Rifle Scopes High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

[Møønlight]

I opened this thread to find out some information on the high end scopes used for someone shooting a .308. I will list a few so if I miss one please list it for me.

I am looking for some after action reviews if you will so I know what to look for in a scope for my future A.J Brown built .308 that I hope to land soon.

Here are some of the scope's I was considering:

NF NXS 3-15x50/56
PR Heritage 3-15x50
USO MST-100
Zeiss Hendsoldt 3-12x56
S&B 3–12x50 PM II
IOR 3-18x42

1.Reliability/durability
2.Warranty
3.Clarity
4.Functionability

This thread is not to down any companies or to put one in front of the other. I need a good scope and I want to get the best piece of glass I can that IS NOT going to fail me when I really need it to perform.

If you could respond with your experiences i.e it failed right out of the box, glass broke, adjustment's were off etc. I would REALLY appreciate it.

I also read a thread I can't find about a new NF comming out sometime in the future?

Thanks a million Hider's!
Respectfully,
MS

 

[ggarrett1911]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

Here's the Nightforce thread you were looking for...

http://snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2399895&page=1

Out of the scopes listed most will say you can't go wrong with the Hensoldt, S&B, or the Premiere if the funds allow. These 3 would be the top of the pile, but it might get a little more interesting when that new NF gets out...

 

[dpreston]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

heres the route I took. Was going to put a 5-25 S&B on it, but decided 4-16 power and smaller footprint was better suited for my 308. And the henny meets all 4 of your criteria.

 

[jasonk]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

The Henny 4-16 rocks and does so in the perfect sized package. Fear not the 4-16, it does it all in everyone else's 3-12 size. It's almost the perfect scope imho.

 

[Mute]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

I have no regrets with the Hensoldt 4-16 I purchased. With the NH1 reticle, it was just about perfect for my needs.

 

[azimutha]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

My next .308 scope is going to be a Premier 3-15X50 light tactical. The price will be lower, but so will the weight. It doesn't have the huge elevation of a Premier Heritage or Nightforce, but if you look at .308 ballistics, you can in most cases get out past 1000 yards with less than 11.6 mils.

 

[mouse07410]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

Add Vortex Razor HD 5-20x50 to the set to consider. Relatively new (less than two years), but great quality and features - especially for the price (ballpark of $1900). Google this site for extensive reviews and discussions.

 

[Guest]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

I went USO SN-3 17X, for a 22" .308 I have. I love the IPHY MDMOA reticle and 1/2 IPHY knobs.
Lets me get past 1K yds in less than one turn, zero stop, and built like a tank.

Depends on what your shooting but for me, comp's, bench, run and gun or meat, this scope does it all.
Have 22X SN-3 on a 300wm same reticle and knobs, nothing to relearn and does all the same venues, with just a little more horsepower, should it be needed.

 

[gglass]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

When answering the question of a high-end scope with Leupold, you better wear a flame-proof suit in this crowd.

 

[KeithR41]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

Uh-oh! Here we go.

41

 

[Kevlars]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

Good Lord !!!! Really ... is it my turn for the popcorn?

 

[whitefarms4840]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

Damn happy with my NF 3.5-15 but have never had the chance to use a S&B or Hensoldt.

 

[Kevlars]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

I had a chance to use a S&B once ... loved it -- just cant part with that much money yet... When I order my custom .338 next year I am thinking of topping it with Premiere or US Optics, but I am still researching and crying over the $$$. My current scope of choice is NXS 5.5-22 HSZX MLR MilRad for my .308.

 

[BCP]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

If I ever got to where I could spend 3k on a scope it would be a S&B.

 

[ChrisF]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest


PR , Heny or S&B , just pick the one that you like the feature set the best , and you are done.

All 3 are at the top of the heap .

Later Chris

 

[beenjammin]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

MS, I dont understand. You sold one of the best scope money can buy. That PH you had was a top shelf scope. I dont think you can compare the others on your list and come up with better then what you already had. Was there something you did not care for on the PH? I am interested to hear your thoughts on it. I think you are going to find that S&B is not a step up but merely a sideways step on the same level of quality. I just purchased my second PH (in moa this time) and I just dont think there is anything better in moa (cost not being a factor).

 

[bward]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

In my opinion, S&B and Hensoldt are on another level when compared to other scopes. Either are great.

