I'm interested in this also and have been eyeballing a couple different options . So far I have been looking at these scopes but not sure if they meet your criteria.
Elcan Specter Dr 1.5-6
Trijicon Vcog with the 175gr reticle
Trijicon 1-8x28 or similar offering
Elcan seems to be what goes on most of em, and it's definitely hard to argue with it. I think any of those would probably be superb options, but I've heard of the Trijis actually having issues with the 17s recoil impulse. And I'm looking for a bit more magnification to throw on this. If I was using the SCAR how it was designed to be used, I'd probably opt for the Elcan, no question.
I'm very interested in that as well. The 35mm tube bums me out, but if they can fix what was busted on the mk6, they may have a winner. Don't like paying that much extra for illumination, though. :/
S&B 5-20 ultra short. That's what I did for my 17 with an offset red dot. The ZCO420 scope looks great or the kahles 3-18.
That 5-20 ultra short is so sexy. But that S&B price tag, though.... I know I shouldn't whine after what I paid on the 17, but damn. Do you have a picture of that set up? I'd love to see it. I was running an offset RMR with this bushnell, too.
A used Minox Zp8 can be had for under $2500.
I've seen some 1.1-8x Mk8's for around that price also.
Then there's the new NX8.
USO B10
All of those are great options, I'm sure. Just looking for something with a little more magnification without being a boat anchor.
NF 4-16 F1. 12.6", 30 oz, mil/mil configurations, $2,425 but if you call around you can find better prices. I have one on my SPR and love it, probably my favorite NF in my collection.
Don't tempt me. Trying to vary my glass collection a little bit, but damn if that isn't tempting.... I wish they'd make a 3-18. I have a feeling as soon as I commit to the 4-16 or 3.5-15 NF, they'll drop a 3-21 or something stupid.
I ran through the "Whats the best scope for scar 17" for about a year!!!! It was pain staking. I am not the only one. There are many on other forums who struggle with the same dilemma. The 17 really is a battle rifle! Light like an ar15 for cqb, but accurate enough to be a designated marksman rifle out to 800. I have found as have others that when you try to have one tool do many things it usually sucks at most of them. When you have one tool do one thing it usually does that well. Only you can decide what you are going to use it as. I had an eotech on mine at first but wanted more to use the heavy cartridge. But I also wanted to keep weight down and still be able to clear a room and keep it light and handy. Well That did not work out. Next I put a SWFA 1-6 and it didn't make 200 rnds before knocking the turret completely off the tube. Did not really like the 1-6 because at 6 was not enough for the long work. I then tried a trijicon acog 4x and liked the weight and speed but not the 4 power. I settled on the Nightforce 2.5-10x32. It is a bit heavier but I love it!!! I can bang steel out to 800yds no problem and the weight and balance are still great. To combat the cqb I put a trijicon rmr offset and love that as well. It is fast, reliable and light. I love the set up. But that was before Nightforce came out with the 1-8 atacr. I think that would be the best of both worlds and still shed some weight and hold up to the recoil impulse. Good luck.
Thanks for the reply. I'll be running an offset RMR, regardless. I'm such a huge fan of the 2.5-10 NFs. Hard to beat those. And it's nice to hear you're making hits out to 800 with it. Damn impressive!
If your cool with the size I'd say a S&B ultra short would fit the bill nicely. I also like the looks of the new NF 1x8s except the mil numbers being right next to the vertical stadia in the ATACR. I think your NXS is a cool scope for that type of setup but I can see being on the range wanting more magnification if shooting mostly stationary.
I'll have to look more into the S&B and their reviews. It is a lot spendier than I expected that range scope to be, but I guess you're paying for the size, too. I think I'll want more mag than the 2.5-10 just so I can make hits on the poppers a little easier.
I liked the Bushnell 3-12x44 LRHS much more than the NXS 2.5-10x24, except the Illume was cool on the Nightforce. 2x more on top makes a surprising difference for long range. What I disliked most about the NXS was there were no revolution indicator lines under the turret and SFP.
The 1-?'s didn't work out for me for long range so I'm kind of in the same spot as you are. I think I'll get another Athlon Ares 2.5-15x50 which was the best so far in most ways, especially price.
The 2.5-10x24 is definitely a love it or hate it optic. I threw one on a Mk12 clone I built and fell in love. It has an exceptionally touchy eyebox, and the the dislikes you had aren't great, but I work around them. I don't mind a SFP under 10x, and for whatever reason, I'm just as fast at 2.5 than I am with the lower power variable optics. Add in the size and weight, and it's easily my favorite all around optic.
Someone needs to fill in the gap between the 1-8s and 5-25s, huh? Damn, didn't expect this many people to chime in regarding having a similar experience....
