swfa super sniper 10, 16, or 20...

i just picked up a 700 ltr 223...the range i use has 100, 200, 300 and 400 yard targets...i shoot off bags now but will be getting a harris bipod for christmas...i have a 5x15x40 grand slam on my 17hmr and get no vapor heat pattern problems here in southern michigan as the temps are rarely over 80f with plenty of clouds...i'm thinking 16 or 20 but as i read here and on most of the opinion write ups many prefer the 10x...i know this is a shooting 101 question so go ahead and add alittle righteous indignation in your responses...sgt zing usmc 68-72...

I am probably biased, but I would go with the 10x. At 400 yds, it will be like shooting with open sights at 40 yds. Plus it has the widest field of view, and the best low light capability.

 I couldn't decide between the 16 or 20 so ended up buying the 20 because the eyes are getting old and I like to see my groups.Long story short I now have 4, 20x and couldn't be happier I can see the 22 caliber holes at 200 with no problems.

billyburl2 wrote: I am probably biased, but I would go with the 10x. At 400 yds, it will be like shooting with open sights at 40 yds. Plus it has the widest field of view, and the best low light capability.

thanks for the input billy...i can say without any hesitation that i will not be shooting in any low light situations though...i eat breakfast early and like my dinner before it gets dark so i'll be off the range loooooong before dusk...it didn't take me 2 minutes to decide on the rilfe, i just knew as soon as i picked it up...7.5 lbs instead of those 12lb bench guns but scopes are just something else again...thanks again...zp...

I would choose the 16x because it will have a noticeably brighter image because of the increased exit pupil.  And 16x is tons for 400 yards.  The 10x would actually work very well for 400 yards too.  

rjtfroggy wrote:  I couldn't decide between the 16 or 20 so ended up buying the 20 because the eyes are getting old and I like to see my groups.Long story short I now have 4, 20x and couldn't be happier I can see the 22 caliber holes at 200 with no problems.  I was going to get a Trijicon 5-20 with the green post but now I don't feel I need it for my 25 06 just put a 20 on it.

supertool73 wrote: I would choose the 16x because it will have a noticeably brighter image because of the increased exit pupil.  And 16x is tons for 400 yards.  The 10x would actually work very well for 400 yards too.

If you look at it this way.  At 20x a 400 yard target will look like it is 20 yards away.  With the 16x it will look like it is 25 yards away.  Not much difference, and when you consider the other huge advantages you get it is a no brainier in my book.  Increase FOV, increase exit pupil, decrease shake in the scope.  With 16x you will not notice imperfections in the glass as much as with 20x.  Less mirage.  and the list goes on.  In most cases the 16x just offers to much to choose the 20x over it.

supertool73 wrote: If you look at it this way.  At 20x a 400 yard target will look like it is 20 yards away.  With the 16x it will look like it is 25 yards away.  Not much difference, and when you consider the other huge advantages you get it is a no brainier in my book.  Increase FOV, increase exit pupil, decrease shake in the scope.  With 16x you will not notice imperfections in the glass as much as with 20x.  Less mirage.  and the list goes on.  In most cases the 16x just offers to much to choose the 20x over it.

put that to music and i'll sing along...seriously, i have never owned anything over 15x and have done fine with them so far...i'm doing some research on the leupold "ar 6-18" as it has a mildot calibrated to 55 grain 223...twice the $ though...again, thank you for your input...i have plenty of time to mull over my options...have a great evening...zp...

zingpow wrote: ...i'm doing some research on the leupold "ar 6-18" as it has a mildot calibrated to 55 grain 223...twice the $ though...

IMO one of those would be cool as well.  I have seriously considered one of the 3-9x's for one of my ARs.

Good luck, let us know what you choose and share some pics. 

supertool73 wrote: zingpow wrote: ...i'm doing some research on the leupold "ar 6-18" as it has a mildot calibrated to 55 grain 223...twice the $ though... IMO one of those would be cool as well.  I have seriously considered one of the 3-9x's for one of my ARs. Good luck, let us know what you choose and share some pics.

it'll be awhile i assure you...when i looked through a vx-3 with the varmints reticle i thought i was home, i just don't want to spend that kind of ching...zp...