Rifle Scopes 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

[03psd]

Looking hard at the SS 3-9 FFP but cant wrap my mind around the fact that I have a ST10 on a .308 and would have less magnificiation on the 300WM. It seems counterintuative. Wish they made a 6-20X version. Lowlight's video review of the SS put the Falcon Menace out of the race so where to now? Hunting, paper and steel out to 600y. $1000 budget.

Not really interested in moving the USO to the 300 since I have gotten it dialed in so well.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

i'm a big fan of standardization.

i got 3 6.5x20 leupold premier mildot on .300wm , .308 , and another .308.......and i've taken the .300 to way past 1000yd


did i say standardization ?

 

[jerseymike]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

you could probably find a used leupold mk4 4-14x50 on the f/s section on here. Maybe if you extend your budget maybe even a used nightforce.

 

[03psd]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i'm a big fan of standardization.

i got 3 6.5x20 leupold premier mildot on .300wm , .308 , and another .308.......and i've taken the .300 to way past 1000yd


did i say standardization ? </div></div>

yeah, I hear you. I have an older 6.5-20 VXIII on my 22-250 and love it. its not mil dot like my ST10 but it works. I am gun shy about all the Leupold bashing of their newer stuff, claiming the quality has gone to shit. I have no personal experience of problems with them but then again my scope is probably 10 years old. It seems the newer stuff is frought with issues.

 

[03psd]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerseymike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you could probably find a used leupold mk4 4-14x50 on the f/s section on here. Maybe if you extend your budget maybe even a used nightforce. </div></div>

yeah, I may consider NF. I used to have NXS 5-22 a couple years ago and hated the fact that the occular rotated when you changed the magnification. Have they done any thing about this annoying characteristic?

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 03psd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerseymike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you could probably find a used leupold mk4 4-14x50 on the f/s section on here. Maybe if you extend your budget maybe even a used nightforce. </div></div>

yeah, I may consider NF. I used to have NXS 5-22 a couple years ago and hated the fact that the occular rotated when you changed the magnification. Have they done any thing about this annoying characteristic?</div></div>


no......but for fuck sakes just take the flip caps off and do your shooting and then mash'em back on when your done....

 

[03psd]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 03psd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerseymike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you could probably find a used leupold mk4 4-14x50 on the f/s section on here. Maybe if you extend your budget maybe even a used nightforce. </div></div>

yeah, I may consider NF. I used to have NXS 5-22 a couple years ago and hated the fact that the occular rotated when you changed the magnification. Have they done any thing about this annoying characteristic?</div></div>


no......but for fuck sakes just take the flip caps off and do your shooting and then mash'em back on when your done.... </div></div>

I appreciate your enthusiasm. Yeah, I suppose I could do that or just use a bikini cover to begin with. But unless I am missing something, I dont think NF offers a mil-mil reticle / turret scope. I love my GAP reticle and 1/10 mil clicks on my USO.

I stand corrected. They do offer mil/mil scopes. Shows how little I know. Whats F1 with these knobs going to cost me? I am betting way north of $1k

 

[jerseymike]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BOLTRIPPER</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 03psd</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jerseymike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you could probably find a used leupold mk4 4-14x50 on the f/s section on here. Maybe if you extend your budget maybe even a used nightforce. </div></div>

yeah, I may consider NF. I used to have NXS 5-22 a couple years ago and hated the fact that the occular rotated when you changed the magnification. Have they done any thing about this annoying characteristic?</div></div>


no......but for fuck sakes just take the flip caps off and do your shooting and then mash'em back on when your done.... </div></div>

nuff said, i cut the bikini cover it came with in half (threw the objective side in the garbage) and zip tied it to the tube. it beats using a BC flip cap on the NF

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

yah know....don't take this wrong....but, life is way easier when one works off the same sheet of music.....its that standardization thing i keep coming back to....i personally try not to be a gear queer and lash up all my stuff with what i'm good with...

yes....i want to need to be savvy on what other stuff is i might find on other gear...and be knowledgeable on to how to drive it....but i want to be able to anchor stuff from here to the wall.....or here to the next zip code, thus standardization...for me it makes more sense ...of course your mileage may vary

 

[03psd]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

no offense taken. not trying to be a gear queer. I have a VXIII 6.5x20 that came in a trade. Its on a 22-250 and has a fine reticle and trget knobs. I picked up a ST10 for my .308, I dont think a fixed 10x can be considered a gear snob. I like the simplicity of the the mildot system with matching knobs. The question is which direction to go for my 300WM. I am not going to toss away either the Leupy or the USO just because they are not standardized. I am leaning towards a mil/mil scope in the $1000 price range. yeah I like the features of the NF F1 but for $2200, you are smoking crack. As I said in my OP, I just wish SS made a variable in a little higher magnification.

 

[Rob01]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

Just to clarify the F1 is not only mil/mil but also is FFP which usually costs more and also comes with a set of rings and a sunshade. With it's perfromacne and features it's priced below others in that class. Also the whole occular moves for a reason which is when under stress the body doesn't do well with fine movements like finding a power ring and turning it. It's much easier to reach up, grab the whole occular and turn.

In the $1000 range, for a mil/mil scope your options are limited and except for the Falcons really nonexistent in power range over 10x. Looks like you need to start figuring what your priorities are in a scope and looking for what will work in your range. Another 10x USO might work for you or swap the scope over and see how it works for a while before buying.

 

[03psd]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just to clarify the F1 is not only mil/mil but also is FFP which usually costs more and also comes with a set of rings and a sunshade. With it's perfromacne and features it's priced below others in that class. Also the whole occular moves for a reason which is when under stress the body doesn't do well with fine movements like finding a power ring and turning it. It's much easier to reach up, grab the whole occular and turn.

