Rifle Scopes Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

[jvencius]

Since I've firm-committed to a Mk.12 from Monty @ Centurion Arms, now I get to start looking at glass for it. I've been reading a bit and checking the standard sites selling optics (SWFA/Cabelas/etc...) but if anyone could recommend specific scopes that I may have overlooked, I'm all ears. On my current short list are:

Leupold Mk. IV MR/T 2.5-8
Nightforce 2.5-10 (either the 24mm or 32mm but the 32 is a bit out of budget)
SWFA 3-9


NEEDS:
1) Quality/reputable manufacturer--I'm not even going to bother with cheapo stuff (Tasco, Simmons, etc...)

2) Price--S&B/Swarovski/Zeiss/et al. are a bit out of my budget and I'd like to stay around $1K-ish (flexible) for the optic before mount (probably a LaRue).

WANTS:
1) Illuminated reticle--like everything else in this category it's a nice-to-have, not a must-have.

2) mil/mil reticle and adjustments--my feeble little mind can probably learn to use a mil/MOA scope but having the reticle and turrets use the same units would be convenient.

3) 30 mm. tube (34mm would be fine too) but if there's a truly good SPR-appropriate scope with a 1" tube I certainly won't rule it out, especially if that means getting an optic with a couple more options off the "WANT" list.

4) Zoom range from about 1.1x-3x on the low end and 8x-10x on the high end

 

[bohem]

Re: Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

I think that the SWFA 3-9 HD would have all those options and be under your budget, while still getting you NF level glass.

I have a 2.5-10x32 NPR2 and it's very nice. I miss the parallax adjustment the rest of my NXS's have, but overall it's very nice.

Keep your eyes open in the Optics Sale area, I got that 2.5-10 on a trade for the equivalent of about $1000

 

[skatz11]

Re: Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

If the lack of illumination isnt a deal breaker for you then get the SS 3-9. I love mine. I was almost got the NXS but couldn't justify the extra cost for my needs.

 

[RS39]

Re: Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?



4) Zoom range from about 1.1x-3x on the low end and 8x-10x on the high end [/quote]


Assuming the ability to run both eyes open for fast targeting options is on your 'need' list, what is your low end limit/max?

Otherwise, the Viper PST 2.5-10x has an enticing claimed 47ft fov on the low end.

 

[jvencius]

Re: Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RS39</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Assuming the ability to run both eyes open for fast targeting options is on your 'need' list, what is your low end limit/max?

Otherwise, the Viper PST 2.5-10x has an enticing claimed 47ft fov on the low end. </div></div>


I hadn't figured on using the primary optic for fast targeting at close range--somewhere down the road I'll probably pick up a T1 with an offset mount for that. I picked the 1.1x figure as the lowest part of my desired low range mostly so that folks wouldn't automatically rule out optics like the CQBSS or the 1.1-8 Short Dot even though they're both well over my budget.

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

Plus one on the Vortex
http://swfa.com/Vortex-25-10x44-Viper-PST-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P44567.aspx

I went with the SS 3-9 and am very pleased.

 

[johngfoster]

Re: Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

Are you trying to keep to a faithful clone with this rifle? If so, then the "correct" scopes are: (from www.mk12.net)

Mod o: Leupold Mark 4 3.5-10 x 40mm mill-dot, ill. reticle, M3 knobs.

Mod 1: early versions same as above
Army: Leupold Mark 4 MR/T 3-9 x 36mm, ill. reticle, M3 knobs
Marines: Leupold Mark 4 MR/T 2.5-8 x 36mm, ill. reticle, M3 knobs
Navy: Night Force NSX 2.5-10 x 24mm, ill. reticle

These are the scopes that are issued on these rifles.

 

[jvencius]

Re: Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

I wasn't trying to build an uber-accurate clone but the SPR format makes sense to me for my pure civvie range/societal collapse/zombie invasion purposes and since Monty's work has gotten uniformly good reviews (plus the CDI factor of having the very same tube going on the issue Mk. 12's) that's why I went with his Mk. 12 vs. a generally equivalent upper from LaRue/MSTN/Noveske/etc.

I hadn't previously considered Vortex optics but upon recommendation from someone on here and also on a different forum, I'll admit that THIS MODEL sure seems intriguing. For a c-note more than the SWFA 3-9 and two less than the Leupold but still in the sub-$1K bracket, it offers a wider zoom range than either, is mil/mil (unlike the Leupold), and is illuminated unlike the SWFA so those features have my interest for sure. Like the thread on here goes, I'm trying to answer the question of "how much is enough?" while not blowing out my ammo/training budget at the same time.

 

[Dirknar]

Re: Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

I just got my SPR(not MK12) upper shootable the other night. I still havent decided what muzzle break to put on and I am borrowing the nikon from a different rifle.

I am also really thinking and saving for the
Viper PST 2.5-10x44. I think it would fit the SPR bill perfectly.

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jvencius</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wasn't trying to build an uber-accurate clone but the SPR format makes sense to me for my pure civvie range/societal collapse/zombie invasion purposes and since Monty's work has gotten uniformly good reviews (plus the CDI factor of having the very same tube going on the issue Mk. 12's) that's why I went with his Mk. 12 vs. a generally equivalent upper from LaRue/MSTN/Noveske/etc.

I hadn't previously considered Vortex optics but upon recommendation from someone on here and also on a different forum, I'll admit that THIS MODEL sure seems intriguing. For a c-note more than the SWFA 3-9 and two less than the Leupold but still in the sub-$1K bracket, it offers a wider zoom range than either, is mil/mil (unlike the Leupold), and is illuminated unlike the SWFA so those features have my interest for sure. Like the thread on here goes, I'm trying to answer the question of "how much is enough?" while not blowing out my ammo/training budget at the same time. </div></div>

One other factor to consider is that scopes in this magnification range do not have paralax adjustments. This is a good thing because it is one less variable to adjust before you send the shot. However, historicaly scopes in this range have been used in hunting; typically under 350 yards. With a SPR you will be toubling the range. If you have a scope with paralex problems they will show up if you don't maintain a perfect cheek weld. Some scopes are more forgiving than others in this regard. Ten power is typically where paralax adjustments show up on scopes. I have not tried the Vortex I suggested because they are not available. However, I have spent many hours with the SS 3-9 shooting steel IPSC targets out to 900 yards. I have not had paralax problems at all. It is a great SPR scope.
[imgimg]

 

[Dirknar]

Re: Illuminated mil/mil SPR scope?

Very useful reminder and info, thanks PDD.