Rifle Scopes law enforcement scope

[jaym_100]

I am looking to change our scopes from the old leupolds to something else. I don't know what my budget is, I guess it depends on how well I sell the idea. First I would like to know if 5 power minimum is to high. I would like something that goes up to at least 15 power, with illuminated reticle and is FFP. I have three swfa ss 5-20 and really like it, but it is still so new I have some concerns on its durability. I have also considered the night force f 1, premier 3-15 and possibly the march 3-24. Anyway any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

 

[Andrew Blubaugh]

Re: law enforcement scope

I am a big fan of the SS 3-9 for LE. You just can not go wrong and as for durability, I have yet to see a problem.

You mentioned wanting a 15 power. Just curious why you need or want so much power? The most power I have is on a personally owned 300wm that I shoot out to 1200 is a S&B 4-16. With ranges less than 500 yards I still typically keep optics at or below 10.

 

[jaym_100]

Re: law enforcement scope

the power isn't a big deal as far as shooting as much as for observation. I would rather error on too much than not enough

 

[Flyingbullseye]

Re: law enforcement scope

jaym100, have you considered looking at the newer weaver 3-15 FFP tactical scope? Unless you have a large budget its very much worth the look. It has all the options you want on it with very good glass and tough as nails for $750. It won't compare to a Premier but not too much does.

Flyingbullseye

 

[cyrekzz]

Re: law enforcement scope

The LE snipers here in mpls use leupolds 3-10 power - i think they said they might move to FFP's in the same power. I think it fits their criteria, money, weight, and workability. Personally, he said they would use Nightforce if they weren't so expensive (the F1 i mean). I told him, the only thing i didn't like about leupolds was the change in eye relief when zooming in and out.

 

[CSTactical]

Re: law enforcement scope

There are a lot of great scopes out there these days so it will be hard for you to go wrong.

I use both the NF 3.5-15x50mm F1 w/ MLR2 and the Premier Light Tactical 3.5-15x50mm w/ GEN2. I like the compact size and the glass on the Premier. I like the Hi-Speed turret on the NF scopes.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3ZsBpuuKW7I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Mike @ CST

 

[Phylodog]

Re: law enforcement scope

The NF 3.5-15X50 or 5.5-22x50 work well. We've only got one on our team at the moment but I plan to replace the others with NF when possible. No issues with it in the past three years and it's far and away better than the Leupold scopes on the other team rifles.

I've been using a US Optics 3.2-17X since 2007 and have no complaints. Works very well.

 

[DannySeesUSMC]

Re: law enforcement scope

Unless there are a lot of bad guys camping out in the middle of no where I wouldn't worry about having high-end magnification more than 9-12x or FFP reticle. You're more likely to have 2 or more suspects at 50-100 yards who move around than the perfect 6ft tall, stationary suspect out past 300 yards.

 

[Phylodog]

Re: law enforcement scope

The amount of magnification "needed" is going to depend on the mission(s) at hand. We set up numerous times a year where our area of responsibility can go out to 600 yards or beyond. I'd rather have too much magnification available than not enough. I rarely dial down below 10X unless attaching night vision.

 

[Graham]

Re: law enforcement scope

What you are asking depends first on budget, then on what your 'snipers' may be tasked to do (and how much they know how to do), and on how they are used.

It's difficult to give advice without knowing: Is the AO urban, or rural, or both? Are the scopes for AR's (in which case I, too, like the SS 3-9x42) or for dedicated bolt guns? Do they operate in two-man teams (they should)? What is required on the initial commentary? ...I am not asking you to post this information publicly, I am just suggesting a few things for you to consider with regard to application of the equipment you plan to acquire.

I am not against having a higher magnification capability for the purpose of making positive identification. But I am a fan of the NF 3.5-15x50 SFP over the 5.5-22 SFP.

Is there a reason you need FFP?

 

[M21guy]

Re: law enforcement scope

The department I want to be on has a Springfield M21 with a Springfield 14x scope on it. When I built mine I wanted something like theirs but I wanted a whole lot better. When it came down to deciding on optics I wanted something about indestructible for LE usage, I wanted a least 10x, but also wanted a low power with great field of view. This optic would have to have either moa/moa or mil mil, I wanted a FFP, illumination that could be seen in the day light, clear glass, it needed to have an exceptional warranty, and customer service.

The optic I chose was a USO SN3 1.8-10x37mm Tpal. It was the sweetest scope I could find that had all of that and more. USO provided me with an impressive optic.

I'm going to say most departments, if needed, are not shooting from too far. The likely hood of being really close is more likely, so that 1.8 power comes in extra handy.

I don't know what kind of budget your department has or is willing to spend. USO doesn't come cheap, but they do offer some mighty fine optics worth looking into.

 

[jaym_100]

Re: law enforcement scope

I understand that I most likely won't need high end magnification and many other things but if I can finally get the department to come off some money I would like to get something that will cover as many situations as possible. The county I'm in is both rural and urban. Its going to be for a bolt gun. I want FFP so if I power down I can still use mils. Especially when shooting from the 25. Again probably won't need it, but why not.

 

[M21guy]

Re: law enforcement scope

I use to buy higher magnification scopes that were cheaper in price. Then I bought a lower magnifaction scope on the upper end of the scale. I see more now than ever before.

 

[Graham]

Re: law enforcement scope

It's hard to beat the NF 3.5-15x50 F1 MLR2 High Speed Zero Stop, in terms of value or features. And it's hard to beat the SB 5-25x56 for a high-magnification long range and short range FFP scope.