Rifle Scopes Looking for a scope that's right for me.

[EntombedPlaguebearer]

I've looked into some options already and picked out a Leica Magnus 1.5-10x42 and Kahles K18i/Swarovski Z8i but wanted to get input and advice as well as more recommendations.

• What is the platform for the scope? AR10
• What cartridge are you shooting? 308
• What is your intended use for the scope? Primarily hunting and steel shooting. Trailer defense a secondary.
• What type of conditions will you typically shoot in? Daylight and heavy tree shade (lowlight?).
• What are the typical distances you intend to shoot? From 30-600 yards. Most game I've taken was within 150 yards
• Are there any specific specifications you would like? A variable optic with a low first power is ideal. In addition something in the ball park of sub 20oz if possible. For SFP vs FFP I can only say I have a preference towards SFP for LPVOs with a low mag range like say the K16i. I don't have much experience with many optics.
• What is the price range you can afford? Around $2.5k

 

[Brettdec]

You might check out the Gen 3 Razor 1-10 if you can find one. I own NF and Kahles LPVO's and prefer the Kahles. The field of view, reticle(SM1) and smooth controls are appreciated every time I take a shot.

 

[charnicus]

Another direction I’d throw out there is the NF 2.5-10x24/42 with a Mil-R reticle. Paying $1500 for either model is fair. Offset red dot for your 1x. The most recent limited release of the x24 came with capped windage. It’s a lot of scope for ~10” of length and sub 20oz. The x42 at ~12” of length and 20.5oz. I currently own both of these.

Personally I’ve had interest for a K18i with the 3gr reticle and do not think it would be a bad choice either but I have no experience with it.

 

[EntombedPlaguebearer]

You might check out the Gen 3 Razor 1-10 if you can find one. I own NF and Kahles LPVO's and prefer the Kahles. The field of view, reticle(SM1) and smooth controls are appreciated every time I take a shot.

Looked into the Razor Gen 3 actually and it seems pretty ideal for my purposes. My only concern is the clarity of the glass compared to the Kahles along with general inexperience with FFP. I know there's a big sticky on the top of the forums plus to read the manual to help set up the scope. Though I have noticed that it lacks parallax adjustment so I may need not worry myself too much about that.

Another direction I’d throw out there is the NF 2.5-10x24/42 with a Mil-R reticle. Paying $1500 for either model is fair. Offset red dot for your 1x. The most recent limited release of the x24 came with capped windage. It’s a lot of scope for ~10” of length and sub 20oz. The x42 at ~12” of length and 20.5oz. I currently own both of these.

Personally I’ve had interest for a K18i with the 3gr reticle and do not think it would be a bad choice either but I have no experience with it.

I have considered the scope/offset dot approach already with that exact NF 2.5-10x42 scope after getting to demo one but realized it was not the route for me due to the additional problem of having to find a good mount to accommodate the red dot plus the extra bulk.

Yeah the Kahles has my interest with that 3GR reticle.

Also how does the Minox ZP8 compare to these other scopes?

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I would not put a 1-8 or 1-10 with a tiny objective on a rifle that will spend a lot of time at high magnification. I’d rather have a solid 3-18 or 4-16 and then a RMR on a 45 degree mount for the close stuff.

 

[larryh128]

I've looked into some options already and picked out a Leica Magnus 1.5-10x42 and Kahles K18i/Swarovski Z8i but wanted to get input and advice as well as more recommendations.

• What is the platform for the scope? AR10
• What cartridge are you shooting? 308
• What is your intended use for the scope? Primarily hunting and steel shooting. Trailer defense a secondary.
• What type of conditions will you typically shoot in? Daylight and heavy tree shade (lowlight?).
• What are the typical distances you intend to shoot? From 30-600 yards. Most game I've taken was within 150 yards
• Are there any specific specifications you would like? A variable optic with a low first power is ideal. In addition something in the ball park of sub 20oz if possible. For SFP vs FFP I can only say I have a preference towards SFP for LPVOs with a low mag range like say the K16i. I don't have much experience with many optics.
• What is the price range you can afford? Around $2.5k

You will love a Leica Scope. I use a 1x8 Burris XTR on my AR-10 used for hunting and it is not a disadvantage to a higher magnification. I use a Leica 3x15 on my 300 WSM bolt gun and it is an absolutely fantastic scope. The Magnus are incredible clear precise optics.

 

[EntombedPlaguebearer]

You will love a Leica Scope. I use a 1x8 Burris XTR on my AR-10 used for hunting and it is not a disadvantage to a higher magnification. I use a Leica 3x15 on my 300 WSM bolt gun and it is an absolutely fantastic scope. The Magnus are incredible clear precise optics.

