Hello from behind the iron curtain

[Ryridesmotox]

Hello folks,

Intro, I'm in California, getting into PRS. Right now I shoot a howa 308 in a bell and Carlson stock. I also reload for it, since mail ording bulk ammo here is a no go starting this summer.

Looking for a new scope to set upon the boomstick. Reading the optic section is helpful and confusing at the same time. Lots of info on the forums.

 

[HogsLife]

Welcome aboard man. I’m back here behind enemy lines right along with you.

You’re in the right place man. Lot of great info to get you going and keep you going on this site. Make sure you use the search function for a subject before posting any questions. Typically if you have a question on a subject, it’s been discussed before. If you can’t find anything, then post away. Very knowledgeable people willing to help here.

What Range is that?

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

North or South?

 

[Slickshoes]

another left coast guy! welcome

 

[acudaowner]

welcome to the forums

 

[Ryridesmotox]

Thanks guys. I'm near Pendleton in Southern California.

I'm mainly lurking around for info on scopes right now. Reading through the optics section is a dystopian wasteland lol. I think I like the Leupold Mk5HD, but then people say its crap, some love it. I'm just going to get it and see lol.

What Range is that?

It's a range in north east San Diego county.

Pala Shooting Range

 

[HogsLife]

Thanks guys. I'm near Pendleton in Southern California.

I'm mainly lurking around for info on scopes right now. Reading through the optics section is a dystopian wasteland lol. I think I like the Leupold Mk5HD, but then people say its crap, some love it. I'm just going to get it and see lol



It's a range in north east San Diego county.

Pala Shooting Range

Never heard anyone call the MK5 HD crap, but I wouldn’t recommend it for PRS style shooting. You need something with an exposed windage turret. MK5 has a capped windage turret. I plan on using one on my hunting rifle.

I would lean more towards a used Vortex Razor HD or a Khales 6-24 with SKMR or SKMR3 reticle for that price range.

Keep your eyes peeled on the for sale section here. They come up pretty often

 

[Ryridesmotox]

Never heard anyone call the MK5 HD crap, but I wouldn’t recommend it for PRS style shooting. You need something with an exposed windage turret. MK5 has a capped windage turret. I plan on using one on my hunting rifle.

I would lean more towards a used Vortex Razor HD or a Khales 6-24 with SKMR or SKMR3 reticle for that price range.

Keep your eyes peeled on the for sale section here. They come up pretty often

Thanks I will keep an eye out.

Just some random people around the optic section. There are always people that hate on everything in forums.

 

[Ryridesmotox]

Just looked into the kahles 6-24. Windage turrets on both sides and the parallax under the elevation turret? That is the knees of the bee right there. I think I may have changed my mind. The wife will be pissy either way, light as well go for the higher tier stuff I suppose.

I'm questioning my own judgement, even thinking of a $2k+ rifle scope on a $500 howa rofl

 

[HogsLife]

Just looked into the kahles 6-24. Windage turrets on both sides and the parallax under the elevation turret? That is the knees of the bee right there. I think I may have changed my mind. The wife will be pissy either way, light as well go for the higher tier stuff I suppose.

I have one myself and love it. If it’s a LSW that means the windage turret is on the left of the scope. The turret on the right is the reticle illumination. I’m right handed and prefer the left side windage so I can use my support side hand to operate, and keep my firing hand engaged on the rifle. Personal preference.

If it says RSW, then the windage turret is on the right and reticle illumination is on the the left.

Yes the parallax is ambidextrous and located on top just beneath the elevation turret. They put a lot of though into this scope and ’m really happen with mine.

Not sure your budget, but I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the 624 if you make the purchase. Check out the SKMR and SKMR3 reticles. I have the SKMR3 and reallly dig it. Very usable and not overly cluttered like some of the Horus type reticles IMO.

 

[Ryridesmotox]

I have one myself and love it. If it’s a LSW that means the windage turret is on the left of the scope. The turret on the right is the reticle illumination. I’m right handed and prefer the left side windage so I can use my support side hand to operate, and keep my firing hand engaged on the rifle. Personal preference.

If it says RSW, then the windage turret is on the right and reticle illumination is on the the left.

Yes the parallax is ambidextrous and located on top just beneath the elevation turret. They put a lot of though into this scope. I’m really happy with mine.

What rifle do you have it on? Assuming I get one, it strik be nearly 5x what I paid for the rifle originally. That seems a little crazy to me. But I am not bothered by crazy that much

 

[HogsLife]

What rifle do you have it on? Assuming I get one, it strik be nearly 5x what I paid for the rifle originally. That seems a little crazy to me. But I am not bothered by crazy that much

I have it on my custom build, but regardless, if you buy a cheaper scope now and upgrade your rifle later, then you’ll have a $500 scope on a 2k+ rifle. Buy once cry once man. Look at it like this. If you can swing 2k on a scope, you can put it on your future build later.

