Rifle Scopes How about a scope comparison in the Houston area?

Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

Me too. I had both in side by side and would be a coin flip decision on which one I would take. They are that close to one another. You will not be dissapointed on which one you picked.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

I looked at both of them and they are each very good scopes from what I could tell. I thought that the pr was just a little better but then again that is just my thoughts. They are both built very well but then again with the pr, it is just built like a tank. when you turned the knobs for windage and elevation, they are hand filling, not small knobs that you might have to fumble with. they are also very audible with good positive clicks and then the thunk for when you go each 10 mils. the one thing that I did not like about the pr was the fact that there is no direction on parallax adjustment but as I said in the last comments, I would be able to get used to that once I used it a few times. Being so close to each other, the hensoldt included, because of the prices of the 3, I would have to go with the pr. The question I would definately have to ask is if pr can build a high quality scope that competes with the top of the line s&b and the hensoldt, why is it then that both of those scopes cost in excess of 1k more. are the parts and labor worth that much more in either of those 2? for my money, I think not.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

Question-On the USO,s-was there ARD.s installed on the USO,s? Have a few USO scopes and have replaced/removed the ARD on each as they really darken up the sight picture for ME with my 58 year old eyes.Without the ARD I get a nice bright picture.TIA barry
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: barry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Question-On the USO,s-was there ARD.s installed on the USO,s? Have a few USO scopes and have replaced/removed the ARD on each as they really darken up the sight picture for ME with my 58 year old eyes.Without the ARD I get a nice bright picture.TIA barry </div></div>

The USO ARD on my SN-3 never darkened the sight picture noticeably. I think thats USO's whole "claim to fame" on their ARD's. They utilize a honeycomb that has a lower density than others and claim that it may even enhance sight picture. From USO's website:

"This allows the light from the target to come through unhindered while light coming in off axis is cut out. The result is improved low light target detail and depth of field. You can see into the shade better. "
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Smokin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

The USO ARD on my SN-3 never darkened the sight picture noticeably. I think thats USO's whole "claim to fame" on their ARD's. They utilize a honeycomb that has a lower density than others and claim that it may even enhance sight picture. </div></div>

I never saw any darkening with mine either, and the ARD actually hepled resolve targets in shadows.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rundm</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> The question I would definately have to ask is if pr can build a high quality scope that competes with the top of the line s&b and the hensoldt, why is it then that both of those scopes cost in excess of 1k more. are the parts and labor worth that much more in either of those 2? for my money, I think not. </div></div>

The dollar being weak against euro (S&B and Zeiss/Hensolt being German made) may be part of the equation. The other may be that Premier is trying to catch market share and has lower price to do that. They are all excellent.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

I am sad I couldn't make it. My wife left town with the kids yesterday, so I couldn't miss family time this weekend. I picked the wrong week to be a bachelor.

I am jazzed about getting my PR H 5-25, but I was really torn between that and the 3 - 15. At the time, the 5 - 25 was actually "available" for cheaper, so I pulled the trigger on the 5 - 25. I will have to see for myself if it is too much scope.

I wish I could have seen the Hendsoldt, but for the price and made in USA, even with slightly better optical quality, I probably would still have gone with the PRH. Looks like I will never know (I don't see much expensive gear here in SA)... maybe that is a good thing.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

don't sweat it. I was there and from what I saw, quite a few people were blown away by the ph in both of the magnifications. there were some that thought the hensoldt had better optics but they were so close it would be a toss up. you are saving primo dollars on your purchase compared to the hensoldt. get it and don't look back. you will be happy.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

Yeah, I feel like I made the right choice. In reading overall impressions, I wonder how having a PH on order might have influenced people's opinions. BUT, that only carries so much weight. It was interesting seeing how people who actually owned USO's felt that the USO glass was inferior to the S&B, Hendsoldt, and PH, yet a few people still preferred USO overall. It is all about how optical quality weighs with other features.

I have played with a USO (Horus reticle) and a PH 3-15 and have an NXS. I really liked the PH a lot. I like the features... MTC knobs, the "zipper," the reticle (will see if I like the XR as much as the Gen II). Further, I am not really bothered by the lack of markings on the parallax that seems to have annoyed some because I just turn it until the reticle is plastered on the target. I had a {cheap} scope once that had distance markings on the parallax and it was wrong more than it was right. So it sounds like the PH is a good fit for what I want.