That's good to hear for the Leica. Shame I can't find much info on the 1.5-10x42mm model I want to get
Shame there aren't many optics out there with a low first power like that and a 28mm+ objective lens.

So for now it's either a Razor Gen 3, K18i, or Leica 1.5-10 on the shortlist. Open to more suggestions and definitely would like anyone's input and experience with that particular Leica if possible.

Edit: Found out about the ZEISS Victory V8 1-8x30. That's a bit above my max price but I can stretch the budget for a quality scope. Anyone own one?

 

[charnicus]

Looked into the Razor Gen 3 actually and it seems pretty ideal for my purposes. My only concern is the clarity of the glass compared to the Kahles along with general inexperience with FFP. I know there's a big sticky on the top of the forums plus to read the manual to help set up the scope. Though I have noticed that it lacks parallax adjustment so I may need not worry myself too much about that.

I have considered the scope/offset dot approach already with that exact NF 2.5-10x42 scope after getting to demo one but realized it was not the route for me due to the additional problem of having to find a good mount to accommodate the red dot plus the extra bulk.

Yeah the Kahles has my interest with that 3GR reticle.

Also how does the Minox ZP8 compare to these other scopes?

Well I don’t mean to sound argumentative but the Badger COMM really creates a solution for that department. Less bulk than say a Spuhr or Era-Tac.

Can’t say but I really think one would enjoy it from a reticle standpoint. Just slightly over your weight requirement but not enough to matter in my humble opinion. I’m sure the glass doesn’t suck balls either.

 

[EntombedPlaguebearer]

Well I don’t mean to sound argumentative but the Badger COMM really creates a solution for that department. Less bulk than say a Spuhr or Era-Tac.

Can’t say but I really think one would enjoy it from a reticle standpoint. Just slightly over your weight requirement but not enough to matter in my humble opinion. I’m sure the glass doesn’t suck balls either.

Wasn't aware of the Badger COMM actually. Thanks for bringing that up.
So with that as an option the possibilities expand up. I still want to stay with a magnification range within 1-10 or 2-12 for the main scope if possible.
That leaves my initial options and brings in the NXS 2.5-10, Leupold VX6HD 2-12, Zeiss V8 but in 1.8-14, among others I don't know about

 

[Denys]

March is on the verge of releasing a new riflescope that ticks off all your wishes.

March 1.5-15x42. SFP design. 10 inches long, 21 ounces. Illuminated reticle. Minimum of 80 MOA of elevation adjustment. 30mm tube. MIL with capped turrets or MOA with tactical turrets. I believe the MSRP is right at your stated budget.

I'll post a picture of one of those scopes on my AR10 tomorrow morning.

 

[EntombedPlaguebearer]

March is on the verge of releasing a new riflescope that ticks off all your wishes.

March 1.5-15x42. SFP design. 10 inches long, 21 ounces. Illuminated reticle. Minimum of 80 MOA of elevation adjustment. 30mm tube. MIL with capped turrets or MOA with tactical turrets. I believe the MSRP is right at your stated budget.

I'll post a picture of one of those scopes on my AR10 tomorrow morning.

Thanks for letting me know! I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures. I'm curious as to what the reticle options would be like as well. Alas it's still a fair bit away isn't it? I hope COVID hasn't delayed it's planned release much.
What other scope do you know off hand that's similar to this by chance?

 

[Denys]

I believe they are just about ready to take orders for the new riflescopes they showed at SHOT. Look for more info and pictures in the morning. I hate typing on a tablet.

 

[Denys]

Here is a picture of the March 1.5-15X42 on my AR10. I mounted it and zeroed it at 100 yards last Friday. On Sunday I took the rifle to a 600 yard match to test out the scope. There are two "versions" for this scope; 1- A mil reticle with capped turrets, 2- an MOA reticle with tactical turrets. I am testing the latter version and it is perfect for the new NRA MR-TR discipline which is for AR type rifles, mag length ammo, 20 inch barrel and maximum 15X magnification on the riflescope. I had the MV from my Magnetospeed reading on Friday for the factory SSA ammo I was using with a .308 175gr HPBT Nosler bullet.

I had used JBM to calculate the comeups to 600 yards from 100 and put that in the scope. I dialed in what I thought would be needed for the wind according to the flags and then I took my first shot ever at 600 yards with that combo and scope. It was an X. I almost decided to pack it in at that point as it could not get better. But I persevered and shot the match. The scope was a lot of fun. I am used to shooting F-class at 50X and 1000 yards, and here I was shooting an AR-10 at 600 yards and 15X. I shot just shy of a high master score; this is not my match ammo and it's not a "match" rifle.

I was very pleased that the comeups were dead on at 600 yards. The turrets on the March scopes are very dependable. This scope has 1/4 MOA clicks. A departure from the 1/8 I have on my F-TR rifle, but this is perfectly appropriate for this scope and game.

