Rifle Scopes S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

[RottenII]

Looking at getting my first S&B for a Creedmore build. I was originally eyeballing the 5-25 but everyone seems pretty excited for the 3-20. I have the time to wait as the build probably won't be done until late summer. What benefits will the new 3-20 have over the 5-25 besides a little more compactness?

 

[19818119]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

FOV is pretty darn impressive on the 3-20.

 

[Spuhr]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

The 3-20 is most likely more than a very nice scope.
However they have placed the knobs about 1,25-1,5" longer forward of the previous knobs, compared to the okular.
Problem with this is that on a lot of firearms its going to require extension mounts.
Some guns like those who have a very long rail it will not become an issue on, but remington 700, AI AW and TRGs might be a problem.

But its most certainly a very good scope, its possible that it's worth the possible mounting problems, but it's good to be avare of it.

Håkan

 

[Jerry R]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

According to the dimensions listed on their website the distance from the ocular to the center of the knobs is 201.5mm on the 3-20. That same distance on the 5-25 measures 184.75mm. A difference of 16.75mm.
The distance from the ocular to where the taper starts in the front ring mounting area is 265mm on the 3-20 and 246mm on the 5-25. A difference of 19mm.

I do not forsee this being a big issue on most short action receivers and certainly not on long actions. After measuring for it's future location I can't see any mounting issues for the 3-20 on my Stiller Predator 7WSM. It could however be an issue with some one piece mounts.

 

[Rob01]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

I am with Jerry on this. Should be no mounting problems at all with standard rings.

I don't think you will go wrong either way. I have been using a S&B 5-25 for years on my match rifles and love them. I have always said they were a perfect scope with their power range and excellent features. That said I have a 3-20x on order because I want to try it out and all the features on it like the 50mm eye, lighter wight and size along with good overall power range make it something I want to try out to compare to my 5-25s.

 

[bm11]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

Fantastic mag range, no tunneling, lighter and more compact, just about sums it up. I have my second 5-25x56 now and they are fantastic Scopes, but I do believe I will be picking up a 3-20 when they are available, for the reasons listed. It seems like the best, no compromise option for a tactical rifle.

 

[TEAMSENDIT]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

I can't wait to see the 3-20 but won't buy one until actually viewing it side by side with my 5-25. Since mine is only for match shooting the 5-25 is awesome, i almost never go below 8x anyways and having 25x is helpful for spotting teammates at distance. I really don't give a shit about a few ounces its not like its a feather to start with. if the 3-20 doesn't work witht eh spuhr or near alpha mount that would actually pose a problem for me because i am hooked on one piece mounts now.

 

[Spuhr]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

I looked it over again, and it seems like only very few people would have problems with the mounting.
Those who have their scopes very far forward on the gun.
So for the was majority there will likely not be any issue regardless of mount.

Håkan

 

[RottenII]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

Guys, thanks for all the comments. I still can't decide but it looks like I would be happy with either choice.

 

[bm11]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RottenII</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guys, thanks for all the comments. I still can't decide but it looks like I would be happy with either choice. </div></div>Go with the one you can get. The 3-20 still isn't out yet.

 

[matthewusmc8791]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zNo7yLPHbE0"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zNo7yLPHbE0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

I forgot, need some BadAss Glass.....

 

[crashandburn]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

Seems like you couldn't go wrong with either or. Personally I like the idea of having 3x-20. Some times at competitions the COF might have a 5-10yrd shot so I could see where having the 3x would come in handy.

 

[Rob01]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

Have made an 11 foot shot at a match with my 5-25 without a problem. It has parallax adjustment down to 10 meters which is nice too. The 3-20x adjusts down to 25 meters which should do well with the 3x bottom as well.

 

[matthewusmc8791]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

Yeah... nothing like shooting a 338 at a target at 11feet....hehehehe

 

[Rob01]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

Mine was a 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[buggsb]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

Perhaps a silly question, but I didn't see the 3-20 on their site....is it a 50mm or 56mm objective?

 

[frankythefly]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: buggsb</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Perhaps a silly question, but I didn't see the 3-20 on their site....is it a 50mm or 56mm objective? </div></div> You have to go to the German address:
http://www.schmidtundbender.de/index.php?option=com_content&Itemid=124&id=87&task=view

and it is a 50mm objective.

 

[Rob01]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

S&B German website Translated

 

[dpreston]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

I never use below 7-8x on my S&B 5-25's and the reticle is pretty damn small below that magnification. I'm not real excited about the 3-20 other than it being more compact. I'm sticking with the 5-25's for now.

 

[RottenII]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

I guess my only other question is what advantage does the large eyepiece (50mm for the 20x) give you over the smaller (43mm for the 25x)one? In comparison my PH 3-15 is right at 45mm. (The PH25x is the same).

 

[frankythefly]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RottenII</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I guess my only other question is what advantage does the large eyepiece (50mm for the 20x) give you over the smaller (43mm for the 25x)one? In comparison my PH 3-15 is right at 45mm. (The PH25x is the same). </div></div>
Offers a more forgiving "eyebox" having the larger ocular. That is one thing that I have liked about S&B and Hensoldt is the rather really large oculars that they use. Going from a 45mm to a 50mm is quite an improvement IMO. Only negative is the ocular bell housing gets quite large. This can be an issue for gas guns with back up iron sights.

If you already have a 5-25 I don't really see any reason to sell it and buy the 3-20. However if you are in the market for some new glass IMO, the 3-20 would perfect for most shooters as it is extremely versatile.

 

[VKC]

Re: S&B 3-20x vs 5-25x

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: matthewusmc8791</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zNo7yLPHbE0"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zNo7yLPHbE0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

I forgot, need some BadAss Glass..... </div></div>

That is hilarious!!!