Rifle Scopes Need Opinions: Low Power Variable

[Burdy]

I compared my NF NX8 1-8 directly to my Vudu 1-6 last night. I can say without question I like the NF reticle, illumination, size, weight, capped windage and turret feel better. However, my Vudu has it beat when it comes to eyebox and it seems also on clarity/crispness and uniformity of the glass, especially on 1x, at least with this particular NX8. It does appear to fade and get better once you come out of 1x. And yes I adjusted the diapoter to try to eliminate this. For what I bought the scope for (hunting) it really doesn't matter, but I do wish it looked as clean at 1x as my Vudu does. If NF cleaned that up and offered capped elevation to commercial, they would corner the market at this price point. If EOTech had a daylight visible dot and capped turrets, it would be tough to beat as well. Nothing has it all does it? Anyone have any experience with this new SMRSII Pro scope? Looks like it may be worth a shot:
http://www.bushnell.com/Products/Riflescopes/Elite-Tactical/SMRSII-Pro-1-6-5x24/?sku=ET71624P

 

[Newbiesupremo]

I compared my NF NX8 1-8 directly to my Vudu 1-6 last night. I can say without question I like the NF reticle, illumination, size, weight, capped windage and turret feel better. However, my Vudu has it beat when it comes to eyebox and the clarity/crispness and uniformity of the glass, especially on 1x. The Vudu on 1x looks like the glass is not even there, the NF has some fish-eye affect, edge distortion, and some CA. It does appear to fade and get better once you come out of 1x. And yes I adjusted the diapoter to try to eliminate this. For what I bought the scope for (hunting) it really doesn't matter, but I do wish it looked as clean at 1x as my Vudu does. If NF cleaned that up and offered capped elevation to commercial, they would corner the market at this price point. If EOTech had a daylight visible dot and capped turrets, it would be tough to beat as well. Nothing has it all does it? Anyone have any experience with this new SMRSII Pro scope? Looks like it may be worth a shot:
http://www.bushnell.com/Products/Riflescopes/Elite-Tactical/SMRSII-Pro-1-6-5x24/?sku=ET71624P

Having to give up certain features to gain others becomes less of a issue as the optics industry continues to evolve. It's only a matter of time until we have short and light 30mm scopes with all the features of a short dot or atacr. Until then, it's always a compromise.

That SMRSII 1-6.5 looks very interesting and this is the first time I have heard of it. What is the general consensus of durability on the SMRS line?

 

[Burdy]

Having to give up certain features to gain others becomes less of a issue as the optics industry continues to evolve. It's only a matter of time until we have short and light 30mm scopes with all the features of a short dot or atacr. Until then, it's always a compromise.

That SMRSII 1-6.5 looks very interesting and this is the first time I have heard of it. What is the general consensus of durability on the SMRS line?

I had the original SMRS as one point, both the 1-6.5 and the 1-8 and loved them except for the weight. Looks like they trimmed that weight and are now capping the turrets. I also ran the reticle in strelok (using the subtestion map, reticle map not yet available) to see what it looked like for my application (300 blk) and I really liked it. Wouldn't mind getting my hands on one.

 

[koshkin]

Do not shoot me, guys, but I picked up Nikon Monarch 3 , 1-4 x20, with German #4 reticle (classy 3 post pattern) for my custom 18" long barrel custom MN, and can not be happier... I mean, it works fine up to 250 yards, and it is stupidly durable and does not behave strange.

That is actually a very decent scope. Nikon made multiple attempts to screw it up with alternative reticles (like the silly point blank reticle design) and exposed turrets (in the M-223 versions), but the basic Monarch 3 1-4x20 is a really nice scope, especially for the money.

ILya

 

[kortik]

That is actually a very decent scope. Nikon made multiple attempts to screw it up with alternative reticles (like the silly point blank reticle design) and exposed turrets (in the M-223 versions), but the basic Monarch 3 1-4x20 is a really nice scope, especially for the money.

ILya

Ilya, good to hear from you and get some sort of support in "practicality" department. This Nikon has pretty clear glass, and I really like 3 posts reticle to aim at whatever I intend to shoot, stationary or moving, without trying to win any world record... Scope is relatively short and light, MN custom rifle is light, shoots some real kick ass 203 grain SP .30 cal bullet (known among my buddies as "pizdets patron"). Such combo is a winner, as far as I'm concerned, for hunting in the wooded areas, and having fun with other targets when not hunting...

 

[koshkin]

Ilya, good to hear from you and get some sort of support in "practicality" department. This Nikon has pretty clear glass, and I really like 3 posts reticle to aim at whatever I intend to shoot, stationary or moving, without trying to win any world record... Scope is relatively short and light, MN custom rifle is light, shoots some real kick ass 203 grain SP .30 cal bullet (known among my buddies as "pizdets patron"). Such combo is a winner, as far as I'm concerned, for hunting in the wooded areas, and having fun with other targets when not hunting...

