Rifle Scopes Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

[hawkeye_esq]

Hey guys, I'm a total newb and I would appreciate your help. I have a 20" LaRue Tactical OBR on order and I'm shopping for optics. For various reasons, I've been keen on the fixed 10x power scopes (primarily the USO ST-10 and the S&B 10x42 PMII).

I'm not really asking for a variable vs. fixed discussion, but I'm curious to know if there are any inherent disadvantages to mounting a fixed 10x on a semi-auto platform.

 

[salmonaxe]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

I have a fixed 10x ST-10 on my SPR-ish build. For the most part I really don't have any issues with it. Works good at 50yds and out. I think that if it didn't have the parallax adjustment, it wouldn't be as usable. In actuality I used to have the fixed parallax and anything inside 100yds was pretty fuzzy, but I think that the original owner had it set at 300yds.

For up close stuff I bought a Burris Fastfire II and piggybacked it on the larue SPR-S mount. I've really only used the little reddot as a novelty. Still it works pretty well and I've been able to easily hit a 12" gong at a little over 100yds with it. Someday I'll try moving it to the other side, on the left side I don't really have a cheekweld.

 

[hawkeye_esq]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

Sweet setup! You also addressed the parallax issue that I've been wondering about. Primarily I will use the rifle as a paper puncher and occasionally for thinning the hog/deer herds.

 

[BigBrother]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

I looked quite a bit at USOs (including the ST-10) and have to say I found the optics in my Leupold clearer. Many on here sing their praises like gospel, but try to get as much hands on time as possible *yourself* with different glass. A variable (up to 10x) Mark 4 might be what you end up choosing, or, by my very own logic, anything else out there. Tends to be a very subjective topic.

 

[cubewarrior]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

Fixed 10x is nice, but you will probably want the variable as you get used to shooting your rifle. If you are on the fence, then get a SuperSniper 10x--its the best value in a 10x you can get. If you absolutely want the 10x for the long term, then get a Lupy Mk4 or a S&B 10x. If you can shoot past 600Y, then I think you will feel limited by 10x.

Currently, I'm running a Premier 5-25 on my REPR because I had one unmounted (bigtime overkill for a REPR). Likely, I'm going to lower the mag to an S&B 3-12 MTC because its more suitable to the gun and round.

For your application, the NF 3-15 or 5-22 would work very well. An S&B 3-12 would also be ideal.

I've shot/owned every scope listed above--a good friend of mine loves the IOR 3-18 tactical (3rd gen) on his AR10. I have problems getting proper eye relief, but he swears by it over my other scopes except for the S&B.

 

[OutRider]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

...nice looking rig...what kind of accuracy can you expect form a rifle like that...???...

 

[Jeffs550]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

Think about the new SWFA SS 3-9. I have just mounted mine on an AR and it is sweet. Glass is very clear. Price is right.

 

[sniper762]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

hawkeye, ive had a unertle 10x42 vulture on my .308 vs for 15 years. i have dope for every yardline from 100-1000 yards.

very accurate and holds its zero. not bad on light gathering either.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Salmonaxe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a fixed 10x ST-10 on my SPR-ish build. </div></div>

Only way to fly! I love mine (actually traded in for a new build that better suits my SPR-matching reticle with boltgun and left handed windage; see below for why).


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Salmonaxe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For up close stuff I bought a Burris Fastfire II and piggybacked it on the larue SPR-S mount. I've really only used the little reddot as a novelty. Still it works pretty well and I've been able to easily hit a 12" gong at a little over 100yds with it. <span style="font-weight: bold">Someday I'll try moving it to the other side, on the left side I don't really have a cheekweld.</span></div></div>

Try one of these out on your handguard on the right side (the windage knob usually doesn't block the view-its close, but works):
http://www.jprifles.com/buy.php?item=JPA-MB

A quick little CCW roll of the rifle in your shoulder and your cheekweld stays the same for close in.

 

[Rob01]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

How far you plan on shooting it? How close you plan on shooting it? What do you plan to shoot with it? How much are you looking to spend?