 

[Aries64]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

<span style="font-style: italic">Moonshadow</span>,

I would choose a PMII 3-20X 50mm over the 3-12X 50mm because you get an extra 8X on the top end while still having the wide 3X FOV of the 3-12X. You also get 4 more MILs' of Elevation travel. More magnification and travel are preferable over less, as even if you don't think you'll ever use it it makes the scope more versatile.

In terms of size, the 3-20X 50mm DT LP LT is 385mm/15.1575", compared to the 3-12X 50mm DT LP at 352mm/13.8583". Thats' a difference of 33mm/1.29921".

In terms of weight, the 3-20X 50mm DT LP LT is 920grams/32.452oz., compared to the 3-12X 50mm DT LP at 860grams/30.336oz. Thats' a difference of 60.0grams/2.116oz.

I own and use a pair of PMII 5-25X DT LP Gen 2 XR CCW scopes. These two PMIIs' are a joy to use on my Tac Ops X-Ray 51 and on a Kimber Model 82 .22LR.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">X-Ray 51 w/metalwork in "Tac Ops OD" Green-T & Black-T w/PMII 5-25X, Mark 4 Highs' on Tac Ops 40 MOA Two-Piece Base:</span></span>

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Kimber Model 82 .22LR with PMII 5-25X CCW + ARD in NEAR Rings over Murphy Precision 25 MOA Two-Piece Base and Sporter barrel:</span></span>

I owned and used a Premier 5-25X 56mm 27 MIL DT Gen 2 XR. It was a great scope - solidly built, sharp, positive clicks, awesome image clarity and resolution, and innovation features. Compared alongside my PMII 5-25X 27 MIL DT LP Gen 2 XR CCWs' I prefer the PMII, and I sold my Premier to help finance my purchase of my second PMII 5-25X Gen 2 XR. Your decision between a PMII and a Premier could go the opposite direction depending upon the weight you give to each feature or lack thereof between the PMII and the Heritage. Check-out this reply of mine to <span style="font-style: italic">newyork</span> in <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"Nice optic"</span></span>.

I've also owned and used a loaded USO SN-3 3.2-17X 44mm Lo Pro ERGO. Great scope - solidly built, excellent feel on the adjustments (solid and positive), very good image clarity and resolution. IMHO, inconsistent Quality Control at USO holds them back.

I've never owned a Hensoldt, Nighforce, or an IOR, and have only used them at the range on occasion on other people's rifles. Hensoldts have great glass and are "easy to get behind", but I don't find them noticibly better on these points than an equivalent (or as close to equivalent-model) PMII or Premier. Nightforce has good glass, but I wouldn't rate it up there with a PMII, Premier, a "good" USO, or an IOR. The turrets and clicks on Nightforce are sharp and positive, and the parallax operates smoothly.

The (Gen 3) IOR 3-18X 42mm FFP my brother has works well - very good image clarity and definition, clicks are spaced nicely, but the clicks aren't as sharp and positive as a PMII, Premier, USO, or Nightforce. I find the IOR a little "clunky" compared to the other scopes I've mentioned, but what do you want for the price?

I don't and haven't beat on my scopes, and even if I did S & B failures are rare. Therefore, I cannot speak to reliability or durability. S & Bs' are used in some of the most hostile climates in the world so I'd say they're pretty damn durable, and USO and Premier also see rugged use abroad in hostile climates. S & B, Premier, and USO would all be serviced here for warranty and other work but I'm not sure about Hensoldt or Nightforce.

USO and Premier have Lifetime warranties. PMIIs' carry a 30 Year Warranty. You'll have to check on IOR and Nightforce.

I hope this helps.


Keith

 

[Goldbeachman]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

All six of the scopes listed by the OP are good. In my opinion, 3 are great. Guess which ones.

Most of us here have had the same conundrum and it seems that finances often drive the decision (at least for awhile).

Even though its <span style="font-style: italic">only</span> a 308, I'd suggest at least considering 5-25 or 4-16. At distance (600 yards and out) prone I'm shooting usually at 15x but when spotting (or looking for bullet holes on paper) its nice to have the extra magnification. At the lower power scopes, that option is not available.

 

[rkreiff]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

I shoot the NF 5.5-22x56 with npr-r1 ret. Best scope out there for the money. If you're LE or Mil contact them for a factory-direct dicount.

 

[Gregg Jacob]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

This is what I shoot on my 308. NXS 8-32 with NP-2DD..love the extra mag. so I can use it to spot.

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

I love both the s&b and henny, i currently use the s&b 5-25 but wouldn't hesitate to use the henny.

I also would look in march tactical, it is a very appealing optic with a great set of features.

