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Rifle Scopes Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

R

Ryker

Private
Minuteman
Nov 1, 2010
8
0
48
Geogia athens
#1
Small town LEO looking to see what is common optics that most guys carry.
We don't have a big budget so we buy our own rifles unless we want a mini14. PS90 USS up front amd looking to get approved to carry my model10 LE rifle and at some point attend the countersniper course max300yds.

Which models do most guys carry?

/ keeping in mind this is all my money. If the weapon gets damaged it's all my
money. Less than $600 and prefer the value of a used optic. Low light abilty and durablity are key. I have shot pretty good with standard a2 steel sights out to 500yds on the KD USMC course.
 
#3
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

I would get a variable scope. Maybe an older Leupold. My first issued sniper rifle had a Leupold Vari X III 3.5-10X40 with a one inch tube. It was a very good scope for what I used it for. I don't think you would need above a 10X scope. I think the ability to zoom down is more important in your circumstance. I would look for one of the older Vari X III scopes. They have a life time warranty and you should be able to find one pretty cheap.
 
#4
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

I am not an LEO sniper....or any type of sniper for that matter. However, with the average distance for an LEO sniper shot being something around 60 yards, I'd consider a fixed 10X a little much.

I'd look into something like a Leupold Mark 4. 3-10x40, M1 knobs, even a duplex reticle is fine but mildot would be a little better. Chances are you'll be dialing all your shots, holdovers won't be needed and it's not like you'll need to range with your reticle all that often. Sadly too, the Mark 4 is a little more liability proof, they are the standard LEO answer.
 
#5
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

I have been an LE Sniper for 13+ years and the above posted opinion (jasonk & driftwood)is right on. Get the variable power. Being able to power down in close range or low light conditions is paramount. A straight 10 will limit this ability. You can get the M1 knobs but the covered ones work well too. They just do not have the IBCDI factor. 3.5 x 10 or 4.5 x 14. I would not want to go above 4.5 on the low end.

Leupold sounds like the answer for you! However there are some others. Even the variable Super Sniper! Buy once, Cry once!
 
#7
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sniper1*</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been an LE Sniper for 13+ years and the above posted opinion (jasonk & driftwood)is right on. Get the variable power. Being able to power down in close range or low light conditions is paramount. A straight 10 will limit this ability. You can get the M1 knobs but the covered ones work well too. They just do not have the IBCDI factor. 3.5 x 10 or 4.5 x 14. I would not want to go above 4.5 on the low end.

Leupold sounds like the answer for you! However there are some others. Even the variable Super Sniper! Buy once, Cry once!</div></div>

There are some great threads about this in LE communities online. I would also encourage you to reach out to a local large department who has trained sharpshooter officers as part of tactical elements.
 
#8
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

I already ruled out fixed 10x. Either will stick with a fixed 4x or a vari 2-10 / 3-9 type power. I'm lost on if I need now or will want later - any of that fancy stuff.

Other than required nightshooting in the Marines with open sights- I've never shot at night. Are luminated optics needed?

I'd like to get a good scope to learn with the if need sell and upgrade.
 
#10
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

Ryker-sh, take a look at the super sniper 3-9x42 scope as jasonk mentioned. Great glass, tough as nails, perfect mag for your ranges and is mil/mil FFP. Can't go wrong there not to mention is in your price budget.

Flyingbullseye
 
#11
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

I would say its nice but not a must. I say that because you have to be able to identify your target. If you can't make a positive identification you can't shoot. If there is enough light to identify your target you should be able to see your crosshairs, especially on lower power where you will have a larger exit pupil. I have an illuminated reticle on my scope, but I rarely actually use it.

Something like this is what I had in mind. If you can find it used you may be able to find it cheaper.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Leupold-Tactical-3-5...=item27b607a893

For a little more money you can have the 30mm tube I am looking at this scope. If I get it I will send it to Leupold and have M1 turrets put on it.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2132138#Post2132138
 
#14
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

Back in the day, we issued Remington 700 LTR's with Leupold 3x9x40 Mark II's to our guys. Very tough for the beating a rifle can take in the trunk, and very price conscious on a PD budget. If I were to put my coin in today, I would look at the Nikon Monarch X 2.5-10x40. I would steer clear of a 10 power for practical LEO application and go with variable.
 
#15
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

Variable magnification with 3x on the bottom end. make sure you have some type of reticle illumination. Lots of bad stuff happens at night.

If you have to give up some upper end power (i.e. 3-9x) to stay in your price range, then it's MUCH better than loosing the low end to gain more magnification.
 
#16
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

3.5-10 Leupy Vari-XIII tactical with 1" tube, mildot and target turrets could be had for under $500 on th eused market.
Put a WTB ad up and you will probably find something is short order.
 
#17
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

You will need more than a fixed 4 power as you mentioned. Get a good variable power scope....anything in the 3-9 or 3-10 range is good. The higher end of magnification is good, part of the course at GPSTC (unless they changed it) is target ID. During the second phase they run you out to 550 yds in 50 yrd increments. Also, make sure it has adjustable turrets as you will dial alot in the second phase. Any other questions about the class.....drop me a PM.

B.
 
#18
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

Found a few deals but they often lack finger adjustable Target style torrents.

Elite 4200 are less than 265.00
zeiss conquest around 300.00
davarie c 3-9x36 just came up on eBay and if the price is right I'll get t and have factory tactical turrents put on.

"The Carl Zeiss Service facility will now offer a retrofit of select Diavari Victory Series riflescope to modify them from conventional windage and elevation adjustments to target or ballistically calibrated bullet drop compensator (BDC) knobs available through Zeiss or aftermarket.


