Rifle Scopes Best AR10 scope for $1500

[snipe10]

I need some glass for my JP LRP07. I'm mounting iron sights on her but need something that'll reach out to 600-700 yards. I live in Colorado and we have some pretty wide open spaces. Any suggestions?

 

[Crosshair]

I tend to look at the price bracket of good scopes as follows, it seems to be in about 3 tiers, I'm my personal estimation:
$250-$500 tier 3
$600-$1500 tier 2
$1600-$3000 tier 1

I think you might be better spending money on a good $900-$1000 scope like the 6-24x50 PST, Sightron SIII, or Bushy HDMR. --- Or, jump up to $1700 +for a Nightforce, IOR, or Vortex Razor. $1500ish is kind of right in the "split" between tier 1 and 2..

Probably the best scope that hits the $1500 price point is the SS 5-20x50 illuminated, it is the best overall value in a $1500 scope, imo. It is most likely worth the extra money over the great scopes in the $900 price point.

 

[hk dave]

SS 5-20x50
Bushnell 3.5-21x50mm

 

[slm9s]

Used Nightforce NXS's can be had for $1500.

 

[billyburl2]

The SS 1-6, or 3-15 would get my vote.

 

[c1steve]

A used SS 5-20 would save you a few hundred over the new price. Many were purchased when SWFA had a couple of big sales.
A 3-15 might be more useful, and the SS 3-15 would be the best bang for the buck. I have not seen it myself, but reports are excellent.
Great glass, very heavy duty, etc.

s

 

[CSTactical]

Nightforce 3-15x50mm or the 2.5-10x32mm
Vortex PST line
Bushnell 3.5-21x50mm

We have them in stock.

Mike @ CST

 

[Opticsspecialist]

are you hunting, 3 gun shooting, what are you setting up?

 

[BARichardson]

USOptics I have one on my AR10/6.5 as a coyote rig! man is that thing TUFF!!!! Im really hard on equipment and i have dropped this thing many times and once it slid down a cliff cause a dog came up from behind me and i dropped it to get to my shot gun. and i have never had it "knocked off"

U.S. OPTICS - Optics

USOptics Tough.wmv - YouTube

 

[mkollman74]

My vote is HDMR...

 

[E. Bryant]

With that budget, I'd recommend the following:

Bushnell 3.5-21 DMR - the version with the G2DMR reticle should come in well under budget, leaving extra money for ammo/gas/whatever
Used Nightforce NXS 3-15x50 - a used mil/mil version might squeeze under the budget; you'd just need to watch the classifieds here for a few weeks
Used Nightforce F1 - this would blow the budget by $250-300, but would give you a first focal plane scope (maybe worth it, maybe not)

Don't forget the cost of rings/riser or one-piece mount - this can easily add a couple hundred bucks (or much more).

 

[BillyGoatMachine]

Used Nightforce NXS's can be had for $1500.

This^^^^^^

 

[Chiller]

Would have to eat a bit more Ramen and go to the Vortex Razor. It will be money well spent.

 

[Joe L]

I asked the same question last fall about a scope for my one and only 308 and wound up buying the Bushnell 3.5-21x50 DMR with the G2DMR reticle. I got it just before the new model came out and couldn't be happier. I've shot it a bunch at 545 yards and hope to try 800 this weekend. I bet you can get a good deal on this original DMR now that the new model is out.

Joe

 

[-Nick-]

Get a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10 or 4-16, or a Bushnell G2DMR for under $1k, with a 20 MOA ADM or Badger unimount and you're good out to 1K for under $1K.

 

[sawman556]

My choice would be the SS HD 5-20x50mm. I have the 1-6 version on my 5.56 and it is great from 0-300. I wish SWFA would make a 3-15x50mm in the HD version.

 

[MJP68]

View attachment 10115

 

[-Claybuster-]

Would have to eat a bit more Ramen and go to the Vortex Razor. It will be money well spent.

One of my favorite scopes. Camera land NY has them for around $1800 if you call in the order and mention the Hide.

 

[Cobracutter]

Get a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10 or 4-16, or a Bushnell G2DMR for under $1k, with a 20 MOA ADM or Badger unimount and you're good out to 1K for under $1K.

This.

Dont waste money on a QD mount if your serious. If you need QD, go for Bobro. I run the Badger Unimount and its perfect with the HDMR on my AR10 (caps wont fit , it fits that well with a 34MM , Slope (cant remmeber the ammount) mount.

