Rifle Scopes 3-18 scope

[moto450r]

With some of the new technology that has been revealed in the last year. I have been looking to purchase a new scope in this range. I am looking for a tactical scope with turents with a 50mm and 30mm tube. Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks

 

[malsa82]

The new Vortex Razor HD Gen IIs look pretty amazing. One of the new models is a 3-18x50, the only thing is its a 34mm tube. Otherwise they have a fantastic feature set and (from what I've read) awesome glass for about $2,200. Looking at one myself...

Vortex Optics - Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50 EBR-2C<br />(MOA)

 

[alman1531]

Although it is a 44mm with a 34mm tube; the Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44 is worth a look. Good glass and very compact for its magnification range.

Leupold Optics Mark 6 3-18x44mm M5B2 (34mm) - | Leupold Optics

 

[binnerscot]

The IOR 3.5-18 X 50 is a 35mm tube, but it comes with rings (height is your choice).

That model has a solid reputation and the glass is definitely alpha scope territory. They can be had for about $1800.

 

[Redmanss]

I can't think of a single 3-18x scope with a 30mm tube in existence.

What's your budget and purpose for the scope you want? That will help us steer you in the right direction.

 

[Smooth_87]

I can't think of a single 3-18x scope with a 30mm tube in existence.

What's your budget and purpose for the scope you want? That will help us steer you in the right direction.

Swarovski z6, probably not suitable though even though it us stunning optically

 

[dieselgeek]

I shot my Leupold Mark 6 3-18x44 out to 1,300 yards this weekend. It's a great scope, and should work well for you. However it does have a 34mm main tube.

 

[phillip61]

The IOR 3.5-18 X 50 is a 35mm tube, but it comes with rings (height is your choice).

That model has a solid reputation and the glass is definitely alpha scope territory. They can be had for about $1800.

+ 1

 

[bp7178]

The new Vortex Razor HD Gen IIs look pretty amazing. One of the new models is a 3-18x50, the only thing is its a 34mm tube. Otherwise they have a fantastic feature set and (from what I've read) awesome glass for about $2,200. Looking at one myself...

Vortex Optics - Razor HD Gen II 3-18x50 EBR-2C<br />(MOA)

Am I not the only one completley unimpressed with the Gen II Vortex optics? Almost 4lbs and 2" longer than the Mark 6, kind of makes it a non-starter.

 

[fdkay]

What's the intended use?
FFP or SFP?
Illuminated or not?
mil/mil or moa/moa?
Sightron makes a 2.5-17.5x56 with a 30mm tube, it is SFP

 

[mjh30]

46 ounces wow that's getting up there in weight

 

[malsa82]

Am I not the only one completley unimpressed with the Gen II Vortex optics? Almost 4lbs and 2" longer than the Mark 6, kind of makes it a non-starter.

I agree the weight can be an issue for some. The length is average compared to a lot of scopes in this power range, the MK6 is exceptionally short. I don't think this would be the best scope for a hunting rig, but for a tactical system it seems like a good option IMO. I personally think they look like a great value but to each his own.

 

[bp7178]

Just seems pretty old tech to me. IMO, if a company isn't making things smaller and lighter, they are going the wrong direction. There's only so much that can be done optically. The true advances are making features smaller, lighter and ergonomic.

 

[Chad44]

I totally agree with the weight on the vortex. They totally took them out of any hunting application. 4 lbs is ridiculous IMO. I'm going with the mark 6.

 

[moto450r]

I am trying to keep my budget under 2000. It will be used for long range hunting and targets. I like the new vortex and I need to read up on the IOR as I am unfamiliar with them.

 

[LCatGA]

+1 on IOR and Leopold Mk6 - have both

Leopold can't fit in your budget if you need illuminated scope.

IOR can be found used for under $1500 with illuminated FFP or for under $1300 for non illuminated FFP or illuminated SFP

I love Mk6 though and I really like their reticle although MP-8 reticle of IOR is my personal favorite for any serious work

USO 3.2-17 can also be had in your price range - older AO units are a bit clearer than new side focus units. Newer side focus units do have a 30mm tube version

And last but not least Bushnell has an excellent price performance champion - their 3.5-21 with 34 mm tube. This is a scope I do put on the less expencive rifles and it can be found used for $1100 or so
Mill dot versions can be had new for that much


Now - do you need SFP or FFP?
Illuminated or non illuminated?
What type of reticle?
Turrets? Weight?

 

[LCatGA]

Now if you want an excellent inexpensive tactical sope with 30 mm tube and great turrets, mildot reticle, SFP and great glass - Bushnell Elite Tactical 6500 2.5-16.

Sometimes can be found on fleabay for $550-600 and is a good scope

 

[binnerscot]

I am trying to keep my budget under 2000. It will be used for long range hunting and targets. I like the new vortex and I need to read up on the IOR as I am unfamiliar with them.

You will read a lot of bad, they had a number of scope models in the past (many years ago) that had a higher than expected failure rate. It is especially well noted here at SH, but one of the problematic models was a special edition for the SH (it was before my time here). They did earn their black eye.

It should also be well noted that they seem to have gotten all of that squared away in the last few years. They updated/corrected the mechanics of older models. You may read about Gen4 internals or something of that nature. They seem to be good to go.

The newer models do have an improvements in eye box and other qualities with no track record of mechanical problems.

The 3.5-18x50 (a more recent model) is a fine scope with no record of issues and a solid record for tracking and glass quality. It is an excellent scope in all respects.

I did all the same stuff you are doing, but I did it about six months ago. I decided to "take a chance" on the IOR 3.5-18x50 after some conversation with Scott @ Liberty Optics, which also where you will likely get the best price. Now I am spoiled on "nice" scopes.

I think that model is one of the best deals out there right now, even on the horizon of the new Razors - I think I might still grab another IOR over a Razor, I love the overall design, reticle, illumination, and glass. I could only ask for a more elegant zero stop and and/or zero reset, but what it has works just fine.

Good luck in your search, looking around is half the fun.

*Edit* - you could also look at the SWFA SS 5-20X50 HD @~$1500 for the illuminated model, they have been received pretty well. Also the Weaver Tactical 3-15x50 Illuminated EMDR, it is also one of that best deals out there at ~$750 (don't let the price fool you, they are no joke). Both of those are 30mm tubes and MIL/MIL

 

[ChemE1975]

For about $2000, you may able to score a used USO in the classified section. If you are willing to sacrifice a bit of magnification, NF F1 3-15 would be great...and if SFP is an option, NXS. Lots of great glass these days for $2000.

 

[richidaho]

I pulled the trigger on a IOR 3.5-18x50 35mm last week form Liberty optics. For the price it has more options and as good or better glass then Leupold or NF. I have not been able to find any issues with the IOR 3.5-18x50 35mm. I'm getting shit for buying the IOR over a NF from my brother but to get the FFP F1 costs almost 2.5K. That was out of my price range.

Rich L

 

[moto450r]

I have ruled out FFP as I will always have a range finder on me. I more than likely purchase a SFP I didn't see the sightron avail in 2.5-17 I'm going to check them out as well as the SWFA scopes. Its just hard to read through all of the treads on here. There's a lot more members and traffic on this forum compared to some others that I am a member to. I am probably going to choose between a NXS, MK4, IOR, USO, sightron. I am just kinda torn between the 3.5x15 NF and the 5.5x20. Does anyone know what the glass is ike on the new Sightron S-TAc series is like?

 

[moto450r]

I'm also looking for something that isn't as heavy as a tank like the new Vortex's will be. I ruled them out once I saw the weight. Thanks for all of the replies