Rifle Scopes SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

[redhead522]

Hello,

I recently bought a new Les Baer 308 semi (AR10 style variant). I've been doing a lot of research about the scope to mount on it. I plan on getting into long range shooting (600+ yards). I've seen lots of people recommend the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56 & Schmidt and Bender 5-25x56 PMII. From what I can gather, here's the pros of each.

Nightforce
Pros:
Built like a tank
Price (relatively anyways)
Huge elevation adjustments (100 MOA)

Schmidt and Bender
Pros:
Superb Glass
First Focal Plane
Better zoom range

Is there anything I'm missing here for my decision? The S&B is really more than I want to spend for a scope, but I'm a firm believer of buy what you want once. Additionally the Les Baer will be the crown jewel of my collection, so I want to do it right.

Also, if there's another top of the line scope I should consider (Premier, Hendsoldt, etc) please let me know. Thanks!

 

[bengates]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

Please use the Google search. This has already been discussed ad nauseum. The S&B is better, period. The only advantage of the NF is price. They are both good scopes, but only one can be better - S&B.

 

[Black Majik]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

I agree with above. The S&B will also have a lot more adjustments than you'll ever need for a .308. I have a PMII 5-25x on my .308 and own a NF 5.5-22x as well, both will suit you fine but if you can justify the extra cost of the S&B it certainly is a fantastic scope.

The pros of the NF also apply to S&B except cost. The S&B is also built like a tank and has a lot of elevation travel.

 

[remau308]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

I wouldn't get a 56mm objective for a flattop AR. I would at the most get a 50mm, so you can mount it lower.

 

[Rob01]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

The 56mm objective doesn't really cause a problem. I put mine on a 22 MOA base and 1" height rings, so I can swap it back to my bolt gun when needed, and it brings it to a perfect height when behind the scope.

 

[Asm1]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

I didn't like the parallax adjustment on the PMIIs I have used , It may be better than the NXS adjustments and I am the problem ? I shoot better groups with the NXS , But when I get off the bench the PMII was the Bomb positional shooting no DOUBT !

You wont be left on the porch with ether choice, We have won matches with NXS and Top shooters using PMII are there also some days they get us .
I never hang on to the PMII's long enough to take to a COMP, More money than I can just when I have both side x side I always end up selling the PMII and keeping the NXS.

If I was in a better position I would keep a PMII longer than a few months. I like them alot and there cool to show your buddy they all oooh and aaah when they see them, LOL...




56MM OD on PMII is smaller than NXS 56MM OD just a Little.

 

[Speeddog]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

I'm running an NSX 5.5-22X50 on an 18" Baer Monolith .308 with PRS stock.

Works great. The glass is fine for where I shoot (N. AZ) and the combo, while heavy, is nicely balanced.

I know this is nothing more than an anecdotal reply but I wanted to reassure you the combination of scope and rifle gives nothing away.

 

[bengates]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: remau308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't get a 56mm objective for a flattop AR. I would at the most get a 50mm, so you can mount it lower.</div></div>

It's not a problem if you have the right mount. The Spuhr 1.44 mount is absolutely perfect for a flat top, and you can get it in 22 or 44 moa.

 

[joemusso]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UncleBenji</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Please use the Google search. This has already been discussed ad nauseum. The S&B is better, period. The only advantage of the NF is price. They are both good scopes, but only one can be better - S&B. </div></div>


most people here don't know what the snipers hide google search is or how to get there.
here it is. this is a much better search engine than the one on site.

http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=010955838166721108978:qcbx5qqy10o&hl=en

 

[KYS]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The 56mm objective doesn't really cause a problem. I put mine on a 22 MOA base and 1" height rings, so I can swap it back to my bolt gun when needed, and it brings it to a perfect height when behind the scope.

</div></div>

Yes, but what you dont mention is that your particular platform has a notched front rail FOR large objective scopes. It would take taller rings or a riser to clear most 56mm scopes. I have to run really high badgers to clear a 50mm NF on a GAP10....

 

[bm11]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

I have both, and far and away get the Bender if you can afford it. Not taking anything away from the Nightforce, but they aren't even in the same league.

I probably would go with a Hensoldt on an AR though. I prefer the S&B no doubt, but for position shooting the Hensoldt gets my nod, and it is more compact to boot.

 

[Rob01]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KYS338</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Yes, but what you dont mention is that your particular platform has a notched front rail FOR large objective scopes. It would take taller rings or a riser to clear most 56mm scopes. I have to run really high badgers to clear a 50mm NF on a GAP10.... </div></div>

Actually it does but it's not needed. Here it was with the same 22 MOA base and a different set of rings although the same 1" ring height on a POF flat top.

