Rifle Scopes 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

[ColtJ]

Hello,

I just completed an AR build (completed the rifle) and now need to add a scope to it.

I had my heart set on a fixed 10x powered scope with paralax but have been doing quite a bit of reading, etc... and am now considering a 3-9x ffp powered scope instead.

The goal for the rifle is a precision build (a practical one) not just a range bench rest rifle. So i am starting to wonder if less power may be more...?

Range will be 100-400 (mostly 100) yards max (5.56) and I would like to have a sub MOA rifle after everything is dialed in. Also given the caliber I am starting to assume it is a given to go with lower magnification.

My reasoning is I can put an entire mag into a standard bullseye target (10" or 12" I think, never pay attention) at a 100 yards. So given the intended range and use, I am assuming I am correct in thinking 9x should be more than enough to achieve my goals even at 400 yards (based on no zoom at 100 yards)?

I apologize if my question seems a bit dunce but I have zero range time behind a scope and have no idea what either option will provide. I only have experience with iron sights. I would love to just purchase both but that is not a luxury at the moment so any feed back will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading.

 

[CL1KKL4C]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

I think variable optics are more practical on the AR platform. 9x should be more than efficient for your intended ranges. If your sole purpose isn't all precision all the time you'd probably be quite satisfied with a 1-4x at those ranges.

 

[BCP]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

I assume you're talking about the 3-9FFP and 10X HD super snipers. That's a hard choice between them. How much of a factor is $$$ and do you plan on taking this rifle hunting, shooting steel/profile targets or just paper?

 

[map_it]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

I have an AR .308 carbine and have struggled wth this as well....
I hade a 2-7 Burris Orginally and then went to an Aimpoint and since then put a 3-9X36 Swarovski on the AR. I like the latter the best. I can shoot percision, hunt in low light conditioans and I plan to install a set of these for up close stuff....
Back Up Iron Sights for Rails @ 45 Degrees

I think it is a really good platform just my 2 cents.

I probably would stay away from a fixed 10x unless all of you targets would be 200-600 yards....

 

[ColtJ]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CL1KKL4C</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think variable optics are more practical on the AR platform. 9x should be more than efficient for your intended ranges. If your sole purpose isn't all precision all the time you'd probably be quite satisfied with a 1-4x at those ranges. </div></div>

It's intended to be a precision rig all the time which is why I considered the higher power scopes in the first place. It's also pretty heavy so i'm sure it won't be a part time battle rifle either.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I assume you're talking about the 3-9FFP and 10X HD super snipers. That's a hard choice between them. How much of a factor is $$$ and do you plan on taking this rifle hunting, shooting steel/profile targets or just paper?
</div></div>

I am, i'd like to spend as little as possible but i'd rather buy once. It's paper for now but i'd like it to be suitable for everything above without sacrificing accuracy (or as little as possible) given a capable shooter is behind the trigger.

 

[ColtJ]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BNix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have an AR .308 carbine and have struggled wth this as well....
I hade a 2-7 Burris Orginally and then went to an Aimpoint and since then put a 3-9X36 Swarovski on the AR. I like the latter the best. I can shoot percision, hunt in low light conditioans and I plan to install a set of these for up close stuff....
Back Up Iron Sights for Rails @ 45 Degrees

I think it is a really good platform just my 2 cents.

I probably would stay away from a fixed 10x unless all of you targets would be 200-600 yards.... </div></div>

Thanks for the reply.

Forgot to mention flip up/back up iron sights are also going on.

 

[BCP]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

From what you are saying I think you'd be happy with the super sniper 3-9.

 

[triceratops3]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

I think the 3-9 would be more versatile and would also be plenty of magnification at those ranges.

 

[ColtJ]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

Thanks for the reply's. Seems the 3-9x is the better option, glad i didn't run and order a few weeks ago (when I originally planned too).

Is there some sort of guide line on how much magnification is necessary to achieve precise shots at x yards (given all variables were perfect such as shooter, ammo, rifle, conditions, etc...)? While i understand the versatility of the 3-9 will benefit me the most, I am curious to know if there is such a thing?

 

[223man]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

I don't know how set you are on the 3-9. But just to thought something else at you, vortex has a 2.5-10. Its about the same price but you get more. I was in your exact position until I heard of vortex psts. And now I'm saving pennies for the 2.5-10.

