Rifle Scopes Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

map_it

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Jan 4, 2010
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The rifle is going to be cut down to 22" barrel in a Manners Stock bedded with a SPS Reminton Action. Building a tack driving Hunting rifle.

Is a fixed 10 power too big of magnification to hunt with?
I was thinking of the Leupold Mark4 10X42 or maybe the S&B 10X42 but it is about $300 over my ceiling? My thoughts was maybe the S&B would collect light better and thus not be a disadvantage for the high maginification.

One other thing I know it is not a fair comparison but how does the SWFS SS 10x42 HD compare? I realize the image will not be as clear but gathering light at night time for a 200 yard shot of a soybean field is the S&B worth another grand??

Trying to get the best possible glass for twlight and early morning hunting.
Want a mil. to mil. reticule and adjustment.

Can you offer me suggestions......

This is my first build and I have been around hunting type rifles my whole life but new to the tacticial arena.

I'm new to the site and would appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks,
Bill
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

dont overlook USO ST10.
factoring in the sting of tall price tags this is my list of recommendations:
1: SSx10HD
2: USO ST10
3: S&B 10x42

just forget you ever saw the words "light gathering" in reference to any scope. ever.
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

Well, we are in pretty much the same boat. I've shot BR for a long time and NF has always been my glass of choice. I had a SS (standard, not HD) on my first tactical style rifle and was very impressed with it. I stepped up to a ST-10 last week. I love it. I don't know how you can go wrong with a USO or SS.

I have no problems saying that a ST-10 or SS will NOT dissapoint. I cannot attest to the S&B, as I've never owned one.

Keep an eye on the WTS ads here. ST-10s pop up occasionally, and there is always a SS to be had.
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

If you can find one the old Bausch & Lomb Tactical is an outstanding scope. Clear as crystal and tons of elevation and windage.
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

Thanks so much for the help...
After you build it out it look like a $1,400 USO S-10 is a better option than the S&B at $1,800??...
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BNix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
One other thing I know it is not a fair comparison but how does the SWFS SS 10x42 HD compare? I realize the image will not be as clear but gathering light at night time for a 200 yard shot of a soybean field is the S&B worth another grand??

Thanks,
Bill </div></div>

Actually it is a fair comparision, don't sell it short until you've seen one first hand.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dagger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you can find one the old Bausch & Lomb Tactical is an outstanding scope. Clear as crystal and tons of elevation and windage. </div></div>

The SS HD is better than the old B&L in every regard.
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

I have owned both an older USO ST-10 (which according to USO, had better glass than the newer models) and now own a S&B 10x42. The images on the S&B are much sharper and almost 3D-like in clarity.

However, for the same price, you can get illumination, better reticules and parallax adjustment on the USO. So it really depends on what your priorities are. I got the S&B because I found it for a really good price secondhand.
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

Why a fixed 10x scope? For $1400 you can get into excellent variables which will allow you to adjust for those closer shots.
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

Ive had a SS10x HD for a couple of weeks now. I must say its a damn nice piece of equipment.

Very user friendly. Glass is excellent. Excellent turret and click feel. Eye relief is very good. Passed a box test with ease.

Side by side with my MST100, I can say it gives up nothing optically to the MST100.
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

I am also looking for new optics and have been doing a bunch of research so maybe some of this might help.

If you are going to be hunting you probably will want a variable power scope as stated above. Now since you might be looking at a moving target a scope that is FFP, and has the same knobs as reticles (mil/mil, or moa/moa) will probably be very helpful.

This also relates to if you plan on shooting any tactical matches and will be ranging and engaging on moving targets you will most likely want a Variable FFP as stated above.

If you are mostly going to be shooting at stationary targets you can save some money and go with an SFP scope. Still I would probably go with Variable.

Note that if you do go fixed the SFP, FFP doesnt matter.

Now I am coming from a SS10x42 and im looking to upgrade to a variable. These are the scopes I have been looking at in price order.

All the scopes bellow should have great glass

ST-10 (Customizable starts at 950)
IOR 4-14x50 30mm SFP 1055.00 Mil/Moa
IOR 4-14x50 30mm SFP Illuminated 1225.00 Mil/Moa
IOR 3-18x42 35mm FFP 1549.00 Mil/Mil
Night Force 3.5-15x50 30mm SFP 1438.00 MOA/MOA

Hope that helps a little
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

tack driving hunting rifle, early morning visibility.... a fixed 10x is too much (except for varmints...then its too low:)). If you are truly hunting in pre-dawn it'll be a fairly close shot...don't need or want high magnification and you won't be adjusting your turrets. Unfortunately...a plain old vanilla low-power scope is your best bet for that scenario. :)

I'd suggest a fixed 3x or 4x. Or get a variable with a 2-3x on the low end for maximum flexibility.
 
Re: Fixed Power Scope Recommendations and HELP........

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BNix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is a fixed 10 power too big of magnification to hunt with?</div></div>

When I hunt I like to be able to dial down to 5 power or so, just in case the animal hops over 10 or 15 yards.

I'm personally considering an updgrade to a Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40 on my deer rifle.

Maybe the Mark 4 4.5-14x50 ER/T or LR/T would work for you?