That sounds like a good combination. I like messing with Mosin's and I do have a couple that are my project guns (the rest are un-molested). One is a butchered hex receiver with a cut off 18" barrel sitting in a heavily bastardized 91/30 stock. It shoots the 203gr pizdets patron somewhat nicely. Duracoat has a colo rthey call Russian special forces brown which is just about the color of manure, presumably since that will help it blend in among russian farmland. Naturally, I couldn't resist appying it to my FrankenMosin project:

Another has a McGowen 25" heavy barrel and shoots bughole groups.

I suspect I will have the FrankenMosin eventually re-barreled by McGowen. In the meantime, I have been further messign with the stock and with optics. I need to take some better pictures.

ILya

 

[kortik]

Ilya,

Very nice looking MN mods you've got! I can see that you're serious about MNs...

Here is the picture of some of my modified MNs, which I've build for my own use in late 1990s for very specific purposes - easy to carry and for use mostly with 203 gr. SP Barnaul "pizdets patron". The one on the left finally got upgraded with 1x4 Nikon last year, which was mentioned before. FYI, picture below shows some real cheap Bushnell 3x9, which is now gone and which is nothing to get excited about.

The one on the right is the bullpup, I can even shoot it with one hand only, center of gravity is right where the pistol grip is located, recoil is pretty low thanks to the muzzle brake. It's a single shot, in order to have smooth functioning trigger link integrated under the action. Not really a revolution, just an acceptable "shorty" (33" overall, 19" barrel) in line with laws of the state of MI. The one in the middle is my go-anywhere hunting carbine, nothing special, but totally reliable and light weight (8 lbs. with scope and fully loaded magazine) for use in any terrain... All triggers are adjustable in a wide range (1-5 lbs. trigger pull). Muzzle brakes, scope mounts, scope rings and aluminum stocks (shown in the center and on the right) are designed and made by me. Barrels are just shortened, to 19"-22", original MN barrels, didn't want to spend any serious money, which I didn't have at that time anyway...

 

[bman940]

I have brought up this scope from Nikon before, the BLACK FORCE1000 1-4x24. 30mm tube, illumination, capped turrets and great glass. It is one of my favorites from Nikon. My son has used it in carbine competitions and the true 1x is a great feature and the 4X made it easy for him to bang steel at 200 yards. Definitely worth checking out and the sub $400 price is tough to beat.

 

[koshkin]

Ilya,

Very nice looking MN mods you've got! I can see that you're serious about MNs...

Here is the picture of some of my modified MNs, which I've build in late 1990s for very specific purposes - easy to carry and with hard hitting 203 gr. SP Barnaul "pizdets patron". The one on the left finally got upgraded with 1x4 Nikon last year, which was mentioned before. FYI, picture below shows some real cheap Bushnell 3x9, which is now gone and which is nothing to get excited about.

The one on the right is the bullpup, I can shot it with one hand only, center of gravity is right where the pistol grip is located, recoil is pretty low thanks to the muzzle brake. Not really a revolution, just an acceptable "shorty" in line with laws of the state of MI. The one in the middle is my go-anywhere hunting carbine, nothing special, but totally reliable and light weight (8 lbs.) for use in any terrain... All triggers are adjustable in a very wide range (8 ounces-4 lbs. trigger pull). Muzzle brakes, scope mounts, scope rings and aluminum stocks (shown in the center and on the right) are designed and made by me. Barrels are just shortened original MN barrels, didn't want to spend any serious money. All scopes are zeroed for 203 gr. Barnaul SP, with known correction for 147 grain FMJ LPS.

View attachment 6934469

This is like catnip for Mosin people.

I have to make it out there to come visit you. Maybe I can convince you to make one for me...

ILya

 

[koshkin]

I have brought up this scope from Nikon before, the BLACK FORCE1000 1-4x24. 30mm tube, illumination, capped turrets and great glass. It is one of my favorites from Nikon. My son has used it in carbine competitions and the true 1x is a great feature and the 4X made it easy for him to bang steel at 200 yards. Definitely worth checking out and the sub $400 price is tough to beat.

I forgot about that scope. I remember I had plans to look at it when it first came out, but for whatever reason never got to it.

Do you have a drawing of the reticle subtensions? I recall that it has two concentric horseshoes in there which really stood out for quick aiming.

ILya

 

[bman940]

You are correct, makes getting on a target extremely quick. I liked the Point Blank Reticle but this reticle is much easier to use and the illumination is great for sunset hog hunting. I'm working on getting you subtensions of the reticle.

 

[bman940]

This isn't quite what I wanted to give you but it's a start.

 

[bman940]

This is pretty busy and I apologize for that but here are all the subtensions for the BLACK FORCE1000

 

[steve123]

OT somewhat, but wasn't there a Co coming out with a LPV that has less than 1x power to substantially widen the FOV for close range work?

 

[Cold_Bore_88]

NX8 on 11.5 SBR. Nuclear bright red dot, 17oz, very near to 1x, NF construction, 8x magnification, capped turrets, mil reticle. Great.

Ya. For all the things you listed, I think it’s the right choice.

 

[koshkin]

This is pretty busy and I apologize for that but here are all the subtensions for the BLACK FORCE1000View attachment 6934596

Thanks Bart.

