Rifle Scopes High Magnification Scope Ideas for .50BMG and .375CT for XLR shooting.

[Strykervet]

Okay, here's what I want:

1. 5-25x too small, SN9 just too long, so all those are out. A 12-50x would be great for magnification.

2. mil/mil or MOA/MOA subtended line reticle (I'll figure out the math later on these long shots to determine if
mil will be sufficient, or if I'll need the MOA metrics). Reticle and knobs must match. Illuminated a plus.

3. FFP, lots of elevation. Parallax adjustment preferred.

4. Capable of handling abuse, .50 recoil on a light rifle, and built well enough to handle lots of adjustments.
Good glass is also a must, no junk.

I thought I'd be stuck with the NF Beast 5-25x, the SN9 was nice but too long, and truth be told, just too heavy and large. Then yesterday I find this: Schmidt Bender PMII 12-50x56 P P4 Fine 1/4 CM MT CW FFP - EuroOptic.com --a Schmidt and Bender 12-50x 56mm in various configurations. All meet the above criteria I think, but no illumination.

I'd like feedback on this choice of scope for a DTA HTI in .50BMG and .375CT. What do you think? It sure looks a lot more manageable than an SN9, and S&B are known for high quality. Also, are there others I should look at that meet this criteria that are comparable to this scope or better? Quality, high magnification FFP scopes, maybe an illuminated one?

Thanks!

 

[Rob01]

What you need to worry most about is the available elevation travel. Magnification doesn't need to be 50x to hit out where those rounds can go. I shot out to 2500 yards in Idaho with a 408 CheyTac with a NF 5.5-22x on it and it was on 17x. Could have shot farther if the target hadn't fallen down the week prior to us being out there.

 

[sawman556]

20-25x is all you need.

 

[Strykervet]

Yeah, I hear you, I'm normally not a big magnification fan either, but in this case I thought it would be appropriate.

I understand what you say about the elevation, hence the Beast --it has 120mils --wait-- scratch that, 120MOA, it has 34.9mils total elevation.

Elevation for this scope says 0-75MOA, 0-65MOA or 0-175cm (which comes to 19mils) and it has a multi turn turret to "perform a trajectory compensation for larger distances without any problems". So I'm not sure if this is the total elevation, or if it goes further due to the multi turn turret. They aren't clear about any of this. However, it is billed an XLR scope, and it is the same type and series of scope the Marine snipers use on their M40A5's only with higher magnification. So I figured it might be a good fit. I suppose I'll have to call 'em later.

I do kind of want a higher magnification optic on this rifle as I only plan on these long range shots. Likely I'll pick something in the low middle to middle range, but I'd like the option. 10-40x would have been fine too, but S&B only makes it in 12-50x. And if that scope isn't good for a .50BMG or .375CT, what good is it for? It does look like a fine scope, illumination would have been nice, but hey?

Any others to look at?

 

[Dogtown]

Yep, the danger of the higher magnification scopes is that they tend to have less elevation available, which is why most are geared towards the Benchrest market. I agree that 25x is generally good enough for 2000+ meters, but I've been down that road before wanting more magnification, so I can sympathize. March has some tactical versions of their scopes with higher magnification ranges, but you'll notice they're limited to 60MOA of elevation, so at a minimum you'd want a 40 or 45MOA base. Honestly, the SN-9, which huge and heavy, is kind of the best of both worlds: more elevation range than you'll ever need (230+ MOA), and you're looking through the very center of the optic regardless of how much you've dialed either way.

 

[Crosshair]

I don't see the need for magnification over 25x personally, probably going to have a hi end spotting scope along with you anyway. The S&b is nice for sure, the model i like best for you is the 5-25x. Some other alternatives (as it gets very subjective with optics in this league):
Premier Heritage 5-25x56 Tactical 34mm Riflescope
Steiner Military 5-25x56
Kahles 6-24x56
USO 5-25x58
Leupold Mark 8 3.5-25x56 (with illum H-58)

I personally wouldn't count out the:
Nightforce F1 3.5-15x50
Hensoldt 4-16x56

For what you're doing, I'd really consider the Horus or tremor reticles... You either love them or hate them it seems.
Just my 2cents

 

[Shoottothrill]

Keep in mind that mirage at longer than 1000 yards with a high power scope can make your target almost unrecognizable. Certainly tough to shoot at accurately and that's one of the reasons that some of the guys are telling you that 25x power on top is all you need. I'm interested to hear what you decide to go with as the HTI .50 and with the .375 conversion will mostly likely be my next rifle. Keep us updated.

