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Rifle Scopes Looking for 3-15 illuminated...

E

Elite_KG

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Oct 15, 2011
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LA
I'm needing about a 3-15 variable power scope with illumination for a predator bolt gun build. I likely would have bought the SWFA 3-15 to compliment the SWFA 5-20 I have, but the 3-15 is non-illuminated. I've looked some at Nightforce, but can't quit determine for sure if an MIL/MIL FFP is available. Most of the NF scopes I see are MOA/MOA or MIL/MOA.
I do really like the Leupold 3-18 Mark 6, but was very disappointed to learn the illuminated TMR is $1,000 more than the non-illuminated. ($2,800 total!!!!)The Leupold is awesome in size and turret design. I am a big fan of the Mark 6 so far; it's a super sweet little scope. I like it so much I am considering the non-illuminated very hard, but for low light hours of hunting (dawn/dusk) non illuminated is almost useless; the fine cross-hairs disappear in the foliage background. Even the single dot illumination is very effective in I dictating POA in these cases.

Does anyone out there have any good suggestions on a 3-15 power illuminated scope I'm the $1000-$2250 range or so? I have looked over the Bushnell and Vortex, but have a hard time venturing that direction so far.
 
What do you not like about the Vortex? It sounds like the PST 4-16x50mm FFP mrad would be pretty close to what you are looking for. The NF F1 MLR2 would also fit. Small price difference.
 
There is a few options available with your requirements .If a 3-12 would do the Kahles K312I, mil/mil, 1 fp, illum goes for your upper price limit, a tad more with a msr reticle. And certainly is the best scope you currently can get for that price.
Another good option that's been mentioned is the Nightforce F1 scopes.
The new Vortex HD gen2 3-18 is also in the price range, have not seen the new series yet myself.
IOR 3-18 x50.
Bushnell Elite Tactical 3-12x50.
 
I will look more at the NF based on comments. All the ones I've seen we're MOA/MOA or MIL/MOA. I need MIL/MIL. I will pass an eye over the weaver as well. I forgot about that scope till now and actually got a chance to look through one last year.
I just haven't warmed up to vortex, yet I have no experience with them.

Thanks for the help and input. Still bummed about the Leupold price...
 
Looks like I'm choosing between the Leupold non-illuminated 3-18 FFP and the NF Compact 2.5-10 illuminated SFP. I'm stuck and not sure, but leaning toward the NF as I feel illumination is a must for my use in hunting. I will be loosing some magnification, but the non-illuminated FFP will likely be next to useless at the beginning and end of shooting times. Any thoughts?
 
Vortex PST 4-16x50. It is only $899, it is illuminated, and only 22oz. I have one of these and love it. Plus it comes with shims so you can make it have a zero stop if you want to.
Vortex 4-16x50 Viper PST 30mm Rifle Scope

Special_KG said:
I'm needing about a 3-15 variable power scope with illumination for a predator bolt gun build. I likely would have bought the SWFA 3-15 to compliment the SWFA 5-20 I have, but the 3-15 is non-illuminated. I've looked some at Nightforce, but can't quit determine for sure if an MIL/MIL FFP is available. Most of the NF scopes I see are MOA/MOA or MIL/MOA.
I do really like the Leupold 3-18 Mark 6, but was very disappointed to learn the illuminated TMR is $1,000 more than the non-illuminated. ($2,800 total!!!!)The Leupold is awesome in size and turret design. I am a big fan of the Mark 6 so far; it's a super sweet little scope. I like it so much I am considering the non-illuminated very hard, but for low light hours of hunting (dawn/dusk) non illuminated is almost useless; the fine cross-hairs disappear in the foliage background. Even the single dot illumination is very effective in I dictating POA in these cases.

Does anyone out there have any good suggestions on a 3-15 power illuminated scope I'm the $1000-$2250 range or so? I have looked over the Bushnell and Vortex, but have a hard time venturing that direction so far.
Click to expand...
 
I will definitely check those. I wasn't looking at f1 as the price point is on another level.
 
4th the Weaver EMDR.

Solid clicks, no tools to zero out, locking turrets, crisp illumination, FFP, MIL/MIL, smooth but stiff parallax and mag rings, glass is clear at all levels.
 
