Rifle Scopes 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

[ASH556]

The rifle in question currently wears a 16" DD CHF barrel, but depending upon how it performs at range, I'm not opposed to changing it. I want this to serve primarily as a precision rifle for shooting targets and steel out to 600 or 700 yds. I'd also like it to be useful for something as close as maybe 50 yds. I guess you'd classify it in the recce/SPR role. I have a MK18 with an aimpoint for inside work, so this rifle does not need that capability, but I do want it to have low enough magnification that it could be used close up.

It needs to have a reticle suitable for ranging/holds.

I'd prefer exposed turrets that match the reticle (mil/mil)

I'd prefer an option for a BDC turret like a Leupold M3.

Absolute maximum budget including mount is $1000, but would be much better if it could be $700 or under.

So far the following look the best:
*Vortex Viper PST 1-4
*Leupold MR/T 1.5-5
*Leupold VX-R Patrol 1.25-4

I've heard that used Nightforces can be had under $1K, but haven't seen any yet. In that line I guess the 1-4 or 2.5-10 would be good.

I don't want to just hear which to buy, but why to buy.

Thanks!

 

[Jon A]

Re: 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

As much as I like the ability for good 1-4X's (and 1-6X's even better) to do both CQB and reach out to fairly long ranges, if you spend much time shooting at 600-700 yds you will really enjoy having more power. 1-1.5X on the low end is not needed for 50 yds.

I think you'd be much better off with a 2.5-10X or 3-9X. The PST and SS would put you in under your price target.

Actually you could fit the 3-15X Weaver & mount under your price target which would be even better for the long stuff, but it's a much bigger and heavier scope which you may feel is a bit much for a 16" AR.

 

[Ring]

Re: 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

im a viper fan...

 

[ASH556]

Re: 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

I'm hearing more and more issues with the Vortex stuff. I know they have great CS, but I'm starting to look more at Leupold and Nightforce. I've also pretty much decided that I want the top end magnification, so that puts me in the 2.5-10 range. What I'm having a hard time finding is a scope with a reticle that is useful for hold-offs in one of these scopes.

It might be that the Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9 w/TMR is the best bet. How does it compare to the MR/T?

I'm not stuck on Leupold either, please make some more recommendations. I know a lot of folks here like the SS, but I've played with one and didn't care for it much.

Thanks!

 

[shootist~]

Re: 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

I have a PST 1-4 and a NF 2.5-10 and have spent some time behind a MR/T 1.5-5, (which is really a 1.5-4.5).

Of those three, the NF wins big at longer ranges. I shoot mine to 700 Meters on an 18" SPr type build - with good results using a 77 SMK reload.

The PST 1-4 wins (big) at close range and gives up nothing to 300 Meters or so - but it's only a 4X optic. It sucks for long range due to lack of power and a reticle that's hard to pick up against black targets. The substentions are to thin (for me) to use for ranging or quick hold overs.

The MR/T falls in the middle and works decently to 500 Meters (close enough to your lower end at 600 Yds). The reticle works better for me at longer distances than the center dot on the PST.

IMO, you won't be satisfied with 4X on the top end if longer range precision is your primary goal. And you won't be fully happy with 2.5x if 50 Yd speed is the primary; but this end is less of an offset (to me) than the longer range issues at 4X. There is no free brunch.

 

[ToKeepAndBear]

Re: 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

I have a LMT MRP with 18" SS barrel. I used to shoot it to 600 yards with a 3x ACOG TA33. I had fairly good success but I wouldn't classify it as a precision optic. I have replaced it with a SS 3-9 with mil-quad reticle. It is soo much easier to shoot accurately at mid and long distances. I shoot handloaded 77gr SMKs over 24gr RL15. I was consistently nailing a 3" articulating heart on a steel target at 350 yards. I have had a first round hit at 820 yards with about a 10mph crosswind (lots of luck on that one). It makes it MUCH easier to precisely place your shots. I also find the recoil impulse is now smoother, even helped improve groups at 100 yards, perhaps due to the extra weight.

Unless you plan on kicking in doors, a 3-9 is a very versatile optic on an AR.

 

[ASH556]

Re: 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

Well, last week I traded this:

For this:

So I have 5-6 months (waiting for ATF paperwork) to find a deal on a used NF. (to go on my 16" gun, not the MK18) I discussed the purchase with my wife, and my max budget is $1200. Do you think I'll be able to find a Mil/Mil ZS 2.5-10 NF for $1200? Any better options within that budget?

Thanks!

 

[mjh30]

Re: 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

Ash, if you have to wait that long, just keep watching the for sale ads for the NF. You won't regret it, I am running a 2.5-10x24 on 18 inch upper and its defintely my favorite scope, that extra magnification at 600 yards really helps.

 

[RTH1800]

Re: 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

NF 2.5-10x24 is the right scope, but will not likely to be found for under 1400. Even without MM ZS. They are just getting tough to find and NF is really making a big deal of now making any more. No idea why,as it was their best product IMO.
RTH

 

[BCP]

Re: 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

I shot with a 1-4 PST @ 600 yards. It was okay but you really need more magnification than that (unless you're a masochist).

3-9 SS was a good scope but a little bulky for an SPR optic/knobs too tall
2.5-10 IOR FFP had great glass quality but again a little bit too bulky/heavy roughly two pounds in an ADM mount
3-9 leupie VXR has neat illumination, small size, low weight, okay glass, main bad is too thick of a reticule
2.5-10 Nightforce is the all-around best but a bit cost prohibitive for most

I have a VXR on my 16" and it is fine out to 300-400 but beyond that I'd want better glass/finer reticule.

DD16" CHF barrel not my first choice for 600 yard target shooting. If you're just plinking for fun it'll be fine but otherwise you'll probably want an 18-20" target barrel.

 

[opshin556]

Re: 700yd (600 is ok) Precision(ish) AR - glass?

1-4 viper owned for 6 months, ran on an M4gery training drills.
Noticed 1x was NOT true compared to Aimpoint, close but not true 1x.
I did like the Reticle when on 4x, shooting 69 grain + gave better than average groups when zero held.
I sold the scope when after several range sessions the zero would not hold and the adjustments on elevation were not true.
Good to hear someone has likes them, they look good and have a great price point, but didnt seem "milspec".