 

[Strykervet]

Well, I have until this winter to decide.

Perhaps I'll call DTA and see if an SN9 will, in fact, work. Just that the scope itself is 28" and the barrel is 29", and because it is a bullpup, the eyepiece goes basically right over the breech, the way I see it in my head. But yeah, it would be perfect were it not so big. It has everything, including the damn mounts! But the Schmidt and Bender is just "normal sized" and a hell of a lot more practical. I'll call them too to see just how much total elevation I can get. Now I understand that the most practical and best all around would, in fact, be a good 5-25x. But I'm still fishing for a higher power scope at the moment.

I understand the recommendations for the 5-25x and they aren't going ignored and they are appreciated --just not needed. I still may end up getting that NF Beast if I can't find a suitable one with higher power, and I've already gone over the 5-25x's I was interested in, and truth be told I'd like another SN3, but the Beast won out due to having 120MOA elevation. It is normally what I'd want, but I just feel in this case that more magnification is better and those scopes are what I'm asking about. And I can always dial that 12-50x to any setting the 5-25x has save the lower ones. Also, 12x is fine for the lowest setting I'll need since the closest range will be 1000m (I'll set up a few closer ones, but I'm getting this to really get out there).

So nobody uses a high magnification scope on their .50's or .408's or .375's or .416's? Really?

 

[Dogtown]

If you go down the higher magnification route, make sure you shoot with a spotter because you'll find it near impossible to get back on target with the tight FOV you get with a 30x or 40x optic, even when the time of flight is more than 2 seconds.

 

[Strykervet]

I probably will take a spotter when I can, and I'll probably dial the mag back to where I'm not so close up that I have such a narrow FOV. I'm still not sold on one scope or another, I just found that one and it seemed to fit the bill. I'm surprised nobody else uses one, as it isn't exactly a BR scope.

The .50 and .375 are new to me, and shooting past 1500, 1700m maybe, that is too. Now were I to get a .338LM, I'd probably get the 5-25x no questions asked, but with this I feel I need to learn more, ask more to find a good fit.

 

[Simon55]

Hello from NZ , Im fitting a Night force NXS 8x32x56 NPR1 MOA to a mates Barnard MK10 375 Chey tac will be out hunting with it in South island of NZ next weekend expecting shots out to 1000m +for red deer , I realize its no where near 2000m plus but its still an excellent exercise on realistic targets. We have the ability to extend range out further , but on steel , will post report on practicality of 8x32x56 regarding elevation capabilities when data available.
For my two cents worth from shooting out to 2000m with DTA SRS with 300win mag ( Night force 5.5x22x56 NXS NP2) in Tekapo NZ . Consider that using higher magnifications at extended ranges , a major limitation is not just elevation capabilities of rifle scopes , but abilities to obtain useable sight picture with mirage on the higher magnifications, bearing in mind that the blurrier the sight picture becomes the greater the elevation error is likely to be in addition to limited FOV.

 

[Just Macca]

Im only new to this but: something that has not been raised is that I doubt a reticle thats useable at 12 power will be precise enough at the other extreme end of magnification. SFP seems more logical to me.

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

For a dedicated ELR shooting rig, I would pick up an ATACR. 120 moa in a relatively compact package.

Listen to Rob01. He's a smart guy.

 

[Early Cuyler]

I own a NF BR 8-32x56 (gift) and an NXS 12-42x56 (bought). While both function flawlessly and the glass is excellent, I would trade both for scopes in the 15x-25x maximum power.

