Rifle Scopes How far have you shot with your SS 3-9?

B

BenY 2013

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 23, 2012
1,294
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SW Arkansas
#1
So I am seriously looking into selling a few things to fund a new scope for my (soon to be 16.5") .308, which I am planning on using for hunting, but also shooting steel at range 1000yds max most likely. I have a SS12x on my .22 and would like to keep the reticle the same if at all possible. Not a huge issue but I figure it'd make things easier swapping from gun to gun.

It currently has a Vortex 5-15 Midway special on it, which don't get me wrong is a great scope! Although not a big fan of the mildot and just wanted to look at my options. I came across the 3-9 and it looked like it may fit the bill pretty well. So how far have you guys shot with your 3-9ss scopes?

I have a feeling people will tell me to get the 3-15, but I am really not a big fan of those turrets on these scopes. I am dealing with it on the .22 for now! Are there any other suggestions you guys would make for this type of rig? I'd love a 5-20SS, but unless I could find a used one for around $1000 I think that is going to be out, it would also be a little heavy for a carry around gun. Thanks for your input!

Ben
 
#2
Not with a SS, but I've shot out to 850 with a Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9. Shoot 300-500 frquently at the range. Pretty much comparable and I would think the SS 3-9 has better glass. I have the SS 5-20. Haven't mounted just yet.
 
#4
Range is irrelevant without knowing the size of the target you wish to hit. We hit a full size silhouette at 800 with every shot using an AR in .223 and a 6X scope. What size steel?

Think of it this way. You can hit a 6" plate at 100 with irons. 6X gets you the same plate at 600 (disregarding wind). That's at the edge of my capability, especially with a thick reticle, but it's doable. 9X ought to get you to 900, though I've not actually tried that. A 12" plate at a grand should be accessible with 9X, but you'll never see splash from your misses.

I wouldn't think a 9X is enough to see hits or misses at 1,000 without a spotter.
 
#5
BenY 2013 said:
So I am seriously looking into selling a few things to fund a new scope for my (soon to be 16.5") .308, which I am planning on using for hunting, but also shooting steel at range 1000yds max most likely. I have a SS12x on my .22 and would like to keep the reticle the same if at all possible. Not a huge issue but I figure it'd make things easier swapping from gun to gun.

It currently has a Vortex 5-15 Midway special on it, which don't get me wrong is a great scope! Although not a big fan of the mildot and just wanted to look at my options. I came across the 3-9 and it looked like it may fit the bill pretty well. So how far have you guys shot with your 3-9ss scopes?

I have a feeling people will tell me to get the 3-15, but I am really not a big fan of those turrets on these scopes. I am dealing with it on the .22 for now! Are there any other suggestions you guys would make for this type of rig? I'd love a 5-20SS, but unless I could find a used one for around $1000 I think that is going to be out, it would also be a little heavy for a carry around gun. Thanks for your input!

Ben
Click to expand...

I shot mine to 600. Past that I'd think the lack of magnification and parallax adjustment might get frustrating. But then a 16" 308 is not a 1000 yard rifle anyways so for what you are talking about I think you'd be more than happy with it.
 
#6
This gun may not be ideal for 1000 yards, but I'd certainly shoot that distance if I had the chance. But being here in Arkansas I doubt I'll ever see that kind of range to shoot at, at least in my neck of the woods.

I see what you guys are saying about the size of the target. That makes a lot of sense and I am sitting here wondering how I didn't think of that. Anyhow, seems like the 3-9 might need to be on my list! Unless you guys have any better suggestions? Thanks

Ben
 
#7
The SWFA 3-9 and Sightron S3 3.5-10 are the only two scopes I'd recommend for 600. Everything else I have used around that price I didn't like. Fixed power I saw a guy selling a 10x super sniper HD in the classifieds here for 500$. If he's reputable that is a good deal. Hard to go wrong with a straight 10x scope.
 
#8
I agree about the straight 10x, I considered moving my 12x to the .308, but 12x is a little on the high side for hunting. I really wish USO still made the ST-10 or I could find a used one floating around for a decent price, love the looks of that scope!

Ben
 
#12
I use three 3-9 SWFA SS's on my hunting rifles and I really like them in that role. They're definately better suited to it than the fixed 12X, and while the fixed 10 gets you closer to where you need to be, I still prefer the 3-9 for a hunting rifle.

I've made hits out to 1500 with mine. No elevation in my mounts, and I was about three mil's shy, so I used the reticle for the rest. I also shot it at 1000 on a fast twist .223, and could spot misses on an ideal background.

Great scope.
 
#13
Carl_Ross said:
I use three 3-9 SWFA SS's on my hunting rifles and I really like them in that role. They're definately better suited to it than the fixed 12X, and while the fixed 10 gets you closer to where you need to be, I still prefer the 3-9 for a hunting rifle.

I've made hits out to 1500 with mine. No elevation in my mounts, and I was about three mil's shy, so I used the reticle for the rest. I also shot it at 1000 on a fast twist .223, and could spot misses on an ideal background.

Great scope.
Click to expand...

Wow! That is amazing, may I ask what size targets you were shooting at? I am in no way doubting, just very curious! I guess although it is a 9 power if you can work with it it'll do what you want it to, I heard from a reputable source using one of these scopes on a .22 and killing a prairie dog at right under 400yds and I was very impressed, that would be a very small target!

It is also nice to know that the warranty is good on these scopes! I saw the 2 5-20s in the classified and almost snatched up one and probably should! I just think that might be a little heavy of a scope for this type of gun. Right now it is between the 3-9 and the Vortex 4-16 HS-T...

Ben
 
#14
Was hitting a lifesize wolf cutout at 1000 with the 223. I didn't get any measurements on it, but I'd guess it was roughly 1.25x2.5 MOA.

Trying to remember, but I'm thinking the 1500 yard target was in the 1.5 MOA range.

1 MOA dots are just fine for targets.
 
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