Rifle Scopes trying to decide on a scope

[Bigtmiller]

I am working on getting a new 308 built as my first quality rifle. I have researched scopes to death and I really like the Bushnell offerings, in their price bracket. There are two things I do not like on the HDMR and I am not sure it they are really a big deal or more of a luxury.

1. Zero stops
2. lighted Reticle

I love the G2 reticle.

I have looked at the ERS, but of course it is several hundred more, besides the zero stops, is it worth it?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. By the way this will be my first tactical style scope.

 

[Goin'Hot]

What's your budget? How far will you be shooting? Do you actually NEED the illuminated reticle?

 

[Bigtmiller]

Looking to stay under 2000. I guess I don't know if a lighted reticle is needed or just a nice thing to have What is your experience, do you ever need/use a lighted reticle in matches? I plan on staying less than a 1000yds. From all I have read the bushnell seems to be one of the front runners in this price range for a ffp scope.

 

[Graham]

There are two things I do not like on the HDMR and I am not sure it they are really a big deal or more of a luxury.

1. Zero stops
2. lighted Reticle

I love the G2 reticle.

The HDMR does not have a zero stop, or an illuminated reticle, or a G2 reticle.

Why not simply get the DMR with a G2?

 

[Palehorse68]

Vortex Razor HD..you'll be happy.

 

[Bigtmiller]

Graham I mixed up my scopes. I meant to say the DMR, not the HDMR. I guess my questions are;
Is not having zero stops a "big deal"?
Is the DMR the best value for the money?

Vortex is a close second. I just really like the feel of the bushnell.

 

[Rem7]

Keep you eyes open for a good Nightforce F1. Used they usually run under 2k.

 

[Goin'Hot]

If you're running under 1k, you don't NEED a ZS but it is nice to have to eliminate stupid mistakes. If you get a scope with a 10 mil turret, it further simplifies the process.

I've never found a need for an illuminated reticle shooting steel. I have a couple PH's and I have taken the batteries out of them so I don't have leakage to destroy the electronics.

If you're interested in a Razor, keep an eye on the fourm. They show up regularly for ~$1700.

I have no experience with the new Bushys. I had one of the G2 reticle with 5 mil/rev units and couldn't live with the locking turrets so, it went down the road.

 

[Graham]

Graham I mixed up my scopes. I meant to say the DMR, not the HDMR. I guess my questions are;
Is not having zero stops a "big deal"?
Is the DMR the best value for the money?

The NF F1 is probably the best value for the money. But the Bushnell is a solid scope at a good price.

A zero stop is a convenience, but without one simply record the level of the turret according the hash-mark on the scope body. Remember to always dial back your elevation knob to zero and you'll be fine. I use a Bushnell on my .284. When I dial elevation I leave the locking cap up to remind myself that I have nor yet dialed the turret back to zero. Of course, when I only have to dial 7 Mils to 1000 it's easier than if I had to dial 13 Mils, but that's what recording the hash-mark is for - in case you forget or get lost.

 

[Crosshair]

If funds allow, the F1 would be excellent. For the bang for the buck, the SS 5-20x50 has 10 mils per rev and can be had with illumination for $1500. The Razor is an awesome choice too. The DMR is great, I just like 10 mils per rev on the SS, and the phenomenal warranty on the Razor better.

 

[kansas]

Just ordered a new Razor from RangerWalker71 and they come with lots of extras like bubble level, sun shade, etc. He even throws in a set of rings with the deal. All in your price range. I couldn't see buying slightly used for what he is selling them for. I too like the Bushy but really like the service from Vortex. Zero stop, lighted reticle (which I doubt I'll ever use) and the EBR2B reticle looks like it will be a winner. Can't wait to get it and start shooting it.

 

[Quickdraw40]

Steiner 4-16x50, $2,300 MAP. I have been shooting one for three years, couldn't be happier.

 

[longeye51]

Look at a Leupold Mark 4 8.5x25x50 with a tactical reticle. It is an ffp scope with a lifetime warranty. It is under 2K, and I have been thoroughly enjoying shooting one at the range you want to be for several years. I have compared it to other brands of scopes that cost more and have not found it wanting.

 

[Bigtmiller]

Well now I have 4 scopes I am considering
Nightforce f1
Razor
DMR
Steiner

Never considered the Steiner before. Looks like a real viable option. How would you all rank these four scopes? Overall best scope out of these four. For tactical matches and some long range hunting.

And thank you for all the help.

 

[Sinus211]

If you're stuck under the $1k mark like I was the weaver tactical ffp scopes are a good value at $750.

 

[mr284]

Go Vortex, You will not be disappointed....and they have a lifetime warranty as well...

 

[Kreeper]

Nightforce nxs 3.5x15x56 npr1 npr2 or mildot..

 

[Armored Transport]

I like my Sightron S-III 8-32x56 with the LRMOA reticle. Take some time and check these out. I couldn't be happier and the reviews on the scope are solid. You can get one for under a grand and use some of the left over $ on a Kestral and an Atlas. Happy Shooting.......

If you want to get into an HDMR with the H-59 reticle set up in Larue QD 20min mount shoot me a PM...

 

[bh-ltr]

Illuminated reticle is easy to live without in my book. I've used it once when actually firing. The only time I really actually use it is when its late at night and I'm bored I turn on the reticle and do dry fire practice at leaf tips on the trees down the street.

That being said zero stop isn't something I'd want to live without. Its just really nice having a fixed known point of reference you can get back to in the dark with your eyes closed or whatever problem you want to throw at it. The best recommendation I have otherwise is to start at your zero and then count how many mil or moa it takes till your scope tops out at the top of its travel. Then write that number on top of the turret with a paint pen. That way *WHEN* you get lost on your dial you can take it to the top and then dial down the amount you wrote on the turret and be back at your zero.

~Brett