 
#19
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

Considering my best guesses at likeliest scenarios, I would strongly consider a scout type rifle with a reflex sight.

I think the key requirements would be to deliver overwhelming terminal energy with reasonable accuracy over distances within 100yd, and be able to acquire and follow-up with rapid dispatch.

In fact; I might even want to consider the new Savage 220 20ga rifled slug/sabot gun with a reflex sight. This firearm has good rifle-like accuracy (better than most could probably achieve under pressure with an AR), and delivers .44mag carbine terminal ballistics well out to 200yd, with 2 followups in the D/M.

Maybe not so customary, but I think it could work well; and any partner could handle the 20ga without significant recoil issues.

Greg
 
#20
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

Greg- their might only be two or three of us on the road and with most houses containing a typical deer rifle or two. So while stats show most LE sniper shots are less than 100yds. I wouldn't limit myself to such a weapon.

Right now I'm just trying to narrow down which models have turrents that I like or can be upgraded. Can't see paying several hundred to upgrade turrents when I can just buy the correct model.
 
#21
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3.5-10 Leupy Vari-XIII tactical with 1" tube, mildot and target turrets could be had for under $500 on th eused market.
Put a WTB ad up and you will probably find something is short order.
</div></div>

That model does fit the bill. I've found better glass for better price but they lack the needed turrents for tactical use. A mark 4 is on eBay and I will watch the price of it otherwise the vari-x iii tac is what I will get.
 
#22
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ryker-sh</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body">3.5-10 Leupy Vari-XIII tactical with 1" tube, mildot and target turrets could be had for under $500 on th eused market.
Put a WTB ad up and you will probably find something is short order.
</div></div>

That model does fit the bill. I've found better glass for better price but they lack the needed turrents for tactical use. A mark 4 is on eBay and I will watch the price of it otherwise the vari-x iii tac is what I will get.</div></div>

Have you considered spending a little more to go with the NF 1.8-10?

EDIT: Never mind, re read the whole thread and noticed your price guidance on what you want to spend on this. The NF is way outside that range, even if it IS a great option for the needs of LE.
 
#23
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

If you are going to buy a Leupold Mark 4 on ebay, make sure its not a chinese rip off. You can request the serial number then call Leupold to verify that its legitimate before bidding. You can get some good deals if you are patient and know what you are looking for. I bought a MK4 scope on Ebay and got a very good deal.
 
#24
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

If things don't work out on ebay take a look at these two suggestions.

The first one I suggested earlier was the super sniper 3-9 variable from SWFA. Better glass and as or tougher than a Leupold, is FFP mildot with mil knobs. $599
http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-3-9x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P41044.aspx

The second one is the Weaver Tactical Grand Slam 3-10 variable at Midway USA. Lowlight did a review here and was quite impressed with it. Like the SS it's FFP mildot with mil knobs. Currently is $299 at Midway.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=598484

Flyingbullseye
 
#26
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

or this right here for the win!!!:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...rue#Post2140665

$660-Doubt if you will find cheaper:
(1) Used/Excellent Condition Leupold VX-III Long Range Side Focus(predecessor to the Mark 4) 3.5 x 10 x 40, Mil-Dot Reticle. This Scope has the M3 1-MOA Elevation & 1/2 MOA Windage. It also has the M3 BDC for the .308M/173-gr SMK/M118 Load & Brand New Butler Creek Flip-Up Caps.
 
#27
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

Typical and inexpensive would be mil dot reticle and moa turrents. For police work I think you would need to go down to 3 power. Probably no need for more than 9 power. The Nikon's are great deals, great glass, Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x with mil dot would fill the bill at $400? It would for me.
 
#28
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

Tough choice with such a limited budget. We use 4-14 Mark 4's. I also would not want a fixed power. It is nice to be able to back off for a larger field of view and zoom in for better observation.
 
#29
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

I had put a lot of thought and effort into a response that dealt with taking a closer look at the Sav220, and speculating about the role of a small town force and the suitablility of adding some sort of SWAT-like capability.

On reconsideration, I deleted it.

Rather than sparking heated debate about capabilities and roles, I'll just say this.

I personally think that by comparison to an 870 and a Mini-14, the 220 provides more reach, more precision, and more terminal power all together than either of those alternatives, of which each possess some, but not all, of said capabilities. It's new, and doesn't fit within the traditional mindset of being a serious LE implement. But I think it can and should; and that someone really should be taking the step of considering it from a fresh viewpoint.

Beyond that, around my small town (1500-1800 over the past decade), policing is handled by County and State. Some of them are relatives, friends, and even former Boy Scouts of mine. They are constrained by mission guidelines that limit them to cordon and contain while more specialized personnel and equipment can be mustered onsite. It is for very practical legal reasons that they are neither authorized nor funded for such activities as you appear to be considering. I sincerely hope your goals meet with approval from funding and prosecutorial authorities in your vicinity. I would not proceed without such approvals.

Does a real and present problem or issue currently exist within your A/O that calls for such capabilities, or are you simply dealing with a thought exercise? I don't need any answers to these questions, and would have no practical use for such. I think you could use them a lot more than I could.

Greg
 
#30
Re: Typical choices for LE trunk bolt rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ryker-sh</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Small town LEO looking to see what is common optics that most guys carry.
We don't have a big budget so we buy our own rifles unless we want a mini14. <span style="font-weight: bold">PS90 USS</span> up front amd looking to get approved to carry my model10 LE rifle and at some point attend the countersniper course max300yds. </div></div>

Wait.....this is "ryker" from O.com isn't it?

You don't have faith that your PS90 will take care of business at the ranges an LE Sniper is likely to see?
wink.gif
Your posts over there lead me to believe otherwise.
 
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