With either scope, I rarely dial them above 20x due to mirage issues. When I can dial into the 30-40x range, the exit pupil is so small that it is difficult to get a good sight picture. I can now, but it took a lot of practice. Getting back on target is also incredibly difficult at higher magnification as well. Don't get me started on the travel limitations...

All these problems are pretty much non-issues when it comes to my S&B 5-25x56. I still rarely dial above 20x, but I have 64 MOA up with a 100yd zero, the eye box is much more forgiving, and the glass is just better (not a function of mag range. I just like saying it).

If at all possible, I would get behind a rifle with both at a range with distance. Then you'll really be able to see the differences first hand compared to just reading about it. If you're ever in East GA, let me know and I'll be glad to put you behind each!

 

[wolffman]

I have an atacr mil n my dta hti because its dedicated to elr. Didn't need FFP capabilities. I have FFP scopes on other rifles. Boys over on LRH shoot elr a lot. I have really liked it so far.

 

[Strykervet]

I own a NF BR 8-32x56 (gift) and an NXS 12-42x56 (bought). While both function flawlessly and the glass is excellent, I would trade both for scopes in the 15x-25x maximum power.

With either scope, I rarely dial them above 20x due to mirage issues. When I can dial into the 30-40x range, the exit pupil is so small that it is difficult to get a good sight picture. I can now, but it took a lot of practice. Getting back on target is also incredibly difficult at higher magnification as well. Don't get me started on the travel limitations...

All these problems are pretty much non-issues when it comes to my S&B 5-25x56. I still rarely dial above 20x, but I have 64 MOA up with a 100yd zero, the eye box is much more forgiving, and the glass is just better (not a function of mag range. I just like saying it).

If at all possible, I would get behind a rifle with both at a range with distance. Then you'll really be able to see the differences first hand compared to just reading about it. If you're ever in East GA, let me know and I'll be glad to put you behind each!

Thanks, this was sort of the "anti" response I was looking for.

I would check out these scopes if I could... Nobody stocks anything like that around here that I know of.

The scope has to be FFP. I have no use for SFP, I'm not a benchrest shooter.

I do need lots of elevation, it is a number one priority and will rule out other scopes. IF I go 5-25, like I said, I already have the scope selected: the NF Beast. In the meantime, I'd still like to discuss more about high mag scopes. I'm still not fully convinced I shouldn't go this way.

 

[Rob01]

In the meantime, I'd still like to discuss more about high mag scopes. I'm still not fully convinced I shouldn't go this way.

I guess most everyone who has shot those distances telling you not to buy a high mag scope isn't enough? Well some people need to learn on their own so go buy one then and come back and let us know how it goes. You really shouldn't be looking at any scope with below 90-100 MOA of internal elevation travel if you are looking to get to 2000+.

 

[sniperdude]

+1 on the ATACR

For a dedicated ELR shooting rig, I would pick up an ATACR. 120 moa in a relatively compact package.

Listen to Rob01. He's a smart guy.

 

[Rob01]

Just the ATACR part Ray? Thanks LOL

 

[diverdon]

I guess most everyone who has shot those distances telling you not to buy a high mag scope isn't enough? Well some people need to learn on their own so go buy one then and come back and let us know how it goes. You really shouldn't be looking at any scope with below 90-100 MOA of internal elevation travel if you are looking to get to 2000+.

I do not see any reason he could not go with the March 5-40x. That would give him higher mag when he wants it, and the ability to back it down when he needed to. It should also be short enough for his bull pup.

 

[Rob01]

He could. Only has about 82 MOA of travel but wouldn't be too bad.

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

I do not see any reason he could not go with the March 5-40x. That would give him higher mag when he wants it, and the ability to back it down when he needed to. It should also be short enough for his bull pup.

I say this tongue in cheek but I thought he was looking for a rugged scope.

 

[Potshot]

The s&b 12-50 is a very nice scope best glass there is, but i belief you will very soon join the half moon club for
the scope eye relief sucks . Look at March 5-50x56 not a bad scope.
Enjoy your scope hunt.

 

[Rob01]

Only 60 MOA of elevation in the March 5-50x56. Not going to get him where he wants to go.