 

[poison123]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have both, and far and away get the Bender if you can afford it. Not taking anything away from the Nightforce, but they aren't even in the same league.

I probably would go with a <span style="font-weight: bold">Hensoldt on an AR though. I prefer the S&B no doubt, but for position shooting the Hensoldt gets my nod, and it is more compact to boot.</span> </div></div>

Listen to this man.

This is my exact setup now, I run a Henny 4-16 on my GAP10 and nothing but SBs on Bolt Guns. The eye box on the Henny makes it very worthwhile for Autoloaders.

 

[Rob01]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

I just wish Hensoldt would come up with a better reticle option. You either get a standard mildot, which I wouldn't spend that much money to get, or the NH1 with it's pointed post. I know others have asked them to come up with a more standard reticle like the NH1 but with a closed aiming point. I personally don't like the open post reticle design.

 

[KYS]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

Did you change the rails and rings? The two rifles there do not look the same unless you went with a different rail system.

 

[Rob01]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

No the attached rail is the same Badger 22 MOA rail in both pics and the rings in the first are Seekins and the second are Badger but both the same height of 1" so no difference as to how the scope rides on the rifle.

The actual rifle rail in the first pic is the new GAP 10 version with the cut out but the second pic is the original POF rail which is flat all the way across. The above set up works well with either.

 

[poison123]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just wish Hensoldt would come up with a better reticle option. You either get a standard mildot, which I wouldn't spend that much money to get, or the NH1 with it's pointed post. I know others have asked them to come up with a more standard reticle like the NH1 but with a closed aiming point. I personally don't like the open post reticle design. </div></div>

Have you tried the NH1 on the GAP10....I'll be honest...it works very very well.

 

[Rob01]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

I don't like post or open center reticles. I have tried them. I find them hard to get consistent precise aiming points. I am sure they work for some but not me. It would just be nice if they gave another option of something like the NH1 but with an actual crosshair aiming point.

 

[PRDRIVER]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redhead522</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Also, if there's another top of the line scope I should consider (Premier, Hendsoldt, etc) please let me know. Thanks! </div></div>

I have the Premier 5-25X56 and love it. It is very similar to the S&B PM II, but about 15% less in price ($3,182 for the Premier w/ Gen 2 XR Reticle and $3,699 for the S&B w/ Gen 2 XR Reticle).

The Premier is built like a tank, has outstanding glass, Front Focal Plane Reticle, and great turrets.

 

[redhead522]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

Thanks for the all feedback so far.

What do you mean by "The eye box on the Henny makes it very worthwhile for Autoloaders."

 

[bm11]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

Its really easy to get behind. You drop down behind the gun and "bam!" perfect edge to edge clarity.

 

[Senderofan]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

I agree 100% with what you said, RMW . PH is a great choice as far as I'm concerned.

Wayne

 

[ToKeepAndBear]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

I personally do not think that you need a 5-25 on an autoloader for shooting to 600 yards (I used to do pretty well with a 3 power ACOG at that distance on steel!). Not to mention you are making a heavy gun even heavier.

I would also go with a Hensoldt 3-12x56 or 4-16x56. I have the NH1 reticle on the 4-16 and like it a lot. I just purchased the 3-12 for my 308 bolt gun. The Hensoldt scopes are really easy to use.

I have a SS 3-9 with mil-quad reticle on my AR-15 now. It does have a thicker reticle than many scopes but is quick to pick up at low power and allows enough precision to shoot the 0.75-1.0 moa inherent accuracy of the rifle. It definitely allows more precision than the ACOG as you can dial elevation and windage. This is what I would recommend as the cheap alternative if you are OK with a thicker reticle. Nine power is plenty for shooting 1000 yards at steel. Some people like high mag scopes, I personally rarely shoot at 16 power even with my Hensoldt 4-16x56 (most of the time I have it on 12 power for larger field of view and less mirage).

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: SB 5-2x56 PMII or NF 5.5-22x56 for Les Baer AR 308

Why not consider the 4-16 S&B or the 3-12/4-16 Hensoldt and the 3-15 PH? There's a difference between precision shooting and LR on plates and given the .308 ballistics, the above mag range will be fine for you to be hitting plates.

The 3-15 PH gives you tons of elevation, you can get the Gen2XR which is nicely set up for precision shooting.

If you're into grouping it would be a different story re:mag range but then you're using an autoloader...