Rifle Scopes March Genesis vs SB 5-45

[Jlcichocki]

I’m interested in an ELR scope, just venturing into the long range game. I have no allegiance to anything. Internet research and you tube have led me to March and SB. I’ve watched Frank’s videos and it seems the SB is never far away. I’m intrigued by the Genesis. But there’s much less information available. Looking for any positives or negatives. Not looking for a Ford v Chevy battle. Just real world opinions after spending time behind the scope. Would you buy it again?

I think I lean towards the Genesis for two reasons that are stupid. Genesis is readily available and $1000-1500 cheaper with the mount already built in.

I usually shoot with my scopes dialed up higher than most report as their norm. I usually shoot alone and like to spot my own shots. I don’t have a spotting scope, so I use the longer mags as dual purpose.

Thx in advance.

Jeff

BTW, my current rifles include RPR 17 HMR with Hawke 3-15 scope, RPR 6 Creed with Athlon ETR 4.5-30, custom 6.5 PRC that I put the Athlon on. In build process of a .338 Lapua.

 

[diverdon]

If trying to spot your own hits the fussy eyebox March is known for could be a problem.

 

[phlegm]

I have looked through the March on the range once, and looked through the S&B inside once, so I'm not an expert on either.

If the equipment list from the biggest ELR match around means anything to you, it might be worth your time to look this over: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0z4txy5zb...IkHWcnN9q83S1woCiv9mzIkDZwSWrdHwaXTQfzBPJzA_w

Though they don't list the models, I know the S&B wasn't the 5-45x. Not sure about the March.

 

[Hairy Biker]

If you say a March has a "fussy eye box" you've never used one properly.

The GENESIS is not like "normal" scopes and is built for long range accuracy - 2 miles plus for centerfires and 500m to 1000 yards for rimfire. Because of that, it is not for everyone. But if you want to do the long range stuff you have to have the gear that works and know how to use it.

I still want an 8-80x myself.

 

[brianf]

I have the 5-45 sb and the new 6-60 March high master
Sb is brighter at same mag
Both are excellent scopes in total
The March parrellax knob is a little touchy as everybody says it is.
Both eye boxes are good enough, just take time to set it up properly.
Both scopes are top tire glass
Schmidt fells more robust/tactical but it’s heavier, bulkier and more $.
March looks and feels like a much better luepold.
Not in a bad way just different criteria when designed.
When I spoke to a benchrest guy I know from another forum who only shoots March he said at 80x the pic got a little dark, he steered me toward the new 10-60.

Having said all that the genesis was created for massive elevation, something the sb does not have.
So for real elf stuff you might need a big rail and a non 100 yard zero with sb.

I had a kahles 10-50 moak that I couldn’t zero at 100 with a 30 MOA rail on my axmc.
Loved the scope but didn’t fit my need.

I too like a little more power when conditions allow
And at shorter ranges it’s like cheating

 

[Jlcichocki]

I have looked through the March on the range once, and looked through the S&B inside once, so I'm not an expert on either.

If the equipment list from the biggest ELR match around means anything to you, it might be worth your time to look this over: https://www.dropbox.com/s/0z4txy5zbwcfp5w/Ko2M Equipment.pdf?dl=0&fbclid=IwAR0j6Vb5AZ8V_UIkHWcnN9q83S1woCiv9mzIkDZwSWrdHwaXTQfzBPJzA_w

Though they don't list the models, I know the S&B wasn't the 5-45x. Not sure about the March.

Very interesting equipment list, thank you. Very clear that Nightforce, Manners/McMillian and Phoenix are the front runners in each category.

 

[KWilson]

If you're only going to be doing ELR shooting exclusively with the scope then the March hands down. The eyebox on the Genesis is fine - the elevation and glass put it in a class of it's own for this type of shooting.

 

[Kickin45]

Not to change the subject or anything, but is the March 5-40 in the hunt as well with the S&B?

 

[Jlcichocki]

If you're only going to be doing ELR shooting exclusively with the scope then the March hands down. The eyebox on the Genesis is fine - the elevation and glass put it in a class of it's own for this type of shooting.

I’d like to do both ELR and PRS. In my area PRS is more available. You really have to search to get over 1200-1500 yds. I’m willing to travel for the challenge of both.

 

[Jlcichocki]

Not to change the subject or anything, but is the March 5-40 in the hunt as well with the S&B?

I’ve looked at several of the March scopes. All seem desirable. The Genesis is intriguing because it’s so different.

 

[KWilson]

I’d like to do both ELR and PRS. In my area PRS is more available. You really have to search to get over 1200-1500 yds. I’m willing to travel for the challenge of both.

The Genesis is not something I'd be inclined to run in PRS - if you take a look through one and get the opportunity to try one, it's definitely not a PRS scope - it's aimed at a niche market.

 

[Jlcichocki]

I guess I was kind of expecting that and was looking for someone to say exactly that, thank you. Appreciate your opinion.

 

[Clearlight]

Both brands are tier one, and have zoom ratios no one else have been able to engineer yet. ( 9x Schmidt
10x March) . It really depends on how much elevation travel you are going to need. If you are shooting
a big Magnum with high BC bullets inside 2000, the Schmidt will get you there with a 40 Moa rail.

If you want to ELR your 6.5 or other smaller caliber ( even 22 lr ) to 2000 or beyond, then it’s the Genesis
hands down. I was lucky to borrow a Genesis early in testing and was very easily able to spot my impacts
and misses through it at 3000 + in good conditions, with zoom over 40x. If it’s hot and mirage is up, then
it doesn’t matter what brand optic you use, it’s going to be tricky to see through the soup.

I see the old distributor has the Genesis on sale for $4517.50 down from $6950.00 : that is an absolute
ELR bargain that I would jump on if I was in the US. Same optic is over $8000 here in Aus. New
dealer for March in USA is Europtic, price will unlikely be that low ever again. For PRS I’d recommend
you look at lower mag / zoom ratio designs : something in the 3-18 or 5-25 range with a reticle you like.
EDIT : therefore you get to buy two scopes : ) .