In the $1000 range, for a mil/mil scope your options are limited and except for the Falcons really nonexistent in power range over 10x. Looks like you need to start figuring what your priorities are in a scope and looking for what will work in your range. Another 10x USO might work for you or swap the scope over and see how it works for a while before buying. </div></div>

Rob01-

You are probably correct. Setting the prioroties needs to be my first step. The whole buy once, cry once thing has a lot of merit. to clarify, i realize the F1 is probably worth every dime of the price tag and may even be a bargain. Just the thought of dropping $2k plus right now is a stretch. I am at an in between budget. Enought to get a SS or Falcon, but not enought to step up to what I probably really ought to buy: either an NF or another USO. What magnification would most consider to be typical for a 300WM? 15-20X on the high end? Less than 10X seems limiting for the round.

 

[glock63]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

I have an older leupold Long range tactical scope for sale. Its a 4.5 - 14 x 50 with mil dot reticle. IM if interested.

 

[Rob01]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

I wasn't trying to push you to an F1 but just clarifying some points.

I'd want a 15-20x high end on a 300WM optic. You can look around and see if you can find a used scope near your price range that will fill the need. Buying used is a good way to get a good scope for less than new.

 

[jrob300]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd want a 15-20x high end on a 300WM optic. </div></div>

I agree with Rob on the magnification. Eventually you'll want to go over 1000 yds. I'm saving money for the scope I want (while trying to figure it out!)

I was in the same position about 3 months ago. The scopes I wanted were $1500-2000. I ended up buying a Falcon 4-14 FFP and haven't been disappointed. I know it's a placeholder, but it replaced a scope that would not dial accurately.

I would have bought the 5-25, which I'd probably recommend to you, but I carry this rifle a lot during hunting season and the 4-14 is big and bulky enough. For under $500 you can get decent mid-line optics which you can sell when the time comes.

There was a SH IOR 3-18 in the WTS section for $1200, but I see it's SPF.



John

 

[555th]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

I have a 4.5-18x Menace on my 300WM and even though I have more exspensive optics I could put on it, It shoots and tracks too good to change anything.

 

[renegadephoenix]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k

i run a Leupold MK4 M3 3.5-10x40mm TMR. works great.

 

[no_op]

Re: 300WM Optic Suggestion: $1k


May be of interest:

The scale below was formed by SWFA sales staff, customer service, pro-staff and owners using personal experience, customer input and facts supplied by the manufacturers. The ranking system is based on the following criteria.

51% Optical Quality - How bright and clear the scope is.
15% Specifications - Field of view, eye relief, weight, adjustment travel, etc.
15% Durability - How do they with stand the test of time.
12% Special Features & Options - Proprietary items (reticles, design, turrets), Zoom ratio.
7% Warranty & Customer Service - How good are they.
0% Value - Bang for your buck. This criteria has been removed due to O.T. member input.

In order to maintain the scale's simplicity we are not listing every single manufacture and only major manufactures will have several of their brands listed. This scale also does not have discontinued brands or products like the old U.S.A. made Redfields, Japan Tasco or Japan Simmons Aetec. This scale is heavily weighted toward HUNTING as being the application the scope will be used for.

This scale will be kept current with changes that the manufacturers are making that affect their rank. Many of the lower end companies have been bought and sold a lot recently and while the names have stayed the same......the product has not.

2009 Riflescope Rating Scale:

- Leica ER, Swarovski Z6, Zeiss Victory
- Kahles C - CL & CSX, Premier Reticle, Schmidt & Bender
- Kahles KX, U.S. Optics, Swarovski PH & American Lightweight
- Bushnell Elite 6500, Leupold VX-7, Nightforce NXS, IOR Valdada, Vortex Razor
- Bushnell Elite 4200, Leupold VX-3, Nikon Monarch & Monarch X, Zeiss Conquest
- Leupold Mark 4 VX III & VX-L, Meopta, Nikon Monarch Gold & Titanium, Sightron SIII & S2 Big Sky, Vortex Viper
- Burris Black Diamond Signature Select XTR & Euro Diamond, Pentax Lightseeker, Trijicon Accupoint, Weaver Grand Slam
- Bushnell Elite 3200, Leupold VX-II, Millet Tactical/Buck Gold, Nikko Stirling, Nikon Buckmaster, Sightron SI & SII, Vortex Crossfire & Diamondback, Super Sniper Fixed
- Burris Fullfield II & Timberline, Leupold Rifleman & VX-I, Leatherwood, Mueller, Nikon ProStaff, Simmons
- Barska, Sightmark, Swift, Truglo
- BSA, Tasco, Yukon
- ATN, Leapers, NcStar

2008 Rating:

10 - Swarovski Z6, Zeiss Victory
9 - Kahles C - CL & CSX, Schmidt & Bender
8 - Kahles KX, U.S. Optics, Swarovski PH & American, X.O.T.I.C., Zeiss Classic
7 - Bushnell Elite 6500, Leupold VX-7, Nightforce, IOR Valdada
6 - Bushnell Elite 4200, Nikon Monarch & Monarch X, Zeiss Conquest
5 - Leupold Mark 4 VX III & VX-L, Nikon Monarch Gold & Titanium, Sightron SIII
4 - Burris Black Diamond Signature Select XTR & Euro Diamond, Meopta, Pentax Lightseeker, Super Sniper, Trijicon Accupoint, Weaver Grand Slam
3 - Bushnell Elite 3200, Leatherwood, Leupold VX-II, Millet, Nikon Buckmaster, Sightron SI & SII, Vortex
2 - Burris Fullfield II & Timberline, Leupold Rifleman & VX-I, Mueller, Nikon ProStaff, Simmons, Swift
1 - Barska, BSA, Tasco