I'm considering purchasing a MK 12 Mod 0 upper from PRI but I need advice on optics. I'm new for the most part to them so any advice is appreciated. The only requirement is that it be reasonable.
Rifle Scopes Need Advice on Optics for a Mk 12
- Thread starter gjohnsoniv
- Start date
Could also be a NF 2.5-10x24
For the money, leupold is a waste of money and outdated technology. Look into the vortex FFP, Bushnell Tactical, and my favorate SPR optic, the IOR 2-12 with a MP8.
For the money, leupold is a waste of money and outdated technology. Look into the vortex FFP, Bushnell Tactical, and my favorate SPR optic, the IOR 2-12 with a MP8.
I ran an NXS 2.5-10x w/ mildot reticle on mine for years before switching to a Bushnell HDMR w/ H59. The reason was wanting a bit more magnification than 10x and a reticle with better options for holding elevation and windage. At the time, the Mark 6 scopes weren't out yet and I didn't want to spend too much money for a scope with a reticle I wasn't sure I'd like. Now a year later I'm looking to replace the HDMR with another H59-based optic, but one with better turrets and better optical quality. Those were my main complaints on the HDMR, even though it's a great value scope and I often recommend it. I also ran an RMR mounted on top and the height of the turrets was a bit of a problem, something the DAGR or Ultra Short would solve. But my main problem with the turrets were that I didn't like the feel of them nor the base 5 rotation value, even though I was holding off a lot of my shots. I would consider the newer 2.5-10x42mm or the Leup Mark 6 3-18x if they release a version with the shorter turrets, but that has more to do with the RDS mount than anything else and may not factor into your needs at all.
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I don't care about it being "correct" for the rifle, I could care less about making a replica. Great suggestions, keep them coming!
If you are on a mid-range budget the Vortex PST line is popular.
So you like the PRI upper? I really like it but I would like some advice before I spend $1,500 on it.
The Vortex scope line is starting to look pretty tempting.
I would honestly recommend it. The parts they are using are the same as any other, minus the upper receiver and bolt carrier group which I believe are CMMG. It has consistently shot sub-moa, and sometimes significantly better. If you are military, they offer a discount on the upper receiver.
I still sport Leupolds for mid range work. My KAC LPR is fitted with a leupold mk4 3.5-10x40 that has been retro fitted with a premier gen 2 reticle in FFP.... I load 69 SMK's at 2800 fps and have no problem tagging targets out to 600 meters consistently.
so, my vote goes to a luppy 3.5-10x40 m2/m3 with TMR.
if money is not an issue: S&B short dot, NF, US optics, etc, would obliviously be a better choice... Leupolds the lowest I'd go.
so, my vote goes to a luppy 3.5-10x40 m2/m3 with TMR.
if money is not an issue: S&B short dot, NF, US optics, etc, would obliviously be a better choice... Leupolds the lowest I'd go.
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a 2.5-10 in either vortex Viper PST 2.5?10x32 FFP
or nightforce
Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x32 Zero Stop Mildot-Milradian Turrets Nightforce Compact Rifle Scopes C454
depending on your price range
or nightforce
Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x32 Zero Stop Mildot-Milradian Turrets Nightforce Compact Rifle Scopes C454
depending on your price range
What about the 4-16x50 with the Mrad reticle?
If you don't mind a heavier, pricier scope you could put a nightforce F1 on it too.
The Precision Reflex uppers are excellent.
My 'spr' has a leupold M3 on it but only because I fell into a good deal on one but the vortex 2.5-10 or 4-16, super sniper 3-9, bushnell tacticals, all of those are good options for a grand or less too.
Keep in mind with the SPR top rail you will want medium-high rings of about 1.1" to center for proper cheekweld. Which means a 40mm or less scope. If you go 50mm you will need 1.3" give or take and that will put the entire setup a little bit high. This is why you see lots of guys with either Magpul PRS stocks or CTR stocks with the little cheek riser piece.
edit: on a stock AR the A2 iron sights are right around 1.4" to centerline. Most 1pc mounts you'll see about 1.38-1.45" to centerline. The ARMS/SPR top rail on PRI handguard adds about .4". So, a 1.5" mount is now 1.9" high. That is what I'm referring to.
The Precision Reflex uppers are excellent.
My 'spr' has a leupold M3 on it but only because I fell into a good deal on one but the vortex 2.5-10 or 4-16, super sniper 3-9, bushnell tacticals, all of those are good options for a grand or less too.
Keep in mind with the SPR top rail you will want medium-high rings of about 1.1" to center for proper cheekweld. Which means a 40mm or less scope. If you go 50mm you will need 1.3" give or take and that will put the entire setup a little bit high. This is why you see lots of guys with either Magpul PRS stocks or CTR stocks with the little cheek riser piece.
edit: on a stock AR the A2 iron sights are right around 1.4" to centerline. Most 1pc mounts you'll see about 1.38-1.45" to centerline. The ARMS/SPR top rail on PRI handguard adds about .4". So, a 1.5" mount is now 1.9" high. That is what I'm referring to.
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To throw one more in the mix, have a look at the Kahles K312II. It can now be ordered with the MSR reticle and with the internal adjustment and the holds in the reticle, this would take you well out to 1K and beyond. Largest field of view in a 3-12, light weight and great picture quality.