BTW... I loved the "cull buck" test... great for my application. I have accidentally culled young bucks more times than I would like to recall trying to reduce the doe population. That is very real-world to my intended use.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: barry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Question-On the USO,s-was there ARD.s installed on the USO,s? Have a few USO scopes and have replaced/removed the ARD on each as they really darken up the sight picture for ME with my 58 year old eyes.Without the ARD I get a nice bright picture.TIA barry </div></div>

I noticed a slight decrease in brightness with my ARD as well.....not terrible, but at least noticeable....
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chpprguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I noticed a slight decrease in brightness with my ARD as well.....not terrible, but at least noticeable.... </div></div>
Chpprguy,

The reason this occurs is the ARD blocks small portions of usable objective lens surface area, effectively creating a smaller entrance pupil. A sunshade will achieve the same effect of preventing glint without this particular side-effect. The tradeoff is of course a longer overall length; which can be a problem if you are using clip-on NVD's or other "look through" accessories.

This is why the ARD is so popular with the military, as it does not interfere with limited pic rail space. It does slightly, but noticeably, effect low light performance, but when the lighting conditions are less than perfect the NVD is utilized.

I hope that helps!

Nathan Hunt
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd just like to see the scores (or averages) of the resolution charts at 100yds of the top 4 (S&B, Hensoldt, USO and PR)..... </div></div>

Did anyone ever tally up these?
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

Did the Hensoldt scope tested have laser eye protection coating on the lenses? I have compared a 3-12x56 Hensoldt with LP to a civilian Zeiss Diavari 3-12x56 and the Zeiss had easily the "best" glass.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

Did you find the 3-15 sufficient for accurate viewing of 1,000 yard shots?

And is there another thread just for giving opinions on the glass you had out?

Thanks,
- Koshy
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

<span style="font-weight: bold">Can we make this an annual event?</span>
laugh.gif
I must have missed it last year and would love to look through some of these scopes. I'm doing the ol' PH vs S&B decision right now. I can only offer up a NF 5.5x22 and some M3 Leupolds but would chip in for a meal or something.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

nope,thsis seaaggie is Chris... but im still out in katy...as for following up on this...i did infact get a new scope...its a Mueller APT
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

Heh...I would love to make this an annual event.

Since going to the Houston Scope meet, I've done some equipment upgrades. I've worked with Platypus's company (Precision Rifle Solutions) to design and build a stable picatinny scope mount that goes on a standard photo tripod so we can use our rifle scopes like telescopes. One of the difficulties we had with the resolution tests was we were holding the scopes so they weren't stable enough to fully judge resolution.

Also developed the videoscoping setup to take HD video through the rifle scopes with the above. If people bring their scopes, I'll volunteer to take HD video through each for the resolution tests and post them on YouTube.

Finally, I upgraded my riflescopes. I used to think the Leupy Vari-X III was the shits till I came to this. Now I got a Zeiss 72mm Victory and will probably get the March Tactical.

If we host another one, I imagine it will be even better than the first.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eeshooter45</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">Can we make this an annual event?</span>
laugh.gif
I must have missed it last year and would love to look through some of these scopes. I'm doing the ol' PH vs S&B decision right now. I can only offer up a NF 5.5x22 and some M3 Leupolds but would chip in for a meal or something. </div></div>

Come out to ASC Saturday morning at the 600 yard line. There will be a PH and a S&B at the line...
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