 

[ColtJ]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 223man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I don't know how set you are on the 3-9. But just to thought something else at you, vortex has a 2.5-10. Its about the same price but you get more. I was in your exact position until I heard of vortex psts. And now I'm saving pennies for the 2.5-10. </div></div>

I'm not set on the 3-9, thread was more focused on the benefits of a fixed scope or a variable scope of similar magnification or lower max magnification and vice versa.

Actually a 2.5-10 would be a better choice as it would have a max power of 10x.

Does the Viper PST FFP as that seems to be desirable in my case?

Thanks for the suggestion, i would have missed that option otherwise.

 

[Tactical_Tom]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

If I was you I would look for a 3-15x or 4-16x. That way you still have the low end but also some decent magnification.

 

[BCP]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

There is no law about max magnification, get whatever you feel you will need. Viper PST has a much better reticle than the super sniper and is illuminated but it's not FFP.

Like I said I think you'd be happy with the super sniper, and if you're not you won't lose a lot of money on it.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

I use a mk4 2.5-8x with no problem on 10" and 12" plates out to 600 so you should have no issues with a 3-9x. but... there is the 2.5-10x PST for almost the same money as the 3-9x SS. Like you I use my rifles in the hunting fields and a fixed 10x would be too much at times in my area. When I am using my 2.5-10 scopes and 10x is too much I dial down to 5x and my 1/2 mil lines now become 1 mil lines so I dont feel I am loosing anything but convenience to a FFP.

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

I don't believe the Vortex PST 2.5-10 has the FFP feature. I use the SWFA SS 1-4x24 HD on my 5.56 AR rifle and it works well out to 700 yards. I use the SWFA SS 3-9X42 on my 7.62 rifles and it works out to 800 yards. If you goal is percision rather than DMR I would suggest the SWFA SS 3-9. For pictures of results shooting the SS 1-4 from 25 out to 800 yards look here http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2242104&page=1

For pictures of three different barrel length 5.56 rifles from 500 to 700 yards go here, http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=532798

The targets in the photo below show the results of a SS 3-9X42 mounted on a LMT MWS. The yellow target has 5 rounds in 3.75" and was shot at 500 yards. The while steel target was shot rapid fire at 300 yards and the paper target was shot at 100 yards.
[img

Uploaded with ImageShack.usimg]

 

[ColtJ]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

Thanks for the replys, looks like i'll try the SS as it is FFP and seems to be smaller and simpler, aslo don't foresee a need for the illuminated reticles.

Looking for something that is durable and the easiest to manipulate to achieve accurate shots.

 

[nfoley]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

I have an old leupold vxIII 3.5-10 on a hunting rifle and shoot that at ranges from 50-600 yds. I honestly cannot remember ever NOT having the scope set at 10X. For all I know the damned thing is stuck at 10x. Have had the rifle/scope combo for almost 20 yrs.
If I were debating between 3-9 and 10x I would just go with the straight 10X.
But I would prefer, like some have mentioned, a variable that goes from 4-16, 3-18, or something similar. Just my thoughts.

 

[grouse]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Niles Coyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a mk4 2.5-8x with no problem on 10" and 12" plates out to 600 so you should have no issues with a 3-9x. . </div></div>

I concur.

 

[ColtJ]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

Thanks for all the reply's, they're appreciated.

If for nothing more but to put this thread to an end, I ordred the SS 3-9 this morning.

Will update when i get it.

Thanks again.

 

[triceratops3]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

Congrats on the new scope.

 

[Jordan Smith]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

I use a 3-9 out to 950 yards, and have no issues hitting an MOA target out to 600 yards with good consistency. I think you'll be happy with your choice.

 

[ColtJ]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

Thanks, it will be here tomorrow and I plan to take it to the range this weekend. Ill let you guys know how it goes.

Thanks again.

 

[ColtJ]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

I apologize for these crappy pictures which don't do the scope justice...

It's just as clear at 9X as it is at 3X. I was actually surprised at how clear it is at all magnification levels.

Once again sorry for bad pics. Cell phone and bad photography skills don't amount to much...

3X

9X

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: 3-9x Powered Scope vs 10x Powered Scope Questions

They are great scopes, your going to enjoy it.