Rifle Scopes If you could only have one

[Covertnoob5]

Hey guys just a fun thread to see different perspectives and various thought processes.

If you could only keep one scope that you currently own which would it be? And why?

Also, if you could trade all your scopes for your "dream scope" what scope would you choose?

Let's hear your thoughts!


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....

 

[G17C]

Well, I currently only have one scope but I think I've been through enough scopes in my lifetime to chime in...

Beyond a useful amount of magnification for the intended application and reasonably good optical quality, the most important attributes to me for a precision rifle scope are (in relative order of importance) mechanical quality, ruggedness/durability and reticle design. I also want the windage-elevation adjustments to match the reticle, accurate tracking and high quality turret mechanism.

So here I am with one scope that has met those needs quite well - the SWFA 10X42 HD. It has been bullet proof.

Every time I start shopping for something better, I realize that I would have to pay two (or three) times more to match the SWFA on the attributes most important to me in order to gain a few other things I wish it had, such as reticle illumination, side focus and variable magnification. The new PST Gen II scopes have all the features I want, but based on user feedback seem to be several notches down from my SWFA in terms of build quality and durability. Perhaps if I had a $2500 budget, I could get everything I want in a scope - though at $1500 the SWFA 5-20X50 HD is tempting.

For now I'm "stuck" with the $800 SWFA (and am not terribly despondent about it).

 

[PBWalsh]

Dream scope for everything? That's tough, needing to go from a precision rifle to a defensive carbine is a huge difference in philosophy. My short list would include a USO B-10, Bushnell LRTSi/LRHS 3-12x44mm, a March 1-8x24 shorty, and finally the SWFA 10x42 HD mentioned above.

Hard choice though, it'd probably be the USO if it doesn't tunnel as a solid 1.8 low end would be great. THE FOV of that optic seems low though for 1.8 magnification. I expected at least 50' but the specs are at 36', which is what most 3x scopes are at.

 

[Wyzrd]

For me, if I needed to keep just one of my scopes, it'd be my NF Atacr F1 4-16. Great magnification range, size, good glass, perfect tracking and rtz, etc... If I had to settle for just one scope, I'd more than likely get a Minox ZP5 5-25 with MR4.

 

[diverdon]

I don't think I own the scope I would need if I could only own one scope. My thought process is that in real life the closer the threat the more important to get good hits fast, so perhaps a S&B PMII 1-8x24.

 

[G17C]

My thought process is that in real life the closer the threat the more important to get good hits fast...

Thinking in terms of a precision bolt gun (as opposed to an AR carbine), I agree that close range threats present a challenge. An ideal scope would be a true 1X out to about 20X, but since that isn't happening I'm looking at adding a micro RDS to the SWFA 10X. If set up correctly, transitioning between the two would be relatively seamless compared to having move a hand to crank a ring on a variable scope.

 

[supercorndogs]

Burris XTRII bro, enough said. Get that cool-aide inside you! LOL.

Do they make a March 2.5-25x52 or just the 42? Anyone see the PST-2 2-10x36 50 ft FOV? Thats pretty a impressive FOV, and should make a lower priced versatile optic.

I think my dream optic would be if someone could take the 4-16 M Steiner, put the TMR reticle in it, and make it half the size and weight without sacrificing durability, or image quality.

 

[steve123]

Got the regular S&B 3-20 but I would like the ultra short version - fantasizing here... with H59 plus a few reticle design tweeks, daylight bright illume and parallax down to 10Y.

 

[Vargmat]

My S&B 5-25x56 PM2 with MSR reticle is pretty much the bees knees for the shooting and competition I do.
I would not mind a capped windage turret on it, like the ultra short series, since I always hold for wind and dial for distance.

I would not mind a Hensoldt 4-16x56 LT with a modern reticle, like the MSR or MR5, that would be awesome too.