I would be game to do another comparison. Ideally this time we need a broad sample of manufacturers, models of scopes, and price ranges. A comprehensive participant questionnaire along with a set of standard test sheets is critical to validating the results. The biggest consideration is that participants provide an objective review of the glass. This is certainly a great opportunity for those that may not have access to all the different scopes out there to make an educated decision on how they want to spend their scope dollars. If the interest is there we can get a large and varied sampling of scopes this certainly would be a worthwhile endeavor. Canpopper has a very nice set up that would allow for HD video of the different scopes so that the images can be shared with others. Let me know what you think and we can build on this from here. Any suggestions are certainly welcome, locations, test criteria, questionnaire items, a list of participants along with what scopes would be available, and volunteers to help set up and administer the event. As for set up does anyone have a line on flat bottomed sections of picatinny rail? They do not have to be drilled as I can set that up and mate the rail sections to a mounting plate to mount onto the tripods or simply drill and tap them to attach directly to a tripod. Thinking an 8” rail section should accommodate most scopes. If someone has the means to reasonably manufacture these rail sections from aluminum bar stock or please contact me so I can determine how viable this option will be. The 2x4’s and tie-wraps worked last year but certainly was not ideal and looking to improve on this. Hopefully we are not hit with a monsoon again as well.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

I'm thinking, it would be great if we can host it at the 600 yards of American Shooting Center.

For the resolution tests, instead of the charts and whatnot like we had last time, how about hanging up 4 sets of targets at the 600? We can have one Birchwood Casey yellow on black splash target shot by .223's and another shot by a .308. We can have another set of the same but this time pure paper meaning .223/.308 bullet hole on white.

Then for the benefit of the whole Hide, I will set up my HD videoscope setup and video those 4 600 yard targets through the whole zoom range of each scope. We can test every scope and I will produce a YouTube video for each with the features and price point in the info section.

Of course don't forget the spotters. I'll bring my Pentax 100ED and my Televue 76 with the Ethos and binoviewers.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

I have a premier 5x25 that could be used. I would love to do another one of these like last yr. I am looking for one more scope and I keep hearing about this manufacturer is this or that and mine is better than yours. I would love to be able to make more comparisons.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

I would love to participate. I'm new to this game, so my only contribution would be my attendance.
laugh.gif
(Unless somebody wanted me to bring my S&B 10x42 PMII, which, although wonderful, isn't a particularly interesting scope.)

I'm also a member at Bayou Rifles, so if desired I can see if the event could occur on our 1000 yd range.
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston ar

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bacarrat</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eeshooter45</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-weight: bold">Can we make this an annual event?</span>
laugh.gif
I must have missed it last year and would love to look through some of these scopes. I'm doing the ol' PH vs S&B decision right now. I can only offer up a NF 5.5x22 and some M3 Leupolds but would chip in for a meal or something. </div></div>

Come out to ASC Saturday morning at the 600 yard line. There will be a PH and a S&B at the line... </div></div>

if yall are going to be out there on the 10th...a mueller will also make an appearance
 
Re: How about a scope comparison in the Houston area?

Great read! Maybe worthy of a sticky if it grows with some actual results amongst member's and picture's etc.

It seems PH is the best "all around" scope by voter's.
It seems ZH is the leader in glass quality and argumentively the best scope $ can buy.
It seems SB is the standard to meet with all other scope's. The S&B was picked amongst many other scope's in rugged military tests to include being dunked and dropped from 6' w/ excellent glass quality right with ZH and PH.

I to would like to see some of the other scope's thrown into the mix.

There are so many thing's that make up a good scope! If and when this happens again, throw this all into the mix!

-Glass quality "include light transmission"
-Durability "including protective lense coating and finish"
-Function "track testing, eg MTC -can you feel w/ winter gloves?"
-Warranty "Eg. Vortex has the best warranty"
-Price
-American made? "Important to some; some more than other's.

I honestly would like to see all of these scope's put through a rigurous test. I would like to see all the scope manufacture's give up one scope for these tests.

-Dunked, dropped, humidified, temperature tested.


Seems Top 3 scopes overall quality "ATM IMHO" no pun intended in no order!
-PH
-ZH
-S&B

Other top scope's again IMO in no order
-Steiner
-Nightforce F1
-USO SN-3 T-PAL
-Vortex Razor HD
-Leupold MK8
-IOR Valdada

There is a lot of opinion out there for who thinks what scope is the best. But we should find out which scope is the best all around with fielded test results and also grade by everything else like warranty for example.

I think this new NF "The Beast" is going to really raise the standard high. Can't wait to purchase one!

Hope I didn't anger anyone. Seems at times there is a lot of ego in here.

Much respect,
-Sv