you? I mean think about it seriously, I for one was always spun up on illumination and realized over the years I personally never used it once, mind you I know guys that do I'm just saying personally i have never used the function before so to me that factor is not a deal breaker in scope searching
 
Is it really worth the extra $1000 or so to get the Razor over my current PST? I was hoping to get away from the Vortex series altogether, especially for the same price I can get an NXS or IOR (or whatever else that is out that and I am unaware of) Punisher, one of the reasons I built this rifle was for going to a shoot with some buddies that takes place at night and the illumination really helps when the only lighting is from tracers and flares :)
 
This. If you've never shot low- or no- light stages at a match, it's hard to explain how much being able to light up your crosshairs helps in those conditions.


1911fan
 
A used NF ATACR is a bunch of scope for the money in that price range.. Great field of view, clarity, range of power.. etc etc.. Try and go look through one if you are able. That being Said, I like vortex a myself. If this is going on your comp gun, yes I would spend the extra money over the PST. Matches will have low light conditions, time constraints, and difficult target placement.. A large field of view helps.
 
the PST is a great scope for the money, but the IOR, razor, and ATACR are on a different plane of existence. The razor is a lot of scope, i want an ATACR pretty bad.
 
I don't have a whole lot add, but will say this:

1. Illumination is pointless until you need it. In several years of [fairly] serious shooting, I've used illumination for one session - a nighttime "headhunter" at TVP. Without the illumination, it would not have been possible.

2. DON'T factor Butler Creeks into your optics decision. I used to hate on NF scopes because of the incompatibility with BCs, but now that I've broken my share of BCs, they can eat a dick, and I've come to actually prefer the rotating ocular design of the NF. Just use a bikini cover, and ziptie or paracord it to your scope.
 
you should really give the super sniper line a look, my friends 3-15 FFP was basically optically equil with my last nightforce at equal powers, with a better eyebox.

the 5-20 HD is a great scope to consider as well, and is availible with illumination,

there choices of recticles are a little limited and but between their mil quad, the NF NP-R1 and 2, and the Leupold TMR i use now, the mil quad is fine
 
Thanks for the input guys, I decided to stick to my initial choice and grab the NXS.
Even though I'm a fan of FFP, it seems that the math should be easy enough being x4 at 5.5 / x2 at 11 / and accurate at 22. Other than that, it pretty much covers everything I could want in my scope...
Now I just have to wait until CS Tactical gets one in stock :)