Leupold MK4, Sightron SIII LR with glass etched moar reticule , or a Bushnell elite tactical. I don't care which one has the better glass or is a better value. I want the one that will with stand the beating it will take, unlike the 1st generation SIII Sightron that i had on it and had the side focus go out after 44 rounds. Thanks for your input
Rifle Scopes of these 3 scopes -- which is the best choice for a .50 bmg
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My vote would go to a bushnell elite tactical. I have a 6-24 that I am looking to sell if you would be interested, I am trying to move it to finance to a ffp scope. It tracks excellent, very clear for the price range, and turrets aren't as crisp as some of the high end stuff but still very easy to use. If you end up going towards the elite, pm me and I'll give you a sweet deal.
As someone who's not trying to sell any of them to you, I'd look hard for a Nightforce NXS in your price range, or a SWFA SS 5-20x50 HD model. I would expect either of those to hold up better than any of your list, and the companies to respond quickly if you call them up and say "my 50 ate your scope, can you fix or replace it?" Not that Leupold, Sightron and Bushnell won't take care of you too...
Of your list, the Sightron and Bushie come from the same factory, though obviously made to different specs. The Mark4 is a known item, but the one I owned didn't impress me much (glass was good, it damn well should be for an $1100 scope that is only 3.5-10x40mm and SFP and had to be sent in for service before it was ever mounted on a rifle). I guess I would get the Bushnell if I were limited to your list, but it would be a close call from a purely durability perspective. From a value and features perspective the Mark 4 wouldn't be on the list period. I have examples of the Bushnell ET and Sightron SIII series, both are very well made and have excellent glass, but the Bushnell feels more rugged (with no hard data to back that up).
Of your list, the Sightron and Bushie come from the same factory, though obviously made to different specs. The Mark4 is a known item, but the one I owned didn't impress me much (glass was good, it damn well should be for an $1100 scope that is only 3.5-10x40mm and SFP and had to be sent in for service before it was ever mounted on a rifle). I guess I would get the Bushnell if I were limited to your list, but it would be a close call from a purely durability perspective. From a value and features perspective the Mark 4 wouldn't be on the list period. I have examples of the Bushnell ET and Sightron SIII series, both are very well made and have excellent glass, but the Bushnell feels more rugged (with no hard data to back that up).
Either the Sightron SIII or Bushnell Tactical
I did not mean to come across as a salesman at all, if that seemed to be my intent I apologize. If you can afford a nightforce, I would recommend heading in that direction. Keep yours eyes on the for sale section here especially right here around the holiday season. I have no experience with swfa but they also have excellent reputations. Nobody has mentioned vortex viper pst yet. I have no experience with one but their warranty is about as good as you can get which would seem important in your situation.
Op, I'd take advice from people who have owned some of the scopes you mentioned, especially if they used them on magnum rifles like 338LM and the 50. I like one of the scopes in your list, the Bushnell 3.5-21 but it's only ever been on a few 308's I own so I don't have a good suggestion for you. I have read quite a few times that NF and Vortex Razors were used with success but not so much the lower end Vortex offerings. I'm sure some folks who have direct experience will find your thread. You also might try a search and find this has been asked many times before.
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If you are not concerned about value, then none of them. Buy a used nightforce on the hide and be done with it.
There have been multiple threads in the last year of Viper PST owners whose braked magnum rifles have broken the scopes. The only Vortex I would consider for this is the Razor.
Heavy-kicking rifles with efficient brakes are very hard on scopes, with a reverse recoil that unbraked rifles don't generate. A Viper PST may work great for decades on an unbraked .308 or similar.
I'm going to run my Steiner 3-12x56 on my M107A1. It's built like a tank.
Can any of you guys tell me way the mk4 doesn't seem to be on anybodies list. I know it cost more , but I thought it was built tougher to withstand abuse than other scopes. Id like to get a night force, but budget wise that's probably not going to happen. I'm still not sure about the Sightron after the problem I had with the 1st generation. And with regards to the Bushnell, I just haven't heard enough about how well built they are to take the abuse. Also, does any one know if the 6-24 elite tactical have 50 or 70 moa of adjustment. I'm finding places that list either one of those values. Thanks
From your list, Mark 4. For strictly taking a beating with the warranty just in case, Nightforce NXS. Leupold's warranty is the same as well. The Nightforce for any reason honestly.
I would do the Bushnell or the Leupold myself.
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
Mike @ CSTACTICAL
I had a Barrett M107 and the single shot version which I think was a model 91. They were both very hard on scopes! They killed several Mark 4s and Super Snipers. Both Leupold and SWFA did fix them under warranty with no problems. You will need a very tough scope to survive the muzzle blast that those rifles are capable of. I was going to get a Nightforce next to see if it could survive but I ended up just selling the rifles.
