Rifle Scopes Downgrading Optics Selection

[remau308]

Ok, so I have a dilemma on my hands and was looking for some other opinions on this matter. I have a Schmidt&Bender 5-25 MTC CCW 0.1mil turrets and the H2CMR reticle. This scope is an absolute dream to own, but I am honestly a little scared to mar it up. If I go with a much cheaper (though still very rugged and dependable) I can have a little less money tied up in it, and I may sleep a little better at night.

What I would be looking for is something in the 25 magnification on the top end, around the price of a Nightforce give or take, mil/mil, at least 50mm objective or larger, and preferably FFP. I have grown to really like the front focal reticles lately, but I have not completely ruled out the 22x or 32x because I mean, they are Nightforce.

My applications for this scope are to put it on top of my custom .308 built specifically for the 1000 yard competition I compete in. No, I don't anticipate dragging this rifle through the mud, but I don't want to cringe everytime the rifle takes a spill.

Thanks in advance,
Troy

 

[m1match]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

If I were you, I'd keep and use that scope and not worry about a few scratches that it might get. You'll take a loss in selling it and years later you'll regret that you sold it and went to a less expensive scope. I've shot my S&B 5-25x56 with a P4F reticle side by side with a friend's Vortex PST 4-16 and for the price the PST was a pretty good scope, but the S&B's optics were noticeably better, the turret clicks were more "precise" and easier to use, and the side focus easier to turn and to focus. Was the S&B worth almost 4 times as much? Well probably not, but it didn't make me want to sell my S&B to generate cash.

 

[i_rep]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

pm sent

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

I'd wait until after SHOT to see when the new Nightforce 5-25x F1s are coming out.

 

[One Holer]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

Dude, are you off your rocker? WTF, if you are that worried about putting a few minor character marks on the scope why did you bother purchasing it in the first place? I try to take care of my equipment the best that I possibly can, but then again my guns get used, they are not "safe queens".

Maybe you should have one cheaper set-up that you use and another dream set-up that you only show-off for looks.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

I have to agree with others that you will regret it later. I understand the want to try to keep things pristine; however, this is Sniper's Hide so you won't get much sympathy from guys that are accustomed to taking their gear to the limit and scratches are a sign its durability. I say scratch it and let it run the way it was meant to be - tough and durable.

 

[Cuban Croc]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

if it becomes a lil scratched... don't worry about it.

...at some point sent it some place to be Cerakoted.

then the resale value might even go up.

 

[Cuban Croc]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

you have the best optics available. i would love to have the financial ability to purchase what you have.

it is like a woman getting breast reduction.....NO!

It is a sin...IMHO!

 

[SScott]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

Get some "camo tape", they make a firearms tape that will give you protection and come off when you are tired of it.
I put some on a high dollar rifle,and after a year later it peeled off with out problems, and the finish was as good as new.
SScott

 

[Rob01]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Redmanss</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd wait until after SHOT to see when the new Nightforce 5-25x F1s are coming out. </div></div>

Not sure what good that would do as the scope is going to be the same price if not more than the one he has.

I will echo the others in saying keep the scope and shoot with it. If it gets a little scratched up then so be it. It's meant to be used and not a safe queen. My 5-25s have scrapes down the sides from being pushed against walls and barricades at matches. They get used. The 5-25x S&B can take some abuse. They just got the USSOCOM contract and passed their testing so I am pretty sure you are good

 

[bm11]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

USE THE SCOPE. A little scratch here or there isn't going to hurt the value of it too much, and S&B's are built like tanks.

 

[awp762]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

Keep the scope. Scratches just give it some personality. I have a few scratches in the paint on my S&B from pistol brass hitting it. Left my AW with my S&B to my right side when i fired several hundred rounds of 45.

 

[MTETM]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

Just use it, with every scratch and bit of "experience" it gets easier to accept and continue to use.
Plan on owning it for a long time, or if you are worried about the re-sale value look at it like this....You renting it for X years, the value is now Y dollars lower than new, it cost you Y/X to enjoy the experience.

Good Luck,
Mine are not new appearing at all!!

 

[remau308]

Re: Downgrading Optics Selection

Ok, I've given it some thought, and I've looked at all the other cheaper options, and the one thing that has stopped me from selling it to get something cheaper is the H2CMR reticle. I love it and can't find another one that can compare in my opinion. I guess I'll be keeping it after all lol