It depends completely on your budget though man. I’m not trying to sway you either way. You had mentioned a MK5 and those are in the 2k Range and I feel a Khales or Vortex Razor May be better suited to your specific needs getting into PRS. There are less expensive scopes out there that would suit you fine, but I don’t think you’ll regret the purchase of you go Khales or Vortex Razor.

 

[HogsLife]

If you’re looking for a good scope at a more budget cost for your current rifle you can also check out the Super Sniper 5-20 FFP Mil/Mil. Great value IMO

 

[SonicBurlap]

I would go with either the Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50, or if that's financially too hefty the VortexViper PST GEN II 5-25x50 both are FFP. The Razor is better quality in build but also heavier but I have yet to hear from anyone complaining about their choice unless they are optic snobs, or have a 16.5 lbs. lead slinger to begin with.

 

[Ryridesmotox]

The reason I was heavily considering the mk5 is because of the mil/leo pricing. But I also get that on the vortex. I'm looking at the 18 power range on the top end. I just dont really need the 27 in the razor hd gen2 for a 308. Would rather have the field of view and adjustment advantage in the 18x.

Thanks for the input fellas

 

[Loonhunter]

There is a ‘lively ‘ debate re: ffp vs. sfp. You should check it out. If for nothing more than entertainment.

 

[Loonhunter]

I have it on my custom build, but regardless, if you buy a cheaper scope now and upgrade your rifle later, then you’ll have a $500 scope on a 2k+ rifle. Buy once cry once man. Look at it like this. If you can swing 2k on a scope, you can put it on your future build later.

It depends completely on your budget though man. I’m not trying to sway you either way. You had mentioned a MK5 and those are in the 2k Range and I feel a Khales or Vortex Razor May be better suited to your specific needs getting into PRS. There are less expensive scopes out there that would suit you fine, but I don’t think you’ll regret the purchase of you go Khales or Vortex Razor.

View attachment 7043523

In regards to your rifle...
You win.

 

[HogsLife]

There is a ‘lively ‘ debate re: ffp vs. sfp. You should check it out. If for nothing more than entertainment.

Hey bro, I thought you had a fixed power FFP Tier 1 Scope you were looking to sell? Sounds like it’s exaclty what this dude is looking for......?

You can thank me later...

 

[Loonhunter]

Hey bro, I thought you had a fixed power FFP Tier 1 Scope you were looking to sell? Sounds like it’s exaclty what this dude is looking for......?

You can thank me later...

Oh I got one alright.
It’s not for sale!

 

[HogsLife]

Oh I got one alright.
It’s not for sale!

Well, I tried man.... ??

 

[Ryridesmotox]

There is a ‘lively ‘ debate re: ffp vs. sfp. You should check it out. If for nothing more than entertainment.

That shit is funny. I thought I wouldn't have time to read 89 comments, but I stuck it out and was rolling by the end. Wonder why people always ask shit like that. Buy one, get used to it, and run it. They do the same shit. I'm used to a FFP so I just kinda roll with that.

I'm still contemplating on my scope. The capped windage on the mk5hd isnt a huge deal to me. I usually hold off, unless the wind is too bad, then I'll have to hold and dial a bit. I'm trying to settle on that leupold or the Vortex gen2 in the 18x max magnification range. That's really all I need for right now. I get the Leo/Mil discount so those 2 are much less than the kahles., even though the kahles is what I really want now lol

 

[Loonhunter]

I spend most my time here just goofing off. But since this is an isolated thread, a serious question.
I’m new to the long range game. From what you mentioned about not caring much about capped turrets and holding over, are you sure you need a ffp? I’m not trying to steer you and I’m definitely not an expert. But from educating myself I came to the conclusion that unless I was planning on ranging on max power then I didn’t need ffp. Just food for thought. You might be able to get more scope for your buck if you go sfp. Good luck

 

[Ryridesmotox]

I spend most my time here just goofing off. But since this is an isolated thread, a serious question.
I’m new to the long range game. From what you mentioned about not caring much about capped turrets and holding over, are you sure you need a ffp? I’m not trying to steer you and I’m definitely not an expert. But from educating myself I came to the conclusion that unless I was planning on ranging on max power then I didn’t need ffp. Just food for thought. You might be able to get more scope for your buck if you go sfp. Good luck

FFP is just what I have the most experience with. It really doesn't make much of a difference to me personally. I've shot SFP snd FFP scopes. But I just prefer a FFP. To be clear, I usually hold for windage but I will dial for elevation. It's an expediency thing, and not wanting to break my shooting position to free up my dominant hand to adjust windage. Now, if I had the kahles, with the windage on the left side, that would be pretty choice for me. I would probably dial windage more often since I wouldnt have to get out of and back into my firing posture. Just my thoughts.