 

[Strykervet]

Well, I haven't been able to find any charts with drop data out past 2000y, but what I did find was that the drop on a 750gr. AMAX at 2800fps was 1399.6 inches at 2000y, and by my calculations, a scope with 66MOA elevation would give 2073.1" of adjustment for drop at that range --more than sufficient there. But likely not for 3000, which is where I'd LIKE to go (though I know it stretches it a bit, I don't care).

So the S&B with 75MOA would give 2355.75" adj. at 2000y.

The NF Beast with 120MOA would give 3769.2" at 2000y. Nice. Very nice. That may work out to 3000+, I just don't know yet, what the drop is out there. That is why I have it in mind, but I'm still looking. Forgive me if I don't just take everyone's word right off the bat. I'm just thorough. BTW, ATACR has come up a couple of times, it's SFP (yes, I understand the pros of a SFP at XLR). The Beast is the same scope but in FFP, which is what I requested in the OP.

The SN9 with 230MOA gives 7224.3" at 2000y. More than enough. Sure it would be fine at that range. But I'll need to find out if that'll actually work, and then consider whether or not I want that big monster on there in the first place.

I'm getting ready to call S&B to discuss this elevation issue and get to the bottom of the multi turn turret and just exactly how much elevation is on it. I'll get back with that later.

PS, I looked at the March scopes, they look nice indeed and they come in some other magnification options not seen at other makers. I'll keep 'em in mind too, but their elevation was similar to the above.

Seriously, thanks for all the assistance, recommendations and help. I really do appreciate it. Just stay patient with me, I'm thorough on this because I'd hate buying the wrong $3000 optic for a rifle, or wishing I'd gotten the other. So I have to rule everything out.

 

[Graham]

22 Mils of elevation should do nicely for your purpose. Unfortunately, at the magnification you want you will probably need a 46mm main tube.

 

[Rob01]

Also what needs to be added to the equation is how much windage is going to be needed to zero the rifle. Use of windage takes away from the availability of elevation by pushing the erector to the side. That is why going with just enough elevation isn't the best idea. The same comes into play if you are planning on dialing your wind onto the scope and you are at the max elevation. You won't have much wind to dial and will need to hold the wind. With the DTA you really shouldn't need alot of windage with the way the rail is set up but you should plan for it. That's why that 100 MOA of elevation would be the lowest I would want.

Another scope you might look at if you decide to have less than 40x and want FFP is the Vortex Razor 5-20x50. 125 MOA of elevation and good reticles.

Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50 EBR 1 MOA Reticle - Vortex Rifle Scopes RZR550

 

[Strykervet]

So the guy at S&B is on vacation, but I'm getting the feeling the maximum elevation is 75MOA for that particular scope.

I emailed USO to ask what they think about the SN9 on this rifle.

I talked to DTA and they, like me and like all of you, thought elevation would be priority number one (though at first, I took it for granted that high power scopes would have more elevation --it just makes sense, but I guess I was wrong). Anyway, he's used one with an SN9 on it and said it is close to the brake but moreover it has .75-1.5" of eye relief! Holy shit! In a 20lb. .50BMG. He also said it was top heavy to say the least (it is a 5lb scope) but that optic-wise it was superb on all settings. And had plenty of elevation. I guess this is the only way to get my cake and eat it too.

He said they used a Vortex HD something or other, a high mag one they lent to try out, and they shot at 3800m? Anyway, elevation maxed out, reticle maxed out, still had to aim high. He said they are in cahoots with Kahles to make a special reticle and scope for them, a 6-24, that will work long range on that rifle.

Finally, he agreed that the Nightforce Beast was the way to go if I didn't go with the SN9 and couldn't find another quality one with both elevation and magnification. So back to where I was in the beginning: an SN9 or a Beast, likely the Beast. Damn. I sure would love that SN9 but I just don't think it practical. I really need to see one up close.

Well, thanks a lot, I suppose we can wrap this one up. 5-25x Beast or SN9. Shit, what a dilemma.

 

[Strykervet]

Thanks Rob01, yeah, the Beast has the most elevation but it has a lot of windage too. Same with the SN9 I believe.

