Rifle Scopes optics for new rock river predator pursuit

[spotswood]

Hi Guys:
This is my first post to your board. I have been reading lots of your posts regarding scopes as I have been researching my options for my new rifle.
I am setting up a Rock River with a 20" predator heavy match barrel that will be threaded for my yankee hill suppressor. I plan to use the gun for plinking in the ranges from 250 to 600 yds.
I am leaning towards putting a new Schmidt & Bender 5x25x56. I think this may be overkill for the caliber but I want the magnification so I can get some good groupings. I also figure that next year I may build a new 308 or 338 and if I do I can move the scope if I want. I was considering the NIght Force but if I am spending that much I might as well get the S&B and the benefits that go with it. What experience do you guys have with their reticles.
Is my choice just too large a scope for the 223 with a 20" barrel and harris bipod?
I am now plinking with a Rock RIver Elite 16" barrel with a Acog 4x32 and I can't get the groupings at 300 or beyond due to lack of magnification.
Thanks
Gary

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

I'd buy a Premier before I'd buy an S&B - and I did!

 

[ROK]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

You need to figure out what you want the scope for.

a. If this is a range gun you dont need an first focal plane adjustable scope. You can get a fixed power scope from US Optics in 10X for under $1K, 17X for about $1200, or a 22X for about $1500.

b. If you are going to use the scope for hunting then you need adjustable first focal plane. Night Force makes one now but why would you spend what they want for that scope when S&B is not much more?

My PM II 3 X 12 P3 is fine to 600 meters... Longest range close to me.

 

[Shumba]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

I have a S&B 4-16x 50mm on my 308. Great scope and it would be more than enough to get you to 800 yrds (as far as you will shoot your 223). When it comes to a .223, I would go with the S&B 4-16, 3-12x, or a NightForce 3.5-15x. These are all great scopes for a .308 class gun as well.

 

[scotharr]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

You are putting a 2.5 lb ginormous scope on a 7.5 lb rifle in a caliber good out to 600 yards max. Is it overkill? Nah.

I'd try the Nightforce 2.5-10x32. A great scope at a much lower price point that will look much more appropriate on the rifle. Then again, if you like your 5'4" 115lb women to have EE breasts, then those other scopes will probably work for you!

Also, you mention wanting a high-magnification scope so you can get "good grouping." That is complete nonsense. Match competitors get good groupings at 1000 yards with iron sights. 10x magnification is plenty at 600 yards unless you are shooting at mice.

 

[Buzzsaw]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

Spotswood, Here is my new Predator Pursuit with the 8.5-25X50 Leupold off my bolt .223. I'm using it till I can get another, not sure which. Look a couple threads up and you'll see my post about the Nightforce Compats, great stuff there from the guys here. Keep the weight in mind, my 8-32NXS weights like 39oz. The rings are Burris aluminun Xhigh, cheap but very well made.

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

I have a Leupold 6.5X20X40 with the 30 mm tube and side focus on my Rock River. I also have the VH reticle. The reticle works very well on my Rock River. I use this rifle as a ground hog rifle in the hills of WV. IMO the AR platform allows me too shoot a little farther with the 223 cartridge on ground hogs because I can deliver a fast double tap on all shots over 300 yards. The reticle works perfectly out to 500 yards. I have not shot the reticle at 600 yards, so I do not know for certain if the reticle compensation is correct, but I assume it will be. It works perfectly from 200 to 500 yards. Tom.

 

[spotswood]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

Thanks for the input and the pictures. I do have a tendency to overscope my guns. As I plan to use this as a range gun and varmint gun I am leaning towards a FFP. I guess a properly matched scope will be in the 4x16 range with my first choice still being S&B. What reticles have you guys used with S&B and which ones do find work best. I don't have any gun stores near me with S&B and need to do this all from my computer.
I think the 5x25 will be better suited next year for the 308 or 338 I hope to add to my arsenal
Thanks
Gary

 

[Shumba]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: spotswood</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the input and the pictures. I do have a tendency to overscope my guns. As I plan to use this as a range gun and varmint gun I am leaning towards a FFP. I guess a properly matched scope will be in the 4x16 range with my first choice still being S&B. What reticles have you guys used with S&B and which ones do find work best. I don't have any gun stores near me with S&B and need to do this all from my computer.
I think the 5x25 will be better suited next year for the 308 or 338 I hope to add to my arsenal
Thanks
Gary
</div></div>


My S&B 4-16x 50mm has the illuminated P4F reticle. There is another thread running with some really good info on this reticle.

 

[ROK]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

I only use P3... Call me old fashion... I dont use an illuminated reticle either. I am interested to hear from others who mill...

I could see where I might consider P4.

 

[spotswood]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

Ok. You guys have brought me back to reality.
The 4x16x50 S&B with the P4f illuminated will be a good fit for the rifle and purpose.
I am assuming that the F on the P4F means the hash marks are fine lines. I did see the good thread on the P4 reticle. Thanks.
Who is the most reasonable and reliable in cost for obtaining this?
I see Optics Planet and Midway are the same in cost. How about this CS Gunworks I saw on the thread?
I was planning on using a one piece AD (American Defense) mount for the scope. Very similar to the La Rue but it uses three screws on each ring rather than two screws.
Any other advise would be appreciated.
Thanks again for the input.
Gary

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

I looked at a lot of different mounts before I bought the Burris Rings. I like the fact that the Burris rings are big and heavy(like the other fellow said). And they are reasonably priced. I guess they are not the coolest looking rings. However I go for what works, not what looks cool. And if something works just as well for $100 less-then that is what I go for. Tom.

 

[Guest]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HOGGHEAD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

</div></div>

Do you get a cheek weld or a chin weld on that puppy? That scope looks really high. Is it comfortable to shoot?

 

[HOGGHEAD]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

The scope is the perfect height for me. It just looks real high. And it actually is high when compared to bolt actions. Since there are only rings there the appearance is a bit fooling. Tom.

 

[grunt soldier]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

they do look really high to me also. but if they work for you then who cares right. what do they measure

 

[Jedi]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

Bro
Smitt n bender are no doubt great scopes, n while i may baby my bolt guns....my AR gets abused pert good

SO i run a lil ole Sightron 4.5 - 14
for the money i dont think you can beat Sightron, optics are equal to or better than loopy

ck the for sale section, used will save ya money period
Zoom....more is better in my book
rather have it and not need it than be wanting
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1302597&gonew=1#UNREAD

that will do all ya want for 1/4 price of SB

 

[JoeRe]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

Agree with shaggyback, scopes that high need a PRS stock to get a decent cheek weld. My Predator Pursuit upper rifle has one, along with a SS 10X which works just fine.

 

[ROK]

Re: optics for new rock river predator pursuit

1. I use euro optics... good service and will cut you a good deal (call them)
2. If you are going to buy S&B I say Badger Ordinance Rings. DO NOT SCRIMP ON RINGS.

34mm Scope Ring
for AR series rifles
Height 1.257’’, diameter 34mm, MAX-Alloy
P/N 306-27

3. I have a S&B PM II on my AR 10 and use a Magpul PRS -- solves the cheek weld issue.