Unless money is really tight, get the HDMR. I have owned it and the Vortex, and the HDMR is a much better scope IMO. Build quaility and glass is better. The G2 retticle blows it out of the water as well. Zero stop and illumination are the only things missing, but they arent important to me (and apparantly the socom unit that speced the HDMR).

The SS 5-20 is a good piece as well, but I think the HDMR is a better value. Its a better scope than the NXS but I would go with a F1 (much more money) if everything was equal.

HDMR's can be found for 750-900 used and at that price point, nothing will come close.

 

[Cobracutter]

View attachment 10115

 

[FALex]

Would have to eat a bit more Ramen and go to the Vortex Razor. It will be money well spent.

No it wouldn't.

I'm in the same boat, OP. I am ordering an LRP-07 tomorrow, and will have 1500 for optics. I am leaning on another SSHD. Stay away from the Razors and any other Vortex products, for that matter.

 

[drum13]

Heavy, Expensive, Boring reticle, Mismatched turrets, Not FFP, not much adjustment range and you can get bloom unless u cover the fibers.

There is a reason very few people run these optics.

For under $1K don't rule out the Trijicon 5-20x50 mildot.
The amber dot won't wash out or bloom. Not like ACOGs. They're seriously built like tanks, dependable and glass is way clearer and much brighter than my Mark4. For an AR10 you're not going to save much weight anyway.
…however, Cobracutter's other facts reign true with those scopes.

 

[-Nick-]

No it wouldn't.

I'm in the same boat, OP. I am ordering an LRP-07 tomorrow, and will have 1500 for optics. I am leaning on another SSHD. Stay away from the Razors and any other Vortex products, for that matter.

You're going on every thread involving Vortex and telling the world to stay away and get the SSHD... So why don't you tell us all exactly why they're so bad and yet so many seem to like them?

 

[FALex]

You're going on every thread involving Vortex and telling the world to stay away and get the SSHD... So why don't you tell us all exactly why they're so bad and yet so many seem to like them?

actually, I went on two blogs where someone asked about optics, certainly not "every thread." Knock the exaggeration bullshit off. Since you care so goddamn much, I'll fill you in: I had two Razors. One had to go back as soon as I mounted it due to internal reticle cant. The second one was shot two times before I was in the middle of a competition and the elevation turret took a shit, clicks stopped engaging; the turret would just spin without any audible or tactile clicks (several members on here got to witness this one, especially the one guy with the 150.00 Mueller tactical who had a kind of cheeky grin about him as he witnessed this). Obviously, that killed my chances during that comp. Let's see here...I owned a 6.5-20x44 Viper with a BDC reticle. It had to go back using the unlimited lifetime warranty because the windage turret stopped working. And, last but not least, I now have a Crossfire on one of my .17HMR's where the elevation stopped working with 14 minutes of adjustment remaining in it. Starting to see a pattern here, Nick?

Now, what are you going to tell me? Let me guess..."these are mass produced items, and they are prone to manufacturing a lemon here and there..."

So many seem to like them for the same invalid reason I did. They are cheaper than other optics that offer the same features as those that are more expensive. Oh yeah, lest we forget, the "unlimited lifetime warranty."

ETA: just read a thread where a guy has fluid running inside his PST. "Unlimited lifetime warranty" here we come!

 

[FALex]

Post taken from 42769vette in the other blog where the OP was comparing a Bushnell and PST:


42769vette is online now Gunny Sergeant Follows:0Following:0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join Date:Feb 2009Location:liberty indianaPosts:1,493Feedback Score:1 (100%)


Quote Originally Posted by Marcoman View Post

"I agree with you 100%. While the way I made my point was not the most politically correct, the point still remains. I think that there are better choices out there, and if that means saving an extra month to buy something better that will last, then I think thats a better choice in the long run.

I ran Leupold Mk4's and a Nightforce NXS before getting my first FFP (USO SN3). So while no expert, I have used a large representation of whats out there.
Ill give you that. There are much better options on the market, but the fact is the PST series will do more than 90% of shooters will ever need, and when you compare them to anything in their price range (or the leupold MK4) they are the obvious winner. "

He just posted the reasons why everyone likes Vortex so much. Just in case you wanted to take my point and make some exaggerations out of it...

 

[00boraslow]

My vote goes to a Bushnell DMR.