If i were limited to a 3-12 i would get the hensoldt for sure, I prefer to have alittle more magnification mostly for spotting, ranging and load development. There is absolutly nothing wrong with the 3-12 though.

 

[5RWill]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

I haven't tested any of the scopes except USO, i'll be looking through a NF this weekend though for F-class if I go shoot with a friend. This might be because i haven't looked through any of the others, but IMO i would probably buy USO every time, until my experience was anything less than it is now. My SN-3 is clearest optic i own, tracks flawlessly, durable as hell, and i like my EREK knob. More than likely would really hate getting away from the EREK. I would like to try the scopes listed above though.

 

[bender338]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

s&B 12-50

 

[Strip Poker 388]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gregg Jacob</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is what I shoot on my 308. NXS 8-32 with NP-2DD..love the extra mag. so I can use it to spot.

</div></div>

I ve got the same scope,would do it again

 

[samnev]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

IMO you can't go wrong with a NightForce. Are the others mentioned better, yes but not for thr premium you have to pay to own one.

 

[ssgtkyle]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

Keith,

We have implemented ISO 9001:2008 to ensure all of our products are held to the same strict standards. We are also tracking trends in order to take corrective / preventive actions on our products. We heard the customers complaints and we want to ensure you get the best product available. As always if you encounter any problems you can always send it back and we will take care of it.

 

[5RWill]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Santo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IMO you can't go wrong with a NightForce. Are the others mentioned better, yes but not for thr premium you have to pay to own one.</div></div>

Well that is true to an extent, the NF F1 is just a little under the USO SN-3. As far as FFP scopes go the S&B, Premier, and Zeiss are the ones that really separate themselves in price. NF F1, Vortex Razor, and USO are all around the same price range, with the IOR kinda of having it's on price range for a high quality FFP scope.

 

[wallmon]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

I don't know how you can beat the Nightforce line especially with the Zero Stop, High Speed feature. I've got both a S&B and a couple of high end Zeiss scopes along with a number of Nightforce products, and I honestly would not spend the extra dough on the extra high end stuff. They're just not worth the extra $1000-1500. Besides, much of the extra is eaten up in the crappy exchange rate the Dollar has with the Euro. The clowns in DC just can't seem to get that straightened out.

 

[Aries64]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ssgtkyle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Keith,

We have implemented ISO 9001:2008 to ensure all of our products are held to the same strict standards. We are also tracking trends in order to take corrective / preventive actions on our products. We heard the customers complaints and we want to ensure you get the best product available. As always if you encounter any problems you can always send it back and we will take care of it. </div></div>
Jason,

Thanks for listening and replying. I had read John's update regarding USO becoming ISO 9001:2008 certified in his <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">"Changes at USO"</span></span> thread. I think that is a great step in the right direction for USO, and it can only help USO to track QC issues, isolate them, resolve the cause of the problem(s), and improve the company as a whole.

And just to be clear, I'm not here to bash USO. I feel that USO is at the forefront of custom scope builders. Realistically, USO is the only custom scopemaker that offers "affordable" custom scopes, offering an impressive selection of options ranging from tube diameter, turret type, adjustment increment, and reticle design just to name a few. And USO has designed and patented some great innovations such as the MTC that other manufacturers' offer as options (royalties paid to USO, of course).

I also feel - NO <span style="font-style: italic">I KNOW</span> - that USO backs their products with a "no BS" warranty regardless of whether or not the claimant is the original owner. I have made good use of USO's awesome warranty / guarantee so I know how great USO's product backing is and I am glad for it. A lot of people talk about USO's unbeatable Customer Service and I count myself in that camp.

However, part of a company providing great Customer Service is ensuring, to the greatest extent humanly possible - that a consumer will never have to use a company's Customer Service / Warranty Service to correct a defect/defects that should have been caught in QC. Obviously, stuff happens, and I applaude John and Company for stepping-up and taking big steps to improve USO's QC and elevate USO to a higher level.


Keith

 

[nfoley]

Re: High end scope's for the .308 enthusiest

I had the IOR 3-18x42 on a 308 and loved it. No complaints at all. Completely reliable, glass was excellent, and never had any issues with it. I also have a nightforce 5.5-22x50 with high speed turret/zero stop set up with MLR reticle/mil turrets. I honestly could not complain about either one of them but have slight preference for the nightforce.
Haven't had any experience with nightforce customer service (no need to). The one time I had to deal with Valdada's customer service I was very impressed. Would give them the highest rating, and will likely buy from them again in the future.