Rifle Scopes Scope for a Newb

[CthulhuAwakens]

Hi All, first post here.

I'm new to precision rifle shooting. I picked up an FN SPR A2 with a McMillan M4 stock and now I need to get some good glass to put on it. I've been researching my options and I'm still a little unclear as to what would be best for a beginner. I was thinking of the SWFA SS 5-20x50 would be a good option as it has FFP and is Mil/Mil as well as an illuminated reticle (optional). I know there are some other great/better choices out there (Vortex, Leopold, NF, etc.) but the SWFA seems to fit the bill and budget. I've read good reviews here but wanted to get some feedback about this as a starter scope that has some headroom to grow into. Also, should I spring for the illuminated reticle? Should I hold off and spring for a NF for 1K more? Other suggestions?

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Scope for a Newb

That is a wonderful choice for a beginner, wish I had that when I was a wee lad. You should buy with confidence that its a great scope

 

[Ed-G]

Re: Scope for a Newb

Welcome, lots of info here. Use the search or just scan the first half dozen pages of the Optics section and you will be reading for a day!

Make a decision on Mil/Mil, moa/moa, mil/moa or moa/mil. Looks like you are looking at mil/mil, thats what I'm developing my skill set in.

I have a leupold 4.5-14x50 w/TMR non-illuminated that I had the knobs converted to M5 (mils). Its fine and works good. I bought before I "discovered" the 'hide and Leupold was a manufacturer I had experience with.

I have a Vortex PST 6-24x50 mil/mil that works good. Its illuminated but I have not need it.

I have not done any quantative glass comparison between the two. Subjectively shooting both of them I would say they are about equal. I do like the PST's power.

I was tempted to buy a Nightforce (S&B, USO, etc), I didn't and am glad I didn't. Nothing against Nightforce or the others, I just felt that I can develope my skill set at a lower price and work my way up the optics foodchain with my own perspective of what I need.

I will say that I have a floor in what I will accept in optics and build quality. For me thats Leupold Mark4, Vortex PST, Bushnell Elite. There are others, these are the ones I have experience with. It appears from what I have read here that the SWFA SS is in this group also but I have no experience with them. My only comment on the SS and I'm not sure if this is the case: I think the eye-piece turns with the power setting and I don't like that. Check that out and it may or may not be an issue for you.

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: Scope for a Newb

I'ed hold off and get a nightforce

 

[samnev]

Re: Scope for a Newb

I'd hold off and get a Nightforce as well.

 

[CthulhuAwakens]

Re: Scope for a Newb

Really? NF is almost a grand more. What would I be giving up by not going with a NF? I've always felt that "buy once, cry once" is the way to go but $1000 is a heck of a lot of cash to part with. Keep in mind that I'm a total beginner when it comes to precision shooting.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the NF isn't worth it. It just seems like a beginning driver behind the wheel of a race car.

 

[michael_aos]

Re: Scope for a Newb

I would have pointed you toward the SWFA 5-20x as well.

I have 3x Premier 5-25x. 260 Remington, 284 Winchester, 338 Lapua.

I have 3x of the SWFA 5-20x illuminated. 22LR, 22BR, 223 Remington.

I also have a SWFA 5-20x non-illuminated. Probably going to stick it on an alternate / backup 260 Remington.

I think the SWFA 5-20x's are great for the money.
--

 

[paulL01]

Re: Scope for a Newb

Good usee NF or maybe a Leupold MKIV ER/T 6.5-20x50 FFP

 

[asmith5144]

Re: Scope for a Newb

I have a SWFA SS fixed 10X on my Savage 10FP .308 and its worked great for me so far. I know that there are much greater options on the market, but for the price it can't be beat.

 

[jackh]

Re: Scope for a Newb

swfa ss 3-9 ffp mil/mil

 

[bobtodrick]

Re: Scope for a Newb

I think there are a lot scopes in the mid-range (say $800-$1500) that would do a fine job.
If I had an unlimited budget I'd have gone for a Night Force or S&B, but for a lot here it just isn't necessary.
A good part of that $1000 extra cost is in very heavy build quality. A professional can't have a scope failure on some Afghanistan mountain top...and he's not in a position to baby his equipment...so they are built taking that in mind.
But for range shooting and the odd hunting trip...there are other places you can spend a grand and improve your shooting.
So the OP has a choice to make, based on his intended usage.

 

[NoFail]

Re: Scope for a Newb

That SS I think may be out if stock.

 

[tofst4u2no]

Re: Scope for a Newb

I'd put my vote in for the Bushnell HDMR. I think for the money there's not really much better. I'm saving up for one to replace my Leupold MK4 aftyer having tried out one at the range that a fellow shooter had.

 

[Sig716]

Re: Scope for a Newb

Bushnell elite tactical 6-24x50mm!

 

[CthulhuAwakens]

Re: Scope for a Newb

Hmmm....Thinking more and more about this. Buy once, cry once are words l live by. Leaning more towards the NF now. Thoughts on the 3.5-15 F1 NSX? What reticle do you recommend? I was thinking of the H58 but am open to suggestions.

 

[johnnyappleseed]

Re: Scope for a Newb

i've got the ffp nightforce

it's got all the bells and whistles

it's only drawback for me is its bulk and weight

30 ounces for me is just too heavy for a hunting scope since i'm the one who has to lug it around

i'm gonna get rid of it and find something lighter

 

[CthulhuAwakens]

Re: Scope for a Newb

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: johnnyappleseed</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i've got the ffp nightforce

it's got all the bells and whistles

it's only drawback for me is its bulk and weight

30 ounces for me is just too heavy for a hunting scope since i'm the one who has to lug it around

i'm gonna get rid of it and find something lighter</div></div>

Interesting point about the weight. What scopes are you thinking of replacing the NF with?