This is exactly what I was looking for. It is an interesting design and I should probably look at it later in the year when I free up a little more.

ILya

 

[Burdy]

Since we are still in search of the worlds best LPVO and we are throwing everything at the wall to see if it sticks, I would still like more info or any real world review on these seemingly unheard of options:

Second Gen Tango 6 Sig 1-6 FFP with horseshoe dot(new capped turrets)
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/tango6-1-6x24-mm.html

SMRS II Pro Bushnell Elite 1-6.5 SFP (new capped turrets)
https://bushnell.com/Products/Riflescopes/Elite-Tactical/SMRSII-Pro-1-6-5x24/?sku=ET71624P

Athlon 1-6 SFP Chronos BTR (love the reticle, lockable turrets)
https://athlonoptics.com/product/cronus-btr-1-6x24-atsr2-sfp-ir-moa/

 

[TonyTheTiger]

Since we are still in search of the worlds best LPVO and we are throwing everything at the wall to see if it sticks, I would still like more info or any real world review on these seemingly unheard of options:


SMRS II Pro Bushnell Elite 1-6.5 SFP (new capped turrets)
https://bushnell.com/Products/Riflescopes/Elite-Tactical/SMRSII-Pro-1-6-5x24/?sku=ET71624P

Bumping this to see if you or anyone else has seen this scope in person. Curious as to how well it compares to the Razor.

 

[BytorJr]

That link takes you to the 1-8.5x24. Here is the 1-6.5x24 I believe you were linking to:

Buy 1-6.5x24 Elite Tactical SMRS II Pro Riflescopes and More | Bushnell

Shopping for the 1-6.5x24 Elite Tactical SMRS II Pro Riflescopes - Learn more about the latest Elite Tactical and other hunting or shooting gear at Bushnell.

www.bushnell.com

 

[TonyTheTiger]

That link takes you to the 1-8.5x24. Here is the 1-6.5x24 I believe you were linking to:

Buy 1-6.5x24 Elite Tactical SMRS II Pro Riflescopes and More | Bushnell

Shopping for the 1-6.5x24 Elite Tactical SMRS II Pro Riflescopes - Learn more about the latest Elite Tactical and other hunting or shooting gear at Bushnell.

www.bushnell.com

You're correct, I didn't even click the link, just assumed it was the right scope.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

We have the Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS 1-8.5x24mm - Illuminated BTR-2 on special for only $679.99

 

[Burdy]

We have the Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS 1-8.5x24mm - Illuminated BTR-2 on special for only $679.99

That seems like a killer price for a 34mm 1-8 with the reputation that Bushnell Elites have.

 

[TonyTheTiger]

Couldn't help it, I snatched up a SMRS II Pro at a great price. We'll see how it stacks up. I guess since there are no reviews I'll play guinea pig.

 

[lou400a]

Couldn't help it, I snatched up a SMRS II Pro at a great price. We'll see how it stacks up. I guess since there are no reviews I'll play guinea pig.

Post a review when you get it. Thnx

 

[TonyTheTiger]

Will do.

 

[Gonze62]

I have a vortex razor gen 2 and i love it. Great glass, daylight bright reticle. No complains here

 

[clutchslip]

love the glass on the razor and depending on what your doing, the red dot is very nice to have for 0-200 yard shots. The jm reticle is also nice if you care for a bdc reticle

 

[308ftWIN]

[/QUOTE]

If you want to stay off the beaten path a little, also take a look at Hawke Frontier 1-6x24. I think it has the best reticle I've seen to date on a scope of this type, locking turrets and surprisingly good optical quality. I got a chuckle when a friend if mine who picked one up per my recommendation for a hunting rifle was shocked that the less expensive Frontier walked all over his VX-6 1-6x24.

ILya

This one? Looks like there's a capped turret model out there too, but I didn't think that's what you were referring to. https://www.opticsplanet.com/hawke-sport-optics-frontier-30-1-6x24-tactical-ir-riflescope.html

On paper I really like the reticle/spec sheet on the HILUX CMR8F as well. How do you feel they compare?

 

[7mmFanBoy]

Deals for Black Friday .

 

[koshkin]

This one? Looks like there's a capped turret model out there too, but I didn't think that's what you were referring to. https://www.opticsplanet.com/hawke-sport-optics-frontier-30-1-6x24-tactical-ir-riflescope.html

On paper I really like the reticle/spec sheet on the HILUX CMR8F as well. How do you feel they compare?
[/QUOTE]


Yes, that's the Frontier I was talking about it. There was an earlier version with locking turrets, but optically they seem to be the same. It is a SFP scope, but the reticle is mrad-base don 6x, which suits me better than the more common BDC reticles.

CMR8 is a FFP design. I am somewhat partial to the reticle since I helped design it. It did not work out exactly the way I planned, but it is functional and it does work

Optically, Hawke is a better scope, but if you want FFP, the HiLux is reasonably affordable and reasonably decent. Mine is a pretty early version and I know they were working on an update, so perhaps the current version has some of the things I complained about fixed.

ILya

 

[TonyTheTiger]

Deals for Black Friday .

Go on?