Rifle Scopes 16x, or 20x?

[A-Rok]

I'll start this off by saying I'm a big fan of fixed power scopes; there's something to be said about knowing that your mil dots are accurate all the time without having to shell out the money on a quality FFP optic.

Anyway, I've outgrown my Bushnell Elite 3200 10x fixed. Now that I've found a place where I can shoot out to about 1200 yards, targets are starting to look really small. It's time to buy a higher quality/more powerful optic.

1. I will need a scope with a 30mm tube to go with my LaRue SPR-S mount

2. Mil dot reticle is a must. I don't really care if the turrets are Mil or MOA, but I'd actually kind of prefer 1/10 mil adjustments.

3. I'd like to keep the optic under the $500 range, I've already sold one rifle to fund this optic/mount combo, I don't really want to sell another.

I've been looking at the SWFA SS 16x and 20x scopes, and they look like a real quality piece of glass for the money.

My biggest questions are:

1. Can anyone testify to the quality of either of the above mentioned scopes?

2. Could 20x magnification be a little too much? Is there a reference sheet online somewhere showing a USPSA target at 10x, 15x, and 20x magnifications at given ranges or something? I will use this scope for occasional elk and pig hunting, so I'm not sure if the field of view at 20x will be too small or not.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[mscott]

Re: 16x, or 20x?

For under $500 the SS line is hard to beat. Their reliability is more of a given than a question. Go with the 16x in my opinion.

 

[KE5MUJ]

Re: 16x, or 20x?

I cant speak for the SS 20x, but just got in the SS 16x and its great for the $. Eye box is a little tight (its a 16x42), and glass is decent. This 16x tracked very well IMO, turrets have great feel and audible clicks.

 

[Ring]

Re: 16x, or 20x?

have the 16, used the 20, both are nice, the 20 kinds sucks under 200 for finding your target.. also a bit darker then the 16 the 16 was fine shooting 12x12 steel at 1k

but if u want WAY better glass, look at these
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviper6-20x44

 

[A-Rok]

Re: 16x, or 20x?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ring</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
but if u want WAY better glass, look at these
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviper6-20x44

</div></div>

I will have a look at these!

And thanks for the info gentlemen, I had a feeling 20x would be too much for what I wanted to do.

 

[azimutha]

Re: 16x, or 20x?

I wouldn't want a fixed mag optic over 6X for elk (or deer) hunting, but that's because none of my shots on elk have been taken over 320 yards. I'd really consider either the Vortex 4-16 PST FFP model or the Weaver 4-20 Tactical. If those are still too expensive, the Weaver 3-15 Tactical is only $650.

 

[20Incher]

Re: 16x, or 20x?

How about siii http://swfa.com/Sightron-SIII-Riflescopes-C176.aspx?s=Name ASC&p=1 A little more then you wanted to spend but they have half hash.

 

[Ridgeback80]

Re: 16x, or 20x?

i'd stick with the ss , i got a 16x on the way picked it up off hide member for $125! keep an eye on the optics for sale section all kinda deals !

 

[rdmega]

Re: 16x, or 20x?

I like the 16 in case you decide to use it closer it may be a faster target transition for finding your targets.