Rifle Scopes 3-12 vs. 3-15 power.

[Bender]

I narrowed my choices to two scopes and I ordered a 3-12 but now I am second guessing my choice. My gun is .308 now but I will rebarrel it to 6.5 creed in a year or two. I feel that the 3-12 will be lacking at the new ranges if the 6.5. What are your thoughts? 12x ok to 1500 or so?

 

[Quickdraw40]

12 in. targets or 72 in. targets?

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[Bender]

All size? I would guess down to 10" diamonds at 700+ I might just send the 3-12 back and get the 3-15. I hate budgets when I want it all!!

 

[DT1]

What specific scopes did you consider and which did you chose and are now second guessing? The quality of glass is much more important than an extra 2-3x on the high and low ends of the magnification range.

Of course, all things being equal, 15x vs 12x on the higher end would generally be considered better.

Lastly, if you're planning to shoot out to 1500yds, you might want to consider a more robust caliber than 308 or 6.5 Creedmoor

 

[Bender]

I ordered the Bushnell elite tactical with the g2 reticle in FFP 3-12x44 but I was considering the SWFA 3-15x42. I already have a SWFA 10x mil quad. I just got a good deal on the Bushy and now I am second guessing it.

 

[wrangler5]

You can see the difference between 12x and 15x if you watch while you're twisting the zoom ring. But if you let somebody else set the scope and just look through it, I'd bet you'll be hard pressed to tell what magnification it's set on.

DT1 is right about the quality of glass being a critical determinant between scopes of about the same power. While the extra magnification of a 24x scope with adequate glass may let it do things a super top end 12x can't, when you're close in power you're almost always going to be happier with the best quality glass you can afford.

BUT - I would also add that this assumes completely equal tracking consistency between the two scopes. You will be much more satisfied with a 12x scope that always shoots where you click it (assuming you do your part) than with a 15x that doesn't do as well.

 

[Bender]

In my research they looked equal in tracking.

 

[jbailey]

I don't know if 12x is that good at 1500yds, but then again, I'm not sure that 15x is that good at that range either. That is a long ways out, especially if you are going after tiny targets (but a 6.5 CM isn't really that good for tiny targets at 1500 - you need a 300mag or equal.). I have found, for me, that there is a big difference between 15 and 20x, but not that big a difference between 10x and 15x or 20 and 25x. Just me maybe. I think only YOU can answer your question and probably only after you have tested the gear personally in the field.

 

[Bender]

Proper load has 6.5 cr at same distance as 300wm. I guess I will just try it out and deal with it.

 

[DT1]

I ordered the Bushnell elite tactical with the g2 reticle in FFP 3-12x44 but I was considering the SWFA 3-15x42. I already have a SWFA 10x mil quad. I just got a good deal on the Bushy and now I am second guessing it.

I suspect you'll be happy with the Bushy, especially if you got a good deal on it. I don't own one but they have a solid reputation. The G2 reticle looks very nice.

Don't sweat it, you're not married to the Bushy. When it comes time to rebarrel to 6.5 Creed, you'll have the option to sell it and get something with more magnification than either the Bushy or the 3-15x Super Sniper.

 

[The King]

The new Steiner 3-15 I expect to be the scope to beat for the foreseeable future. I like 15/16x on a .260.

 

[Redmanss]

All magnification is not the same... I will take a clear 10x over a cloudy 15x any day. My S&B 3-12x50 does the happy dance all over either of my SWFA 3-15x42. That may be an unfair comparison, but that's just a fact of what you get out of budget purchases.

Now I can tell you're looking at the sub $1k range, and that makes things challenging to find quality and features, while still being clear. Reduced eye strain, contrast and clarity for finding targets and applying wind holds, and overall enjoyment experience mean I only choose clear glass. I can't speak for the Bushnell, but at least you have the option of returning it with their warranty if it won't meet your needs.

Honestly, I would pick up a fixed SWFA 16x and save for a better scope, or try to find a used Leupold 4.5-14x50 with the features you want (if the Bushnell doesn't meet your requirements).

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

I ordered the Bushnell elite tactical with the g2 reticle in FFP 3-12x44 but I was considering the SWFA 3-15x42. I already have a SWFA 10x mil quad. I just got a good deal on the Bushy and now I am second guessing it.

That Bushnell is an excellent scope and IMHO one of the best scopes under $1k. Of course the SS gets good reviews too (I have two of those Bushnells, none of that model SS). In terms of optical quality and reticle I think you'll be very happy with the Bushnell, but I suspect you will also want something with 20x or greater magnification when you're shooting beyond 800-1000 yards. I would keep and use the Bushnell, and someday transfer it to a .22 or .223 when you get a fancier scope for the 6.5.

 

[Bender]

That Bushnell is an excellent scope and IMHO one of the best scopes under $1k. Of course the SS gets good reviews too (I have two of those Bushnells, none of that model SS). In terms of optical quality and reticle I think you'll be very happy with the Bushnell, but I suspect you will also want something with 20x or greater magnification when you're shooting beyond 800-1000 yards. I would keep and use the Bushnell, and someday transfer it to a .22 or .223 when you get a fancier scope for the 6.5.

When it comes down to it. If the glass on the bushy is as good as I hope, this will be the best route. Just to think, just over a year ago if someone asked me what the best scope you could get for the money I would have said a Nikon, lol and laughed at a Bushnell......oh how educating ones self changes things.

 

[samnev]

For the distances you want to shoot I would go for the Bushnell Elite Tactical FFP G2DMR 3.5-21X50. It's just over $1100 new and NIB on the Optics For Sale on this site are around $1000. Great Optical glass and tracking is spot on.

 

[steve123]

For the distances you want to shoot I would go for the Bushnell Elite Tactical FFP G2DMR 3.5-21X50. It's just over $1100 new and NIB on the Optics For Sale on this site are around $1000. Great Optical glass and tracking is spot on.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Totally agree, unless weight or need for illume is a concern.

Edit...I've owned both the SWFA 3-15 and the B 3-12. Neither are a bad scope, just not in the same league as the 3.5-21.

A guy can always dial down the mag for FOV on the 21x. Better to have and not need vs opposite.

 

[Bender]

Guys, I wish I could do the 3.5-21 Bushy. but I TRULY am at my max budget on the scope now. I need a stock and a trigger still. I will shoot it as a .308 for a year or two and in the mean time save for a new barrel and dies in 6.5. and then maybe a better scope.......

 

[DOA]

I'd go scope first, then rebarrel to a different caliber but that's me.

Guys, I wish I could do the 3.5-21 Bushy. but I TRULY am at my max budget on the scope now. I need a stock and a trigger still. I will shoot it as a .308 for a year or two and in the mean time save for a new barrel and dies in 6.5. and then maybe a better scope.......