Not sure if that was the Vortex he mentioned or not. Perhaps it was, still, it wasn't bad if it was just barely ran out at 3800y! That's a long way! But if I go 5-25x, I'll get the Beast most likely. If I go big magnification, I'll go with the SN9, I just don't really have a choice it seems.

 

[Rob01]

The Vortex HD is probably the scope I linked you to in my post above unless they had some sort of prototype from Vortex.

I would not even consider an SN9 for that rifle. Too long, heavy and external adjustments. Also about $5000. And the Beast is still months out. When did you need the scope by?

 

[tylerw02]

If you've not used a lot of glass, you'll quickly learn that magnification doesn't help you see the target so much as quality coatings and good resolution. I've found that mirage makes high-magnification impossible on many outings. I have a strong suspicion you'll learn those lessons.

Listen to Rob, he knows what he's talking about.

 

[Strykervet]

Yeah, I've used plenty of scopes. And I'm not a big fan of magnification either, if you've read above. What I am new to is shooting a .50 BMG to 3000+m.

Rob01, I hear ya about the cons on the SN9. It has a lot --price, weight, length, but I thought you could get knob covers for it. Could be wrong about that though. I'll likely not get it, I'd like to, it has everything I need, it's just TOO DAMN BIG!

I thought the Beast just came out? Anyway, it doesn't matter. I don't get the barrel until around October and the chassis should come before Christmas. I won't fire it much without the suppressor, and that'll probably be June 2014 --by that time I'll also have all my loading gear and some ammo loaded up to test out.

So I'd like to get it this November/December, but can wait a bit longer if I have to. I'll probably get the Beast unless I find something that "does it all" --all of the qualities of the SN9, none of the drawbacks. Doubt I'll find it, considering it hasn't been mentioned...

So thanks again, I'll look at that Vortex but I'll probably go with the NF.

 

[Rob01]

Take a look at this thread. Looks like a while off but get ahold of Chris from Sport Optics who posted above and get on the wait list.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/snipers-hide-rifle-scopes/196773-acquiring-nightforce-beast.html

 

[Strykervet]

Thanks, I went ahead and did that to be on the safe side. I didn't know they were going to be so popular right out of the gate.

So I did the math on it, and I found the drop of a 750gr. AMAX @ 2820fps and 300y zero, and at 3000y it is 4352". The Beast is capable of 3769.2" elev. adj. alone, but with a 30MOA base, I calculate 4711.5" elevation at 3000y, which should be sufficient. I know that I don't get the full 4711.5" in adjustment, but it indicates it will go down that far, see? So with a 30MOA base, I can make the Beast work. That shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Dogtown]

I took it for granted that high power scopes would have more elevation

It's a common mistake, but basically a limitation in how an internal erector cell works in an optic.

There's a pretty good write-up about how a tactical scope works here:
Shooting Voodoo :: Anatomy Of A Tactical Bolt Action Rifle: The Riflescope

 

[Early Cuyler]

So the guy at S&B is on vacation, but I'm getting the feeling the maximum elevation is 75MOA for that particular scope.

If you're talking about the 5-25x56 then I call shenanigans! You are limited to two turret turns from your zero, but there is over 110+ MOA of internal adjustment (mine has around 117 if memory serves). Currently mine is in a Spuhr 44.4moa canted base and last time I checked, I had around 100MOA up to the top of the erector travel. Now with a 100yd zero, I can only use 64MOA of the available elevation which is well beyond what I currently need. If I want to make use of the additional elevation, I would just need to sight in my rifle at 500, 750, 1000etc. and reset my zero stop. Wham bam, thank you ma'am I have a mile+ scope!

I know the SB website says 64MOA of travel but that again is from your zero. The erector has over 100MOA.

 

[Strykervet]

No, it's a 12-50x56mm.

But I've done my calculations, and I need 110MOA plus a 30MOA base in order to get to where I need to be. Minimum. So I guess I can also call them back when the singular guy there that can tell me about their scopes gets back. I do have time after all.

 

[Rem2429]

If considering SPF at all, take a look at the IOR terminator. I've used one one a .338 and it is a really nice optic. 100 MOA of elevation.