 

[Chiller]

actually, I went on two blogs where someone asked about optics, certainly not "every thread." Knock the exaggeration bullshit off. Since you care so goddamn much, I'll fill you in: I had two Razors. One had to go back as soon as I mounted it due to internal reticle cant. The second one was shot two times before I was in the middle of a competition and the elevation turret took a shit, clicks stopped engaging; the turret would just spin without any audible or tactile clicks (several members on here got to witness this one, especially the one guy with the 150.00 Mueller tactical who had a kind of cheeky grin about him as he witnessed this). Obviously, that killed my chances during that comp. Let's see here...I owned a 6.5-20x44 Viper with a BDC reticle. It had to go back using the unlimited lifetime warranty because the windage turret stopped working. And, last but not least, I now have a Crossfire on one of my .17HMR's where the elevation stopped working with 14 minutes of adjustment remaining in it. Starting to see a pattern here, Nick?

Now, what are you going to tell me? Let me guess..."these are mass produced items, and they are prone to manufacturing a lemon here and there..."

So many seem to like them for the same invalid reason I did. They are cheaper than other optics that offer the same features as those that are more expensive. Oh yeah, lest we forget, the "unlimited lifetime warranty."

ETA: just read a thread where a guy has fluid running inside his PST. "Unlimited lifetime warranty" here we come!

I currently own;
(4) Votex Razor
(2) US Optics
(3) Premier
Of those I have HAD to send both the US Optics back and all three of the Premier. Prior to that I owned (2) Nightforce F-1. One was DOA and the second one had to go back after one season. My personal experience is that to date Vortex is holding their own against the big boys very well. The experience I have had with Vortex has been very positive when they replaced the new eyebox and upgraded me to the EB-2R. As a degreed and licensed engineer it is not a matter of "if" things will fail, it is a matter of "when". I am sorry you appear to have had a less than positive experience with your scopes.

As I like to point out, in my opinion the mark of a truly good company is what they do when you DO have a problem. It is easy to look golden when things are good. When things fail, and they will. This is the true mark of a good company. In my opinion, Vortex is one of the good companies.

 

[Outdoorsman9]

actually, I went on two blogs where someone asked about optics, certainly not "every thread." Knock the exaggeration bullshit off. Since you care so goddamn much, I'll fill you in: I had two Razors. One had to go back as soon as I mounted it due to internal reticle cant. The second one was shot two times before I was in the middle of a competition and the elevation turret took a shit, clicks stopped engaging; the turret would just spin without any audible or tactile clicks (several members on here got to witness this one, especially the one guy with the 150.00 Mueller tactical who had a kind of cheeky grin about him as he witnessed this). Obviously, that killed my chances during that comp. Let's see here...I owned a 6.5-20x44 Viper with a BDC reticle. It had to go back using the unlimited lifetime warranty because the windage turret stopped working. And, last but not least, I now have a Crossfire on one of my .17HMR's where the elevation stopped working with 14 minutes of adjustment remaining in it. Starting to see a pattern here, Nick?

Now, what are you going to tell me? Let me guess..."these are mass produced items, and they are prone to manufacturing a lemon here and there..."

So many seem to like them for the same invalid reason I did. They are cheaper than other optics that offer the same features as those that are more expensive. Oh yeah, lest we forget, the "unlimited lifetime warranty."

ETA: just read a thread where a guy has fluid running inside his PST. "Unlimited lifetime warranty" here we come!

So, because you didn't tighten your set screws enough on the Razors elevation turret it is Vortex's fault? Let me guess, your Crossfire is on a Savage 17 hmr. Savages are notorious for barrels not being straight, because of their very loose thread tolerances, which causes you to use a bunch of windage which will restrict your elevation. I had a NF on a Savage that ran short on Elevation because of this. Had to send the gun back to Savage and when I got it back the scope sighted quickly and I had all of my elevation back.

 

[BCP]

The vortex razor hd is VERY nice but a few hundred out of your price range. The leupold 4-14x50 mil mil has a nice balance of weight, features and easy-to-get-behind but I have never really been happy with the other mk4s I've had and feel stupid spending 1500 for a sexed-up 600$ hunting scope. Nightforce 2.5-10 is great but lower mag than those others and no parallax focus.

Honestly there is no perfect scope they are all compromises in one way or another so figure out what features to prioritize and go in that direction.

 

[FALex]

So, because you didn't tighten your set screws enough on the Razors elevation turret it is Vortex's fault? Let me guess, your Crossfire is on a Savage 17 hmr. Savages are notorious for barrels not being straight, because of their very loose thread tolerances, which causes you to use a bunch of windage which will restrict your elevation. I had a NF on a Savage that ran short on Elevation because of this. Had to send the gun back to Savage and when I got it back the scope sighted quickly and I had all of my elevation back.

