Rifle Scopes Please help me narrow my scope selection

P

Panther1911

Private
Minuteman
Nov 19, 2010
7
0
39
People's Republic of IL
#1
I am doing a precision rifle build in 308. I have it narrowed it down to a few models.

I was hoping to get an optic for $1000 but I really don't want to spend over $1500.

Here a few scopes that have caught my eye along with a few things I like about them.

I am not limited to the options below, I am open to suggestions.

I also have a few questions.

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 4.5-14 x 50 ($1050)</span>
-TMR reticle
-available in illuminated ($1200)

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Leupold Mark 4 ER/T 4.5-14 x 50 ($1400)</span>
-TMR Reticle
-First Focal Place Reticle

<span style="text-decoration: underline">Burris XTR 4-16 x 50 - Mil-Dot ($965)</span>
-Price
-Illuminated

<span style="text-decoration: underline">NightForce NXS 3.5-15 x 50 - Mil-dot ($1500) </span>
-illuminated
-magnification range

I like that the Leupold Mark 4 ER/T has a first focal plane reticle, but I have heard that you need to spend closer or above $3000 to get a scope with a quality FFP, any truth to this?

What country are nightforces made?

Will a scope with a 50mm objective lens fit on a LaRue LT-104 (SPR 1.5) mount in a flat top rifle?

Thanks
 
#3
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Swan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You are about to be bombarded by NF fanboys, Loopy lovers, and "use the search function" nazis.

I hope you are prepared. </div></div>

You made me laugh so hard!
 
#4
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

yes. . .batton down the hatches. . .this should be a simple question, but it will start a debate.

FYI last i knew(could easily be wrong) LR means lighted reticle and ER stands for extended reticle. . .other than that they are equal. if i had to pick, the nightforce is worth the extra cash. im not a NF fanboy, but i will not deny that they are quality gear.

this is the search engine you want to use:http://www.google.com/cse/m?cx=010955838166721108978:qcbx5qqy10o&cref=&theme=DEFAULT

old guys seem to forget that the actual hide search is one step from worthless, and until someone gives you this one, new guys cant find s**t.
 
#6
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Panther1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I like that the Leupold Mark 4 ER/T has a first focal plane reticle, but I have heard that you need to spend closer or above $3000 to get a scope with a quality FFP, any truth to this?

</div></div>

If you want FFP, get a cheaper reliable scope and save your money. If you spend your whole budget now, then you are that much farther from what you will wind up wanting anyway. ~$2000 can get you into a USO SN3 if you pay attention in the PX posts.
 
#7
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sobrbiker883</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Panther1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I like that the Leupold Mark 4 ER/T has a first focal plane reticle, but I have heard that you need to spend closer or above $3000 to get a scope with a quality FFP, any truth to this?

</div></div>

If you want FFP, get a cheaper reliable scope and save your money. If you spend your whole budget now, then you are that much farther from what you will wind up wanting anyway. ~$2000 can get you into a USO SN3 if you pay attention in the PX posts. </div></div>

+1 I and many others love USO scopes. and if you keep the extras to a minimun, you can get into one without blowing your budget. they have lots of good reticle choices and pretty much any configuration you can reasonably want. they also have several options not listed on the web site.
 
#8
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

I would also advise looking at a USO if you can swing the price. However, for around $1500, I suggest you wait a little and see how the new Leupold M5s play out. I'm hoping these turn out well. It has most of the features I'd want except for illuminated reticles.
 
#9
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

1. No, you do not need to spend 3k on a ffp scope. Of course, if you have 3k for one, knock yourself out. Top of the line Hensoldt.

If you realistically wish to budget around 1k, your immediate options are the Bushnell FFP 3-12 and the Vortex 4-16 PST (should be hitting the shelves very soon).

The Vortex will have everything you need at a price that leaves money for a good base and rings and still gets it for 1k.
 
#10
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

NF 5.5-22X50 and be very careful with the Mildot reticle. Chances are you will find it v.hard to become proficient. I would not recommend it for a novice. If you want precision then i don't think this reticle will help you as you start out.
 
#11
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

NF are american made in WY

great scopes, durable, used by US forces.

my advice is either get a NF or save and get a FFP USO, S&B, premier, henshold, vortex 5-20x razor. etc otherwise you're goin to spend the money twice.

its hard to beat a NF in that price range
 
#12
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NF are american made in WY

great scopes, durable, used by US forces.

my advice is either get a NF or save and get a FFP USO, S&B, premier, henshold, vortex 5-20x razor. etc otherwise you're goin to spend the money twice.

its hard to beat a NF in that price range </div></div>


Underneath the focal piece of my NXS it says <span style="font-style: italic">Made in Japan</span>.
 
#13
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

LMAO, well nevermind that was what we were always told was the reason we had NF, lol. thats too funny i'm goin to go on their website, i think mabye the glass is japanese
 
#14
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

wow i was wrong on so many levels, ok disregard my knowledge of NF optics
frown.gif

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">From Idaho to the world.

Nightforce is headquartered in Orofino, Idaho. It may seem odd to find such a state-of-the-art facility in a small town, but it is an ideal location for intense testing of our riflescopes.

Nightforce was established in 1992 with one goal in mind: to build the finest riflescopes on the market. The same qualities that have made Nightforce the choice of professionals have now created a dedicating following among hunters and serious shooters.

