Help me select a scope - I’m overwhelmed by options!

D

David_Harvey

Private
Minuteman
Jan 7, 2022
1
1
North Little Rock AR
#1
I have read the helpful sticky at the top of this thread “Tips for Asking Advice About Rifle Scopes”.
I have read Chapters 3 (Sniperscope Basics) and Chapter 4 (Using a sniperscope) from The Ultimate Sniper.
I have read Rifle Scopes 101 from www.centerfiretraining.com.
I have downloaded and reviewed the spreadsheet at AR15 Recommended Rifle Scopes
I have been reading the Observation & Sighting Devices forums here at www.snipershide.com for a few weeks now.
I have been reading two Optics, Mounts, and Sights forums at www.ar15.com.

I say this because I don’t want to be one of those one post newbies that expects you to solve my all problems with little or no effort on my part. Your time and expertise are valuable and hope I don’t waste them.

So… I got a new rifle and I’m hoping y’all can help me pick the right scope.
pix924316358.jpg

What is the platform for the scope? DPMS LR-308 (AR-10) 24” heavy barrel w/ picrail top
What cartridge are you shooting? .308
What is your intended use for the scope? 90% Paper targets and steel. 10% white tail hunting
What type of conditions will you typically shoot in? Daylight, Lowlight
What are the typical distances you intend to shoot? For starters 200yds but I’d like to eventually work my way up to steel targets at 600yds so I’d rather go ahead and buy a scope for 600yds now.
What is the price range you can afford? I’m prepared to spend up to $1,500 for scope and rings combo. If a few more dollars can be justified I can go a little more.
Are there any specific specifications you would like?
  • Shooting will be from a supported position, so weight doesn’t matter.
  • Lighted reticle = not needed.
  • Anything but duplex.
  • 1st Focal Plane vs 2nd Focal Plane, no preference.
In short, I’d like a scope capable of shooting paper and steel targets at ranges between 200 and 600yds during daylight/lowlight hours. I’m very much a “buy once cry once” kind of guy. I would rather spend the money on a quality scope now. I don’t want to buy something “for now” only want to upgrade at a later date.

I saw a good comments on the Vortex Razor LHT FFP 4.5-22x50 and I’m also sort of interested in the Nightforce BR scopes any comments those scopes are particularly welcome.

I’ve done some of my own research and have a short working list below, but I’m open for recommendations.
CostManfModelPowerReticleTube DiameterFinish
$ 950TrijiconAccupoint5-20x50Mil-Dot Crosshair30mmMatte
$ 1,100SightronSIII6-24x50(multiple)30mmMatte
$ 1,500NightforceBR12-42X56NPR230mmMatte
$ 1,500NightforceBR12-42X56NP2DD30mmMatte
$ 1,400NightforceBR8-32X56NPR230mmMatte
$ 1,000VortexViper PST Gen II5-25x50(multiple)30mmMatte
$ 1,000VortexViper PST Gen II Riflescope5-25x50(multiple)30mmMatte
$ 1,500VortexRazor HD LHT4.5-22x50XLR MOA (1/4)30mmAnodized
$ 1,200BushnellELITE TACTICAL DMR II3.5-21X50(multiple)34mmMatte
$ 900VortexViper HS LR6-24x50XLR MOA30mmAnodized
$ 1,500BushnellELITE TACTICAL DMR33.5-21X50GP434mmMatte
$ 1,300SWFASS HD5-20x50Mil-QuadNot specifiedMatte

So… have at it. I’m at your mercy and any recommendations for (or against) would be very much appreciated.
 
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#3
With Vortex just releasing their Gen 3 Razor, find a Gen 2 in the PX with the reticle you like.

I’m sure there some people that’ll offload to step up their scope.

And, I’d rule out the Nightforce BR scopes. They aren’t really made for what you want to do. They can do it, but there is better options.
 
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#5
Nightforce NX8 2.5-20, ive seen them below $1800 in the PX

Leupold Mk6 or Mk5 3-18x44, slightly less money

Nightforce 3.5-15x50 F1 mil/mil if you come upon one

Sig Sauer, Vortex Razor.

Stay away from benchrest scopes unless you are going to be shooting benchrest and you wont be (not with that rifle anyway).
 
#6
To me some of the biggest things you need to consider at this point is to go with MILs instead of MOA. Naturally either will work.

For the distance you mentioned a 1-6 would be the lowest I would run. If you go a bit longer that's fine too.

