Rifle Scopes choosing a reticle?

tacticalpanda

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Jan 26, 2013
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Columbus, OH
I couldn't find a thread on this but I know there has to be one. I am buying my first (well second the first one I bought was broken) high end optic. I've decided to spend a little more than I thought I would which gives me more choice than just the Mil-dot. Looking at all the manufactures and slight variation is getting me a bit confused. I was wondering if anyone has a good link that explains all the different type of reticles and how to choose one for my needs. I'm looking at Mil-dot, ones like the bushnell G2DMR or IOR MP-8, and night forces Mil-R, MOAR, LV5 etc. Not sure which to chose or if there are differences.

I'm primary going to be punching paper at 5-600 yards, and maybe occasionally 1000+ yards but that range is a 4 hour car ride. I'm new to long distance shooting and would like to get into competition eventually and tactical competitions. Right now I'm going to just work on skills for awhile but like to jump into stuff and buy the best the first time rather than buying again and again (as long as I can afford it and the wife doesn't find out)
 
Re: choosing a reticle?

I'm interested in your topic because I too am just getting into LR "precision" rifle but what most caught my eye is the fact you are from Boston and know of a 1000 yard range within 4 hours drive. I live in Arlington, formerly Menotomy, and sadly my home town no longer has the spirit of its former self evidenced on April 19, 1775.

I just got an LMT MWS set up last month and it has a S&B 5-25X56 with H2CMR on top. Not having prior scope experience I find this reticle really easy to understand as far as making dope correction on targets. The ranging capabilities will allow me to expand if I ever leave my comfort zone.

H2CMR Reticle post with pics -

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2647224#Post2647224

I primarily shoot at bullseye targets on a KD range so measuring shot holes and adjusting is just really simple.

PM me if you want to check out the scope. I shoot at Harvard and stop by there pretty regularly.

Just this week I got some info regarding the Devens Rifle and Pistol Club. Perhaps you are already familiar with them. They seem to have a good schedule for the upcoming season and I am looking forward to their first 600 yard practice in March. You may be interested in joining.

Of course this is all predicated on us surviving this snow storm that is reported as if we havenever had snow before. Blizzard of '78 II.
 
Re: choosing a reticle?

Not all reticles are available in all scopes. Choose your scope first. That will narrow the field of available reticles.

For your stated purpose I would look at the NF F1 with MLR2.
 
Re: choosing a reticle?

Thanks for your responses. Rereading this I think I didn't clearly articulate my question. I'm a bit confused myself. Looking at all these scopes has got my head spinning a bit. They all have similar reticles, mil dot, Horus type, or the Mil-R type (don't know anything about these) and trying to get more info and uses of these and which would be suit my needs (longer range shooting, possible tactical competition)


Looking now through some searches I'm better able to answer these questions myself, I just wasn't thinking clearly before I guess. I think what got me all confused was going through Nighforces website and they were explaining there reticles.
 
Re: choosing a reticle?

^ what Graham said. You have to decide your price point and then which manufacture. With that being said, I again agree with Graham and get a Nightforce.
USO has some great info on reticles.
I went with them becasue I really like the RDP reticles.
 
Re: choosing a reticle?

So I'm thinking right now Around $1500-2k. It all depends on what I get back at taxes. I just started looking today as before I was looking at the $800 range, which left me pretty much with Mildot only.

I have looked at IOR and there are a few I liked. Nightforce as well.

The S&B and USO are consideration but all depends on what I get back on taxes now.

I know I want
Mil/Mil
FFP
Thinking from anywhere between 3-18x. Since I'm only shooting mostly 500yards with maybe out to 1000yars that will be plenty for my needs.

Looked into the F1 and I like it, just a bit pricier than I wanted but at $2k what is another $300.
 
Re: choosing a reticle?

At your price point there has been some great qulity scopes in the Optics for Sale section.

You get great glass and someone else pays the depreciation. I'd have confidence buying here if it is from a regular poster.

Good idea to use this year tax refund as nex year there will be no such thing, more likely a bill.
 
Re: choosing a reticle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pmclaine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">At your price point there has been some great qulity scopes in the Optics for Sale section.

You get great glass and someone else pays the depreciation. I'd have confidence buying here if it is from a regular poster.

Good idea to use this year tax refund as nex year there will be no such thing, more likely a bill. </div></div>

First thing I saw when I looked

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3878007&gonew=1#UNREAD

Premier's work well enough for the USMC.