Rifle Scopes Low to Mid-powered tactical scope options

[wade2big]

What are some of the better mid-powered tactical scopes available. Something in the 3-15 to 3-18 power. I’m beginning to lean more towards mid-powered scopes with smaller objectives. 50mm max but I prefer 42-44mm. These would be dual purpose hunting and target.

I love my SWFA 3-15x42. If that thing had 10 mil turrets and had an illuminated center, it would be all I own. Hell I could live with the 5 mil turrets but being a FFP scope without illumination is a hindrance when hunting. Most of my rifles are dual purpose and the FFP scopes that aren’t illuminated are a let down the last 10 min of light which is the only time illumination is beneficial to me.

I also like the weight of the SWFA scope at 24oz. Are there any other robust scopes that meet the criteria. I do own a Bushnell LRHSI 3-18x44. I like the scope I just don’t know how durable it would be cranking turrets. I use it on a hunting rifle using holdovers. Took several deer with it this year.

Any suggestions? Reliability above all else. I would also be willing to hear any lowered power suggestion something along the lines of a 2.5-10x42 or so. I have a couple rifles that these would fit the bill.

 

[BCP]

No reason your bushnell wouldn't be sturdy "cranking the turrets"

nightforce 2.5-10x32 is another one you'll have to buy used though I don't think they make it anymore

 

[koshkin]

The best of the breed, if you are willing to pay, is Tangen Theta TT315M 3-15x50. That is my favourite scope of all I have.

In the $1k range, with 2-10x scopes, I really like Burris XTR II 2-10x42. WIth 3-15x scopes, I am quite partial to Vortex PST Gen 2 3-15x44.

The LRHSi is a very solid scope with the only knock on it being the 4.5x on the low end. It is a 4.5-18x44 scope so you give up some FOV on low power.

Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42 probably has the best track record, but I kinda like FFP. If you are OK with SPF, it is a very solid option. If you want FFP with Nightforce, I liked 4-16x42 ATACR a lot. However, at that price, I might as well pay a bit more and get a Tangent Theta.

ILya

 

[wade2big]

No reason your bushnell wouldn't be sturdy "cranking the turrets"

nightforce 2.5-10x32 is another one you'll have to buy used though I don't think they make it anymore

You are probably right. The Bushnell name gave me doubts. I haven’t read much about these scopes as far as durability goes and I have the only one I’ve ever seen. I do like the thick reticle. I prefer reticles that don’t get lost especially when used on lower power.

 

[Danattherock]

I own several Bushnell optics and they are built like a brick shit house.

Phenomenal optics. I have a DMR2, HDMR2'S, and XRS2'S. They all track perfectly, are well designed, and have great glass. For what you say as intended usage, I would look into the DMR2, or DMR2 Pro.

The DMR2 Pro has prime glass, but I've used my DMR 2 in many PRS matches and find the glass excellent. It's 3.5-21 and that's a very usable magnification range in my opinion. The DMR2 Pro might be better hunting in low light conditions, can't say as I don't own one.

 

[Krazy_jim]

Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42 probably has the best track record, but I kinda like FFP. If you are OK with SPF, it is a very solid option. If you want FFP with Nightforce, I liked 4-16x42 ATACR a lot. However, at that price, I might as well pay a bit more and get a Tangent Theta.

ILya

Here in Canada, at least comparing list price between the 4-16x42 ATACR and 315M it's over $1000 difference. Almost 30% more

 

[ingraham]

Hi power scopes have poor field of view IMO. Difficult to maintain a sight on a moving target. 3-9 power is always a good route. Try to buy quality leopuld or millet rings. Brands like leopuld, nikon, and burris offer lifetime warranties on most if not all of their products.

A red dot will help with low light situations. IS this rifle for varmit hunting, or just typical SHTF duties? I have had good lucky with nikon buckmaster and burris fullfield view II scopes, both 3-9x power. Those hologram sights are good too, maybe not the best for 200+ work, but can do the job. and work much better for close fast action work.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We have demos on the Steiner T5Xi Tactical 3-15x50 - SCR for only $1,099.99. This is a great scope and at this price hard to beat

 

[Novak77]

We have demos on the Steiner T5Xi Tactical 3-15x50 - SCR for only $1,099.99. This is a great scope and at this price hard to beat

^^^ This ^^^

I've got an older Steiner 3-12x50 and its a tank. Doug is also a great guy to deal with.