Rifle Scopes Scope Opinions

[LawnMM]

Hey guys, long time lurker here. I'm LE in Colorado and just getting my feet wet with long range stuff. Only been out with my rifle a few times but I'm hooked. Its a kick in the pants.

I've been looking at upgrading my glass. Started with a SS 3-9x from SWFA. Great service from those guys and I can't say too much bad about the 3-9x. My reticle was a few degrees off center, not a big deal I just leveled the reticle with a laser level on the wall.

My main gripe after a few outings with a buddy of mine has been the magnification power. Shooting at 600+ it gets difficult to see smaller targets and spot hits. I also find the standard mil dot reticle a little imprecise.

I've been looking at the IOR scopes and I'm pretty set on the 3-18 FFP with the mp8 reticle. Here's my question. I've read about the QC issues with earlier versions and have also seen that the 4th Gen scopes seem to have the kinks ironed out. Is there any advantage as far as internals by going with the 3x18x50 over the 3x18x42? The 50mm objective probably lets in a tad more light and it has an illuminated reticle but given I don't plan on any low light shooting for a good bit of time I don't know that its worth paying 250 more for the feature.

However if the internals are beefed up or modified/revised in a way that adds longevity or reliability to the scope then its worth it in my mind. Anybody thats got one or handled one or both that can chime in?

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Scope Opinions

find someone in your AO that got one of these and ask to get some glass time behind it.......prolly be able to do this .....if you complete your profile........maybe some close by could be helpfull.................

 

[LawnMM]

Re: Scope Opinions

Will do.

**Edited to add that everything I've read about their glass has been rave reviews. I wouldn't mind taking a peek through one before purchasing at all. I'm trying to figure out if the internals are any different between the two scopes or if the only difference is a slightly bigger objective lens and an illuminated reticle.

If they have the same internal mechanics then the reliability is about as good as its going to get and I probably wouldn't spend the extra coin just for the illumination. Unless the extra 8mm on the objective makes for a big enough difference that my noob eyes can pick up.

 

[jrob300]

Re: Scope Opinions

It this a duty rifle or play?

If this is for personal enjoyment, the IOR may be fine for you. I had a chance to compare the 3.5-18x50 side by side with a Razor 5-20. The glass in the IOR was definitely better. But if it's a duty rifle, I'd rather stake my life on a Razor, NF, S&B, Premier, yada yada. Too many question marks still looming over IOR's past ability to make a scope that will hold up semi-indefinitely.

.02

John

 

[LawnMM]

Re: Scope Opinions

Play rifle. I landed on the IOR since they offer pretty good bang for buck as far as features and glass quality.

There's a Leupold 6.5-20 ER/T in the same price area as the IOR's but from what I've gleened off threads here the IOR has nicer glass, zero stops, and in the case of the 3x18x50 IOR...an illuminated reticle.

Of course Leupold has a much better track record for Customer Service and reliability. I've been leaning towards the IOR for the glass quality and features on the hope they have their act together these days with reliability and making it right if the scope goes down. Am I way off?

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Scope Opinions

I would avoid the IOR if I were you... glass quality means very little when the internals barely track or can't hold up to the most basic of use.

More to a scope than --- glass, in fact in today's world talking glass is pretty much irrelevant when you consider a $299 scope has decent glass.

 

[ggmanning]

Re: Scope Opinions

I just bought a 3-18x42 gen 4 for an upcoming build. All my current front line scopes ar USO's. I looked into it pretty hard before the decision and felt comfortable with the model. i needed high mag and relatively light weight in a scope with the features it has. It is very clear....I have not used it yet however, so can't comment on durability. Buy it from Scott at Liberty Optics....if you have any trouble you will be taken care of properly.

 

[Turk]

Re: Scope Opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just bought a 3-18x42 gen 4 for an upcoming build. All my current front line scopes ar USO's. I looked into it pretty hard before the decision and felt comfortable with the model. i needed high mag and relatively light weight in a scope with the features it has. It is very clear....I have not used it yet however, so can't comment on durability. Buy it from Scott at Liberty Optics....if you have any trouble you will be taken care of properly.

</div></div>
On a 2 way range; you will really be "taken care of properly"!

 

[HotrRod308]

Re: Scope Opinions

This could get ugly!

 

[LawnMM]

Re: Scope Opinions

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it, especially when you guys have way more hands on time with these than me.

The other contender with features and magnification in the area of interest for me was that Leupold. I've got a buddy that had one of their scopes that came on a rifle he bought from a friend of his. Took a look at it for him and his reticle wire was busted. He sent it back and they fixed it no questions. Thats hard to beat.

If lowlight says the IOR's internals aren't up to snuff thats good enough for me. Any similarly discouraging words for the Leupold ER/T series? Is the tracking repeatable and at least semi-durable on those?

I realize I'm in that sort of gray area between the lower end scopes that lack the features and the higher end stuff that has everything you could ever want. I'm trying to figure out whats worth a little money on the front end and what can be done without.

 

[crnkin]

Re: Scope Opinions

I think with your LEO discount, i'd buy a ER/T or nightforce F1.

Main advantage of the nightforce is zero stops and high speed turrets, but the leupold is good value.

Personally if im going to spend 2k on a scope, whats another $700 for a S&B or premier (even with their recent issues), but I can see how its a stretch to 2k in the first place.

Im not as anti IOR as LL, and I'd normally say go for it, but your proabably having your doubts already. Our IOR dealer in NZ is awesome, so that of course makes a big difference.