Oh for fucks sakes. Set screws were tight, it was the first thing I checked because I had that issue when I first got the scope. It was an internal issue with the turret. If the Savage's barrel was so crooked, why does it shoot so damn straight with my 3-9 Leupy??? Here's your sign.

We went from exaggerations to huge assumptions. As stated before, this was witnessed by several folks, some of whom know a few things about LR shooting. Certainly they know more than most. I know you're trying to justify your purchases but those assumptions were simply asinine. I shouldn't have even dignified that horseshit with a response, but Lord forbid of I didn't.

 

[MTETM]

To the OP...
At your price range I would go with the Bushnell DMR with the G2. No issues at all and meets your needs. Great scope as mentioned.
If you want to wait a bit and save... I just put a Steiner 4-16 on my 6 Creedmoor gas gun... Great scope and would recommend it highly for your application, but it is in the price range of the Razor.

 

[CS95]

Oh for fucks sakes. Set screws were tight, it was the first thing I checked because I had that issue when I first got the scope. It was an internal issue with the turret. If the Savage's barrel was so crooked, why does it shoot so damn straight with my 3-9 Leupy??? Here's your sign.

We went from exaggerations to huge assumptions. As stated before, this was witnessed by several folks, some of whom know a few things about LR shooting. Certainly they know more than most. I know you're trying to justify your purchases but those assumptions were simply asinine. I shouldn't have even dignified that horseshit with a response, but Lord forbid of I didn't.

Actually, I believe Outdoorsman is correct. The reason why the savage still shoots so great is because of the floating bolt head. It compensates for this. And the only way, and I am telling you the ONLY way clicks can disappear(and still turn) on a Razor elevation turret is if you did not tighten the set screws on the under cap. The turret will still adjust with those set screws loose, but you wont have any clicks and no zero stop. This is because the clicker housing and zero stop are in the same housing which is separate of the turret screw itself. The set screws on the under cap are what conjoin the clicker and zero stop with the turret screw. If you have ever seen the diagram that used to be floating around of this turret and have half a brain you will be able to see what I am talking about.

So stop blaming companies for your ignorance or you can continue going on looking like an ass, your choice.

 

[FALex]

Actually, I believe Outdoorsman is correct. The reason why the savage still shoots so great is because of the floating bolt head. It compensates for this. And the only way, and I am telling you the ONLY way clicks can disappear(and still turn) on a Razor elevation turret is if you did not tighten the set screws on the under cap. The turret will still adjust with those set screws loose, but you wont have any clicks and no zero stop. This is because the clicker housing and zero stop are in the same housing which is separate of the turret screw itself. The set screws on the under cap are what conjoin the clicker and zero stop with the turret screw. If you have ever seen the diagram that used to be floating around of this turret and have half a brain you will be able to see what I am talking about.

So stop blaming companies for your ignorance or you can continue going on looking like an ass, your choice.

So, what did Outdoorsman9 say about the floating bolt head? I did not read anything about that in his post. Reading, it's fundamental!

And are you certain that the set screws are the ONLY way the clicks can disappear? You can still recant the statement before too many people read this, and you get schooled.

Paging Scott Parks...Scott, could you take this gentleman to school or should I? (Scott helped me when my first Razor had to go back, he's here on the Hide, and works for Vortex). The reason I know you're wrong is the same reason my clicks disappeared, and it was not from the damn set screws being loose.

I love how you just know what the hell happened like you were out there. Is this really happening?

Chiller - I must say that when the scopes went down, Vortex did step up, no BS, no hassle, nothing. They were more than to happy to help. I think the worst part is that I had already experienced two bad issues with Vortex products (the first Viper and the Crossfire). As soon as I sold my SSHD's, one of the guy's I compete with said, "you know why Vortex has the warranty, right? You're going to need it." No BS, six weeks later, he is laying prone next to me on the firing line saying, when the scope went awol, saying, "I'd hate to tell you so..." His screen name here on the Hide is RingingSteel, don't believe me, hit him up. Anyhow, when you drop as much as you do on a Razor, you'd expect them to work when they're brand new, right? I have several other scopes from various other makers, and I have never had to ship them back for any reasons...I guess more disappointment than anything.

 

[FALex]

I got to run my friends AR10 with a HDMR....its a really nice rig.

So I ordered the LRP-07 yesterday (I was quoted 12 weeks from yesterday). Well, these are definitely first class problems: Bushnell or SSHD? I like the Bushnell's G2 reticle, but those damn SS's are just so bright. When I was looking through the Bushy, the view appeared darker to me, but I am going to take another peak through one this weekend.

With all of the optics at this price point, it seems difficult to discern any real significant differences in quality.