Rifle Scopes ERS 3.5-21 or XRS 4.5-30 for 308 bolt gun?

[scatsob]

I am sorry that I have started a few optics threads about what to get but I have optics ADD something fierce. I recently got the .mil pricing on these two scopes and they are both are less than the .mil price for the Mark6 3-18. They only thing that really appealed to me about the Mark 6 was the weight and the open center of the new TMR reticle. On weight, my rifle is an M24 in an AICS so it is already heavy and I am in pretty good shape. On the reticle, while the TMR is nice, the G2 is no slouch and I like the functionality. I am just wondering what others thoughts are between these two scopes are. I have seen a couple people say that you can always dial a 30x scope down to 21x but you can't dial a 21x scope up to 30x and I agree with that. Is it basically a wash? I do want to start shooting FTR in the future is that makes a difference. Thanks for the imput .

 

[Cobracutter]

At 308 distances, the 3-21 is MORE than enough.
Depends if you need Zero stop and 10mil

If not you can save a ton on the reg G2DMR.

 

[calling4life]

The deciding factors here are 3.5 vs 4.5 & price.

if you know 4.5 will work and the price difference to you is negligible, no reason to go with the 3.5-21.

I've got the xrs, it's a gorgeous piece of equipment. In the end I'm sure either would work, I'm a magnification whore.

 

[Captain Kirk]

I own both, so I will give you my take. First off, both optics tend to get fairly dark on the top end, the 3.5-21 gets deark around 18-19X and around 26X for the 4.5-30. This does not mean the optics are not "usable" at higher power, spoting and ranging is still possible. I never shoot anywhere near max magnification an any optic,so its not a issue for me. Both are compact and offer a lot of features for the money, but I would opt for the 3.5-21 on a 308, its more than enough.

 

[fireguyty]

I own both, so I will give you my take. First off, both optics tend to get fairly dark on the top end, the 3.5-21 gets deark around 18-19X and around 26X for the 4.5-30. This does not mean the optics are not "usable" at higher power, spoting and ranging is still possible. I never shoot anywhere near max magnification an any optic,so its not a issue for me. Both are compact and offer a lot of features for the money, but I would opt for the 3.5-21 on a 308, its more than enough.

I had been considering either of these. I too rarely use max mag, but even in positional shooting I rarely go below 10x. Sounds like if price is not an issue, my money would be better spent on the 4.5-30.

I appreciate the topic and you answering with true knowledge as you have both.

Ty

 

[scatsob]

I own both, so I will give you my take. First off, both optics tend to get fairly dark on the top end, the 3.5-21 gets deark around 18-19X and around 26X for the 4.5-30. This does not mean the optics are not "usable" at higher power, spoting and ranging is still possible. I never shoot anywhere near max magnification an any optic,so its not a issue for me. Both are compact and offer a lot of features for the money, but I would opt for the 3.5-21 on a 308, its more than enough.

Thank you for the input. The brightness does not really concern me as well as I probably will never be shooting it in low light. Just out of curiosity, what do you have the 4.5-30 on?

 

[Captain Kirk]

Just out of curiosity, what do you have the 4.5-30 on?

I run it on a 338 Edge. Just sold a S&B 5-25 off a TRG-22 i and plan on putting a 4.5-30 on top to replace it.

 

[redirt78]

I got a G2DMR in the original group buy and I really like it for hunting and long range steel with my 308. I like the G2 reticle so much that I had to find a way to get another one for my semi auto. I marked my zero with a paint pen, pretty easy to keep track of it and saved a lot of money. Zero stops would be cool but I don't have to have them. 5 mil rev is fine with me also, I like the big chunky clicks. I wouldn't mind trying a 10mil with zero stops don't get me wrong but the money saved leaves me with extra funds for other stuff, like the second G2DMR I eventually got.

I use it between 5-18 power. It tunnels a little around 3.5-4.5 and the eye box is a little funky at max power but it is a great scope. The tracking and reticle more than make up for the few shortcomings I see.

So far it has a big last light hog at 380 yards, a trotting coyote at 415 yards, a lot of 600 yard 10" steel hits, some at 772 and I'm still learning.

 

[bodywerks]

I run it on a 338 Edge. Just sold a S&B 5-25 off a TRG-22 i and plan on putting a 4.5-30 on top to replace it.

Sold a S&B to fund a lesser scope? That's interesting...
Am i reading it right, that the total elevation for the Bushnell ERS is only 50 MOA? That's the specs i see on midway's site and Bushnell's site. If that's true that's a MAJOR downfall. For a 34mm tube that doesn't sound right.

PCR/XLR/TAC338 http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz53/bodywerks/IMG_20130816_111453_255_zps1b498f0d.jpg http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz53/bodywerks/IMG_20130816_111325_951_zps290ebdd0.jpg

 

[scatsob]

I am pretty sure I read somewhere that they have 34 mils of travel and the website is wrong.

Sold a S&B to fund a lesser scope? That's interesting...
Am i reading it right, that the total elevation for the Bushnell ERS is only 50 MOA? That's the specs i see on midway's site and Bushnell's site. If that's true that's a MAJOR downfall. For a 34mm tube that doesn't sound right.

PCR/XLR/TAC338 http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz53/bodywerks/IMG_20130816_111453_255_zps1b498f0d.jpg http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz53/bodywerks/IMG_20130816_111325_951_zps290ebdd0.jpg

 

[bodywerks]

It's 30.4 mils according to someone that owns one that replied to another thread. That's about 104.5 MOA. So their max elevation claim of 50 MOA is from a centered turret.