Here is a short review from a fellow member on the hide, Charles Coker with Tactical Gun reviews:
Staff Sneak Peak: Kahles optics | Tactical Gun Review
Let me know if you need any additional information on it. I might know a guy lol
Ken
Here is a short review from a fellow member on the hide, Charles Coker with Tactical Gun reviews:
Staff Sneak Peak: Kahles optics | Tactical Gun Review
Let me know if you need any additional information on it. I might know a guy lol
Ken
Don't forget about the SS 3-15x42. I'm still thinking it is one of the most versatile optics out there for the price. There really isn't any other FFP's with its wide mag range and internal adjustment at its price point... other than the also great 50mm objective Weaver.
"smaller, lighter, faster"
12 inches and weighing in at 23.6oz with a street price point around $2100 IMHO the Mark6 TMR is a winner. The m5b2 turret features are rare if not unheard of in that price point. Pinch lock, Zero stop, 20+ mil in 2 revolution, pop up revolution counter. Rumored BDC dials would be the icing on the cake.
12 inches and weighing in at 23.6oz with a street price point around $2100 IMHO the Mark6 TMR is a winner. The m5b2 turret features are rare if not unheard of in that price point. Pinch lock, Zero stop, 20+ mil in 2 revolution, pop up revolution counter. Rumored BDC dials would be the icing on the cake.
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If your trying to be spec then the older leupolds or NF X24's will be needed. If you want a great optic with exceptional glass, I say get the Leupold Mk8 1-8 or the 3-18.
You have yet to say what you're wanting to do with the rifle or what your budget is. Help us help you...
actually the 3-9 M3 was the scope, which I have on my dmr, shoots bang on to 1000M with ss109, but you would have to hunt for one of them these days.
but in the end of the day your not building a copy so use what ever you want to.
My Mk12 sports an IOR 2.5x10 tactical with the new mp8. I can resolve hits on steel at 600 yards easy enough, and make corrections. Its as if that scope is built with the SPR in mind. Love the dot on it.
Then why the hell would you buy a Mod 0, especialy from PRI when better uppers can be had for much cheaper
My NF 2.5-10x32mm with mil-r is great for my mod 1
Im a huge Vortex fan, but the 4-16 is to big of a scope for a MK12. I had one on my remingtn 700 it was amazing. I put the 1-4 pst on my "mk12". Still able to get .197 moa 5 shot groups at 100 meters. I do wish I would of gotten a little bit more magnification but overall im happy. Very fast reticle for cqb and excellent at further range.
that wouldn't be bad if you want more magnification, but it is a larger and heavier scope
Nightforce 2.5-10x32 or 42mm or 3.5-15x50mm
steiner 3-12x or 3-15
kahles 3-12x
s&b 3-12x
leupold 4-14x50mm mk4 or the 3.5-10x40mm
mike cstactical
steiner 3-12x or 3-15
kahles 3-12x
s&b 3-12x
leupold 4-14x50mm mk4 or the 3.5-10x40mm
mike cstactical
vortex pst 2.5-10x32 mrad
Because I can? I've built AR's, handguns, shotguns, everything. If I wanted to build a better upper I would have. However that you appeals to me in looks. No different then you going out and buying the latest trainers rifle with only minor changes to a design.
gjohnsoniv, here's a few pictures of my MK12 Mod 0 upper with a NXS 2.5-10x24 in ARMS#22 M and a MK6 3-18x44 in Badger extra highs 1.375, now I do have a ARMS #40L on the rear and not the standard #40. Also I am running a Battleline Industries SAPR to address the height difference that BCP pointed out, although I can probably come down to about 1.250 with the MK6.
Oh the MK6 was a pleasant surprise, lightweight, compact, nice glass, TMR reticle, easy to get behind
Oh the MK6 was a pleasant surprise, lightweight, compact, nice glass, TMR reticle, easy to get behind
What optics did you end up with???
Is there any reason I don't see anyone talking about the Bushnell Tactical Elite 3-12 with either the G2 or mil dot reticle? It seems lime a scaled down DMR to me, and can be found for around $700 if you look around. I know it's not a Nightforce or Leupold, but it seems like a great choice and value for a MK12 type gun. If people aren't using this scope, there's probably a reason that I do t know about.
Sure, I'd rather have the Mk 6 with a TMR reticle, but I'm not made of money, and I can start saving for great glass while still using something good enough.
Sure, I'd rather have the Mk 6 with a TMR reticle, but I'm not made of money, and I can start saving for great glass while still using something good enough.
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NF 2.5-10x40 or a BSA I cant decide
I would love to say the MK4 2.5-8x36mm but it really is dated and i found myself dialing 2 MOA out to 450yds because i had done what i never thought i would do: get mixed up. All my scopes are Mil/Mil except that one. I love the little optic and it's price is attractive compared to the other candidates, i just can't recommend it less your going for a 100% clone.
I just picked up a mark 6 for a bolt gun it would do the job though i wouldn't want to spend that much for a mk12 optic (just me though). I'd be looking for 10x and under to keep weight down, though here again the mark 6 is exceptional in this category. A 10x mark 6 would be very interesting if that were introduced.
Vortex Viper PST (32mm Objective) or the NXS 2.5-10x32mm would probably be my choice. I like the way sub 40mm objectives look on an mk12. This is all personal preference though.
What's your budget?
I just picked up a mark 6 for a bolt gun it would do the job though i wouldn't want to spend that much for a mk12 optic (just me though). I'd be looking for 10x and under to keep weight down, though here again the mark 6 is exceptional in this category. A 10x mark 6 would be very interesting if that were introduced.
Vortex Viper PST (32mm Objective) or the NXS 2.5-10x32mm would probably be my choice. I like the way sub 40mm objectives look on an mk12. This is all personal preference though.
What's your budget?