 

[Conrad]

The more I use my NF 4-16 F1 the more I appreciate every feature in it. Great elevation turret with bold markings and nicely spaced clicks, capped windage and huge eye box with great edge to edge clarity. Bleeds ruggedness. For some competition scenarios and load development 20x+ would be nice. I really like the ultra shorts but didnt care for the fine clicks and small markings. A 4-20 or 5-20 F1, or a 13" or so AMG would be sweet. Make it sub 30 oz preferably pushing 25oz is even better but not a deal breaker.

 

[koshkin]

I try to answer that question for myself around once a year, usually years the end of the year. Here is what I though last year:
http://opticsthoughts.com/?p=1267

ILya

 

[mojavejim]

My Steiner 3x15 M5Xi w/ Tremor 2 (have made hits beyond 2000 with less than 15x). 3x20 S&B short with Tremor would be great.

 

[ICU22250]

My ATACR F1 4-16 would get the nod, I love everything about it, the elevation turret is awesome and the clicks are great too.. Only thing that could be better is the reticle choices, but I have no problem using the Mil-R...

 

[Covertnoob5]

Interesting to see most people are picking mid power optics and not longer range optics.


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....

 

[Rob01]

Vortex Razor II 4.5-27x56 with a 2C reticle. Got everything I want or need.

 

[Covertnoob5]

Vortex Razor II 4.5-27x56 with a 2C reticle. Got everything I want or need.

Over the AMG rob? Any particular reason?


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....

 

[ICU22250]

Cause when shit gets bad, and times are tough and the world has gone to complete shit, Rob has completely exhausted all of his ammo, he will just have one option left. Pull that Razor II off his rifle and beat people to death with it, like Thor with his hammer. LOL... Sorry Rob, just had to do it, I like the Razor gen II's as well...

 

[Covertnoob5]

I try to answer that question for myself around once a year, usually years the end of the year. Here is what I though last year:
[video]http://opticsthoughts.com/?p=1267[/video]

ILya

Will you be doing one of those again this year Ilya?


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....

 

[Covertnoob5]

Cause when shit gets bad, and times are tough and the world has gone to complete shit, Rob has completely exhausted all of his ammo, he will just have one option left. Pull that Razor II off his rifle and beat people to death with it, like Thor with his hammer. LOL... Sorry Rob, just had to do it, I like the Razor gen II's as well...

Well that seems reasonable lol


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....

 

[koshkin]

Will you be doing one of those again this year Ilya?


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....

It is one of my favourite topics and I revisit it regularly. This time around, I will try to reason my way through the whole "if I could only have one" business from the standpoint of a few different scenarios. The one that has been occupying me lately (and inspired by our wonderfully logical California gun laws) is the situation where the state only allows you one rifle and one handgun. What would I choose? and what sighting systems would I have on them?

ILya

 

[Covertnoob5]

It is one of my favourite topics and I revisit it regularly. This time around, I will try to reason my way through the whole "if I could only have one" business from the standpoint of a few different scenarios. The one that has been occupying me lately (and inspired by our wonderfully logical California gun laws) is the situation where the state only allows you one rifle and one handgun. What would I choose? and what sighting systems would I have on them?

ILya

Yea aren't our laws wonderful. I can't imagine anything better .

Do you have any preliminary ideas on if that was the case what you would pick?


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....

 

[notorious]

Steiner Military 4-16

 

[STROP]

TT 3-15M Gen 2 XR.

 

[Rob01]

Over the AMG rob? Any particular reason?


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....

Having to make the choice of just one then I had to choose between the features. I like the larger knobs, open center reticle and a little more power and elevation of the Gen II. Not saying the AMG couldn't do the job but you asked for the one I would use and that was it.

 

[koshkin]

Yea aren't our laws wonderful. I can't imagine anything better .

Do you have any preliminary ideas on if that was the case what you would pick?


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....

Well, I am supposed to receive Q's The Fix this month (if they ship on time), which may change my selection. Also, there are a lot of other things to consider, like whether carrying a handgun concealed is an option, etc.

