Rifle Scopes noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

[BIPMaster]

Right now I am building up a Remington 700P in .308 for a longe range rifle. I currently have a SS 5-20 on order, but I have been looking at other options in the mean time. What I have narrowed it down to is the following:
Leupold MK4 6.5-20X50 M5 TMR FFP
Leupold MK4 6.5-20X50 M5A TMR 34mm FFP
I can get them both off promotive, and the difference is about $350. My question is, should I keep the SS, or should I sell it to fund a Leupold? The only thing I would miss would be the illuminated reticle on the SS. Y'all that have used both, which one do you prefer and why? The purpose of this rifle will hopefully someday be for 1,000 yd shots, but that is a ways off in the future. I just want to build this rifle right the first time.
Thanks in advance.

 

[JAAM12]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

I like my Leupold MK4 6.5-20X50 M5 TMR FFP. I also have a 5-20 swfa on order, but I sold it to a HD member(once it comes in). I think both are great scopes. I decided to go with matching reticles on some of my other rifles (TMR). It was the main reason for selling the 5-20HD swfa. Get what you like.

 

[BIPMaster]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JAAM12</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like my Leupold MK4 6.5-20X50 M5 TMR FFP. I also have a 5-20 swfa on order, but I sold it to a HD member(once it comes in). I think both are great scopes. I decided to go with matching reticles on some of my other rifles (TMR). It was the main reason for selling the 5-20HD swfa. Get what you like.
</div></div>

Without having looked through either of the scopes I really don't know what I like. The closest I have is a MK4 LR/T 3.5-10X40. I like it for use on a SPR rifle, but for the long range rifle I would like to stick with FFP and mil/mil. A new precision shooting course just opened up in my area, and I am hoping to go by there sometime and get a chance to check out the high dollar optics before plunking down my hard earned dollars.
I looked at the Nightforce options but they are just out of my price range right now.

 

[BIPMaster]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

Also, are there any opinions on the TMR reticle compared to the Mil-Quad?

 

[KeithR41]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

Mil-quad? Huh?

 

[Inline6]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

Look at the history of both.

Leupold has not been the best in the robust department.

SS the 5-20 is new people have not had many (if any real cause the scope to go down) issuses with them.

The SS line is known for being a soild performer the same can not be said for the Leupold.

I have 2 of the SS 5-20s and know it's money well spent.FWIW

 

[Redmanss]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Inline 6</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Look at the history of both.

Leupold has not been the best in the robust department.

</div></div> True there, but at the same time the 34mm Leupold is a completely different animal.

 

[BCP]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

If you have the patience I would wait on the SS5-20. Otherwise get what makes you happy it's your $$$$.

 

[Runamuk]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

I'm really looking forward to LL video review of the Leupold M5A, (have I missed it?). If this scope turns out to be as good as it appears and one can get the promotive price, it looks like a very attractive deal. IMO

 

[azimutha]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

I can only comment on two things:

1) Having owned the SS 5-20, it is a great scope for the money. What kind of recommendation is that from a former owner? See #2

2) 6.5 is, IMO, too much magnification on the low end. 5 was too much for me (and I do shoot to 1000 yards). I went back to a 3-15.

3) Alright, one more thing: If SWFA had an SS 3-12 or 4-16 for $1500 or less I'd hardly consider any other scope. So if you're determined to stick with a higher mag range, seriously consider keeping the SS 5-20.

 

[BIPMaster]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you have the patience I would wait on the SS5-20. Otherwise get what makes you happy it's your $$$$. </div></div>

I have plenty of time to figure it out. I recently got a sweet deal on a 700P, and I sold the stock so I just have the barreled action. Building this rifle up is going to be a slow process. Right now I am just reading through threads and making a list of the necessary upgrades for a good precision rifle. Thanks for all the opinions so far. I'll check out Lowlights review of the 34mm Leupold and see if that sways my decision.

 

[BIPMaster]

Re: noob needs opinions on optic..SS vs. Leupold

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: azimutha</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can only comment on two things:

1) Having owned the SS 5-20, it is a great scope for the money. What kind of recommendation is that from a former owner? See #2

2) 6.5 is, IMO, too much magnification on the low end. 5 was too much for me (and I do shoot to 1000 yards). I went back to a 3-15.

3) Alright, one more thing: If SWFA had an SS 3-12 or 4-16 for $1500 or less I'd hardly consider any other scope. So if you're determined to stick with a higher mag range, seriously consider keeping the SS 5-20. </div></div>

Since you mentioned the high magnification on the low end, I went and did a little more digging around and came up with the IOR 3.5-18X50. FFP, mil/mil, illuminated reticle for not much more. If Liberty Optics is still running their 10% offer when I make a decision this may very well be the answer to all my problems.