 

[tylerw02]

Quit thinking about inches of drop, sky. It will be a whole lot easier for you when you do.

 

[hk401]

50x, are u going to shoot the moon or something lol? j/k . I have a spotting scope 60x, i looked through it at 60x, and it was hurting my eyes or my eyes might get so tired in few mins, it might be the same with the rifle scope. Anyway, i've never look through scope with 50x.

 

[Strykervet]

Shoot the moon... That's funny. They don't call the SN9 the "Hubble" for nothing.

Yeah, I've used spotting scopes at 60x, mostly just to spot trace far out. The Kowas we had were pretty nice, I don't recall hurting my eyes.

I'm on the list for the Beast, I went back to S&B's site and looked at it in a different way too... I think those scopes are limited to 75MOA, which won't be enough. I'll need what, 150 to be on the safe side? 140 should do it on paper I figured. So I figure the Beast on a 30MOA cant will give me what I want, although I DID want more magnification, I NEED more elevation.

If that doesn't do it, I guess it'll have to get the goddamn SN9 as there really isn't much else out there that has both magnification AND 230MOA travel.

3000m.... It should bring the fun back.

tyler, studied math at university, the Euclidean metric is the Euclidean metric no matter how you measure it! So, MOA, mils, cm/100m, in./100y, all the same to me. But I DO have to know the drop of the round at that distance, OR the actual angular measurement (MOA, mils) within an error, in order to select the proper optic, don't you agree?

Now when shooting, on the range, angular measurement is the way to go, yeah, I absolutely agree.

 

[scudzuki]

"Shoot the Moon" reminds of the Cheech & Chong movie, always will.

I thought the Hensoldt scope with the 72mm objective was called the Hubble?

Joe

 

[relentless1]

What is an SN 9??

 

[timelinex]

Thanks, I went ahead and did that to be on the safe side. I didn't know they were going to be so popular right out of the gate.

So I did the math on it, and I found the drop of a 750gr. AMAX @ 2820fps and 300y zero, and at 3000y it is 4352". The Beast is capable of 3769.2" elev. adj. alone, but with a 30MOA base, I calculate 4711.5" elevation at 3000y, which should be sufficient. I know that I don't get the full 4711.5" in adjustment, but it indicates it will go down that far, see? So with a 30MOA base, I can make the Beast work. That shouldn't be a problem.

I think your getting your math all wrong here... The elevation available has nothing to do with he elevation you will have.

What I mean is this. If a scope has 100 moa of elevation. The zero will put you around 50, so you will only have 50moa of travel, not the 100 that you keep using. The point of the X moa bases is to get your zero closer to the beginning of the turret travel, so you can utilize most of the 100. It will never add actual travel, which is what you were planning on.

Also, that is just 'in theory' numbers... In reality, the elevation might zero with 40moa left and you might have to zero the windage a couple moa to the left or right. All that can easily bring down the usable travel to 30% of the advertised travel. This is however the worst case scenario.

The best way to maximize your elevation is to get a base that's probably around 40% of the advertised travel of the scope. That way you maximize the travel potential of the scope without risking that you won't have enough elevation to zero the scope.... But then be prepared to possibly see the end of your barrel through your scope.....

 

[Strykervet]

I understand where you're coming from, but not if I adjust the elevation to max it out and use the reticle to boot. I don't have to center the target past 3000, it'd be nice, but I DO need to see the target in the optic. Not sure about these other scopes, but you can do it on USO's, you can adjust the erector to get as much elevation as possible. My SN3 here won't go down anymore than about 1-2mils. I suppose I should have considered that though, not all scopes are adjustable that way. So you make a great point --I need to check if I can get the full 120 before I go with the Beast.

The math should be correct, though I did do it hasty. The drop at 3000m was something I found online --like I said, I don't want to calculate that by hand (and the error would be greater the more variables I leave out or that are improperly defined). So that is anecdotal.