Have two Weaver EMDR's which I'm pleased with at their price point for value, glass and red and green illuminated mil hash reticles-which I seldom use, but am equally impressed with two IOR 2.5-10 illum, FFP with MP8 reticles. Not for long range ultra precision work, but will bang steel at 500yds all day long and the quality of Schott glass in lowlight, hunting situations might provide an extra few minutes of visibility when it matters. Weaver is about $100-150 less than IOR, both should be available for under $1k.
 
Nightforce F1 for sure. Been behind a weaver. Been behind a swfa. The nf F1 is about as solid as it gets. My second choice would be the leupy 4.5-14.5 illum.
 
For the money I'm looking into the weavers as well and NF F1 on secondary market from trusted sources. Nice to hear people are pleased with the EDMR's. Anyone own both the weaver and the NF care to share your opinion on each; with price value in mind of course.
 
Hasn't surfed Steiner and only browsed IOR. It's getting to the point of paralysis by analysis....
 
I may have to pull out all the stops and get an illuminated mark 6 even if just for piece of mind. Flipping a coin might help too at this point....
I appreciate all the advice and it has definitely given me more to consider.
 
6th on weaver 3-15x50 EDMR. I was a skeptic due to not much publicity but ended up thinking its near perfect (at its price range). FYI, samplelist has one as demo-b for $629. I'd scoop it up quick. GL with your decision!
 
Special_KG said:
For the money I'm looking into the weavers as well and NF F1 on secondary market from trusted sources. Nice to hear people are pleased with the EDMR's. Anyone own both the weaver and the NF care to share your opinion on each; with price value in mind of course.
Click to expand...

Had both, still have the NF but now sold off the F1 for the ATACR (didn't need ffp) and the Weaver was a nice scope for the price point. Liked it a tic better then the PST, actually a lot better then the PST. My issue was with the CS when I broke it in the field. I hear the CS is much better this year but I sold mine over a year ago. As far as a head to head, that is like asking a Nissan Rogue to do what the Hummer does, not in the same category. the NF is much better then the Weaver, sorry but that is a fact, and why the price point translates to more then twice the cost of the Weaver. But for a low cost range scope not dedicated to hard field use I think the Weaver is the winner in the $6-$9 range for illuminated.

Sully
 
I've evolved to the $2,500 range. Narrowed it down to the Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44 illuminated M5C2 turrets vs the Nightforce 3-15x50 NXS F1. About the same money. Weight and size difference is not a game changer either way, so now which is really the better choice?
So whatcha think? I am about down to flipping a coin! I think I could get the NF faster as the Leupold is hard to acquire.
 
NF F1, and I would go with a good used/demo one. Better value retention if you wish to trade up later, available now, will track perfectly, and satisfies all your needs.
 
Look at the Leupold VX6 3-18 illuminated (hunting ) scope. It's SFP but an outstanding scope for about $1100.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I need to entertain the VX6 for the price difference alone. Yet the Mark still has everything I'm seeking. I'll have to give that some thought.
 
I think you are doing yourself a disservice not looking at the Steiner 3-15x50. Liberty optics price if you contact him makes it a no brainer IMO.
 
Went back and forth on 44-44mm vs 50 for a while. I will take a look since you bring it up. Thanks.
 
Here are som heavy duty scopes, all big favorites of mine and none of them will dissapoint you. They all come in Mil/Mil, FFP, Illuminated and will you give a perfect package:

U.S. Optics LR-17 3.2-17x44 FFP -a magnificent scope with the best illuminated reticle
IOR 3.5-18x50 FFP -fantastic optics and really cool features
Steiner Military 3-15x50 FFP -great optics and great features

or why not swing it all the way and go for a March-F 3-24x42 FFP or a 3-24x52 FFP? With these your're all set.
 
Here are som heavy duty scopes, all big favorites of mine and none of them will dissapoint you. They all come in Mil/Mil, FFP, Illuminated and will you give a perfect package:

U.S. Optics LR-17 3.2-17x44 FFP -a magnificent scope with the best illuminated reticle
IOR 3.5-18x50 FFP -fantastic optics and really cool features
Steiner Military 3-15x50 FFP -great optics and great features

or why not swing it all the way and go for a March-F 3-24x42 FFP or a 3-24x52 FFP? With these your're all set.
 
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