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Rifle Scopes Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

P

Pierced Armor

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 12, 2008
27
0
#1
I just purchased a POF P308 rifle. This is my first step into, what I would consider long range shooting.

The highest velocity rifle rounds I've really worked with is .223/556 and those rifles were always fitted with CQB type sights (Eotech Holosights, Aimpoints ML2/3 or 4X ACOGs).

I'm a complete amateur when it comes to the better scoped optics. I've been doing a lot of research as of late and like the idea of a Mid-Range FFP scope. I'm trying to get the most optics for the best price. So, Zeiss, Schmidt & Bender is probably out of my price range, at least for the time being. But, I don't want to go too cheap, like NcSTAR. Besides I'm not real big on Chinese scopes. I've been looking at the Super Sniper 3-9X42 Mil-Dot lately and it seems like a very good value for a Mid-range FFP scope. Opinions - Pro/Con? What other scopes should I consider?

Note: I understand that many of you prefer a duplex type scope to a FFP scope. I would assume that's based on familiarity with the pre-ffp scopes. I'm starting out new, so I don't have a preference one way or the other.

I'd appreciate input from some of you that are in the know and have actual experience with various high-end rifle scopes with a .308 round? Thanks.

Pierced Armor
 
#2
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

The SS 3-9x is an excellent choice for a starter FFP mil/mil scope. I have one on my MK12 and really like it. Not too large, pretty tough, clear optics for the price, and tracks well. Bushnell Elite is another option (don't have one but they're receiving excellent reviews) and they're on clearance right now.

There's also the Vortex Viper PST FFP 4-16x50 that is coming out right now. Initial reviews are very positive, but the price tag is also higher.
 
#3
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

I have two of the SWFA SS 3-9X42 scopes. One on a LMT MWS and the other on a M1A. It is the perfect scope for a rifle of this type. In fact it was designed for it with feedback from the troops. It is rugged, repeatable and has very good glass. There is no parallax adjustment and on a DMR type rifle you don't want it as it is just another adjustment to be left in the wrong position and will slow you down adjusting it. At 3X the thicker outer parts of the reticle "grow" toward the center and really help at close fast shots or low light conditions. Between my two scopes I have fired over 3,000 rounds out to 800 yards with no problems.
 
#4
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

I have the SS 3x9 and think they are a great deal with the SSHIDE code they are a better deal.

The Bushnell 4200 Elite Tac. FFP 3x12 is being blown out also and not a bad deal eather, and it has illuminated retical. It is $70 or so dollars more than the SS, it is up to you.
 
#5
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

I keep hearing that the SS 3-9X42 scope is a great FFP starter scope. What if I wanted to skip over the, so called "starter scope" and get something I could grow into, what would I be looking at?

Also, just a thought . . . . Does Trijicon make a FFP scope?

If I decide to go with a SS 3-9X42 scope do you have to go through SWFA or are their Sniper Hide dealers? I guess since SWFA seems to be a Sniper's Hide sponser going direct is the way to go.

PA
 
#6
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

gotta go direct to SWFA for the 3-9.

use the code or check the sample list.

seems beyond the SS the next decent (supposedly at least) FFP scope is the PST. Beyond that you're looking at 4x's the price of the SS 3-9 for a USO, Nightforce F1, etc...
 
#9
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

On my DPMS LR-308 I have the NF 2.5-10x and it's pretty freakin' sweet. I have the SWFA on a plinker 10/22 now after picking up the NF and will say that the NF is just better, but then it's a different price point.

Rich
 
#10
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

Let me explain what I (and a lot of others) mean by a "good starter scope". It is far from being a slam on the scope.

When you spend a couple-few thousand on a rifle build and tap out your money for the scope you want, but still want a scope that has the basic features and quality to "start" you out, you go for a starter scope. Those features being quality glass, accurate tracking, durability, and the specific features on the scope you intend on getting later such as FFP, mil/mil, and variable power. It gets you shooting and building data while saving for the $2k+ scope you want that has the additional features such as a more detailed reticle, higher magnification, VERY heavy duty design, illumination, etc.