I'd put money on you eventually buying an ER/T.

Chris

 

[LawnMM]

Re: Scope Opinions

Hadn't even thought of an LE discount. If that brought a NF down into a manageable price range that would be sweet. I considered maybe going the route of a no interest loan through bear basin or the like on a NF F1.

This is what prompted me to post. I have ideas but there are things I don't think of and a good set of suggestions can help aid in that process. Maybe that's a better bet and I'll just do a short term no interest loan and throw what I had set aside for the IOR at the loan immediately and keep the subsequent payments low.

 

[Turk]

Re: Scope Opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HotRod308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This could get ugly! </div></div>
Not really; my comment has no bearing on Scott's great CS or IOR's quality! In the field you're gonna need a little more then customer service; that's all. Iiwii!

 

[sniperaviator]

Re: Scope Opinions

Leupold's weakness is no zero stop. A one turn knob is the ultimate (or 10 mils in one turn). Not too many have that feature. USO, S&B, Nightforce and Premier have either a one turn knob or at least 10 mils in one rev? Not sure.

You can make a poor man's zero stop with a custom base. Just get the base made to be 1/2 (minus a little) of the total elevation travel. Presto, zero stopo. Most gunsmiths could customize a picatinny rail if you can't find the exact match stock.

 

[LawnMM]

Re: Scope Opinions

Who shows Mil/LE the discount love?

 

[BCP]

Re: Scope Opinions

I have a 3-18x42 IOR, it is the 4th gen model and works fine. Razor HD and Nightforce are probably the best. I've looked through them all and I think the glass is comparable in all of them (IOR is arguably best but they are all good, certainly better than Mark4 or the SS3-9 you have now).

If you buy IOR get the 3-18X50 from liberty optics.

If you go leupie you can get a discount through them, I think you have to order direct though (google around there should be a part of their site that says "Military/Law Program" or something).

http://www.leupold.com/tactical/fedmil-program/

 

[LawnMM]

Re: Scope Opinions

I saw that but I saw another thread elsewhere that said it only applies to military and federal LE...

I'm local, cityboy, not a fed. =/

 

[fdkay]

Re: Scope Opinions

The two favorite whipping boys for this site are IOR and Leupold.
You could certainly make an case that it is deservedly so. IOR has taken strides to improve their product and they provide excellent customer service.
However, it is interesting that when one of the favored brands either does not deliver a product or has a scope crap out at a major shoot, they are either not named or given a pass.

If your rifle is a range rifle and you like the IOR, buy the damn thing. Mine seems to track just fine, though I do NOT dial that much. I might find it different if I had a longer range available.

 

[BCP]

Re: Scope Opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LawnMM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I saw that but I saw another thread elsewhere that said it only applies to military and federal LE...

I'm local, cityboy, not a fed. =/ </div></div>

Call them, I think it applies to all even if you are Mayberry.

 

[BCP]

Re: Scope Opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">they are either not named or given a pass.
</div></div>

Yeah I saw that thread lol

 

[Rob01]

Re: Scope Opinions

Under $2000? Look at the Vortex Razor. Scott sells them too.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: Scope Opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">they are either not named or given a pass.
</div></div>

Yeah I saw that thread lol</div></div>

I didn't give anyone a pass, I don't recommend them ,nor will you see mention them. I just didn't want the thread off track.

I don't feel the scope is anything close to what users on here think, which is why if you read my posts I am consistent in the brands I use and recommend.

The brand you claim is given a pass has absolutely no ties to this site in any way. I have no reason to protect them. Instead too many people invest too much in "glass" leading to very vocal owners who will defend their decision to pay in excess of $2k.

Just like your selective reading of what I actually say. That goes for fdkay. Trust me I am very vocal, and call it like I see it.

 

[ggmanning]

Re: Scope Opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Turk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ggmanning</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just bought a 3-18x42 gen 4 for an upcoming build. All my current front line scopes ar USO's. I looked into it pretty hard before the decision and felt comfortable with the model. i needed high mag and relatively light weight in a scope with the features it has. It is very clear....I have not used it yet however, so can't comment on durability. Buy it from Scott at Liberty Optics....if you have any trouble you will be taken care of properly.

</div></div>
On a 2 way range; you will really be "taken care of properly"!

</div></div>

I did due dilligence in prior intel and according to previous sitreps the ground hog teams had not mastered the mortar, the crows had not fully developed small arms and the deer combatants simply ran at the first gunfire. I will heed your advice however and keep rapid xfil available should my 2 way range become hotter than present. Thanks for the heads up though......the militant wildlife of Virginia may invade south to NC. 2 way range......thanks for the laugh!

 

[BCP]

Re: Scope Opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lowlight</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Instead too many people invest too much in "glass" leading to very vocal owners who will defend their decision to pay in excess of $2k.
</div></div>

The more people pay, the better they think it is. It is an aspect of human nature.

 

[jrob300]

Re: Scope Opinions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LawnMM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Play rifle. </div></div>

If it's a play rifle, what will you be doing with it? Shooting paper? Shooting UKD at steel? Competitions? Clay pigeons with friends? You may be able to get away for a LOT less money with a fine scope if you don't need FFP mil/mil, yada yada, etc. et al, ad nauseum.

For less than $1K the Sightron SIII are great scopes for paper punching and clay pigeon murder.

Figure out what you really need, as it will put you in very different categories and very different price points. Start with SFP or FFP.

John