Rifle Scopes Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

[L.E.S.]

Hello all! New to the board, new to precision rifles. I have a Barrett 50CQ but I got the bug and have me an Accuracy International AE coming (tomorrow) and looking for scope recommendations.

I'll mostly be shooting between 100 and 600 yards and have been leaning towards a 3.5x15 based on my pillaging through the forum. Good stuff.

I'm in the Law Enforcement sector, been a LE for 12 years and have a plethora of weapons of the trade but this is my first jump into precision rifles. Lot to learn but I'm so looking forward to the experience.

Looking for something that would be respectable to put on top of this thing. I have a Leupold ERT 4.5 on the Barrett but I think that would be an overkill for what I'm looking for here. I may mount it just to get shooting (Barrett setup is still NIB and I plan to use it mostly used for demos I do with my LE biz) but I'd like to hear what you all think would be something that would compliment the AE well.

On the fortunate side, I can get Leupolds, Bushnell, Zeiss, Nikon, Vortex, etc. at cost but I only have experience with the Leupolds. I can get a small break on Nightforce and US Optics(really like them) but not anything near what I can on the others.

So, would love to hear what y'all have to recommend.

Mainly though, I wanted to introduce myself to everyone and thank you all for the great information. I've enjoyed reading the post and remain in awe of the expertise that is displayed here daily.

Thank you again!

Stay Safe

Michael Dresner
Oak Ridge, TN

 

[Chris@InterstateGuns]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

Nightforce 3.5-15 NXS is a great scope....I like the npr1 reticle if you want to work in moa or the mlr reticle if you want to work in mil.

If you want to do ffp then the mlr2 is a nice option.

Welcome to the hide. Whatever scope you finally end up with post up some pictures along with a range report. Love looking at gun porn around here.

 

[SSSamurai]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

I've always thought the Schmidt 3-12X50 was a great scope for the short action AIs, but they come with a price tag. I run a March on mine (AE MKIII) and it works well, but it sounds like you're looking for something a little less spendy. Bushnell, Vortex, SWFA and others make great scopes that will get you started, just depends on what feature set you want/need.
Price
Mag range
Reticle and adjustment values
FFP vs SFP
Weight
Illumination

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

Vortex Razor HD.

The Nightforce NXS F1 is a good option as well, but it seems from your post that you can get a better deal on the Razor. I have been running one on my AE for some time now and I am very satisfied with it even with the abuse I have put it though.

 

[bama110]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

4-16 ffp hensoldt your eyes will love you for it

 

[L.E.S.]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

Thanks guys!

I went ahead and picked up the Nightforce F1

Like the AE, I kept going back to it and gut is usually right. Also think between it and the Leupold ERT I'll have 2 super scopes to choose from if necessary.

Thank you again! Now, off to more reading

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

Spend some time on that NXS F1 and you will be sending the Leupold down the road.

I think you made a fine choice with the F1.

 

[L.E.S.]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

Sorry for the delay in posting pics and I know I'm going to get hammered for not posting any shot pics ;o)

Oh yeah, a big sarcastic "THANKS" for the warning on how adictive precision shooting is!!! WOW, just as much as the class III stuff!! Thanks guys... I picked up the M98 Bravo shortly after the AI so they look like a match made in heaven. For me it's been buy twice, cry once ;o)

I also wanted to pass out my continued thanks to all those who have helped me directly and indirectly (through the hide forums).

Stay Safe and I hope to post some shots once I get them both zeroed in

 

[The Zebra]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

Very nice!

 

[wcb6092]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

SWFA SS 5-20X50 Great glass Mil/mil ffp .A little more magnification for 800 yard shots. Lifetime no BS warranty. Special going on now with group buy.

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-5-20x50-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P51653.aspx

I think $250.00 off with the tax day code. Would make the price $1049.95

 

[peterh]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

Go with the SS 5-20X50 you wont regret it...

 

[Runamuk]

Re: Scope recommendations for AI AE 100-800 yrds

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Spend some time on that NXS F1 and you will be sending the Leupold down the road.

I think you made a fine choice with the F1. </div></div>

LoneWolf - While I agree with you, have you had the chance to compare the F1 to one of the newer 34mm Leupolds? I own both the F1/MLR2 and the M5(auto-locking w/TMR) and honestly I can't say one is better than the other in any area. I've used the F1 for awhile now and picked up the M5(A) just a couple months back, used the Leupold for the first time in a comp at TVP a couple weeks ago and found it to be an excellent optic, didn't miss having the F1 on my rifle at all (finished 2nd). Although I'm a huge NF fan, the LE/Military guys would do well to take a look at the new Leupolds especially considering the discount available to them. (IMO)

I really enjoy your scope reviews and the level of detail you provide, I also know where there happens to be a Leupold M5(A) 34mm sitting in a 28moa AI mount that would bolt right up to your AE for one of those reviews if you’re so inclined.

Respectfully