Schmidt Bender PMII 5-25 Ultra Short question

[Bill.guru512]

Hey guys, I see 2 versions of this scope. One is the original with the dedicated illumination dial on the left, and the newer one without it. Does anyone know if there's any other difference between the two versions and if there's any difference in the glass or weight? Looking to pick one up and was wondering if it's worth it to pick up an older one if I can find one for cheaper.

 

[dms416]

5-20x? If so, the lack of illumination "wart" opens up to more mount options for the scope.

On the US front, older 3-20x Ultra shorts are your best "cheapest" bet.
But as a former Ultra Short fan, I wouldn't fuck with one over a 4-20 ZCO for any reason.

 

[Bill.guru512]

ZCO is that much better? I like how light the 5-20 US is (compared to the ZCO)

 

[dms416]

I can't remember how many US's I've had. At least 4 if not 5. EVEN before the S&B price hike, the ZCO is the better buy IMHO even though they are heavier (you can find the specs for both online).

Now that the US's MSRP for $5k+ it's a no-brainer

 

[Bill.guru512]

I can't remember how many US's I've had. At least 4 if not 5. EVEN before the S&B price hike, the ZCO is the better buy IMHO even though they are heavier (you can find the specs for both online).

Now that the US's MSRP for $5k+ it's a no-brainer

I'm looking at a used SB 5-20 locally for 2500, in your opinion is the ZCO worth $1k over it?

 

[dms416]

I'm looking at a used SB 5-20 locally for 2500, in your opinion is the ZCO worth $1k over it?

Well...that is a VERY low price for the US if it's in good condition. For reference, that's basically LE pricing or slightly less than a 4-16x42 ATACR today. It would all depend on reticle.

Where the ZCO shines for me is Reticles and the top end. I don't like Tremors, but finding a tree reticle I like isn't easy. The MPCT2x is my favorite at this point. The worst any scope is at max power...the US's feel that they are at their optical limit at 20x. I don't feel that way in the 4-20.

I will also say that I used the 3-20x50 US MSR2 for many years for work, and I wanted more and put a 5-25x56 Tanget Theta on my personal rig. I am literally on here today in thinking I would be just fine with just my AX and the ZCO420 on top. I did not feel like the 3-20 was enough, but (maybe theres some maturity/experience involved here) the 420 ZCO IS.

 

[Bill.guru512]

Well it's older one w/ the illumination dial on the left side but does look to be in good shape. I know the ZCO is probably better but not sure if it's $700-1k better.

 

[dms416]

Well it's older one w/ the illumination dial on the left side but does look to be in good shape. I know the ZCO is probably better but not sure if it's $700-1k better.

As I said, it would boil down to the reticle that's in the S&B and what you like/can live with...

 

[Bill.guru512]

It is the MSR2 reticle

 

[ELCO82]

Msr2 is such a great reticle.... One of my favorites

 

[dms416]

It is the MSR2 reticle

Yeah, I'd be ok with an MSR2...even if it were lame CW direction elevation.
If it's CCW and you don't buy it, I probably would