For me calling the SWFA 3-9x a "starter" scope is a compliment to its quality. Maybe my and others perspective is skewed because we have that scope as a carry over optic with intentions on replacing it in the future, so I'll have to watch that one in the future.

Hope this explains things a little better to you, and I apologize for discouraging you about what I believe is a very fine optic.
 
#14
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: paulosantos</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd also check out the IOR 2.5x10-42 Illuminated FFP scope. </div></div>

Ran one of these for a while. It was a good fit for the ar 10 and a solid performer. Only reason I got rid of it was it did not have the exposed turrets.
 
#15
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pierced Armor</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I keep hearing that the SS 3-9X42 scope is a great FFP starter scope.</div></div>

It's much more than a "starter scope". It's the real deal. It's hard to go wrong with this scope.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What if I wanted to skip over the, so called "starter scope" and get something I could grow into, what would I be looking at?</div></div>

I use an IOR 3.5-15x50 on my 6.5 Grendel. It's priced under $2000. The reticle is the best I've ever used, and the glass is awesome.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Also, just a thought . . . . Does Trijicon make a FFP scope?</div></div>

Not that I know of.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If I decide to go with a SS 3-9X42 scope do you have to go through SWFA or are their Sniper Hide dealers? I guess since SWFA seems to be a Sniper's Hide sponser going direct is the way to go.

PA </div></div>

You must go through SWFA.

The Bushnell Elite 3200 3-12x44 ffp is also the cat's ass, and might be the best sub $1000 scope. Very good glass. Awesome turrets. Lit reticle.
 
#17
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: head2h2o</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: paulosantos</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd also check out the IOR 2.5x10-42 Illuminated FFP scope. </div></div>

Ran one of these for a while. It was a good fit for the ar 10 and a solid performer. Only reason I got rid of it was it did not have the exposed turrets. </div></div>

they do now and are also illuminated. i am seriously considering one for my .308, just cant decide if i need a little more magnification

also check out leupolds er/t line. er/t=ffp, m5 knobs=mil adjustments. leupold doesn't have that great of a rep here on the hide, never have figured out why. ive personally asked more than one person and never have gotten a solid answer. i know theyre a leader in the hunting scope market and not in the tactical market, but i dont see that making their products bad.
 
#18
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

On one of the AR15's I shoot, it has a 1x4 Trijicon Accupoint. Man I like that that scope for hog hunting and riding around on the mule. I like it enough that I am looking at buying the 2.5x10 or the 3x9, both can come with mil dots and the lit/glow reticle.

Not FFP, as was stated earlier, but hey at 10x you don't really NEED FFP. The mils are correct at max power on these scopes, which with 9x or 10x is about the only time you'd mil, or correct to a mil. Been lots of stuff shot with a straight 10x scope, which is what I started looking at.

I was glad to see this thread, it interested me to see what others thought about about a smaller, lighter, AR10 ish scope. I already have a 3x17 USO on the OBR, it's a great scope on a heavy rifle, wanted to go another direction on the next AR10 build, like a short ( 16" ) 6.5 Creedmoor, cuz I have a lot of that ammo around. A nice light scope would be just right.
 
#19
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

id have to say a 2.5-10 IOR/NF (the NF is not ffp, but sometimes i think ffp is not worth it on a scope that power), the 3-9 SS or bushnell 4200. i know having ffp means there is one less thing to worry about when time is of the essence, but if your actually milling targets and stuff, wouldnt a low power scope be on the highest setting anyway?
 
#20
Re: Need help picking a Mid-Range FFP scope for AR-10

Hey, I appreciate everyone's feedback and opinions. Got me rethinking which direction to go. May need to look at other optiions such as a fixed 10X, where ffp is no longer an issue.

Thanks,
PA
 
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