Re: Advice on choosing a scope
When I am talking with someone with these types of questions just like a rifle, I sit down and go through a series of questions with them during our conversation to better understand the "what and hows". Everyone will recommend the top of the line, what's in stock of the line(s) they offer or their personal favorite. However, sometimes there are better options or simply just other options. You do not require a $3k scope on a varmint rifle, AR platform or target rifle in most circumstances. Is it nice, more crowd-pleasing and makes it simple to go from one rifle to another with basically no optics change, SURE! But necessary, NO!
Just for an example: I will run a S&B 4-16x50 on my AI .338, PR 3-15x50 on my AI AW .308, NF 2.5-10x32 on my AE Covert but when it comes to the:
-AR 20” 1/12 shooting 55gr BALL Varmint, running a Bushnell 3200 Elite 10x40 Mil-Dot, 200yd zero with 1-1.25” 3rd groups consistently.
-M700 .22-250 Varmint, running a Leupold MKIV LRT 4.5-14x40mm, for the longer range critters and when explosive power is desired!
-M700 .222 target getter, just because I respect it more than the .223, Burris FullField II 6.5-20x50 mounted on a Leupold standard turn in 1-piece base, no 20moa needed here!
-Ruger 10/22’s, oh a Simmons, EoTech or Aimpoint will be fine depending on what I am going to use it for.
Point here as you can see, there are many different options, applications and different price ranges which will accommodate the end user to achieve each within a “budget” as desired. If the optics solution does not perform, I will not use, recommend or own it. Just as a Picatinny setup or 20moa base is not a requirement for everyone. There are bases, rings and optics mounting solutions on the market today, which can and will serve many of the end users as well if not better. Plus less costly, moving parts and complicated for armor/end user to worry with. So as what I recommend is that when you are looking at building a weapon system in general ask yourself some of the following:
1. Primary application:
2. Secondary application:
3. Caliber:
4. Normal range: & max range:
5. Will you be ranging with the reticle? If so, then have you considered the 1st and 2nd focal plane pro’s and con’s?
6. Have you looked at the various different reticles and understand their applications and limitations?
7. Do you or have you decided on MOA/MOA, MIL/MOA or MIL/MIL reticle/turret value’s?
8. Will you be using Night Vision in conjunction with the optics?
Most of time these will get the information flowing, on the paper and questions answered that the customer did not even consider. Depending on obviously many different applications, requirements and user request, these will vary but the outcome will arrive at a better understanding and feeling they are comfortable with. I hope this helps, as always if you have questions feel free to contact me and happy holidays.