Also I personally prefer tactical turrets. That means the turrets are exposed and you can dial them as part of your shooting. Capped turrets you typically set the zero and forget it and put the caps back on. I prefer to dial on most guns but there are exceptions.

I also think the reticle you pick will matter. I started going with the Christmas tree reticle and I like it. It will give you a lot more feedback and opportunity to learn and grow into it.

Of course you can use it for hunting but to me it's a better choice in this situation.

I'm pretty sure you can find a Christmas tree reticle in something like a 4-16 with exposed "tactical turrets".

Oh, and I would definitely go with a first focal plane. This basically means the measurements inside the scope will be good whether or not you are zoomed all the way in or if you are just halfway.

Especially for hunting in my opinion the wide end is very important. If you have a wide field of view it's easier to not lose your target. A lot of people think 16x or whatever is better, but in instances like you are watching a buck through some brush and he's walking around quartering you and you are waiting for a better shot, the ability to go wider makes it easier.
 
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#8
I think the NF BR models you have listed are way too much magnification for 600 yards. I am a really big fan of the Elite Tactical line of optics. They are excellent for their price point in my opinion. With that said, I know how heavy large frame AR's are especially with a barrel that long. So, in the interest of keeping the overall weight of the weapon system manageable, I would personally make a short list in this order.

Razor LHT
Viper PST
Elite Tactical DMR 3
Elite Tactical DMR II

Which ever you choose, I would encourage you to go Mil unless all you know is MOA.

CM
 
#9
Bought a used gen 2 razor 3.6-18 or whatever it is out of the used section a month ago with rings for 1200, on a lifetime warrantied optic don’t be afraid to go used and save money or go to top of budget and get a better scope because you paid used price
 
#10
Right there 1500 since price drop find a set of rings you’ll be in a 4.5-27 for 1600 ish
 

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#13
@Opengrave have you ever looked through a FFP vs SFP scope? It concerns me you have no preference... That very thing is a massive deal in my mind and will very much change how you approach shooting steel at varying distances. I would try to get to a store to at least see an example of a FFP and then come to a decision on which way to go for your scope.
 
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#17
The Razor LHT 4.5-22x50 or the Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50(if you don't need illumination, though the illuminated model is about to drop), a used Bushnell LHRSI 4.5-18x44 if you can find one. Those are my options and the ones I researched out heavily. I ended up buying the LHT and could not be happier, bought a LHRSI for my dad's Ar10 and it's a bargain. Prefer the LHT reticle for targets/PRS. Good luck.
 
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#18
I would second getting the Razor LHT 4.5-22 x50
Call up Scott at Liberty Optics and he'll get you an amazing deal on it.

It would be a perfect scope for that rifle and being able to do both target shooting and hunting.

Then later on you could worry about some higher end stuff if you ever wanted to.
 
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#19
Opengrave said:
I have read the helpful sticky at the top of this thread “Tips for Asking Advice About Rifle Scopes”.
I have read Chapters 3 (Sniperscope Basics) and Chapter 4 (Using a sniperscope) from The Ultimate Sniper.
I have read Rifle Scopes 101 from www.centerfiretraining.com.
I have downloaded and reviewed the spreadsheet at AR15 Recommended Rifle Scopes
I have been reading the Observation & Sighting Devices forums here at www.snipershide.com for a few weeks now.
I have been reading two Optics, Mounts, and Sights forums at www.ar15.com.

I say this because I don’t want to be one of those one post newbies that expects you to solve my all problems with little or no effort on my part. Your time and expertise are valuable and hope I don’t waste them.

So… I got a new rifle and I’m hoping y’all can help me pick the right scope.
View attachment 7778862
What is the platform for the scope? DPMS LR-308 (AR-10) 24” heavy barrel w/ picrail top
What cartridge are you shooting? .308
What is your intended use for the scope? 90% Paper targets and steel. 10% white tail hunting
What type of conditions will you typically shoot in? Daylight, Lowlight
What are the typical distances you intend to shoot? For starters 200yds but I’d like to eventually work my way up to steel targets at 600yds so I’d rather go ahead and buy a scope for 600yds now.
What is the price range you can afford? I’m prepared to spend up to $1,500 for scope and rings combo. If a few more dollars can be justified I can go a little more.
Are there any specific specifications you would like?
  • Shooting will be from a supported position, so weight doesn’t matter.
  • Lighted reticle = not needed.
  • Anything but duplex.
  • 1st Focal Plane vs 2nd Focal Plane, no preference.
In short, I’d like a scope capable of shooting paper and steel targets at ranges between 200 and 600yds during daylight/lowlight hours. I’m very much a “buy once cry once” kind of guy. I would rather spend the money on a quality scope now. I don’t want to buy something “for now” only want to upgrade at a later date.