My test scope has the MTR-5 reticle, the same one I have in my March-X 10-60X56 HM. It's perfect for this game. I believe there are other reticles available, and that should all be posted at the March website in due course. I have installed a middle wheel on the focus knob because it's easier for me to manipulate (age-related stuff). I also have the sunshade on the scope as I do for all my scopes and camera lenses. The rings are from March and these are made in San Marino of all places. I really like them as they are exquisitely made and complement the riflescope very well. I also have the Fast Lever on the magnification ring.

I have been told that orders for this riflescope will be taken very shortly.

 

[Moose]

NF 2.5X10 42mm is a nice little scope that would do the things you want from a scope.

 

[Count VonFuhrman]

Here is a picture of the March 1.5-15X42 on my AR10. I mounted it and zeroed it at 100 yards last Friday. On Sunday I took the rifle to a 600 yard match to test out the scope. There are two "versions" for this scope; 1- A mil reticle with capped turrets, 2- an MOA reticle with tactical turrets. I am testing the latter version and it is perfect for the new NRA MR-TR discipline which is for AR type rifles, mag length ammo, 20 inch barrel and maximum 15X magnification on the riflescope. I had the MV from my Magnetospeed reading on Friday for the factory SSA ammo I was using with a .308 175gr HPBT Nosler bullet.

I had used JBM to calculate the comeups to 600 yards from 100 and put that in the scope. I dialed in what I thought would be needed for the wind according to the flags and then I took my first shot ever at 600 yards with that combo and scope. It was an X. I almost decided to pack it in at that point as it could not get better. But I persevered and shot the match. The scope was a lot of fun. I am used to shooting F-class at 50X and 1000 yards, and here I was shooting an AR-10 at 600 yards and 15X. I shot just shy of a high master score; this is not my match ammo and it's not a "match" rifle.

I was very pleased that the comeups were dead on at 600 yards. The turrets on the March scopes are very dependable. This scope has 1/4 MOA clicks. A departure from the 1/8 I have on my F-TR rifle, but this is perfectly appropriate for this scope and game.

My test scope has the MTR-5 reticle, the same one I have in my March-X 10-60X56 HM. It's perfect for this game. I believe there are other reticles available, and that should all be posted at the March website in due course. I have installed a middle wheel on the focus knob because it's easier for me to manipulate (age-related stuff). I also have the sunshade on the scope as I do for all my scopes and camera lenses. The rings are from March and these are made in San Marino of all places. I really like them as they are exquisitely made and complement the riflescope very well. I also have the Fast Lever on the magnification ring.

I have been told that orders for this riflescope will be taken very shortly.

View attachment 7436816

Looks good may have to order one.

 

[Burdy]

Here is a picture of the March 1.5-15X42 on my AR10. I mounted it and zeroed it at 100 yards last Friday. On Sunday I took the rifle to a 600 yard match to test out the scope. There are two "versions" for this scope; 1- A mil reticle with capped turrets, 2- an MOA reticle with tactical turrets. I am testing the latter version and it is perfect for the new NRA MR-TR discipline which is for AR type rifles, mag length ammo, 20 inch barrel and maximum 15X magnification on the riflescope. I had the MV from my Magnetospeed reading on Friday for the factory SSA ammo I was using with a .308 175gr HPBT Nosler bullet.

I had used JBM to calculate the comeups to 600 yards from 100 and put that in the scope. I dialed in what I thought would be needed for the wind according to the flags and then I took my first shot ever at 600 yards with that combo and scope. It was an X. I almost decided to pack it in at that point as it could not get better. But I persevered and shot the match. The scope was a lot of fun. I am used to shooting F-class at 50X and 1000 yards, and here I was shooting an AR-10 at 600 yards and 15X. I shot just shy of a high master score; this is not my match ammo and it's not a "match" rifle.

I was very pleased that the comeups were dead on at 600 yards. The turrets on the March scopes are very dependable. This scope has 1/4 MOA clicks. A departure from the 1/8 I have on my F-TR rifle, but this is perfectly appropriate for this scope and game.

My test scope has the MTR-5 reticle, the same one I have in my March-X 10-60X56 HM. It's perfect for this game. I believe there are other reticles available, and that should all be posted at the March website in due course. I have installed a middle wheel on the focus knob because it's easier for me to manipulate (age-related stuff). I also have the sunshade on the scope as I do for all my scopes and camera lenses. The rings are from March and these are made in San Marino of all places. I really like them as they are exquisitely made and complement the riflescope very well. I also have the Fast Lever on the magnification ring.

I have been told that orders for this riflescope will be taken very shortly.

View attachment 7436816

What is the weight?

 

[Denys]

What is the weight?

21 ounces.