PCR/XLR/TAC338 http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz53/bodywerks/IMG_20130816_111453_255_zps1b498f0d.jpg http://i813.photobucket.com/albums/zz53/bodywerks/IMG_20130816_111325_951_zps290ebdd0.jpg

 

[JC Steel]

Yeah a centered Turret has 50MOA of elevation. Put it on a 20 MOA base, and all of a sudden you have 70MOA elevation from center. Which is plenty IMHO

 

[BLDTYLRY]

I have both and the 30x is nice when you are shooting those pesky 1" dots at 300yds. Once I get my DTA SRS the XRS will be mounted on a 40moa cant so I can dial out to 1500yds+

 

[Chemguy]

I just picked up an one of the new ERS models from Scott @ Liberty Optics for a smoking good deal. He has great customer service as well. Either way I would give him a look.

 

[scatsob]

Still racking the brain. Question, are the zero stop and 10mil turrets worth an extra $200 from the DMR to the ERS? Is the XRS worth the extra $200 over the ERS? I ask those questions from the F/TR perspective, what would the value be in competition and would it be worth the investment. Unfortunately I have no way to get behind these scope before buying but I have no doubt I will like the glass quality.

 

[BLDTYLRY]

Zero Stop is worth the $200 to me.

 

[Captain Kirk]

My main complaint was the 5 mil turrets, and zero stop, problem solved

 

[Captain Kirk]

Sold a S&B to fund a lesser scope? That's interesting...

I posted a thread called "from S&B to Bushnell and back again", it highlighted how good of a value the Bushnells really are, even compared to the high dollar S&Bs, which I have owned a handfull of. Looking at a rifle that didnt have optics and another wearing a S&B and limited budget to fund more glass, what does one do? I have been able to be just as competitive shooting with the Bushnell vs the S&B, it boils down to that.

 

[scatsob]

So I was a little off on the price difference. Its $376 more for the ERS over the DMR and $128 more for the XRS over the ERS. This is a tough decision, I probably wont be buying another scope for a good long while.

 

[Joop]

I have the ERS on a 6.5x55. I finally got around to messing with the zero stop, the other night. It's kind of a pain in the ass to set, but once you figure it out and do it a few times, it gets much easier (the directions are kind of misleading and don't really help you to visualize what's happening, on a mechanical level. I'm a "gotta see it" type of guy, so....). After messing with it, I started to ask myself the same question; "Is the zero stop/10 mils per rev worth the extra money?". I think it is. I would feel even more strongly about it if I had this scope on my .308, where getting to 1000 yards is going to take 10 mils, or more. Actually, I'm thinking just that; I will likely end up selling my 6-24x ET mildot, which I have on the .308, to help fund another ERS, at some point. Looking at the ERS vs. XRS is probably a matter of personal preference. I don't feel underpowered with the ERS, but that's just me. But I truly believe the zero stop and 10 mils are worth it, especially for a .308.

My .02

John

 

[MosesTheTank]

I own both, so I will give you my take. First off, both optics tend to get fairly dark on the top end, the 3.5-21 gets deark around 18-19X and around 26X for the 4.5-30. This does not mean the optics are not "usable" at higher power, spoting and ranging is still possible. I never shoot anywhere near max magnification an any optic,so its not a issue for me. Both are compact and offer a lot of features for the money, but I would opt for the 3.5-21 on a 308, its more than enough.

I making the same decision as the OP, except for a 6.5CM. Could you please expand on the getting dark? Does it get dark on you in normal daylight, or are we talking about in waning sunlight? I ask because, like the OP, I am unlikely to shoot this gun in much other than in broad daylight. Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[Graham]

You don't need 30x on a .308. You will never use it.

 

[Captain Kirk]

Dark refering to the image. Most optics will darken slightly at higher magnification, the objective cant pull in enough light. The 3.5-21 starts around 18-19 power, the image starts to get dark and the eyebox becomes very unforgiving. The 4.5-30 does the same thing, but at around 25x and up.

 

[scatsob]

Thank you for your response. I also done plan on getting a hotrod caliber rifle anytime soon and with 308 I have heard you can get lost in your turret real quick. I think I have pretty much decided on an ERS in FDE. Hopefully I'll have the funds in a month or so and can place my order. I need to get some 34mm rings too and the cheapest I have access to is Mark 4's. I would love to get a pair of American rifle M10 rings but $180 is a lot of cash for some rings.

QUOTE=Joop;2709702]I have the ERS on a 6.5x55. I finally got around to messing with the zero stop, the other night. It's kind of a pain in the ass to set, but once you figure it out and do it a few times, it gets much easier (the directions are kind of misleading and don't really help you to visualize what's happening, on a mechanical level. I'm a "gotta see it" type of guy, so....). After messing with it, I started to ask myself the same question; "Is the zero stop/10 mils per rev worth the extra money?". I think it is. I would feel even more strongly about it if I had this scope on my .308, where getting to 1000 yards is going to take 10 mils, or more. Actually, I'm thinking just that; I will likely end up selling my 6-24x ET mildot, which I have on the .308, to help fund another ERS, at some point. Looking at the ERS vs. XRS is probably a matter of personal preference. I don't feel underpowered with the ERS, but that's just me. But I truly believe the zero stop and 10 mils are worth it, especially for a .308.

My .02

John[/QUOTE]

 

[scatsob]

Thank you everyone for the advise on this topic. Little update, I found a smoking deal on a Premier 3-15, just a couple hundred more than the .mil price for the ERS, and convinced the wife to let me get it. I actually got a chance to handle one of the Premiers on an M110 here on base and it is a pretty awesome scope. Not that the Bushnell are not awesome scopes, I just probably won't get another chance in the near or distant future to own a scope like a premier.

 

[Supergyro]

I've got a decision like yours to make a little ways up the road here for my .260. I figure I'll probably end up going with the ERS unless I have a chance to compare the 2.

Now, H59 or G2DMR? Hmmm...