My general purpose rifle, for now, is an AR-15 chambered for 6.5 Grendel. It can do almost anything I need to do in a pinch and it is fairly light. It is also accurate and reliable. For optics, my favourite is still Tangent Theta TT315M. In this case, I would ads a supplementary tiny red dot sight to it. Likely DocterSight III or Shield RMS.

For handguns, if concealed carry is needed, I stick with my Glock 43. If that is not a requirement, I have a longslide 10mm Glock that can do a lot of things well and can be converted into a more accurate package with an arm brace.

Now that I think about it, perhaps I should expand the requirements to add one rimfire weapon to this list.

Anyhow, I need to give it some more thought and define the boundary conditions more precisely.

ILya

 

[JMGlasgow]

Burris XTRII bro, enough said. Get that cool-aide inside you! LOL.

Do they make a March 2.5-25x52 or just the 42? Anyone see the PST-2 2-10x36 50 ft FOV? Thats pretty a impressive FOV, and should make a lower priced versatile optic.

I think my dream optic would be if someone could take the 4-16 M Steiner, put the TMR reticle in it, and make it half the size and weight without sacrificing durability, or image quality.

I think mine would also be the original M series, make it 4-20, and have some choices in reticles like the MIL-C or something like the EBR-2B.

 

[N-C]

Only one for each gun ( rifles )

mmmmm ~~~~ 223 308 300win mag ~~~

 

[N-C]

" Dream Scope " I want

http://youtu.be/7qCsvtrMbzI

 

[N-C]

Let's see ~~~

http://youtu.be/yGh1jB2ffiI

http://youtu.be/r7mcUhmLU68


http://youtu.be/e0Sh50dcLuQ

 

[supercorndogs]

I think mine would also be the original M series, make it 4-20, and have some choices in reticles like the MIL-C or something like the EBR-2B.

Sounds delightful, lets make a whole line. A 2-10, a 4-20 and a 5-25. The EBR-2b might be a little more versatile than the TMR, while still being almost the same reticle.

 

[Niles Coyote]

I've made this decision already but with a twist, NF Atacr 4-16x42 for my AR's and 4.5-27x56 EBR-2c Vortex Razor Gen2 for the bolt guns... and sometimes I will use the Razor on my AR if I know I am going into a match with 1000 yard stages.

If I had to decide on just one it would be the 4.5-27x56 EBR-2c Vortex Razor Gen2

 

[mdrcktscntstmdrcktscntst]

Norman,

Why is the tracking point so interesting? All it does is show you a pretty picture. It doesn't actually help point the rifle. You still have to do the work. And, if the wind is not exactly what you estimated it to be, it's useless.

 

[lancetkenyon]

My S&B 3-20 woukd have to get the nod if I could only keep.one of the current scopes I own. Amazing glass, perfect tracking, good reticle, great magnification range, good FOV at 3x, plenty of mag for the long shots on 20x, no tunneling at low end, no distortion at the top, locking turrets, plenty of adjustment.

 

[N-C]

norman,

why is the tracking point so interesting? All it does is show you a pretty picture. It doesn't actually help point the rifle. You still have to do the work. And, if the wind is not exactly what you estimated it to be, it's useless.

wind 7.5 mph

 

[N-C]

If only one scope 1. Trijicon AccuPower Rifle Scope 34mm Tube 1-8x 28mm First Focal Illuminated

or 2. Trijicon VCOG Rifle Scope 1-6x 24mm First Focal Illuminated with Integral Mount Matte

 

[CBDR]

Happiness is not getting what you want. It's wanting what you got.

 

[N-C]

What you can get is what you are got , deal with
only one : close range ; long range ; Tactical ; position accurate ; hunting ~~~~
Witch one ?!
??????

 

[N-C]

I Spent nearly a year or more time shopping looking changing and get what I got right now , time ~~~money ~~~thinking ~~~ easy ~~~???

now one scope only ! Witch one ? If I only can have " ONE "

 

[Covertnoob5]

That's quite the collection


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....

