Rifle Scopes New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Help!

[Stangs55]

First time poster here, long time lurker.

I'm steadily deciding on a tactical scope for my SPR build...just not sure which one.
FWIW, here is what the build consists of so far:
- White Oak 18" Stainless SPR 5.56 barrel (1:7)
- Daniel Defense Lite 12.0 FSM
- Sabre Defence XR15 lower
- Yankee Hill Machine Front Iron
- A.R.M.S. 40L Rear Iron
- Magpul CTR Stock
- Magpul MIAD Grip
- Magpul PMAG Clip
- Timney Trigger

(Pics below)

Use will be 60% small game and varmint hunting out to 300 yards. 20% close kills in brush. 20% killing paper. I spend a good majority of my ammo on cormorants on our lake (yes, I have a permit to kill them). But a small swimming bird at 300 yards can make a challenging and fun target!

My budget is really $1000-ish give or take depending on my mood at the time of purchase

...I can justify more if the product can justify it for me. I don't want something that's huge...Compact and rugged with the ability to never lose zero after bouncing in the back of a truck are the themes of the day.

In a perfect world, I think I'd pickup the <span style="font-weight: bold">USO SN-3 1.8-10x</span>...but short of a used steal somewhere, I don't think I can afford it...however keep in mind, that I think it's exactly what I'm looking for, both in size, form and function.

Other things I'm considering, are:

1. <span style="font-weight: bold">SWFA SS 3-9x42</span> : I've read alot of good things about it (mainly here)...but that's it
2. <span style="font-weight: bold">Vortex 2.5-10x44 Viper PST</span> : I know really nothing about these guys. Namely, which would you choose between #1 and #2?
3. <span style="font-weight: bold">Nightforce 2.5-10x24 NXS</span> : Only issue here is the price...I really am not sure I could justify it...unless someone on here was really convincing....
4. <span style="font-weight: bold">Trijicon TR22-2G 2.5-10x56</span> : I'm not a fan of 56mm here...that's larger than I'd like it...but it may fit the bill...just seems too big for an AR.
5. <span style="font-weight: bold">Leupold Mark 4 2.5-8x36 MR/T M1</span> : Not quite the range I was looking for
6. <span style="font-weight: bold">Burris 3-12x50 Xtreme Tactical Scope</span> : Meh...too big...and I've never been a fan of anyone selling something as "Xtreme"
7. <span style="font-weight: bold">Nikon M-223 2-8x32</span> : Newest scope shown at shot show this year and yet to be seen in retail. Again, not the range I was looking for, but may be an okay compromise...

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">What do you guys recommend?</span> </span>

---------------------------------------
EDIT:
Quick update:

I called Scott with Liberty Optics today and placed an order for the IOR 2-12x32. It was a little more than I had planned to spend, but he gave me a great deal and was a real pleasure to work with. Call me old fashioned, but when somebody will spend quality time on the phone with you answering questions in a knowledgeable and friendly fashion, they deserve my business.

After spec'ing out the USO like I would have wanted, it just doesn't seem worth it to me. If money was no object? Then, sure, then USO would be great for me. But with the IOR I get fantastic glass over an exceptional range on an illuminated reticle in a sturdy and compact package. For me, it certainly feels like the right decision.

I'll be sure to post some pics when it arrives and is mounted.
---------------------------------------

 

[Trigger Monkey]

Re: New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Help!

That's a pretty good looking rig you have there. Out of the optics choices you've presented I'd say the first three are the best candidates on the list. I currently use the NF 2.5-10 and find it be a perfect fit for my 16" carbine and I really like that I can have mil adjustments with a mil reticle. I used to use a S&B Short Dot on the carbine however for roughly the same size and actually less weight I get more magnification and versatility. For your needs though I think the SWFA SS 3-9 will offer you the best value in terms of features, price, and performance while staying well within your budget. I mean you'll get matching mil reticle and knobs, a FFP reticle, good glass, good service all around, and it's hard to argue with that. The plus side is that they are available now and you'll probably have money left over for other accessories after a mounting system too.

 

[joemerc]

Re: New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Help!

I have the Leupold on my SPR and like it. Wanted the NightForce, but the price killed that for me.

 

[mscott]

Re: New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Help!

I've been thinking of the same sort of optics for my AR and I'm thinking the SS 3-9 would be a good choice.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Help!

stangs-55...hello and welcome! Nice looking rifle!

