What is the best variable magnification for a 308 when using it primarily for 400 to 600 yards and sometimes using it for 1000 yards? I am thinking about purchasing a Nightforce 3.5 - 15X50, but would buy a 5.5 - 22 X 50 if that would fit the bill better. HELP! By the way, what are the reasons for your answers? Ya...you thought this would be an easy reply...I think?...
Re: What is the best variable?
Oh, sorry. I forgot to mention that I am new at long range shooting. I don't know if that matters or not.
Oh, sorry. I forgot to mention that I am new at long range shooting. I don't know if that matters or not.
Re: What is the best variable?
if your rifle is mainly a range gun I'd go with the 5.5-22. if it's going to a range/field/hunting gun I'd go with the 3.5-15. on the range the extra mag will help seeing holes in your targets and spotting. in the field and out hunting I prefer as much FOV as posible and the lower the mag range the more FOV.
I personally run a 3-15. for paper out to 300 and rocks and steel out to 500 I rarely have it turned up above 10-12x unless I'm spotting for someone.
if your rifle is mainly a range gun I'd go with the 5.5-22. if it's going to a range/field/hunting gun I'd go with the 3.5-15. on the range the extra mag will help seeing holes in your targets and spotting. in the field and out hunting I prefer as much FOV as posible and the lower the mag range the more FOV.
I personally run a 3-15. for paper out to 300 and rocks and steel out to 500 I rarely have it turned up above 10-12x unless I'm spotting for someone.
Re: What is the best variable?
Thanks Luvman. Those were my thoughts as well being used to hunting semi-sized animals and shooting at normal ranges.
Thanks Luvman. Those were my thoughts as well being used to hunting semi-sized animals and shooting at normal ranges.
Re: What is the best variable?
IOR makes some nice scopes, 3-18x is a nice one.
http://swfa.com/IOR-3-18x42-Tactical-35mm-Rifle-Scope-P11535.aspx
Call Scott at Liberty Optics if you like them. They have alot of nice scopes other than this one. This just seemed to fit your specs best. It can be had in either 1st or 2nd FP also. (Although I would stick with 2nd FP, some do like 1st) These come with ring's as well, low, med. or high. The glass will be better than the NF scope as well as some of the features. But the NF scope itself is a little better than the IOR overall. (If that makes sense.) You can't go wrong either way, just another option.
IOR makes some nice scopes, 3-18x is a nice one.
http://swfa.com/IOR-3-18x42-Tactical-35mm-Rifle-Scope-P11535.aspx
Call Scott at Liberty Optics if you like them. They have alot of nice scopes other than this one. This just seemed to fit your specs best. It can be had in either 1st or 2nd FP also. (Although I would stick with 2nd FP, some do like 1st) These come with ring's as well, low, med. or high. The glass will be better than the NF scope as well as some of the features. But the NF scope itself is a little better than the IOR overall. (If that makes sense.) You can't go wrong either way, just another option.
Re: What is the best variable?
Go with the 3.5-15x50 Nightforce. Get the reticle and knobs you want but make sure they are matching so you would have an MOA reticle and MOA knobs or a Mil reticle and Mil knobs. Just makes life easier. The Nightforce will do what you need a scope to do which is give you excellent glass allowing you to see your target, track perfectly so you know when you dial on your data that is what you are getting and be tough enough to take abuse and keep on working. I have two of the Nightforce 3.5-15 F1 scopes and like them alot. You will be happy with the Nightforce.
Go with the 3.5-15x50 Nightforce. Get the reticle and knobs you want but make sure they are matching so you would have an MOA reticle and MOA knobs or a Mil reticle and Mil knobs. Just makes life easier. The Nightforce will do what you need a scope to do which is give you excellent glass allowing you to see your target, track perfectly so you know when you dial on your data that is what you are getting and be tough enough to take abuse and keep on working. I have two of the Nightforce 3.5-15 F1 scopes and like them alot. You will be happy with the Nightforce.
Re: What is the best variable?
Many people use 10X all the way to 1K. I am the odd man out on this one because I prefer as much mag as conditions will allow.
I think a 3-15 like suggested will work great, but if I can have a 5-25 I would prefer it. I just dont find any downside to seeing the target better, <span style="font-style: italic">as long as</span> I have the magnification range necessary to be able to dial down if mirage is a problem. In other words I prefer a 5-25.
Since putting a 5-25 S&B PMII on my 308, I am feeling less and less need for my Kowa spotter.
Just my opinion.
Many people use 10X all the way to 1K. I am the odd man out on this one because I prefer as much mag as conditions will allow.
I think a 3-15 like suggested will work great, but if I can have a 5-25 I would prefer it. I just dont find any downside to seeing the target better, <span style="font-style: italic">as long as</span> I have the magnification range necessary to be able to dial down if mirage is a problem. In other words I prefer a 5-25.
Since putting a 5-25 S&B PMII on my 308, I am feeling less and less need for my Kowa spotter.
Just my opinion.
Re: What is the best variable?
I think you need to look at the purpose of the rifle and it's intended use. If you are going to be running and gunning in "tactical" matches weight and size make a big difference. If you are going to back up to the line on a square range then by all means go for the most magnification and largest objective you can get.
IMHO 3 - 17 power range offers the most versatility in a modest sized package.
If you will be doing tactical matches the benifits of a FFP scope with matching knobs for UKD and movers cannot be overstated and has been beaten about the considerably here.
Obviously I'm partial to the USO SN-3 and they can be had in 3.2 - 17, 3.8 - 22 and 5 - 25 in just about any flavor you can dream up.
Cheers,
Doc
I think you need to look at the purpose of the rifle and it's intended use. If you are going to be running and gunning in "tactical" matches weight and size make a big difference. If you are going to back up to the line on a square range then by all means go for the most magnification and largest objective you can get.
IMHO 3 - 17 power range offers the most versatility in a modest sized package.
If you will be doing tactical matches the benifits of a FFP scope with matching knobs for UKD and movers cannot be overstated and has been beaten about the considerably here.
Obviously I'm partial to the USO SN-3 and they can be had in 3.2 - 17, 3.8 - 22 and 5 - 25 in just about any flavor you can dream up.
Cheers,
Doc
Re: What is the best variable?
Definitely good advice. I prefer the big numbers on my magnification dial, but I shoot from the comfort of a covered concrete bench. If I was trying to stay lightweight, for a hunting rifle or similar, I think it would be tough to beat a 1.8-10 TPal.
Definitely good advice. I prefer the big numbers on my magnification dial, but I shoot from the comfort of a covered concrete bench. If I was trying to stay lightweight, for a hunting rifle or similar, I think it would be tough to beat a 1.8-10 TPal.
Re: What is the best variable?
Thanks guy for taking the time to answer. I am really looking forward to getting into the sport of long range shooting. I have the gun narrowed down and am getting ready to order it. Should I choose the mil or moa adjustments from Nightforce?
Thanks guy for taking the time to answer. I am really looking forward to getting into the sport of long range shooting. I have the gun narrowed down and am getting ready to order it. Should I choose the mil or moa adjustments from Nightforce?
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