Every single scope we sell is thoroughly inspected and tested by hand at our Idaho headquarters. Each is checked at 70 different points, and must pass a battery of tests that would, frankly, destroy a lesser-quality scope. When you receive your Nightforce, you can be assured that it is as close to absolutely perfect as is humanly possible.

</div></div>
 
#15
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

Oh, I don't doubt what you say is true, BigJoe. I remember reading somewhere on here that NF scopes are made in the U.S.A. with the glass being made in Japan. I was rather surprised when I received my NXS and it said made in Japan rather than Made in the U.S.A..

Hey, it's an AWESOME piece of hardware and I don't know of anyone <span style="font-style: italic">personally</span> who has a NF NXS so I'm the envy of all the guys I know! LoL
 
#18
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

The best overall value for money scope is probably the Premier Heritage. Reticle for the 3-15 would be the GenII Mil and for the 5-25 the GenII XR. If you search the fir sales you'll be able to pick one up at a decent price and their warranty is still good so you can get clicker and parallax upgrades should they be needed.

Good luck and Merry Christmas
 
#19
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EventHorizon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The best overall value for money scope is probably the Premier Heritage. Reticle for the 3-15 would be the GenII Mil and for the 5-25 the GenII XR. If you search the fir sales you'll be able to pick one up at a decent price and their warranty is still good so you can get clicker and parallax upgrades should they be needed.

Good luck and Merry Christmas </div></div>

There's a LOT of people on here who would disagree with your assessment of <span style="font-style: italic">Premier Heritage</span> being the best value for the money, Lowlight being one of them. In the same breath they would most likely say the best value is the NightForce NXS.

If the OP is going to spend over $2000 for optics, he may as well hold out and pick up a Schmidt & Bender, Hendsoldt, or U.S. Optics in the <span style="font-weight: bold">Optics For Sale</span> forum.
 
#21
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

I would like to stay close to $1000, but could go up to $1500 if need be.

Is there no love for Leupold here? I realize that they are not on the same playing field as a $3000 scope, but are they good scopes?

I am leaning toward the mk4 ER/T with FFP. The equivalent nightforce is more like $2300 (The f1 version of the scope I listed above.)

Is the nightforce worth the extra $450 over the mk4 LR/T?
 
#22
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

There is a NF here for $1100 (steal!!)in the sale forumn,

just keep your eye's out for a deal and/or post what you want and someone may be trying to upgrade or willing to sell.
 
#23
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Panther1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would like to stay close to $1000, but could go up to $1500 if need be.

<span style="font-weight: bold">Is there no love for Leupold here? </span> I realize that they are not on the same playing field as a $3000 scope,<span style="font-weight: bold"> but are they good scopes?</span>

I am leaning toward the mk4 ER/T with FFP. The equivalent nightforce is more like $2300 (The f1 version of the scope I listed above.)

<span style="font-weight: bold">Is the nightforce worth the extra $450 over the mk4 LR/T?</span> </div></div>

No, not much.

Whether they are good or not depends on the person using it and whether <span style="font-style: italic">they</span> like it or not. Personally, I don't care for Leupold and many here don't either.

In my opinion, yes, the NightForce is worth the extra coin. Why? Because I don't care for Leupold. LoL

Ultimately, it's your decision to make. If you're really itchin' for a Leupold Mark IV, then get it. If you'd really like to have the NightForce but don't have the funds right now, save your cash until you do. I have no doubt whatsoever that you'd be more than happy with the NightForce.

All that's needed is for you to look around the forum and you'll find tons of happy NightForce customers.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pat M</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There is a NF here for $1100 (steal!!)in the sale forumn,

just keep your eye's out for a deal and/or post what you want and someone may be trying to upgrade or willing to sell. </div></div>

Here's a NightForce NXS 5.5-22x50mm for $1465 shipped!

<span style="font-weight: bold">NightForce 5.5-22x50 Mil/MOA Zero Stop $1465</span>

If I were you, I would jump on that deal. If you don't like the reticle, you can always have it changed out. I doubt you'll find a better deal on a NightForce NXS in like new condition!
 
#24
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

I am a newbie with only a year of rounds down range with optics. A couple different guys recommended that I go this way I am glad I listened to them. I have a US Optics ST-10 and I was going to put it on my new custom .308 rifle but they convinced me the finer reticle and varible power were important. I sprung for the NF and they were right.
I REALLY like my NF NXS 5.5-22x50 NPR1 reticle. Mine is MOA/MOA. The focal plane has not been an issue. To do it over I would not buy illumination has not been worth the cost. I can not get the intensity turned down enough to keep it from washing out the areas near the reticle. Good luck on your quest.
 
#27
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

Yes, been there done that. I have made that adjustment twice. When I get down to the lowest possible intensity setting it goes off entirely or is still too bright.
I can tell it is slightly less bright than when I started... Oh well... sounds like I need THERMAL anyway!
 
#30
Re: Please help me narrow my scope selection

I would recommend the Leupold M5 or the Nightforce. The Nightforce are one of the most solid scopes on the market. I have been testing out a Leupold M5 6.5-20x and I have been really happy with it. We stock both scopes so if we can be of help feel free to ask.

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Mike @ CST
 
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