Firstoff, I would like to apologize for adding another "this vs that" scope thread to the hundreds of them that are already here! This one is a bit different, however, in that I am not in the market for one of the two scopes. I am actually in the opposite position- I currently own both of them and am trying to figure out which to sell.
As a bit of a background- I am determining which scope to keep for my AX. It might also serve as a good reference between the two scopes for anyone considering purchasing a top tier optic, as it will bring about my own observances about the two scopes after experience with both. I can say up front that this thread only came about because they are both so fantastic that I am having a hard time making a decision, and only selling one because the alternative is buying a rifle to mount it on! (Still a possibility, the only reason I am leaning otherwise is because I made a resolution to shoot just one rifle and get truly proficient with it.)
The two scopes in question, getting into detail here, are a Hensoldt 4-16x56ff mildot, and a Schmidt and Bender PM2 5-25x56 Gen 2 XR clockwise.
My observations:
Hensoldt:
Reticle is usable at all magnification ranges
2.3 inches shorter than the Schmidt and Bender
6 ounces lighter
Eyebox is easier to get behind, certainly is better for positional shooting
Thicker reticle makes it harder (for me) to shoot smaller targets. I don't notice it when banging steel at long ranges, but I do when running dot drills, etc.
Schmidt and Bender
Reticle is much easier to shoot small targets with
Reticle is much better for ranging targets and holding for wind, with .5 mil hashes.
Resolution is better to my eye.
Extra magnification allows scope to be used as a spotter.
10m parallax is great for practice in the house
Thinner reticle is a little tougher to see at lower magnifications.
HUGE size is a negative.
So there it is! I know that having both a S&B and a Hensoldt isn't a huge problem to have, I'm just having a hard time making a decision! Interested in hearing input from others who have used either or both.
Probably going to have to go to the range with both, and use both in the same session. If I still can't decide, the Hensoldt is going on a GAP-10, haha!
As a bit of a background- I am determining which scope to keep for my AX. It might also serve as a good reference between the two scopes for anyone considering purchasing a top tier optic, as it will bring about my own observances about the two scopes after experience with both. I can say up front that this thread only came about because they are both so fantastic that I am having a hard time making a decision, and only selling one because the alternative is buying a rifle to mount it on! (Still a possibility, the only reason I am leaning otherwise is because I made a resolution to shoot just one rifle and get truly proficient with it.)
The two scopes in question, getting into detail here, are a Hensoldt 4-16x56ff mildot, and a Schmidt and Bender PM2 5-25x56 Gen 2 XR clockwise.
My observations:
Hensoldt:
Reticle is usable at all magnification ranges
2.3 inches shorter than the Schmidt and Bender
6 ounces lighter
Eyebox is easier to get behind, certainly is better for positional shooting
Thicker reticle makes it harder (for me) to shoot smaller targets. I don't notice it when banging steel at long ranges, but I do when running dot drills, etc.
Schmidt and Bender
Reticle is much easier to shoot small targets with
Reticle is much better for ranging targets and holding for wind, with .5 mil hashes.
Resolution is better to my eye.
Extra magnification allows scope to be used as a spotter.
10m parallax is great for practice in the house
Thinner reticle is a little tougher to see at lower magnifications.
HUGE size is a negative.
So there it is! I know that having both a S&B and a Hensoldt isn't a huge problem to have, I'm just having a hard time making a decision! Interested in hearing input from others who have used either or both.
Probably going to have to go to the range with both, and use both in the same session. If I still can't decide, the Hensoldt is going on a GAP-10, haha!