I am shopping for a scope for my compact 308 Win. The majority of my shots while hunting are 50 to 100 yards. On occasion I also like to shoot some paper out to maybe 300 yards max or small steel targets. I reload my ammo so I have a load for target and one for hunting. That's where my delima comes in on what type scope I need. I would like to stay around 8 to 10x and not over a 40 mm objective to keep the package compact. Since I would be adjusting the scope between loads pretty regular I thought maybe exposed turrets would be a plus. I also wanted a more plain reticle, like the the IHR reticle offered in the Nightforce NXS scope. I have not found any other scope with exposed turrets and that style of reticle. I really like the Nightforce but would not mind saving some money! Would appreciate opinions or recommendations.
Rifle Scopes Need Scope Advice
- Thread starter stxhunter2013
- Start date
I am too shopping for a scope and asking for advice. I have had good luck with responses and I think I may be able to offer you some here. While you can't deny the Nightforce for all it's known for the money is tough for many. With that said, your describe purposes says 3-9x40. If you are looking to save some money and still get a great quality scope comparable to the Nightforce you have to check out SWFA 3-9x42 SS HD. It is FFP, cheaper than the NF and a great optic. I have the 5-20x50 and it is built very well. No complaints. If SWFA offered a illuminated 3-15 I would buy it, but I am looking a NF and Leupold for my current needs. Sorry I can't help much about the reticle. Most tactical style reticle a seem "busy" for ranging and holdovers. Good luck.
I would check out the vortex pst 2.5-10x 44. Exposed turrets, clean reticle, light weight but stong, clear glass and unbeatable warranty. 10X would get you out to 300 and 2.5x would give you great field of view for hunting
Thanks for the reply Special_KG, you also pepper. I have indeed looked closely at the SWFA and the Vortex which appear to be solid glass. The NF fits my needs for a more "plain" reticle as does the slightly smaller objective. I plan to go ahead and order one and see how it compares to my Leupold VX2 I have. If the glass does not perform like I hope and I don't like the reticle, I will send it back and go with the SWFA or Vortex and get used to the reticles offered and put some major bills back in my pocket. I sent an e-mail to leupold asking if they could build a Mark4 with a plain reticle and never heard back from them. Guess they thought that was a dumb ass question! Hey, I like a plain reticle for short distance hunting. Thats just me!
If the merchandise a company sells is firearm's related they are swamped. The ammunition companies are the farthest behind, but that doesn't mean other companies, like Leupold, that sells hunting & tactical scopes, aren't so far behind that they let a potential customer fall through the cracks. Call the Leupold custom shop and ask them if they can retro-fit the reticle in the scope you have in mind.
For those distances and power range I like the zeiss conquest 4.5-14.
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You're right Magnumdood! I have a Zeiss 3.5 15 conquest HD on one of my other bolt rifles. great scope but that's way more glass than I need for a short distance brush gun.
The vortex pst 2.5-10, sightron 3.5-10, burris xtr 3-12 would also be on my list.
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For the money, I have been very impressed by the Vortex PST 2.5-10.
That Vortex appears to be a good choice. Now if I could just get a plain reticle in it!
Maybe a viper hs with bdc reticle? Pretty simple reticle. Think the adjustments are 1/2 moa on those.
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The BDC reticle is pretty nice except I shoot different loads for target and hunting so I need to be able to dial for those. I used to have a BDC on another gun and with it worked good for the load set up.
I have a NF 2.5-10x32mm on my MK 12 build. I love it.
What reticle do you have Km22? I ordered mine and am about to piss my pants I'm so excited. Its that or the pain from spending all my dough!! lol Sure glad I already built my new rifle.
I will find out next week when my NF arrives if it is as good as what I hear!
I had a leupold Mark 4 4.5-14. It was 4.5-14, I believe it had a 40mm objective, and while the turrets weren't exposed, they were target turrets that were beefy and accurate. It had a mil-dot reticle. i think I paid something like 900 for it brand new and it is a great scope for all around hunting or paper punching, like you said. My buddy bought it from me and it's still going just as strong as they day it was new.
EDIT: I see that you bought the NF, I am sure you will be very happy with it. Haven't had one myself but hear nothing but good.
EDIT: I see that you bought the NF, I am sure you will be very happy with it. Haven't had one myself but hear nothing but good.
My leupolds have always served me good!! The Mark4 2.5x8 I was interested in sounded real good too. The NF cost a bit more but had the reticle I wanted and from what I have heard is a solid performer. I will post my opinions for what they are worth.
I have the Mil-R on mine. It goes well with my 2 F1s and 5.5-22x. The price shock goes away completely after the first time and once you get your scope!
I hope your right about getting over the shock of spending that kind of money on glass Km22. I was just getting over the shock of the money I spent putting together the rifle I am putting that NF on! But I am sure it will be all good when I send a few rounds down range with it. I had planned on slapping a Leupold VX-II I had laying around on it until that little voice in my head started speaking to me!
I hope your right about getting over the shock of spending that kind of money on glass Km22. I was just getting over the shock of the money I spent putting together the rifle I am putting that NF on! But I am sure it will be all good when I send a few rounds down range with it. I had planned on slapping a Leupold VX-II I had laying around on it until that little voice in my head started speaking to me!
You are already happier now that you did that. Just imagine how happy you'll be when you receive the scope, and then again once you use it...
You are right about that Km22. Sounds like you have been in my position before! lol
