Rifle Scopes Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

[Swift]

Looking for something to put on top of my Savage 243. Want to keep this build clean and compact so I'm looking for a scope with an objective around 44mm or less. Something along the lines of the ST-10. Are they in a class by themselves?

This isn't "what's the best sniper scope for doing sniper activities?" I can determine what will work best for me, but I don't know what my options are.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

Lots of <44mm scopes out there. What features do you need/want?

I think you are on to something with the ST10, but if 10x is your top end mag choice, check out a 37mm....you still have a great 3.7mm exit pupil, good FOV in a very svelte package. Or the1.8-10x37 SN3.

 

[Swift]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

Fixed or adjustable magnification. Doesn't matter. Minimum 10x (fixed or adjustable max), the more mag the better but I won't sacrifice quality. Mostly prone at the range from 200-350 yards. Might step out further on occasion. Prefer mil/mil. Don't need FFP. Not a sniper and don't shoot night comps so lowlight performance is not high the priority list.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

IOR 3-18x42 sits pretty low.

Can't beat the glass, 10 mil elevation turret and an awesome reticle.

 

[Swift]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body">IOR 3-18x42 sits pretty low.

Can't beat the glass, 10 mil elevation turret and an awesome reticle. </div></div>

That's a great looking scope but the price is a bit steep. I'm in the $800-$1000 range. A used ST-10 can be had for the price so it's a good barometer of value, IMO.

What about the 40mm Mk4s? Plenty to choose from on the used market.

 

[taterxl]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

Id think a used st-10 would work great for what your looking for.

 

[Dantrom]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

What about a ziess conquest?

Im sure a 4-14 would sit VERY low with the right rings...

 

[lazy21]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

take a look at the new USO t-pal 3.2-17x with a 37mm obj

 

[fdkay]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lazy21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">take a look at the new USO t-pal 3.2-17x with a 37mm obj </div></div>

If the IOR is out of his price range, so is a new USO.

If you are OK with SFP (all USO's are FFP), you may want to consider something from the Nikon Monarch line or the Bushy 4200 line.

Burris also makes some really decent stuff in the 600 - 800 range.

My fav hunting scope is a Mueller Tac-II 3-10x. It is non-illuminated (glass is excellent) SFP mil-dot scope. It is a rebadged Sightron, made in Japan. Only thing, it is mil/moa.

Buying a used USO is a good way to go, but it sounds to me like the Bushnell 3-12X tactical is right up your alley.

 

[cjgemm]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

SWFA SS 10HD or the SS 3-9, both have 44mm Obj.

 

[Swift]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dantrom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What about a ziess conquest?

Im sure a 4-14 would sit VERY low with the right rings... </div></div>

While I love Zeiss glass, I'm not thrilled with their turret/reticle combinations. Great for hunting, but that's not the purpose of this build.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Boise Tactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Id think a used st-10 would work great for what your looking for. </div></div>

Yup. Then eat Ramen for a while and order the SN3

 

[Swift]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fdkay</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lazy21</div><div class="ubbcode-body">take a look at the new USO t-pal 3.2-17x with a 37mm obj </div></div>

If the IOR is out of his price range, so is a new USO.

If you are OK with SFP (all USO's are FFP), you may want to consider something from the Nikon Monarch line or the Bushy 4200 line.

Burris also makes some really decent stuff in the 600 - 800 range.

My fav hunting scope is a Mueller Tac-II 3-10x. It is non-illuminated (glass is excellent) SFP mil-dot scope. It is a rebadged Sightron, made in Japan. Only thing, it is mil/moa.

Buying a used USO is a good way to go, but it sounds to me like the Bushnell 3-12X tactical is right up your alley. </div></div>

If this was more than a back burner project that I dusted off out of boredom, then the T-pal would be on order yesterday. Not trying to build a comp gun or tack driver, just sick of looking at this box of parts.

I have a Monarch on a hunting rig that's actually very impressive as far as build quality and glass. Do they offer it in a 30mm?

As far as the 4200, are they still in production? I know the Elite Tac came out and Bushnell consolidated their lineup a little but I don't remember which models went to the grinder. Maybe it was the 3200 series?

I've read good and bad about Mueller but never handled their products. Truth be told, for the money I'd probably go Bushnell or Burris just because of the name, not because Mueller makes a poor product.

 

[BobinNC]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

Bear,

Google is your friend:

Bushnell Elite Tactical Scopes

That replaced the 3200 and 4200 series.

Nikon Monarch X Series Tacticals

Nikon Monarch Gold

All Nikon 30 MM scopes

SWFA SS 10x42HD

Simple 30mm MIL/MIL 10x scope.

 

[Swift]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

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

Google is your friend:

Bushnell Elite Tactical Scopes

That replaced the 3200 and 4200 series.

Nikon Monarch X Series Tacticals

Nikon Monarch Gold

All Nikon 30 MM scopes

SWFA SS 10x42HD

Simple 30mm MIL/MIL 10x scope. </div></div>

Thank you for the links

 

[Northland]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

NF 2.5-10x32?

 

[TonyAngel]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

I also like the NF 2.5-10X32. It's a nice SOLID scope and is relatively compact.

 

[Swift]

Re: Who makes a good low profile magnified optic?

I haven't owned an SS to this point so I figure this is a good time to give em a shot. Ordered the 10xHD yesterday. Nightforce was a close runner up but I couldn't find a used one with the price/features I was looking for.

Thanks for all the help guys! I'd post a range report but by now it's been covered enough. Pics when it comes in.