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Rifle Scopes Help me make up my mind!

Devildog

Professional Nail Bender
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Full Member
Minuteman
  • Aug 24, 2013
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    The Land of Oz
    I've gone about crazy trying to decide which scope to buy for a new custom built 300 WSM. My custom rifle builder builds mostly long range precision rifles, I asked him and his recommendation was to get the new Nightforce Atacr. I have one other Nightforce already an NXS 5.5x22x50 on my 308 and I'm mostly happy with it. But from everything I've read I'd really like a Schmidt & Bender Pm II 5x25x56 with the p4 fine reticle or the MSR reticle. So the s&b is between $3500-$3900 depending on reticle and color or I can get the Atacr, plus a Kestrel with AB, Atlas bipod, Redding comp dies, TAB Elite Biathlon Sling for about $3500 leaves me yet another $400 if I went with the MSR reticle on the s&b. So is the S&B that much better considering all the additional equipment I can purchase for the same price? Right know I'm leaning towards the Nightforce and extras what say you? Thanks for any opinions!
     
    Intended use is everything in selecting a scope. Hunting (and what with it), long range precision shooting of steel, are you going to be carrying it up the mountains, how heavy is your build coming in, what distances and at what size targets are you shooting, etc.
     
    I agree that intended use has a lot of bearing on what you decide to go with. But I will say this- it hurts to drop that much coin on a Schmidt and Bender, but it is totally worth it. Glass quality is incredible and you'll want one for every rifle you'll ever own from here on out. I just bought my first (and hopefully not last) and I never thought I'd own one in my life. It's something that I know I will have for a very long time because it is built like a tank. In fact, it'll probably be passed down to my son one day.
     
    I have been very happy with my S&Bs but I have really taken a liking to my Kahles 6-24 with the MSR. It's a fair amount cheaper than the S&B so you will have some cheese left over for accessories. I definitely think its worth taking a look at.
     
    I'd say NF plus extras if you're not shooting matches or in a environment where you're getting shot at. SFP scopes work just as well as FFP scopes in most situations. Not to mention your "extras" are badass. But like patrickchewing said I'd look at the kales, Steiner, and vortex FFP options before making a purchase. (Also don't rule out a nightforce f1) Just about as KISS as you can get.

    Good luck!
     
    Why not have 1 scope and use it for different rifles? I know this is kinda sacrilegious to most. but it saves money and keeps your mind sharp I think. All you would have to do is note how many clicks it takes from full bottom out, and full right or left windage to your zero for each rifle you have and keep track of it. I know this isn't what most people want to hear but I thought I would throw it out there.
     
    After a lot of research and thought I decided to go with the Steiner 5x25x56 with the MSR reticle. The S&B is more money then I wanted to spend, but I really wanted the MSR reticle. Should get it later this week. Hope I made the right choice. We will see.