I saw a good comments on the Vortex Razor LHT FFP 4.5-22x50 and I’m also sort of interested in the Nightforce BR scopes any comments those scopes are particularly welcome.

I’ve done some of my own research and have a short working list below, but I’m open for recommendations.
CostManfModelPowerReticleTube DiameterFinish
$ 950TrijiconAccupoint5-20x50Mil-Dot Crosshair30mmMatte
$ 1,100SightronSIII6-24x50(multiple)30mmMatte
$ 1,500NightforceBR12-42X56NPR230mmMatte
$ 1,500NightforceBR12-42X56NP2DD30mmMatte
$ 1,400NightforceBR8-32X56NPR230mmMatte
$ 1,000VortexViper PST Gen II5-25x50(multiple)30mmMatte
$ 1,000VortexViper PST Gen II Riflescope5-25x50(multiple)30mmMatte
$ 1,500VortexRazor HD LHT4.5-22x50XLR MOA (1/4)30mmAnodized
$ 1,200BushnellELITE TACTICAL DMR II3.5-21X50(multiple)34mmMatte
$ 900VortexViper HS LR6-24x50XLR MOA30mmAnodized
$ 1,500BushnellELITE TACTICAL DMR33.5-21X50GP434mmMatte
$ 1,300SWFASS HD5-20x50Mil-QuadNot specifiedMatte

So… have at it. I’m at your mercy and any recommendations for (or against) would be very much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Camera Land has the SIIIs for 699 rn under their latest sale. may want to look over there so you can use the other 500 you had estimated for ammo.
 
#23
I would second the NF NX8 2.5-20. I've been stepping up through a few different scopes as I've been learning the precision shooting game and increasing my disposable income over the last couple years, and that's probably the best option for your given parameters and budget.

I'd get one with the Mil-XT reticle, very versatile and good for fast follow ups on wind calls.
 
#24
I see these threads and always look back at the amount of optics I have been through and think...Damn I wish someone could have helped me.

The reality is as follows:

our eyes are all different so glass is subjective, clarity, color, CA...etc all effect us or are seen different
Our brains are all different and processing a reticle is different with everyone
Our disposable income is all different so 500 to me might be 5000 to you or hell it could be 50 cents...

My advice is as follows:

Go to stores and ask to go outside with a sales associate to view optics
Study the reticle on paper and see how the layout would benefit how your brain processes the information
Ask on the hide and someone like me gives you this information which is mostly useless :ROFLMAO:


Oh and to the buy once cry once comment, buy a ZCO or Tangent Theta. Cry some and enjoy the shit out of it.
 
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#27
Just satire, I think the slow death of being able to hands-on before you commit to buying something is one of the most awful things about our current economy. It's sound advice, the problem is going to be finding a place that will actually let you do some proper assessment of scopes before you buy.
 
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#28
WindstormSCR said:
Just satire, I think the slow death of being able to hands-on before you commit to buying something is one of the most awful things about our current economy. It's sound advice, the problem is going to be finding a place that will actually let you do some proper assessment of scopes before you buy.
Click to expand...
Just depends where you are located. I’m in Texas and I would be hard pressed to find a store that won’t let me do it. I still buy online, but that’s because I trust @CSTactical with all my optic needs and I already know what I want/need because there is only 2 brands of scopes I buy now.
 
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#29
How much time do you have with big frame AR and what are you expecting for accuracy?

My first "precision" rifle was an LMT MWS with an S&B 5-25 PMII.

I thought I spared no expense. It was going to make tiny groups.......but,

I can't drive it well enough to get the fantastic groups in the LMT thread so I switched to bolt guns and found they give me the performance I want.

I can shoot the LMT about an inch now and it's certainly capable of hitting fun targets like steel plates. If I were a deer hunter I could wreck a deer at ranges typical in the forested northeast.

Just cautioning you regards your expectations, your learning with an AR is going to be a little more challenging.

Nice looking rifle, if it doesn't do what you expect first magazine don't be discouraged just work on controlling all that moving mass.
 
#30
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#31
Sprayed99 said:
Just depends where you are located. I’m in Texas and I would be hard pressed to find a store that won’t let me do it. I still buy online, but that’s because I trust @CSTactical with all my optic needs and I already know what I want/need because there is only 2 brands of scopes I buy now.
Click to expand...


thank-you-very-much-bill-murray.gif
 
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#32
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