Rifle Scopes 2-10 or 3-9 variable for 5.56 under $1k

[Gms89]

Just registered I have spent the last few weeks researching 2-10 and 3-9 variables for a accurized 5.56 ar15. I can’t make up my mind which one exactly.

Primarily shooting 200-800 yard steel and paper at 100 with 62 and 77 grain ammo.

Trying to keep it somewhat compact and In the $600-$1000 range. FFP is a feature I’d like to have. Illumination while nice to have is not necessary. Exposed turrets and mil reticle required.

Number one on my list in the Vortex Viper pst gen II 2-10x32.

Ive read the glass in the XTR II isn’t the greatest? Also seen people having issues with illumination knob. 34mm tube will add unwanted bulk.

I’ve looked into NightForce and Vortex Razor line and just can’t justify it for the amount/type of shooting I do. Anything else around this magnification range and price/features that I should be looking at?

Thank you for any assistance!

 

[308pirate]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/6...focal-illuminated-h59-reticle-black-blemished

 

[koshkin]

With the 2-10x, I actually prefer the XTR II to PST Gen 2. With higher magnification, the other way around.

If you do not require illumination, you should really check it SWFA SS 3-9X42.

ILya

 

[308pirate]

With the 2-10x, I actually prefer the XTR II to PST Gen 2. With higher magnification, the other way around.

An explanation of why would be good

 

[Gms89]

Indeed. I am curious why you prefer the xtr II? Thanks!

 

[lennyo3034]

How about a Gen 1 Tango 6 3-18x44?

 

[koshkin]

An explanation of why would be good

PST Gen2 2-10x32 is too heavy for a 32mm objective scope. Optically, 2-10x32 is not the best of the PST Gen 2 line and while very decent is generally comparable to the XTR II. However, XTR II has a 42mm objective in a package that is 3-4 ounces lighter. PST Gen 2 has a little more FOV, but XTR II eye relief is longer and a bit more forgiving, especially at higher magnification where a larger exit pupil really helps.

In terms of features, they are roughly similar and in terms of mechanical quality, probably similar as well. XTR II has a longer track record, but PST Gen 2 seems to be holding up quite well.

With higher magnification models, I prefer PST Gen 2 since there they have an optical advantage and better (for me) reticles.

With the 2-10x mdoels both Vortex and Burris have made reticle selections that are somewhat mystifying to me and both companies seem to treat this magnification range as nothing more than an afterthought.

I am a mrad guy and while EBR-4 is arguably a more interesting reticle than Burris' G2B, both work fine.

SWFA 3-9x42 is a simpler scope, but it has been around forever and is as close to bulletproof as scopes seem to get. If you can live without illumination and zerostop, it is a really nice option that is a bit better optically than both Burris and Vortex. Naturally, if you need wide FOV of 2x, SWFA is not your best option. Outside of that, it has a lot to recommend itself.

ILya

 

[308pirate]

PST Gen2 2-10x32 is too heavy for a 32mm objective scope. Optically, 2-10x32 is not the best of the PST Gen 2 line and while very decent is generally comparable to the XTR II. However, XTR II has a 42mm objective in a package that is 3-4 ounces lighter. PST Gen 2 has a little more FOV, but XTR II eye relief is longer and a bit more forgiving, especially at higher magnification where a larger exit pupil really helps.

Sound reasons. Thanks

 

[PBWalsh]

SS 3-9x42, excellent optic/tacking/durability and cheaper than a Vortex/Burris with arguably equal or better build quality. Pay $22 to Timk on here for a set of zero stops. These scopes are routinely on SWFA’s samplelist.com and you can buy one brand new for $599 on swfa.com. Light weight at <20 oz as well compared to the Vortex at 28oz.

Cannot recommend them enough for this thpe of build. No illumination though, but I would personally rarely use it. The reticle makes up for it though as the outter stadias are a bit thicker, naturally aiding the eye towards the center.

 

[Gms89]

Thanks for the input.

I was heavily leaning towards the Vortex but I’ll have to look more into the SWFA. Too bad it doesn’t have an adjustable parallax.

Does the glass quality really surpass the Vortex?

I have most of my experience with Trijicon optics including a 1-4 accupower and all the more popular acogs models. Will I be disappointed coming from something like those?

Thanks!

 

[PBWalsh]

Parallax shouldn’t be an issue below 10x, especially with proper rifle set up. Cannot speak to the glass quality vs. a Vortex, other may be able to though.

 

[samnev]

I you don't need illumination I'd look for a look for a LNIB Bushnell Tactical Elite G2DMR Gen I 3.5-21X50 scope.

 

[Gms89]

I snagged a swfa ss hd 3-9x42 off eBay for $450. After an adm qd mount I’m right at $600. Should be here in a week or two.

I think this was the best bang for the buck option. Saving about $300-$400 over going with the 2-10 or 3-15 pst gen ii’s.

Hoping the glass is decent and turrets are nice. For the gun it’s being mounted on and the type/amount of shooting I get to do I think it’ll work out just right.

Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[Phineas7]

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/6...focal-illuminated-h59-reticle-black-blemished

Anyone had any experience with EOTech? Don't find many reviews or opinions on them.

 

[Gms89]

Anyone had any experience with EOTech? Don't find many reviews or opinions on them.

Never even looked through one, I’d bet it’s decent enough though. I’ve never had a problem with the few Eotech products I’ve owned for whatever that’s worth?

My guess is that there are so many other proven/more popular products on the market that the Eotech offerings are not even really considered.

 

[PusherX11]

Keep a close eye out on the px, you should be able to pick up a 2.5-10 NF compact for around 1k, it’s sfp but a bad ass little optic.