Personally, I wouldn't put a fixed 10x scope on anything anymore. No need when there are excellent, well built variables out there which make the rifle more versatile.

 

[hawkeye_esq]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

Hey guys, thanks for the responses so far.

Rob01, I'll be mostly shooting paper from 100-500+ yards. My range goes out to 1K, but I doubt I'll do much, if any, shooting that far for a while. Having MOA groups at 500 yards isn't really what I'm looking for (for now).

I've thought about the versatility, and I'm looking also at a NF 3.5-15, but currently, I'm pretty serious about the S&B 10x42 PMII or the USO ST-10 (EREK, ERGO, etc).

 

[Rob01]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

If you are set on a fixed 10x then the S&B would be my choice of the two mentioned.

 

[Rockrivr1]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

I just went through the exact exercise your going through now. I have a RRA LAR-8 and at first I was set on getting a 4.5x40 Trijicon. But after trying one I felt that longer shots would be harder with the 4.5 magnification.

I then tried a friends 10x Super Sniper. It was definitely a good optic for the money. Overall though it didn't give me the flexibility I wanted and it made closer up shots harder as they were out of focus/fuzzy.

I really wanted a Nightforce, but the cost was a little out of my reach. I ended up getting a great deal on a Leupold 3.5-10x40mm LR/T Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle.

Overall, I'd recommend a variable magnification scope. Gives you more flexibility IMHO.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

If close shots with a SS 10X were fuzzy you didn't focus it. Every SS I've had will focus crisply down to under 30ft.....

If budget is a concern, and you don't mind moa adjustments with a mildot, the Leupold MK4/VXIII PR scopes with the covered target turrets will do you well.

 

[hawkeye_esq]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

How often do you lower the magnification below 10x? That's one reason I'm stuck on a 10x scope. If I'm shooting targets equal to or greater than 100 yards, then I think I'd put it on 10x anyway. I guess what I'm saying is, does the lower end of the magnification spectrum really get much use?

 

[OutRider]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

...what aboot those times you want <span style="font-style: italic">more</span> than 10X...???...

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

I find myself wanting more thatn 10X more than I find myself wanting less, but I'm no operator.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

The only time I want more than 10x is when I want to make really really small groups then it seems not even 17x is enough. I suppose precision could be based on finer resolution, but I have seen some pretty mean groups with no more than 10x from some really good Marksmen

 

[salmonaxe]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Salmonaxe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a fixed 10x ST-10 on my SPR-ish build. </div></div>

Only way to fly! I love mine (actually traded in for a new build that better suits my SPR-matching reticle with boltgun and left handed windage; see below for why).


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Salmonaxe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
For up close stuff I bought a Burris Fastfire II and piggybacked it on the larue SPR-S mount. I've really only used the little reddot as a novelty. Still it works pretty well and I've been able to easily hit a 12" gong at a little over 100yds with it. <span style="font-weight: bold">Someday I'll try moving it to the other side, on the left side I don't really have a cheekweld.</span></div></div>

Try one of these out on your handguard on the right side (the windage knob usually doesn't block the view-its close, but works):
http://www.jprifles.com/buy.php?item=JPA-MB

A quick little CCW roll of the rifle in your shoulder and your cheekweld stays the same for close in.
</div></div>

That's pretty neato, but I can just swap the rings around on my SPR-S mount and I'll have the burris in a 2 o'clock position on the right side. Shouldn't interfere with anything. I just haven't messed with it, since I don't want to re-zero anything.

 

[nickw]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

I think you will get more use out of a variable. More flexible. I have two LR308 uppers from GAP, an 18" and a 22". The 18" wears a NF 2.5-10X24 and the 22" a PR Heritage 3-15X50. On the 18" I could actually live with less magnification, but both the above work well. Nick-

 

[hawkeye_esq]

Re: Fixed 10x for a Semi-308?

It sounds like what I really NEED to do is just buy all of the above and see what suits me best... I guess that's the best answer to about every firearm related question.

Nick, those sound like some sweet rigs with some sweet glass.