Plus I shoot in a desert area in southern California, and in valleys and canyons. The winds are not really ever stable in direction or speed. So its quicker to just SWAG something and then follow up again if I miss. Otherwise, I'd be dialing half the day rofl

But if I'm at a bench, testing loads or whatever, I will dialed windage to keep groups separate or on paper or whatever, so I dont get skewed results from one group walking into another, or going off paper.

 

[Loonhunter]

FFP is just what I have the most experience with. It really doesn't make much of a difference to me personally. I've shot SFP snd FFP scopes. But I just prefer a FFP. To be clear, I usually hold for windage but I will dial for elevation. It's an expediency thing, and not wanting to break my shooting position to free up my dominant hand to adjust windage. Now, if I had the kahles, with the windage on the left side, that would be pretty choice for me. I would probably dial windage more often since I wouldnt have to get out of and back into my firing posture. Just my thoughts.

Plus I shoot in a desert area in southern California, and in valleys and canyons. The winds are not really ever stable in direction or speed. So its quicker to just SWAG something and then follow up again if I miss. Otherwise, I'd be dialing half the day rofl

But if I'm at a bench, testing loads or whatever, I will dialed windage to keep groups separate or on paper or whatever, so I dont get skewed results from one group walking into another, or going off paper.

I’d be envious if it wasn’t California. (Still am, just a little)

 

[Ryridesmotox]

I’d be envious if it wasn’t California. (Still am, just a little)

I've been trying to get closer to home for a few years now. I'm from eastern Oregon, a county with like 5000 people. We can shoot for miles and not have anyone say anything. Unfortunately, work keeps me in this God forsaken dumpster fire of socialism.

 

[HogsLife]

I've been trying to get closer to home for a few years now. I'm from eastern Oregon, a county with like 5000 people. We can shoot for miles and not have anyone say anything. Unfortunately, work keeps me in this God forsaken dumpster fire of socialism.

Yeah, if it wasn’t for the people this state would be awesowe.

Lot of good places to stretch your rifles legs out there in the desert.....

 

[Ryridesmotox]

Yeah, if it wasn’t for the people this state would be awesowe.

Lot of good places to stretch your rifles legs out there in the desert.....

Have you seen the matches they do out in the Mojave? Out to like 3k yards and shit. I would love to try that, but the equipment cost is pretty eye watering. Maybe if I can get a RPR 338 and run it hard with some of those cutting edge (or whatever brand it is) monolithic bullets, I could make it. But man, you have to be on our game reloading wise. And that's if you have the skill to do that, which, even on my best day isn't even close.

 

[Loonhunter]

Yeah, if it wasn’t for the people this state would be awesowe.

Lot of good places to stretch your rifles legs out there in the desert.....

In Hollywood and parts of LA too....well, you know

 

[HogsLife]

In Hollywood and parts of LA too....well, you know

True story. That place is in dire need of a purge.......

 

[Loonhunter]

Have you seen the matches they do out in the Mojave? Out to like 3k yards and shit. I would love to try that, but the equipment cost is pretty eye watering. Maybe if I can get a RPR 338 and run it hard with some of those cutting edge (or whatever brand it is) monolithic bullets, I could make it. But man, you have to be on our game reloading wise. And that's if you have the skill to do that, which, even on my best day isn't even close.

Saw on YouTube yesterday a 4410 yd shot on 36” round steel with .375 cheytec. Flight time 11 seconds.

 

[HogsLife]

Have you seen the matches they do out in the Mojave? Out to like 3k yards and shit. I would love to try that, but the equipment cost is pretty eye watering. Maybe if I can get a RPR 338 and run it hard with some of those cutting edge (or whatever brand it is) monolithic bullets, I could make it. But man, you have to be on our game reloading wise. And that's if you have the skill to do that, which, even on my best day isn't even close.

Nah man never been out there for those. I like to go out towards Needles. I was doing a job about 10 years ago out there in the middle of the desert, bout 15 miles out from Route 66 and found an old abandoned air strip that Patton used to used during the Army’s training excersizes out there. Perfect shooting out to 2k or so Brought a bunch our steel out there and had a blast. Great place to get solid ropes. I’d set a target up, and take a shot on it every 25 yards out to 1500 or so. 1 target and I would just move back 25-50yds at a time.

Deserts the place to go...

 

[Ryridesmotox]

Nah man never been out there for those. I like to go out towards Needles. I was doing a job about 10 years ago out there in the middle of the desert, bout 15 miles out from Route 66 and found an old abandoned air strip that Patton used to used during the Army’s training excersizes out there. Perfect shooting out to 2k or so Brought a bunch our steel out there and had a blast. Great place to get solid ropes. I’d set a target up, and take a shot on it every 25 yards out to 1500 or so. 1 target and I would just move back 25-50yds at a time.

Deserts the place to go...

That's a lot of work. But I would be good dopes for pretty much everything near sea level. The good thing about California for shooting is out in the desert. No one out there and it's pretty easy to get unobstructed lines of sight.