 

[Tac Beard]

Just popping in to say I appreciate the ZUMA reference.

 

[Bangin]

Looks like a great hunting scope.

 

[Earnhardt]

21 ounces.

OMG!!!
Take my money!!

 

[Burdy]

OMG!!!
Take my money!!

Yeah, I hope that's right.

 

[Denys]

Yeah, I hope that's right.

That's what the spec sheet says. I have not weighed mine but I have no reason to believe the spec sheet is wrong.

 

[EntombedPlaguebearer]

As it stands the new March 1.5-15x42 ticks off all the boxes specs wise. I shall wait and see what next week brings in terms of MSRP, an availability date, and hopefully some more reviews from other users.
I really want to know how the FOV is, how forgiving eye relief is especially at 1.5x, and all reticle options

 

[tmason1]

Nxs 2.5X10 42mm would do just fine.

 

[AZBackcountry]

Night Force NX8 2.5-20x50 Mil-C with a F1 or the F2 at $2K It would be everything you'ld really want. My adult son likes the first focal plane and I like the old school second.

 

[AZBackcountry]

This is a Vortex Viper HST 4-16x44 VMR -1 MRAD Scope that I took the 4 inch long sunshade off for some rattle can camo and took it hunting. This is 30 degrees down from the morning sun and I couldn't see anything. My cell phone that took this pic had the same light on it's lens and did not have an issue. I now know why Vortex sells this scope with the sunshade. Just food for thought.

 

[TacticalPlinker]

Here is a picture of the March 1.5-15X42 on my AR10. I mounted it and zeroed it at 100 yards last Friday. On Sunday I took the rifle to a 600 yard match to test out the scope. There are two "versions" for this scope; 1- A mil reticle with capped turrets, 2- an MOA reticle with tactical turrets. I am testing the latter version and it is perfect for the new NRA MR-TR discipline which is for AR type rifles, mag length ammo, 20 inch barrel and maximum 15X magnification on the riflescope. I had the MV from my Magnetospeed reading on Friday for the factory SSA ammo I was using with a .308 175gr HPBT Nosler bullet.

I had used JBM to calculate the comeups to 600 yards from 100 and put that in the scope. I dialed in what I thought would be needed for the wind according to the flags and then I took my first shot ever at 600 yards with that combo and scope. It was an X. I almost decided to pack it in at that point as it could not get better. But I persevered and shot the match. The scope was a lot of fun. I am used to shooting F-class at 50X and 1000 yards, and here I was shooting an AR-10 at 600 yards and 15X. I shot just shy of a high master score; this is not my match ammo and it's not a "match" rifle.

I was very pleased that the comeups were dead on at 600 yards. The turrets on the March scopes are very dependable. This scope has 1/4 MOA clicks. A departure from the 1/8 I have on my F-TR rifle, but this is perfectly appropriate for this scope and game.

My test scope has the MTR-5 reticle, the same one I have in my March-X 10-60X56 HM. It's perfect for this game. I believe there are other reticles available, and that should all be posted at the March website in due course. I have installed a middle wheel on the focus knob because it's easier for me to manipulate (age-related stuff). I also have the sunshade on the scope as I do for all my scopes and camera lenses. The rings are from March and these are made in San Marino of all places. I really like them as they are exquisitely made and complement the riflescope very well. I also have the Fast Lever on the magnification ring.

I have been told that orders for this riflescope will be taken very shortly.

View attachment 7436816

Can you please tell me what is the rotation of the magnification dial to go from 1.5 to 15x ? I'm interested to see if it's fast to go from lowest to highest. It looks like it's probably over 180° of rotation. And is it something that you would consider on a fighting gun? I do a lot of DMR style training so the rotation on the mag dial can't slow me down. Considering this scope for a lightweight 18-in SPR'ish build. Thanks !

 

[Denys]

Can you please tell me what is the rotation of the magnification dial to go from 1.5 to 15x ? I'm interested to see if it's fast to go from lowest to highest. It looks like it's probably over 180° of rotation. And is it something that you would consider on a fighting gun? I do a lot of DMR style training so the rotation on the mag dial can't slow me down. Considering this scope for a lightweight 18-in SPR'ish build. Thanks !

The zoom dial goes about 180 degrees. Since the riflescope comes with a fast lever, I would suggest that is the fastest way and the easiest way to control the zoom. I have a fast lever on all my March scopes. I can tell approximately where I am in the zoom range just by looking at it, or even better if needed, by feeling where the lever handle is, without looking at it. And of course you can adjust it that way also.

For the 1.5-15X42, when the fast lever handle is at the 7 o'clock position, it's at 1.5X, 9 o'clock is 3X, high noon is 10X, 2 o'clock is 15X. No reason you can't be surgically correct at all magnifications without looking, with just a bit of training.