Rifle Scopes A Starting Optic

[SALittle]

Hello optic aficionados.

I come to here humbled at the large amount of knowledge that is here and the knowledge that I have gleaned from this forum. Now I come seeking more knowledge on, yes you guessed it, “which would be best.” I have lurked long enough to have searched this particular question, but I have not been particularly successful.

What I am planning to do with this chosen scope:
1. Learn the mil system as I have never had the chance
2. Shoot steel (longest range I have access to is 600 yards)

I am not shooting for super small groups, mainly because it is not necessarily what I go for. I like to shoot silhouette targets and keeping the rounds normally within COM. The rifle in question is my "truck gun," a 20 inch ar15, nothing fancy, but it does tend to get the job done. It will get banged around. I do find myself in low light situations while thinning out hogs, so I am unsure if illumination would be helpful or not.

I have read rave reviews on the SS 3x-9x, but with the advent of the Vortex PST 2.5x-10x, I am at a loss. I know the advantages/disadvantages of the various focal planes, and am willing to learn on either system.

So, thanks for any input or suggestions, and I am sure someone will probably suggest a counter sniper.

 

[samnev]

Re: A Starting Optic

Take a look at the Konus M30 6.5-25X44 (has illumintred reticle) @ SWFA for $270.

 

[YN*Dotte]

Re: A Starting Optic

Get the Super Sniper 10x HD, it sounds about perfect for your needs, and has the extra oomph if you ever want to shoot further.

 

[mahiman]

Re: A Starting Optic

+1

 

[KNIGHT11B4]

Re: A Starting Optic

PST 2.5x10 all day long

 

[Texar2]

Re: A Starting Optic

I have the swfa ss10hd. It is a great learning tool. Get the mildot master with it. The folks at swfa are great and its nice to be able to support the Texas economy.

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: A Starting Optic

I'd have to say PST as well. Of course, you could turn that starting optic into the last optic you'll ever need for this purpose. Just get into a Nightforce 2.5-10X32. The downside is that it's a second focal plane reticle, if you consider that a downside.

It's a very compact scope and sits right at home on an AR.

 

[SALittle]

Re: A Starting Optic

Although I have read many good things about the SS HD, I am afraid that a fixed ten power would limit me when I am in the woods where I hunt. Although my Ar is not my normal hunting rig, I still occasionally use it for such. Targets of opportunity and such.

TonyAngel,
That is a very nice setup you have. It would be nice to place a Nightforce or something of the same value on my rifle, but it would hurt when I started to see it get knocked around. I am odd like that I suppose.

 

[Guns4570]

Re: A Starting Optic

Super Sniper 10X original or the HD or the 3-9 would be great for that job. If u will just be shooting paper...I would get the HD if it was me and I had the funds. If not the original SS 10 is hard to beat.

 

[224Man]

Re: A Starting Optic

I chose a Super Sniper 3-9 for my AR-10T. I don't have personal experience with the Viper PST but given what I have read of other's experiences it is somewhat inferior optically. The SS is made at a factory in Japan which has a multi-year record of manufacturing with great QC. the PST is made at a factory in the Phillipines. I wouldn't choose the PST over the $540 Super Sniper (SSHIDE discount code).

Vortex has exhibited the best Customer Service and online communication that I have seen in the industry. I plan buy the PST 6-24 or the Razor HD in the next year. That is because of the incredible CS Vortex has exhibited, to wit giving existing Razor owner a free upgrade to the occular. I certainly have no ill will towards Vortex. I just feel the Super Sniper Variable is a better value than the equivalent PST.

I would not even consider a fixed 10 power scope. On a 223 semi automatic rifle, and certainly on a truck gun, the ability to dial down to 3 power lends itself well to self defense, low light shooting and hunting hogs.

Hunters have been killing things for many years without illuminated reticles. I would choose an illuinated reticle but not at the expense of optical quality or durability.

From my personal eperience running the SS on my AR-10T I am certain you would be very satisfied with the variable SS on an AR-15.

Do budget for a quality mount such as a Bobro, Larue or a lapped Armalite or Burris PEPR one-piece mount (budget choices that are good enough if lapped).

Regards,

224Man