OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Rifle Scopes
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Need scope advice...
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

Need scope advice...

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
farmer View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: April/23/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 11
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote farmer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Need scope advice...
    Posted: September/26/2018 at 20:35
I'm wanting to put a different scope on my Cooper 280 ai. Will be shooting from a bench only out to 600 yards. Budget is in the $1000 range. What I found from research were:

Burris xtr ii 5-25x50
    I have a Veracity 5-25x50 and found it to be dark past 400 yards, so skeptical about this one.
Sightmark Pinnacle 5-30x50 FFP
    Again, skeptical that this company could deliver a quality product after some research.
Sightron Siii 6-24x50 FFP
    Looks to be the best option, but the scope itself is really not pleasing to the eye, at least to me.

Budget is firm, I shoot weekends just for fun, and if things get more pricy the fun turns into something else.

Appreciate any input...
Back to Top
farmer View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: April/23/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 11
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote farmer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/04/2018 at 19:51
OK, gonna try again and hope I say everything correct.

I need advice on an optic somewhere between a Burris Veracity 5-25x50 and a NF ATACR 7-35x56 in the $1000 price range, or, would I be better served to just switch out the ATACR between rifles?

Thanks
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2018 at 09:20
 Switching between rifles gets old fast, if it can be avoided, it should.

I haven't used the Burris so do not know on that one.  

On the Sightmark, don't even think about it!

What is your experience level shooting out to 600 yards?

Have you used the NF already or is it a new acquisition?

Are you planning to run these scopes at the top of the magnification range?


Initial thoughts, with personal disclosure:  I don't shoot much from a bench, most of my shooting is improvised positions under field conditions.  That said, I shy away from magnification > 20 simply because they are so picky to get behind.  I have a few, and they seldom leave the 15-18X range.  Also, I don't like watching my heartbeat on the reticle, it is a factor on the squeeze, but I don't like seeing it in my image.

You will be turret-spinning, so stay with stuff that has a reputation for reliable/repeatable mechanicals.

My standard advice is that better glass beats more magnification.  I would much prefer an awesome 15X to a slightly above average 20X.  My favorite scope is a Tangent Theta 3-15 and, as I don't shoot at things a mile away, it is more than enough mag for me to do anything my piddly 1400-yard gun can do.  That said, I own several NightForce, and none are the optical best, but all are on hard-use guns, and glass is more than serviceable.  The same can be said for the SWFA SS lines of scopes, better-than-expected glass for the price point, and rock solid mechanical quality.




Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2018 at 09:48
 a SWFA SS 5-20 would be a close fit.....
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2018 at 10:11
When you say you're shooting from a bench, what is your priority... is it:

1. Shooting at paper for group size, seeking the smallest groups possible?
2. Shooting at bullseyes or other small targets for fun, requiring extreme precision?
3. Shooting at steel, where you're just looking for the "clang" feedback signifying a hit?
4. Doing primarily one or more of the above, but also occasionally hunting with this rifle?

If #1 or #2, then magnification is your friend, and perhaps you can give up some optical quality in exchange for more magnification, and the physical size of the scope isn't an issue like it would be on an all-purpose rifle that was occasionally used for hunting.

If #3 and/or #4, then I would personally go for less magnification than you specify in your OP in exchange for the best optics and mechanical integrity, a little more compact size, along with a good all-purpose reticle.

Do you plan to also shoot at short and intermediate distances, and if so, do you plan to dial to correct for drop? If so, I wouldn't choose any of the scopes you mention.

Given $1K budget:

If all you're doing is trying to shoot itty bitty groups or bullseyes, you're always shooting in good light, you want a fine reticle, and you don't plan to do any elevation turret dialing for drop dope, then I'd probably get a Weaver T24 or T36 fixed power target scope. However, that scope is best suited for a dedicated target/competition rifle, which doesn't describe a sporter weight .280AI.

If you will never use this rifle for hunting, will do some dialing for drop correction, and will be shooting mostly at the furthest distances, I'd probably go with the Sig Tango 4 6-24X50. Or, for better optics and probably a bit better mechanical integrity and (IMO) a better reticle, I'd see if I could sell something for $300 to add to your $1K budget and go with the non-illuminated model of the SWFA SS 5-20X50 HD (around $1300).

If you plan to hunt a fair amount with this rifle, aren't looking to spend a lot of time trying to shoot tiny groups, and will frequently dial for drop correction, I would drop down in magnification and go with the SWFA SS 3-15X42 with Mil Quad reticle. That's a LOT of scope for the money.
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2018 at 12:48
I own and XTR ii 2-10x and it is on my .300blk.  It is a good scope, glass is good, and so far the adjustments have been accurate.  I have not experience with the 5-25x though.

I have a lot of experience with the SWFA 5-20 and it is an excellent optic.  one of my favorites. 
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
farmer View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: April/23/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 11
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote farmer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2018 at 20:33
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

 Switching between rifles gets old fast, if it can be avoided, it should.

