Rifle Scopes New guy with question about 2 scopes...

[1999cutiger]

Hi Folks,

New member here with a question or two about two scopes I am considering. I am looking at 2 Nikon Monarch riflescopes. They are both priced the same have nearly identical specs except for the magnification. One is 3-12x and the other is 4-16x. Is there any reason why I would not want to buy the 4-16x? As my eyes get older, I figure more magnification is a good thing. Is there any downside?

This scope will be going on my new 6.8 SPC AR-15 build. Rifle for range work, coyotes, and hogs.

Also, BDC reticle or MilDot? Why?

Thanks in advance for your feedback...

 

[mrbooks10]

Re: New guy with question about 2 scopes...

It all depends on what your using it for. I would get the 4-12 because it have more elevation adjustment. I would get the bdc if your shooting at known ranges and mil dot if you need range estimation.

 

[roggom]

Re: New guy with question about 2 scopes...

You will get more mag on the 4-16, but remember you will have less field of view in close 4 vs 3. As between mildot and BDC, the bdc are too general, they are supposed to work over a variety of calibers at a variety of velocities. Yours might match up, but may not. Is that 200Y zero, then 300, 400, 500, or is it 200, 276, 314, 389, 433?

I find it easier to work out your dope with drops in mils. 3.5 mils at a certain range, dial or hold 3.5 mils.

Glass a yote , take a shot, dirt splash 1 mil low, hold a mil take the follow-up shot.

If you have your heart set on bdc, go to Nikon spot on and work your balistics and come up with a drop chart, see if you like the numbers. http://www.nikonhunting.com/SpotOnRegistration/

 

[1999cutiger]

Re: New guy with question about 2 scopes...

This is the scope I have in mind (see link)...I am leaning toward the BDC. I am just a weekend shooter. If I can get a BDC dialed in for shots out to maybe 300 yards...I will be happy. I have heard using the same loads will help with consistant shots using the BDC.

I am assuming the BDC can be used for all calibers? I will be using it for a 6.8 SPC. So, maybe sight it in at 100 yards and then figure out the drop points? This is all new to me...

BTW...my budget is approx. $400. If there is something out there better for the money, please let me know!


Nikon Scope

 

[Temp9]

Re: New guy with question about 2 scopes...

Mil-dot, hands down. The BDC is a good idea, but it doesn't work all that well. Like the previous poster said, it's doubtful it'll line up well with your situation. Even then, if you change loads, scope mounting, altitude, temperature, etc., the reticle won't match up anymore. BDC reticles are meant to get you "minute-of-deer" at relatively close ranges.

If you use a mil-dot, you can just print out a range card depending on your load, rifle, and atmospherics, and you'll have precise measurements out your max range. In the end, mil-dots end up being simpler, in my opinion.

 

[1999cutiger]

Re: New guy with question about 2 scopes...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Temp9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mil-dot, hands down. The BDC is a good idea, but it doesn't work all that well. Like the previous poster said, it's doubtful it'll line up well with your situation. Even then, if you change loads, scope mounting, altitude, temperature, etc., the reticle won't match up anymore. BDC reticles are meant to get you "minute-of-deer" at relatively close ranges.

If you use a mil-dot, you can just print out a range card depending on your load, rifle, and atmospherics, and you'll have precise measurements out your max range. In the end, mil-dots end up being simpler, in my opinion. </div></div>

You raise some really good points...sounds like with some training the mildot will be better/more accurate. I've never used one and I find them a little bit intimidating at first glance.

 

[1999cutiger]

Re: New guy with question about 2 scopes...

This SWFA has also peaked my interest. Fixed power, but that's OK with me. Thoughts versus the Nikon?


SWFA

 

[samnev]

Re: New guy with question about 2 scopes...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1999cutiger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is the scope I have in mind (see link)...I am leaning toward the BDC. I am just a weekend shooter. If I can get a BDC dialed in for shots out to maybe 300 yards...I will be happy. I have heard using the same loads will help with consistant shots using the BDC.

I am assuming the BDC can be used for all calibers? I will be using it for a 6.8 SPC. So, maybe sight it in at 100 yards and then figure out the drop points? This is all new to me...

BTW...my budget is approx. $400. If there is something out there better for the money, please let me know!


Nikon Scope </div></div>

I don't know if this is better but after years of using Night force scopes I decided I needed to spend less on a scope for my Remy PSS which previously had a Leupy 6.5-20X40 Vari-X III EFR on it My brother ad previous bought at my suggestion a Konus M30 6.5-25X44 Mil dot scope from SWFA for his Remy SPS 308 at the time they were $300. He has been using it for 3 years with out any problems. Very clear glass, excellent resolution and tracking. So I decided to buy one. They are now $350 and well worth it IMO.