Rifle Scopes One scope for multiple rifle platforms?

[TriggerHappy1]

Hi. I have a Noveske N4 AR-15 and a LMT MWS .308 AR-10, both with 16" CL barrels. I don't have a scope as yet. I have no experience in precision rifle shooting and gear, but want to give it a try. I'm going to be taking a precision rifle shooting class with targets at 100, 500, and 1000 yards. I'll most likely rent a high end .308 from the instructor so as to optimize my experience and get a feeling for what good equipment can do. If I show some aptitude in the class, and enjoy long range shooting, I may buy a precision rifle. Can I buy one scope that will handle ranges from 100 to 1000 yards, and work with my AR-15 and AR-10 tactical rifles, and an entry- to mid-level precision rifle? Or are scopes meant to be matched to the rifle platform, purpose, ballistics, range, etc.? What scope do you recommend for my needs in the $1,100 to $1,300 price range. Thanks for your advice.

 

[hognuts]

I have played the musical scope game before, and still do ocasionally to test a rifle or what not, but it is a pain in the ass, you have to zero each time you swap from one rifle to another, or even if you take the scope off and put it back on there can be a slight shift. I prefer to have a dedicated scope for each rifle, but with the price of optics these days, you may HAVE to go that route, just know that you will need to check/zero your rifle each time you switch. As far as having a "do everything scope" Depends on what type of shooting you do, if you are running and gunning 3 gun style, you probably don't want a high magnification precision rifle optic on your rifle, if you are "plinking in the back yard" taking you time etc... you could definitely run your glass on all of your rigs. As far as your price range, I would look at the optics for sale section and try to stretch that budget as far as you can, you can some times find great deals on a used scope when someone is downsizing or upgrading, I would look at (in no particular order) USO, Nightforce, Vortex, and Bushnell.

As far as working with ballistics etc... I would do some reading on MIL and MOA and see which makes sense to you and go with a scope that has matching turrets and reticle that reads in either one. You will hear alot of people scream that you can ONLY use MILs or ONLY MOA, like I said, do some reading, see which makes sense to you and RUN IT! The BDC stuff I would stay away from (I assume that is what you were referring to when you mentioned "matched to ballistics") I don't think that any of those will make you happy in the precison rifle/long range shooting game.

 

[silentheart]

Also, a good pairing of scope and uni-mount is a must.
I am not favoring of swapping between 223 and 308 cal. They behave too much different in velocity, weight and bullistic coefficients that will be a lot of adjusting everytime you swap.
But if you are swapping between ar15 and ar10, make sure the mount has same moa and same bore to top of pic rail height. That will reduce some of the adjustmet pain.
These are just my opinions.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Starting out new at LR Is busy enough without playing extra compensation games involving optics. Buy as much optics (plural) as you need to get yourself up and running, then upgrade the optics later. A pair of relatively affordable/reliable/resalable scopes and mounts can be sold or remounted on rimfires once the upgrade gets performed. Having identical optic platforms can simplify the initial learning tasks.

Greg

 

[steve123]

A appropriate scope for your purposes is the Bushnell 3-12 LRHS. It is very versatile and would be useful on many different types of rifles and would work for a broad range of applications.

 

[Alex V]

I intend to play with the same game plan.

I have a Steiner 5-25MSR which I plan to swap between a 7.62 18" OBR and a 308 bolt gun. The scope sits in a LaRue LT112 mount which will allow quick removal and installation.

Currently the scope has a temporary home on a 18" 5.56 rifle while I wait for the OBR to be completed.

I don't agree with the pain in the ass comment, zeroing this scope took literally 9 rounds and about 5 minutes. Put the scope on the rifle, used a laser boresight to adjust windage (which was off by less than a mil) then off to the range; first3 shots hit the dirt way before the target, added elevation based on where the bullet impacted the dirt and shot 3 more rounds on paper, adjust based on the offset from POA I see thought the scope on the paper, 3 rounds to confirm - POA = POI. Done.

If moving the scope from one gun to another will involve this little work, I am totally okay with this.

 

[Garyc]

Do it a few times...trust me, it's a pain in the ass.

 

[jonesy]

Just get good bases and a GOOD one piece scope mount and you'll be GTG swapping between platforms. I do it plenty and it is not an inconvenience. Just have to rezero, which is usually an adjustment of <0.2 mil when using the same rifle. If you're switching between, say, 260 and 308, you can just keep track of your adjustment when you switch and it'll be the same or nearly the same every time.

No reason to use 2, 3, or 4 different scopes that you have to get used to and that each cost $2000+. Just silly IMO.

EDIT: I use a Sphur mount, for the record. Makes it easy, and you don't have to worry about QD shit getting loose.

 

[Alpine 338]

If you plan it right, and get good quality equipment, it's simple if you can do simple math and keep a record of where the scope needs zero adjustment when moving the scope.

Example - I have a Premier Tactical 3-15 in Leupold Mk 4 rings. I move it between several bolt guns (22LR, 223, and 308). As long as I torque the rings mounting cross-bolts to the base 65-in/lbs every time, and adjust the elevation and windage to that particular rifle, my zero is always the same. If you buy a cheap BSA scope and Weaver rings, don't expect the same results.

One thing that you need to consider when swapping a scope between an AR platform and a bolt rifle is Ring height. You will likely need higher Rings when mounting a scope on an AR platform so the Bell of the Scope clears the forearm, whereas a bolt rifle will likely require low height Rings as the receiver and base are usually higher than the top of the barrel. If you have an adjustable cheek rest, or use a stock pack like a Triad Large stock pack, that will allow you to go with the higher rings on the bolt rifle, and make it easier to swap between AR platforms and bolt rifles.

 

[Alpine 338]

I'll also add, on my AR platforms I use the ADM Recon mounts, and on my bolt rifles with S&B scopes I use the Near Alpha mounts. None of them have a Scope Zero Shift when removing and reinstalling the scope/mount.

 

[g2gjoe]

In that price range look for a used NF 3.5-15 or 2.5-10. Figure out if you're gonna be shooting more 1000m or 600m & less. Both scopes will get you to 1000m, but the 15 power will make it a little easier. Pick a quality 1 piece mount, they ain't cheap. And a torque driver. This will defiantly get you by for awhile till you can invest in a second scope.
Make sure you attach the mount to each rifle in the same position every time, with the same torque value. With practice, you'll figure out where to reset you're zero quickly.
Welcome to the game, it's addictive, and expensive, but you're off to a good start.

 

[g2gjoe]

Oh, & also take Alpine338's advice on scope ring/mount height, VERY IMPORTANT!
AR's require taller set ups.