I haven't used the Burris so do not know on that one.  

On the Sightmark, don't even think about it!

What is your experience level shooting out to 600 yards?

Have you used the NF already or is it a new acquisition?

Are you planning to run these scopes at the top of the magnification range?


Initial thoughts, with personal disclosure:  I don't shoot much from a bench, most of my shooting is improvised positions under field conditions.  That said, I shy away from magnification > 20 simply because they are so picky to get behind.  I have a few, and they seldom leave the 15-18X range.  Also, I don't like watching my heartbeat on the reticle, it is a factor on the squeeze, but I don't like seeing it in my image.

You will be turret-spinning, so stay with stuff that has a reputation for reliable/repeatable mechanicals.

My standard advice is that better glass beats more magnification.  I would much prefer an awesome 15X to a slightly above average 20X.  My favorite scope is a Tangent Theta 3-15 and, as I don't shoot at things a mile away, it is more than enough mag for me to do anything my piddly 1400-yard gun can do.  That said, I own several NightForce, and none are the optical best, but all are on hard-use guns, and glass is more than serviceable.  The same can be said for the SWFA SS lines of scopes, better-than-expected glass for the price point, and rock solid mechanical quality.




Back to Top
farmer View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: April/23/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 11
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote farmer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2018 at 20:41
I searched a thread from some time ago where you stated the cons of switching between rifles. The NF is mounted with a Spuhr one piece, and I thought just move mount and scope to another rail. Really didn't expect good results.

Been shooting at 600 yards for about 2 years now, one with the ATACR. Only go to 20 power at most, on a good day less.

After reading, like the suggest of the SWFA SS. Leaves much to think about.

Thanks
Back to Top
farmer View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: April/23/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 11
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote farmer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2018 at 20:46
Originally posted by RifleDude RifleDude wrote:

When you say you're shooting from a bench, what is your priority... is it:

1. Shooting at paper for group size, seeking the smallest groups possible?
2. Shooting at bullseyes or other small targets for fun, requiring extreme precision?
3. Shooting at steel, where you're just looking for the "clang" feedback signifying a hit?
4. Doing primarily one or more of the above, but also occasionally hunting with this rifle?

If #1 or #2, then magnification is your friend, and perhaps you can give up some optical quality in exchange for more magnification, and the physical size of the scope isn't an issue like it would be on an all-purpose rifle that was occasionally used for hunting.

If #3 and/or #4, then I would personally go for less magnification than you specify in your OP in exchange for the best optics and mechanical integrity, a little more compact size, along with a good all-purpose reticle.

Do you plan to also shoot at short and intermediate distances, and if so, do you plan to dial to correct for drop? If so, I wouldn't choose any of the scopes you mention.

Given $1K budget:

If all you're doing is trying to shoot itty bitty groups or bullseyes, you're always shooting in good light, you want a fine reticle, and you don't plan to do any elevation turret dialing for drop dope, then I'd probably get a Weaver T24 or T36 fixed power target scope. However, that scope is best suited for a dedicated target/competition rifle, which doesn't describe a sporter weight .280AI.

If you will never use this rifle for hunting, will do some dialing for drop correction, and will be shooting mostly at the furthest distances, I'd probably go with the Sig Tango 4 6-24X50. Or, for better optics and probably a bit better mechanical integrity and (IMO) a better reticle, I'd see if I could sell something for $300 to add to your $1K budget and go with the non-illuminated model of the SWFA SS 5-20X50 HD (around $1300).

If you plan to hunt a fair amount with this rifle, aren't looking to spend a lot of time trying to shoot tiny groups, and will frequently dial for drop correction, I would drop down in magnification and go with the SWFA SS 3-15X42 with Mil Quad reticle. That's a LOT of scope for the money.


1 & 2. Only shoot from a bench and only at paper. Legs and knees won't do kneeling or prone anymore. Also, no hunting any longer. Just can't get around good enough, but really do enjoy shooting from bench.

SWFA SS 5-25x50 FFP looks like a very viable option.

Thanks
Back to Top
farmer View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: April/23/2016
Location: Delaware
Status: Offline
Points: 11
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote farmer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2018 at 20:49
Don't know what happened here with my post. If a mod can fix I'd appreciate.
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/05/2018 at 21:02
The SWFA 5-20 would be a good choice.
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
Kickboxer View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: February/13/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 23679
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/06/2018 at 10:19
I've used the Burris XTR II 5-25 quite a bit at a shooting range in Yuma.  The glass is  good, clear, but I did notice some chromatic aberration, fuzzy edge (a sample of one, cannot comment on consistency) , mechanicals are excellent, adjustment range is excellent, I like the reticle... overall a good, solid, scope.  It has been a long time since I've used a SS equivalent, so my memory is shaky.  My recollection is that, as with every SS product I've used, mechanicals/adjustment range are superior, glass is very good, a great value and tough as nails.  
Both are good scopes.  
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.146 seconds.