Rifle Scopes SS10X42 or SS16X42 Help!

[Curnow26]

Hi need a little help deciding on which power setting to pick on the optic. I am going with a new mil mil ss scope. It will be used on a .308. I will be using this at 100 and 200 yards for a few months then it will be used at ranges between 100 and 1000 yards.

Would a 16X be okay for 100 yards or will there be quite a bit of distortion. That is the only concern i have so far.
I have only used fixed 10 power scopes on my rifle. I have always liked the swfa ss scopes so I was thinking of trying the 16 power and then down the road when the budget gets more friendly I plan to upgrade to a bushnell dmr with g2 reticule

 

[TallShot]

Re: SS10X42 or SS16X42 Help!

There won't be any distortion unless you don't focus the reticle properly, or don't use the focus knob at the proper range.

There will be limited field of view, however. For that reason, I would stick with the 10x. I've also read here, but no personal experience, that the 16 and 20x are a bit on the dim side.

Edit to add: don't forget the new 12x too, I hear they're on par with the 10x, but with just a little extra power.

 

[Pointman308]

Re: SS10X42 or SS16X42 Help!

I think I would give the 12x a try. Little easier to group with a little more power. I do love 10x power as well though.

 

[Graham]

Re: SS10X42 or SS16X42 Help!

10x or 12x.

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: SS10X42 or SS16X42 Help!

I prefer 10X for all around use to 1K or so. Mainly for the bigger FOV.

I do have a 16X SS, and a 16X MK4 on a couple rigs. They are excellent LR scopes especially past 600 yards or so where FOV is not so critical. The 16X really excel past 1000.

The 12X option does look pretty good, but I've never used one.

 

[callen3615]

Re: SS10X42 or SS16X42 Help!

Go with the 12. Ive used 10s, and 16s. The 16s are great for shooting paper, I think the 10s are alittle brighter.

Just bought a 12 mil/mil and love it. Good compromise.

 

[oldfatguy]

Re: SS10X42 or SS16X42 Help!

I have a 16X and it is just too little field of view for anything but targets, and the eye box is tight. Another vote for the 10 or 12.

 

[Curnow26]

Re: SS10X42 or SS16X42 Help!

Okay, Ill try the 12.
Thanks its nice to know this stuff before i spend the cash!

 

[oglejust]

Re: SS10X42 or SS16X42 Help!

ive got a 10 and a 16, love the 16, fov isnt as bad as i expected, never had a problem finding my target. not the greatest for low light conditions but very happy with it for the price

 

[SUIScide]

Re: SS10X42 or SS16X42 Help!

oglejust thanks for that post. I'm looking at the fixed 16 and is nice to hear from someone that has both