 

[N-C]

1. NEMO 308 20" barrel have Leupold VX6 3-18x44FireDog is much light weight then Vortex Razon Gen II

2. POF P308 16" barrel have Vortex Razon Gen II 3-18x50 but maybe like to replace to the Leupold Make4 4.5-14x50 or 4.5-14x40 scope

3. POF P308 12.5" barrel have Trijicon ACOG 3.5x35 .308 BCG/TA51

this is is my scope settings for each 308 rifle

 

[BurnOut]

I'll caveat this by saying that the TT 3-15 M model (30mm tube) sounds like it'd be pretty damned close... but I've never even seen one in person.

That said, the reason that this particular scope would be my "if I could only have one" choice is because it strikes me as a particularly competent generalist. It is not my ideal long range optic because I'd really like more than 15x on the big end. It's not my ideal short range optic because I'd really prefer less than 3x on the low end. However, for the types of shooting situations in which I am most likely to find myself (everything from hog hunting in thick brush to prairie dog shooting at 400+ yards), it would never be a bad choice. Perhaps not the best choice, but never a bad one. Additionally, it would make for a viable option for engaging, say, antelope-sized targets out to 800-ish yards (assuming that I and my rifle were capable... it certainly wouldn't be the optic holding me back).

The combination of size, weight, zoom range, glass quality, reticle selection, and user controls all add up to what I feel is a well-balanced overall package.

 

[CBDR]

Dito on TT 3 x 15 M. Hunting in GA swamp for freaking monster boar hogs.

 

[Covertnoob5]

Well, I am supposed to receive Q's The Fix this month (if they ship on time), which may change my selection. Also, there are a lot of other things to consider, like whether carrying a handgun concealed is an option, etc.

My general purpose rifle, for now, is an AR-15 chambered for 6.5 Grendel. It can do almost anything I need to do in a pinch and it is fairly light. It is also accurate and reliable. For optics, my favourite is still Tangent Theta TT315M. In this case, I would ads a supplementary tiny red dot sight to it. Likely DocterSight III or Shield RMS.

For handguns, if concealed carry is needed, I stick with my Glock 43. If that is not a requirement, I have a longslide 10mm Glock that can do a lot of things well and can be converted into a more accurate package with an arm brace.

Now that I think about it, perhaps I should expand the requirements to add one rimfire weapon to this list.

Anyhow, I need to give it some more thought and define the boundary conditions more precisely.

ILya

I think a rimfire would be a good addition to your list. Perhaps I'll see you with The Fix at Angeles sometime! I did like my 315M a lot as well, but the Gen2XR was a bit thin for me. Maybe one day I'll revist that optic though.

 

[Potss]

Really surprised no one has said the Hensoldt ZF 3.5-26x FFP. That is what I would take.

 

[Dlwheel]

Would have to be the Minox with M4 reticle.

 

[Tweetsounds]

Of what I have, I'll take my razor gen ii.

 

[Rob01]

Really surprised no one has said the Hensoldt ZF 3.5-26x FFP. That is what I would take.

One word....reticle.

 

[koshkin]

I think a rimfire would be a good addition to your list. Perhaps I'll see you with The Fix at Angeles sometime! I did like my 315M a lot as well, but the Gen2XR was a bit thin for me. Maybe one day I'll revist that optic though.

Do you ever go there during weekdays? It is so packed during the weekend, that I try to avoid it.

I am off every other Friday.

ILya

 

[SLAYIN'SWEDE]

If only one it would be my S&B 5-25x56 PMII

 

[Covertnoob5]

Do you ever go there during weekdays? It is so packed during the weekend, that I try to avoid it.

I am off every other Friday.

ILya

Yes I much prefer weekdays as well, whenever I can make it out. I should be able to get out there in a couple weeks, these next couple Fridays are a bit busy for me.


Better to have it and not need it, than to not have it and say oh shit.....