Rifle Scopes Ready to step outside comfort zone for optics.

libertyman777

Are you gonna eat that....
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 26, 2007
849
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Heflin, Alabama
I would like some input.

A little background. I just came into a mighty fine rifle. It's a Steyr SSG 69 P1. I was thinking about one of the new Vortex Viper PST scopes when they come out in June. But I began to think about going ahead and going up to the next level in glass. I plan on purchasing either a SAKO TRG 22 or AI AW one day and this might be a good time to buy the glass that I would like to use on that rifle but would compliment this rifle too.

The rifle came with 30mm rings. I can also purchase a picatinny rail from Steyr that will allow other rings, 34mm, 35mm, etc. US Optics offers a 20 MOA rail but it requires drilling and tapping and I'm not interested in altering the rifle.

So because I'm limited to a 0 MOA rail or factory rings, my first requirement is a scope with at leadt 100 MOA or 26 mils of adjustment. 3.5" of eye relief is the minimum and I'd like 4". Mil/Mil reticle/knobs. 10x minimum in a fixed power. That's about it, I'm open to suggestions.

I'm still not in the market for a S&B PMII, Premier Reticles, Zeiss Hensoldt, etc. I still need to keep my cost under $2000.

Two scopes that I find very appealing price wise are the US Optics ST10 and the NF 3.5-15x50 NXS. Occasionally I see the NF 5.5-22 go reasonably too. I've actually held the ST10, 3.2-17x44 Tpal and a NF 5.5-22x50 but didn't have the opportunity to try them out. The glass on all was very, very good but I need input from those that have used these scopes alot, what did you like, what you didn't, what you would change, etc.

The Vortex Razor is very tempting but at the top of my $$ limit. I really like the folks at Vortex. I've owned and used Vipers in the past and was very impressed with the quality and customer service. I would have zero problems buying a used Razor because of this.


Oh as far as use is concerned, I hunt some, I reload and punch lot's of holes in paper. My big plan is to attend some formal training and shoot in some long range/F Class competitions.

All input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul
 
Re: Ready to step outside comfort zone for optics.

I would personally take NF over USO any day of the week. I had too many issues with some USO scopes I owned that had to be repaired/reconditioned and sold them all. I have never had a problem with Nightforce. Its worth a lot to me to not be frustrated at the range due to equipment issues. They are about on par in glass quality, USO does have better reticle choices though.
 
Re: Ready to step outside comfort zone for optics.

The NF NXS has 110 moa of internal adjustment, so it should fit your needs. I own the 3.5x15x56. It is a great scope and you cant go wrong with it.

I have heard great things about the USO, but never owned one so I would have to vote for the NF. I really like the assortment of reticles you get with NF. Their mildot is my favorite one on the market.

Good Luck
 
Re: Ready to step outside comfort zone for optics.

I don't have experience with either NF or USO scopes other than a faulty USO scope base. My experience with that was unsatisfactory enough that I know I would never buy a USO scope. I've always been impressed with NF just never had the right opportunity for one.

My rule of thumb is to spend as much on a scope to be commensurate with the rifle I'm putting it on. For example my Crusader has an S&B on it. My Cooper 57M 22lr has a Vortex Viper on it. I have two LMT gas piston AR15's, one with an IOR and the other with an Aimpoint.