Do a google for the SN9. It's definitely in a league of it's own. 10-42x, 230MOA. BUT 28" and 5lbs with external adjustments. It's 1/4 the weight of the rifle I'm getting and almost 2/3-3/4's as long. That's why I started this thread, to find something similar but not so big.

I just don't want something that damn big JUST to shoot 3000+m in luxury. Likely I'll shoot it a lot at 1000, 2000. For that, the 5-25 is just perfect. So again, I suppose I have my solution unless anyone knows of another high mag scope with over 100 minutes of usable travel.

 

[Dogtown]

What is an SN 9??

I'm pretty sure they're discontinued again as I haven't seen them on USO's site in over a year. It's a unique scope, partially born out of the development of the .408Cheytac circa 2001. In pushing the limits with internal erector cell scopes, the development team went to USO to find a solution that would give them lots of elevation without any of the distortion that was common at the time when your turrets were near max values. USO developed the SN-9 as an externally adjusted scope so there wasn't any distortion as you were looking through the center of the scope regardless of elevation. Because of this, there was no need for rings as they're built into the system and the front portion was a pretty advanced development that landed USO a patent. The external design gives you 230+ MOA of elevation and you can set the scope up for either MIL or MOA adjustments by changing the distance between the front and rear "rings." It came in two models up until about 2011, a 3.8-22x and 10-42x, and a unique 80mm objective lens option that gave you an incredibly wide FOV for such a high magnification scope.

But I think it was really expensive to make and since it was a niche product there wasn't much demand for it. It was also pretty expensive for the fully loaded model at the time ($4300, which nowadays doesn't seem so bad). As much as it's still one of my favorite scope designs, I personally felt like it wasn't 100% complete, particularly the rear mounting ring area where the turrets interface with the tube, which was wide open to the elements and needed some kind of protective housing. John Jr mentioned at one time that that was something he wanted to go back and address at some point, but it probably wasn't worth it to them business-wise. Will we see a new version some day? Who knows? I think ELR shooting has changed so much in the last 10 years that there is now more demand for an optic with the SN-9's capabilities than ever before. We're all pushing our 5-25x's to the limit these days and while the best in class scopes are offering plenty of elevation, I'd still take more available distortion-free elevation over more magnification any day.

Eurooptic has the only one I see in stock anywhere (though you can find them used from time to time
US Optics SN-9 10-42x80 30mm - EuroOptic.com

 

[scudzuki]

SWFA has one on their sample list for $3500, it's been there for a while.

Sometimes I go to the website to see if anyone has bought it.

Here's your chance.

USOptics 10-42x58 SN9-2B Rifle Scope DEMO-B

Joe

 

[LawnMM]

I have been scope shopping for ELR myself and as others have said the available internal travel advertised is top to bottom. If you start with 24 mils the zero puts you near 12, leaving you with 12 available. I'm going to go with a Vortex Razor that has in excess of 30 mils internal travel and I'm going to run around a 50moa angle between rail and scope mount allowing me to zero closer to the bottom of the available travel.

The silliest thing I see on this site is when guys ask for advice, they receive it from knowledge and experienced sources, and then they argue with the answer.

Distance in ELR from what reading I've done is less about pure magnification, which exacerbates mirage, and more about available travel. I've shot to 1400 with a 15x scope and that was plenty. My goal is to take the 338 to 2000, maybe 2500. 20x should be fine. The beast isn't available yet, and its another 1200 on top of the Razor. Something to consider.

 

[Toast]

Check out Barrett's adjustable rings. They have either 15 MOA or you can adjust to 40 moa which gives you almost unlimited elevation on any scope. I have them on a Barrett .416 and they are rock solid. I was worried there might be some play, but the rings and pin are rock solid and tight as if welded together. Its very easy to change the MOA too. I'm really happy with the rings.

 

[sib1948]

Your wish list would be completely filled with a March FX 5-40 56mm. 2/3rds the size ans weight of other scopes. Comes mil/mil or MOA/MOA. FFP and novel zero stop. Nonilluminated about $3200. Very rugged and can handle 50 cal abuse. Call Kelby Rifles and they can give you all the facts. Only US distributor. Good reviews by several members here and rapidly becoming very popular. Great glass quality.