Rifle Scopes Primary Arms New 3-18 308 DMR Scope

[RackOpsTactical]

Hey guys looking for any feedback on the New PA 3-18 ACSS DMR scope. I know that it's a budget scope... Let me explain what I'd like to use it for. First my background is USMC infantry, been reloading for 223 and handguns for years. However I've been getting interested in doing some bolt action mid range (IMO 300-600 yds) action. I picked up a 308 savage model 10 which shots great. I initially put a SWFA 10X on it which has performed great for my needs. I will be loading for 308 shortly. My targets will typically be steel round and ipsc targets.

I'm just looking for opinions for someone like me who is new to the mid range bolt game.

 

[BCP]

SWFA Black Friday sale is going on right now you can get their 3-15 model for the same price.

 

[Eoddave27]

You can get an Athlon Midas Tac for just a few more dollars. I think that would be a much better scope for the money.

 

[RackOpsTactical]

SWFA Black Friday sale is going on right now you can get their 3-15 model for the same price.

I did consider the SWFA options but most including this one are not illuminated.

 

[scocoabeach]

You really need to decide if you like the BDC reticle. Personally I prefer a MIL based recticle that can be used with any caliber and easily moved between rifles. Since you are reloading you will probably have a variety of velocities so do you want to tune your ammo to the scope to try and get the BDC to line up properly? Do you see yourself trying other calibers in the future?

 

[RackOpsTactical]

You really need to decide if you like the BDC reticle. Personally I prefer a MIL based recticle that can be used with any caliber and easily moved between rifles. Since you are reloading you will probably have a variety of velocities so do you want to tune your ammo to the scope to try and get the BDC to line up properly? Do you see yourself trying other calibers in the future?

this is good feedback. I hadn't thought that the reloading may end up putting me at a different velocity than the BDC is set for.

I am open to other options around the $800 level. I do want illumination.

 

[Gohring65]

Buy a used scope in the 1000$ retail range. You can find them used in the 600-800$ range.
All the major brands offer great warranty’s. Buying a new scope is almost foolish anymore.

 

[308pirate]

Hey guys looking for any feedback on the New PA 3-18 ACSS DMR scope. I know that it's a budget scope... Let me explain what I'd like to use it for. First my background is USMC infantry, been reloading for 223 and handguns for years. However I've been getting interested in doing some bolt action mid range (IMO 300-600 yds) action. I picked up a 308 savage model 10 which shots great. I initially put a SWFA 10X on it which has performed great for my needs. I will be loading for 308 shortly. My targets will typically be steel round and ipsc targets.

I'm just looking for opinions for someone like me who is new to the mid range bolt game.

Illumination serves no useful purpose for the type of shooting you're describing here.

The scope you already have is far better suited for what you want to do than the one you intent to buy.

Save your money to spend on ammo to get better at using the gear you already have.

 

[scocoabeach]

I’d look at something in the Athlon line. Really nice MIL reticle in the Ares TAC and Ares ETR. If you can stretch your budget just a bit see what Doug at Cameraland can do for you on an ETR.

The other option would be a Viper PST II from Liberty optics with the sale they have going on right now, but the wait is about 6 weeks on those and from the reviews I’ve read for just a little more you will get better glass with the Athlon.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Thanks for the help, he's looking through all the black Friday sales.

I’d look at something in the Athlon line. Really nice MIL reticle in the Ares TAC and Ares ETR. If you can stretch your budget just a bit see what Doug at Cameraland can do for you on an ETR.

The other option would be a Viper PST II from Liberty optics with the sale they have going on right now, but the wait is about 6 weeks on those and from the reviews I’ve read for just a little more you will get better glass with the Athlon.

It would be my pleasure to work with you. I'm in the store till at least 5 today and here every day till Christmas

 

[Tunnuh]

Get the Midas TAC instead. Illumination and a more varied purpose reticle IMO. Do yourself a favor and call Doug.

 

[chavezz556]

You can get an Athlon Midas Tac for just a few more dollars. I think that would be a much better scope for the money.

Called Doug at Cameraland yesterday and he hooked me up with one of these..

I've hear nothing but good about them.. only thing is they're non-illum

 

[BCP]

I did consider the SWFA options but most including this one are not illuminated.

The SWFA won't break though.

Next best thing would be something on the used market around 700-1000 dollars. You can find the SWFA HD and Bushnell HDMR they both seem reliable. One of the HDMRs I had the previous owner must've used it to hammer nails and it still worked 100%.

 

[scocoabeach]

Get the Midas TAC instead. Illumination and a more varied purpose reticle IMO. Do yourself a favor and call Doug.

The Midas TAC doesn't have illumination. Great scope though.

 

[steve123]

this is good feedback. I hadn't thought that the reloading may end up putting me at a different velocity than the BDC is set for.

I am open to other options around the $800 level. I do want illumination.

Athlon Ares BTR then. I favor the 4.5-27x50.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

I'm back in the store tomorrow morning around 10 if you'd like to give a call to discuss different options
Have a great evening

 

[Tunnuh]

The Midas TAC doesn't have illumination. Great scope though.

You're right, no illumination...my bad

 

[RackOpsTactical]

Thanks all. I am now leaning towards the vortex viper pst gen ii.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Thanks all. I am now leaning towards the vortex viper pst gen ii.

If you're leaning towards Vortex get with Scott at Liberty Optics and tell him Doug at Camera Land sent you. He's a great guy and will take excellent care of you

 

[hstonebraker77]

ANyone have a major opinion one way or the other on the Vortex Viper PST Gen I vs Gen II. I am looking at the Gen I in 6-24x50 vs the Gen II 5-25X50. There are a couple of great sales on these and I am wondering if the Gen II is worth 1.5 x the price...

 

[spife7980]

ANyone have a major opinion one way or the other on the Vortex Viper PST Gen I vs Gen II. I am looking at the Gen I in 6-24x50 vs the Gen II 5-25X50. There are a couple of great sales on these and I am wondering if the Gen II is worth 1.5 x the price...

Yes. The gen 1 is a turd and had tarnished my impression of their non razor scopes, the gen 2 is surprisingly competent.

 

[AMP!]

I have to agree with get a used scope off here. I’ve bought everything from as cheap as a 1-6 strike Eagle to $2,000+ ATACR off the Hide, and always have great luck. Saves a lot of money.