I'm prepping a build and was also looking at the SN-3 and NXS 2.5-10x24

Rifle will be an 18" 1in7" barrel for ranges out to 600yds.

I wanted something compact but up to x10 mag.

I think any scope with more than a 42-44mm objective would probably be more of a hindrance than anything else if you're hunting - especially in brush?

In the end the gyus persuaded me to go with the NXS simply because USO is not that common over here in the UK and I was concerned about any warranty cover.

FWIW I'd be tempted to persuade you to try to stretch the budget and go for what you really want.

I hate that nagging feeling that you've settled for less than you really wanted and wondering what might have been......

And it looks like too nice a build to be compromised or to be frustrated with

 

[steve123]

Re: New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Help!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trigger Monkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That's a pretty good looking rig you have there. Out of the optics choices you've presented I'd say the first three are the best candidates on the list. I currently use the NF 2.5-10 and find it be a perfect fit for my 16" carbine and I really like that I can have mil adjustments with a mil reticle. I used to use a S&B Short Dot on the carbine however for roughly the same size and actually less weight I get more magnification and versatility. For your needs though I think the SWFA SS 3-9 will offer you the best value in terms of features, price, and performance while staying well within your budget. I mean you'll get matching mil reticle and knobs, a FFP reticle, good glass, good service all around, and it's hard to argue with that. The plus side is that they are available now and you'll probably have money left over for other accessories after a mounting system too. </div></div>

I have to show off my one of a kind NF 2.5-10x24 that I snagged here on the hide

I couldn't be more happy with it.Turned out to be one of my favorite scopes.I got the ballistic reticle and tuned the sight in range and load to match the reticle perfectly out to 600Y.If you are only going to shoot to 300Y then the 3-9SS would be my other choice.

Steve

 

[nhm16]

Re: New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Help!

I have a very similar setup, only with a PRS stock and a regular Lite 12" rail... have been very happy with my IOR 2.5-10x44 FFP, though it is a little physically large and heavy relative to the gun. I use a LaRue LT-104 mount... also consider the Bobro mount available at Rainier Arms.

I've since moved the IOR over to my 6.8 SPC AR, because I'm changing out the DD Lite handguard to a JP VTAC, and will probably try out the SS 3-9x40 once I have the 5.56 AR back together.

 

[CANAVAR]

Re: New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Help!

I'd take a serious look at the IOR 2.5X-10X.

 

[Stangs55]

Re: New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Help!

I appreciate all the great feedback so far.

One thing I thought I'd add to my this-would-be-my-perfect-scope list is that I would really like an illuminated reticle for the close quarter encounters.

I hadn't really looked at IOR yet as I had heard mixed things about them in the past.

From their website, the 2-12x32mm seems like it'd be perfect...so what am I missing? I can find very little on this scope on the internet besides some mentioning of pretty rough eye relief. Anyone have experience with this scope? Product page.

And then there's the IOR 2.5-10x42mm. Without the extra reach of 12x, I think I might have a hard time justifying this over the SS...what do you guys think? Product Page.

 

[RONIN45230]

Re: New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Hel

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Stangs55</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
...... <span style="font-weight: bold">USO SN-3 1.8-10x</span>........ keep in mind, that I think it's exactly what I'm looking for, both in size, form and function.

<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">What do you guys recommend?</span> </span>
</div></div>
you answered your own question, i recommend you save up for what you really want, which is an outstanding choice in my opinion. you won't be happy till then... just "do it right the first time"

check my pm

 

[Stangs55]

Re: New SPR AR Build (Pics) - Need 2-10x Scope Hel

Quick update:

I called Scott with Liberty Optics today and placed an order for the IOR 2-12x32. It was a little more than I had planned to spend, but he gave me a great deal and was a <span style="text-decoration: underline">real</span> pleasure to work with. Call me old fashioned, but when somebody will spend quality time on the phone with you answering questions in a knowledgeable and friendly fashion, they deserve my business.

After spec'ing out the USO like I would have wanted, it just doesn't seem worth it to me. If money was no object? Then, sure, then USO would be great for me. But with the IOR I get fantastic glass over an exceptional range on an illuminated reticle in a sturdy and compact package. For me, it certainly feels like the right decision.

I'll be sure to post some pics when it arrives and is mounted.