Several other threads are going on with the new LMT 308 as a topic. I just picked mine up and it certainly has a lot of WOW factor. This thread is not about the rifle, though, it's about the optic that will go on the rail. Lets keep it limited to the glass for the mission rather than an OBR vs MWS vs anything else discussion.
Any illusions I might have had that this will be a "battle rifle" for my needs went out the window the first time I shouldered the rifle. As discussed elsewhere, it is a heavy gun, as I expected. I won't be using an optic better suited for CQB. To the guys running Aimpoints, good for them.
So, as I contemplate the glass I want, I have to keep in mind:
1. This will not be an HD gun. It is a medium to long range 308 and will be used in that role (on the one way range; not a work gun).
2. It will be set up with a bi-pod (gun just got heavier); either an Atlas or Harris w/ Larue mount combo.
3. It is claimed that accuracy is excellent at 800 yards; I may well add a longer barrel as they become available and look to make this a 1000 - 1100 yard 308. I don't see getting a shorter barrel even if they are an option. Hence, there may be a case to scope it with a little more power than might seem necessary for 800 yard work, room to grow so to speak.
So here are my thoughts. The new Short Dot 1 X 8 that I really thought would be "it" is out, at least for now. I don't see the need for the 1X anymore(see the part about "not a battle rifle for me"). I have a 1.1 X 4 Short Dot on my 5.56 LMT that I could swap just to test. I may do it until I get the new glass anyway.
I'm really looking at the USO SN3s 1.8 X 10 or SN3 3.2 X 17. The 1.8 X 10 seems like a good size/weight/power combination for an 800 yard gun. From experience, I know that I prefer a little more power at 1000 to 1100 yards. I had a 3.2 X 17 SN3 that was perfect on my bolt gun in 308, but I no longer own either.
So after all that talk, my points for consideration are between:
1. Smaller, lighter, slightly less expensive mid power variable optic from a 1.X to 10X. Better for close in work and maybe a little limited past 800.
2. Slightly larger, heavier, and more costly mid power variable up to 17X. Narrower FOV at 75-100 but better out at 1000-1100 on smaller targets.
USO is not a must, but FFP and mil/mil is. Nightforce, S & B, and Premier are options and maybe IOR. Illumination not mandatory but nice. Nothing more than 3.X on the low end.
Im leaning toward the USO 1.8 X 10 right now.
If you are using more than a 4X please post your scope specs and logic behind your choice. A photo of your set up is good too; gives ideas for mounts and rings. I know, I will post pics too, but right now it looks just like every other MWS.
Any illusions I might have had that this will be a "battle rifle" for my needs went out the window the first time I shouldered the rifle. As discussed elsewhere, it is a heavy gun, as I expected. I won't be using an optic better suited for CQB. To the guys running Aimpoints, good for them.
So, as I contemplate the glass I want, I have to keep in mind:
1. This will not be an HD gun. It is a medium to long range 308 and will be used in that role (on the one way range; not a work gun).
2. It will be set up with a bi-pod (gun just got heavier); either an Atlas or Harris w/ Larue mount combo.
3. It is claimed that accuracy is excellent at 800 yards; I may well add a longer barrel as they become available and look to make this a 1000 - 1100 yard 308. I don't see getting a shorter barrel even if they are an option. Hence, there may be a case to scope it with a little more power than might seem necessary for 800 yard work, room to grow so to speak.
So here are my thoughts. The new Short Dot 1 X 8 that I really thought would be "it" is out, at least for now. I don't see the need for the 1X anymore(see the part about "not a battle rifle for me"). I have a 1.1 X 4 Short Dot on my 5.56 LMT that I could swap just to test. I may do it until I get the new glass anyway.
I'm really looking at the USO SN3s 1.8 X 10 or SN3 3.2 X 17. The 1.8 X 10 seems like a good size/weight/power combination for an 800 yard gun. From experience, I know that I prefer a little more power at 1000 to 1100 yards. I had a 3.2 X 17 SN3 that was perfect on my bolt gun in 308, but I no longer own either.
So after all that talk, my points for consideration are between:
1. Smaller, lighter, slightly less expensive mid power variable optic from a 1.X to 10X. Better for close in work and maybe a little limited past 800.
2. Slightly larger, heavier, and more costly mid power variable up to 17X. Narrower FOV at 75-100 but better out at 1000-1100 on smaller targets.
USO is not a must, but FFP and mil/mil is. Nightforce, S & B, and Premier are options and maybe IOR. Illumination not mandatory but nice. Nothing more than 3.X on the low end.
Im leaning toward the USO 1.8 X 10 right now.
If you are using more than a 4X please post your scope specs and logic behind your choice. A photo of your set up is good too; gives ideas for mounts and rings. I know, I will post pics too, but right now it looks just like every other MWS.
