Rifle Scopes Schmidt & Bender Shot Show 2013 new product tracker (3-27x56 especially)

[60BDriver]

I'm recovering from a rifle buy and taking the time to chew over what Schmidt & Bender PMII I was going to dress Olivia (my rifles name) in for the big range unveiling. I had settled (strong word for a 3k work of art) on the SB 3-20x50 MRAD H2CMR, but then I saw this 3-27x56 Military on a YouTube video. I don't know if this term "Military" means I'll never be close to one due to mil contracts (even though I'm mil) but I thought I'd start this thread to track any new 2013 scopes to see what we can order, especially this 3-27...

<a href="http://s1167.beta.photobucket.com/user/DSLRJohn/media/Forum%20Photos/3-27x56_zps2eeb9e68.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q632/DSLRJohn/Forum%20Photos/3-27x56_zps2eeb9e68.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 3-27x56_zps2eeb9e68.jpg"/></a>

 

[Dogtown]

This and the new Hensoldt 3.5-26x have the shooter in me really excited but my pocket book really bummed out. Personally, I was hoping to see a 5-32x PMII.

 

[R.Walters]

a 5-32 would be awesome. Im using premiers at the moment until i can save some coin for a new schmidt or two!

 

[60BDriver]

I never really considered it, but maybe long time SB owners could comment on the durability of the rubber used in the magnification adjustment ring. Schmidt & Bender has decided to go all metal here, making this ring out of metal now instead of rubber. Sounds like a great idea to me. Also, these turrets are rated for 25 meters of water depth for underwater transport, evidently. The SEAL teams might dig this. I like the idea of metal rings. Much more durable and will make that 3500.00 est. price go much farther.

 

[senna.bra]

I own four S&B scopes. It is hard to describe, but the Germans know what they are doing. Glass quality is the best hands down, it is heavy, but the build quality is superb. I was always curious about Night Force, so I asked my buddy who owns a few of those to let me borrow one of his high end night force scopes, they are nice indeed. However, the S&B glass quality is in another level. I hope this helps...

 

[60BDriver]

Well, the question is about the rubber magnification ring and how long it lasts/if it ever shows signs of deterioration. I think the quality of SB is understood. Thanks.

 

[Ramius]

When the 34mm tube S&Bs (3-12x PMIIs) were first introduced to the US way back, there were four scopes in the first batch to hit our shore.

I bought two of them. Then I went back to buy the other two but they were sold.

I have shot the crap out of those two scopes and still own them. I don't abuse my equipment but I also expect them to perform. They have gone to several different countries and see a good bit of use.

No problems with the rubber ring. No problems with the scopes. I have had later scopes fail (and was repaired by S&B) but my first two units are still in service.

I would not worry about it.

 

[60BDriver]

Thanks for the reply. I'm not worried about Schmidt & Bender. I am more curious about SB's decision to go with all metal on the scope. This would suggest that there was some life limiting characteristic to the rubber magnification ring in some way, other than the theoretical life of rubber compared to metal. I'd never heard of any SB rubber ring failing in any way. I'm just looking for feedback as to the durability of the rubber ring. Does it wear with time. Does it discolor. Does it decompose when faced with the acid and grease from human hands. I don't really think it does but there must be some reason why SB has chosen to go with a metal ring here instead of rubber. Maybe someone on this forum has experienced some flaw with their rubber ring and can shed some light on the subject.

 

[sgtnick]

I am interested in that new scope now after seeing it , now which one to get

 

[60BDriver]

By the way, my dealer just wrote me that he expects the MSRP for this 3-27x56 to be in the 5k range!

 

[Gray]

I have been running a S&B for a while and don't really see that rubber piece being a issue. I have seen one with it torn buy it was used in a TON of matches over the course of 5 years. I'm sure if it were to break S&B would either replace it or send you another to slip on. Not a big deal at all. If it were me I would be loking at a 5-25 instead of the new 3-27, that a lot of extra cheddar for hardly nothing in return. Just don't see the justification in a 5K scope.

 

[pmclaine]

Rubber ring.

Could be a marketing ploy. You cant rest on your laurels and have to reinvent yourself every once in a while.

Perhaps they are trying to justify a $100 price increase by adding a $10 part.

When doing this the danger comes in when your replaced part doesnt work and you ruin a recipe that has worked. Sounds like the rubber has not been an issue.

 

[Mile High Shooting]

We've never heard of anyone having issue with the rubber ring. The scopes they had at SHOT all had rubber rings on them, the scopes they ship to the US Military under the PSR program have rubber rings. Don't sweat it.

The retail is in the $5500 range for the 3-27x. To be honest, there wasn't anything there that would make me decide to go with it over a regular 5-25x.

 

[warbird2006]

After saving pennies, my Rpemier 5-25x56 with Gen 2 XR recticle. Now more pennies towards the SPUHR before I take here out to the range

 

[60BDriver]

True to the comment about reinventing yourself.... It seems that "intelligent" scopes have been long time coming with the major manufacuters. Laser range finding, coupled with bullet drop compensation to produce a red dot for point of aim seems to be the futuristic way to go. SB might be doing this behind closed doors to try and shave down the bulk of all that electronics and try to make it shock proof IAW their current shock proof design. A metal ring seems to be high in the right hand while the left hand holds the dollar!

True, the version at SHOT had the rubber ring. The SB rep, Dr. Owl Eyes, mentioned that future deliveries would have the metal ring. I believe in SB and I believe in improvements so this is good to go with me.

Personally, I was sticking with the 3-20 to save a bit of bulk over the 5-25 in order to swap the scope between my .308 range gun and my 7mm rem mag field gun. didn't want to haul the 5-25 around in the woods on hunts. I'm not sure of the size of the 3-27 but I presume from her comments that is it at least shorter.

I dig the waterproof turrets. I'll never be at 25 meters of water depth and if I ever am, I would rather have 5 minutes of air and a regulator in the scope than waterproof turrets.

That being said, the extra comfort of having that rating on your turrets is a warm and fuzzy in the rain.

I have loved SB since I was young and nothing has changed. The 5k price is prohibitive however. Back to the 3-20 for me.

 

[60BDriver]

Spuhr...

WarBird,

Where you picking up your Spuhr mount?

I'll be doing the same.

 

[60BDriver]

Not sweatting..

I'm not sweating the rubber rings. Just investigating all my options thoroughly for such a big purchase while finances are recovering. Best to take advantage of this time to find out which scope is best for what I want to do. The metal ring idea sounds nice actually. The ridges look like they would be easy to grip while adjusting and the extra durability is a warm and fuzzy. I know the SB rings haven't had any issues but I'd hate to ignore the option, if it would give the scope extra life. It's also a warm and fuzzy to have waterproof turrets for rainy environments, even though I have no plans to swim down to 25 meters.