Rifle Scopes newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

D

d_r_wall

Private
Minuteman
Nov 3, 2010
14
0
35
#1
I in the process of my first rifle build. Its a 6.5-284 and I need to start figuring out what scope to put on it. I'm going to use it for both long range target shooting and hunting. I want to have a dial or turret (not really sure of the difference) scope that will be specific to my load. I don't want any bdc type reticules. I know that leupold will customize the turrets accordingly. I have heard a lot about the nightforce, but Im still not really sure what the deal with their turrets are.

In the ballpark of 4-15 power.
Max $1500 (like the $1000 for the leupold)

I have read a bunch of posts but just need a little more direction to make a sure decision. Any advice would be much appreciated!
 
#3
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

Stay away from BDC turrets. BDC turrets are made to work with one specific ammunition in a specific set of environmental conditions. So if either you change your environment or your ammunition then the turret is going to off (how much depends on how drastic the changes are). Just get a scope that tracks correctly and learn your ballistic tables, this will allow for much more flexibility.
 
#4
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

Leupold has the m3 BDC turrets, they are a little mushy due to two o rings but they have a zero stop and if I was going to get a leupold BDC scope the Mark 4 ER/T 4.5X14X50 M3 would be my choice. However the m3 turrets are 1 MOA increments, you can send it to leupold to get the M2 turrets which are 1/2 MOA.

Now any Nightforce can have a BDC turret made for it by http://www.kentonindustries.com/
But I would get a Nightforce that has a zerostop turret
Kenton can also just about make a custom BDC turret for any scope out there even including some lower costing scopes like the Supersniper, Burris, etc.

Night force NXS turret:
gnightforce3.jpg


Leupold m3
cleupold81.jpg
 
#5
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Just get a scope that tracks correctly and learn your ballistic tables, this will allow for much more flexibility. </div></div>

Okay so basically just know my drop and turn the dial to that drop. When you say tracks correctly you just like it has the proper drop for the dial?
 
#6
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

recommend Nightforce. If you can, would strongly recommend FFP, with MLR recticle, in mil/mil. Unfortunately, I am too far down the line now to make new investment on high end scopes. remember, buy once, cry once.
 
#7
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: d_r</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Longshot38</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Just get a scope that tracks correctly and learn your ballistic tables, this will allow for much more flexibility. </div></div>

Okay so basically just know my drop and turn the dial to that drop. When you say tracks correctly you just like it has the proper drop for the dial? </div></div>

Exactly! When I say get a scope that tracks correctly I mean just that. Not all scopes are created equal. So properly built scope will have the same click value each and every time. Leupold is OK in this respect but their track record has been tarnished over the years.
 
#8
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DesertHK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">recommend Nightforce. If you can, would strongly recommend FFP, with MLR recticle, in mil/mil. </div></div>

What is the mil/mil?
 
#10
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">*anticipates Counter Sniper comment* </div></div>
haha thats exactly what i was thinking
 
#11
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Csf45</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alderleet</div><div class="ubbcode-body">*anticipates Counter Sniper comment* </div></div>
haha thats exactly what i was thinking </div></div>

That would NEVER happen on this forum !
laugh.gif

 
#12
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

I'm not usually one to say this to a new member, but it would serve you well to continue reading up on optics and recticles. If you don't know what "mil/mil" means, then you havent done near enough reading to make a good decision on what optic to buy. Please understand I'm not trying to be a wise-ass, it's just that your going to spend alot of money and you need to know what your buying, and why your buying it. It can all seem very overwhelming in the begining, but just keep reading and youll get it.

Next your gonna ask how to "mil targets" then your really gonna get confused!
 
#13
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: trevor300wsm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not usually one to say this to a new member, but it would serve you well to continue reading up on optics and recticles. If you don't know what "mil/mil" means, then you havent done near enough reading to make a good decision on what optic to buy. Please understand I'm not trying to be a wise-ass, it's just that your going to spend alot of money and you need to know what your buying, and why your buying it. It can all seem very overwhelming in the begining, but just keep reading and youll get it.

Next your gonna ask how to "mil targets" then your really gonna get confused! </div></div>

You are right on. Just reading some stuff right now cleared up the whole mil dot issue for me.
 
#16
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: d_r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">how about the Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP scope. Its got the mrad reticle with the ffp. How reliable is the vortex?</div></div>


GOOD LUCK !!!!
 
#17
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cuffm4615</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: d_r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">how about the Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP scope. Its got the mrad reticle with the ffp. How reliable is the vortex?</div></div>


GOOD LUCK !!!! </div></div>

No luck with them?
Thought the price was a low for what it is supposed to be.
 
#18
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: d_r</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cuffm4615</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: d_r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">how about the Vortex Viper PST 4-16x50 FFP scope. Its got the mrad reticle with the ffp. How reliable is the vortex?</div></div>


GOOD LUCK !!!! </div></div>

No luck with them?
Thought the price was a low for what it is supposed to be. </div></div>

They aren't available yet really. They shipped an initial batch and they are in backorder status at the moment.
 
#19
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

There's plenty of great advice and information on here. My 2 cents isn't worth much except. Once you figure out a general idea of what you want/NEED, do not forget to check the used optics forum. Sometimes you can find a scope you thought was out of your range, or the exact one you want without the wait period some makers have. The PST is a special circumstance and you will be at the end of a LONG line for that one. . . .
 
#20
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

Checked on ordering the Viper PST and they will be introducing them at the SHOT show and then be up for sale after that which I believe is like Jan 17. Ive got about three months till I finish my build anyways so I think I am going to pre-order one of these.
 
#21
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

As stated above.......Always check the classifieds section. I saved about $400 on there last night and another $75-$100 today.
 
#23
Re: newcomer to tactical scopes.. need advice!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bluejazz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Great posts by both Longshot and Lindy. Very helpful to the OP and even learned something myself. </div></div>

Definitely! Thanks for helping me clear up some confusion guys. Can't wait to get my scope.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

JungleShooter
Rifle Scopes How to improve a Leupold turret?❓
Replies
12
Views
823
JungleShooter
JungleShooter
N
SWAT rifle scope
Replies
26
Views
1K
tim3gun
tim3gun
A
NF NXS 12-42X56 Setup Question
Replies
4
Views
196
MikeMiller
M
P
Rifle Scopes Sub $500 Scope
Replies
10
Views
398
PearlWhiteGT
P
A
Rifle Scopes Scope search advice request, low light hunting
Replies
6
Views
357
flogxal
F
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts