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Post by sew on Dec 30, 2022 20:40:15 GMT -5
I know that scopes have been discussed quite a bit. Still, for many of us, we still want to learn more. So, if you’d like, please post your thoughts on various scopes you’d like to comment on.
I’ll start. FWIW, I’ve generally used lower end scopes. None of my MLers have/had the recoil that is relatively common on this board.
Bushnell 3200 - don’t even consider one! Bushnell/B&L 4200 2.5x10 and 6x24. Bright to me and 1,000s of 10 ML2 testing didn’t break. Great experience Nightforce 3x15 56 mm. 10ML2 . Did great. Sightron 3 6x24 On my large, heavy 40 cal. Very good scope, imo. Zeiss Duralyt 2x8. On ultralite 40. Moderate recoil. 200+ shots. Doing well. Weaver Classic Extreme 2.5x10 (2 50mm and 2 56mm). Lots of 10ML2, 45 cal and 40 cal shots. Did surprisingly well.
Only failures have been 3 (owned at the same time ) 3200s that couldn’t handle 10ML2
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Post by deadeer on Dec 30, 2022 21:16:25 GMT -5
I got 5 WCE, from 2.5x10x56 up to 8x32x50. For the price, solid as a hammer on many different guns.
I've had really good luck with Burris, all mine have been low end, except for pistol scopes. Only broke one pistol 3x12 on a ferocious 454 Casull.
Now got a couple Vortex and liking them too. Newest is a Viper 4x16x44. Half price sale at Optics Planet.
Unfortunately no high end stuff for me on a single income family budget.
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Post by buckeye68 on Dec 30, 2022 21:25:07 GMT -5
NF 15x55x52 Competition over 700 shots using 325 and 350 grain bullets 45 cal in a bench rest stock configuration.
NF 5x25x56 ATACR over 150 shots using a 250 grain bullet in a 40 cal light weight hunting gun.
NF 5x25x56 ATACR over 200 shots using a 300 grain bullet in a CVA Scout V2.
NF 7x35x56 ATACR over 150 shots using a 250, 265, 275 and 300 grain bullets in a CVA Scout.
Zero issues
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Post by jeepeater on Dec 30, 2022 23:19:05 GMT -5
Nightforce NX8 4-32x56 is one of my all time favorites. My 300 RUM wears one. I can’t afford to put one on every unit though. Lol
I have a Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56 with 34mm main tube on a Mesa Summit/Brux #17 .45 smokeless. It’s got a couple hundred shots under it, all max loads from 275-325 grain bullets. It’s a nice scope for the money, gathers good light, has locking turrets, illumination, nice EBR-7C reticle.
A couple of Vortex Diamondback tacticals on CVA Scout V2 conversions. One is 4-16, the other 6-24 power. Both scouts get fed max charges of 4198 and 275 Pittmans. Probably less than 100 shots on each. These scopes are ok, but lack in glass compared to the Strike Eagle.
I have an Arken EP5 5-25x56 about to go on a new .45 Smokless Mesa/Brux #17 build. I’m hearing good things about these scopes from guys shooting heavy recoiling rigs. It has pretty nice glass just looking through it, so we’ll see how it works out. I shoot a 300 RUM and have buddies running the EP5 on theirs. Some have switched from well known scopes like Leupold, and are liking the Arken. Still have some old Leupold VX3’s I’ve hung onto through the years. 4.5-14x50 has been on more rifles than I can remember. 7mm REM mags, 300 RUM’s, 300 Win Mags. 100’s and 100’s of rounds and still takes a beating without fail. I don’t think Leupold makes them as good these days, but that’s just my opinion.
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Post by deadeer on Dec 30, 2022 23:20:51 GMT -5
NF 15x55x52 Competition over 700 shots using 325 and 350 grain bullets 45 cal in a bench rest stock configuration. NF 5x25x56 ATACR over 150 shots using a 250 grain bullet in a 40 cal light weight hunting gun. NF 5x25x56 ATACR over 200 shots using a 300 grain bullet in a CVA Scout V2. NF 7x35x56 ATACR over 150 shots using a 250, 265, 275 and 300 grain bullets in a CVA Scout. Zero issues You got more in that line up than I have in my car and truck. Not kidding. Lol
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Post by Sideshow on Dec 31, 2022 1:32:44 GMT -5
Does anyone have any experiance with GPO scopes , German Precision Optics ?? Ive been looking at their 1.5x9x44 with a 84ft fov and a 2x12x44 with 63ft fov . Both 30mm and Cameraland has a big sale going on with several hundred off . They sound pretty good and would work in low rings . 4 inches of eye relief Newer Company from a former Zeiss top dog that started his own brand . Looks like these 2 are pretty attractive options for the guys that like lower powered quality scopes that are under $ 1k . A competeing Meopta is like $400 more or higher !!! For guys that hunt woods or some smaller open spaces out to 400++ yards these 2 would be tough to beat IMO . In really low light especially that 1.5x9 would be superb . Closest thing to nite vision w/ lighted reticles .
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Post by dannoboone on Dec 31, 2022 12:19:14 GMT -5
Athlon Argos. Built like a tank, great glass (a lot better than my Vortex Viper). My only complaint is that it is heavy.
I did have a 3200 on the same rifle with no problems, but never shot particularly heavy loads at that time. It's now on a CZ in .22WMR and holding accuracy.
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Post by ballistic on Dec 31, 2022 12:23:43 GMT -5
These are scopes that I’ve used on muzzleloaders and lightweight magnum rifles without brakes-some I don’t have anymore.
Nightforce 5-25x56 atacr -the best scope w the least amount of Parallex (adjustment needed from close to far) that I have ever seen Bushnell 3-12x44 G2DMR ffp -best lightweight and glass for a small scope with the same Parallex as the nightforce above. 1000,s of rounds Bushnell 3-21x50 G2DMR ffp amazing glass up to 18 power -1000,s of rounds Bushnell 3200 5-15x44 have 2 - wore the turrets literally out 10-20,000 rounds (very mushy turrrets but still tracks perfectly) mil reticle and moa dial so not ideal like many scopes that are older like it (older leupolds) Leupold vx 1-2 broke internals w heavy recoil. Leupold vx 3 broke Parallex on 1 - mostly good luck - great glass Valdada IOR Tactical ffp (can’t remember what power now and from 5 years ago) broke the internals on 2 of them. Great glass Nikon bdc scopes all had great glass and held up well Tasco world class 3-9 and 2.5-10 all held up well and decent glass. Weaver scopes - some good and some broke (older fixed powers) Swfa fixed 10 and 12 good glass and turrets or internals never failed- 1000,s of shots on 50 bmg. Sightron Siii great glass - turret dials coming loose on old design. 1000,s of shots. New design is better. Vortex razor hd ffp great glass and never a failure also on 50 bmg. Vortex pst gen 1 broke internals on 2 of them -and I was sponsored by vortex at that time so they were given to me. Vortex HST held up well until my hunt - internals broke. Arken sh4 6-24x50 around 800 shots - tried to purposely break it. Good glass to 16-18 power (without dialing the focus knob) turrets are reticle are perfect - on my .40 cal muzzy now. Arken EP5 5-25x56 around 300 shots. Glass is amazing up to 21-22 x without alot of focus needed. Turrets and reticle are amazing.
These are just what I’ve used and others might not like what I’m saying about a scope that has broken.
I’m sure I’ve missed many that I can’t remember the details. Looked through many other brands that are impressive ( German glass) and have friends that love them. It’s been written (optics articles) that the best glass of 10 years ago is affordable on a budget today. I’m not sure if I agree with it - but it seems to be somewhat close. For hunting and fast shooting at distance the Parallex and turrets are more important to me than the best glass possible. If you’re competing in the 1000 yard game for small groups - you better get the ATACR or similar or a fixed higher power scope.
I would advise the new shooter to not invest in a top end high dollar scope. Take the saved $$$ and buy powder and bullets (labradar maybe or a cheap chrony). Buy a range finger. Get a notebook and start shooting and taking good notes. You will be many steps of the shooter that spent the money on glass- but can’t hit the broad side of a barn. If money isn’t an issue buy the best glass possible - but you better get out and shoot as much as possible to know your limits. Just my opinion. Thanks for starting this post SEW
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Post by SURESHOT on Dec 31, 2022 14:30:12 GMT -5
Gentleman told me years ago, if you cannot see it, how are you going to shoot it. during the day just about all the scopes are clear to a degree. Early am and late pm when you will tell the difference. With turrets, tracking is very important, I like variable scopes with power, I have owned a few Nightforce NX8 line , Vortex , Zeiss , Schmidt & Bender , Swarovski , Leupold , and Meopta ( random order) all have been great for me and still have many of those mentioned,
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Post by farmerboy78 on Dec 31, 2022 14:37:34 GMT -5
I have and still use 2 gen1 vortex razors, gen2 vortex razor, gen 1 vortex hst, gen2 vortex viper pst, bushnell xrs, bushnell lrhs, 2 minox zp5 mr4 5-25, swfa 10x and 12x, arken gen2 sh4... the early morning and late day remark is spot on, the razors and xrs are pretty good and the minox are by far the best scopes I've looked through hands down. And that is important, the zero compromise and tangent theta is very close.
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Post by GMB54-120 on Jan 11, 2023 13:44:44 GMT -5
Arken just released a new lighter weight scope with a 30mm tube. Similar glass as the EP5.
Probably my favorite for sub $400 are the Sightron STACs. Not terribly heavy and pretty darn tough scopes. Plus a standard duplex. Years ago on the old board there was mention of Clearridge scopes but have not heard much about them since then. They are made by LOW in Japan and start at under $450. www.clearidgeoptics.com/ultra-xp5-s/1819.htmOccasionally SWFA has the Classic SS line on sale for as low as $200. I snagged one of the 10x42s in Mil for $217 with cheap Butler Creek covers. Just a great scope for the money. LOVE the reticle and eye relief.
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Post by kbrezlin on Jan 11, 2023 19:37:46 GMT -5
I have slowly been switching over to Nightforce on everything as funding allows. NF SHV 4-14x56 on 45 SML/243 Terminus Zeus Switch barrel. many shots with 300 grain bullets and no issues. NF SHV 2.5-10x44 on the 10ML 45 conversion NF ATACR 4-16x50 on 6.5 Creedmoor NF ATACR 4-16x50 on 300 Win Mag NF NX8 2.5-20x50 on 6.5PRC Vortex Vipers HST 4-14x44 on the 7mm A-Bolt and the AR-10 in 6.5 Creedmoor Sightron STAC on the Savage 220 slug gun Several Leupold scopes on TC Encore MZ and slug barrels, 450 Bushmaster, and 22 rimfire
Only one I broke was a Leupold VX3 that was promptly replaced that was on the 10ML before it was converted. The power dial knob stopped turning.
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Post by ultimtepredator on Jan 11, 2023 19:39:51 GMT -5
Lol holy moly, most won’t believe this list but hillbill and buckeye 68 know.. I’m just gonna list what I currently own with 8 SML and some custom center fires .I own 3/15-52x56 Valdota IOR terminators, 1/10-60x56 Valdota IOR-XT a Valdota long range-4-28x56 , 2/7-35x56 ATACR’s F2,1 same in F1 A 5-25x56 ATACR I SFP ,3 Schmidt benders 5-25x56 PM11 terminator a zero compromise in ZCO5-27x56 a razor Gen2 4.5-27x56 and recently sold a Tract 4-20x50 and a Khales10-50x56 and Schmidt bender 10-50x56 and just bought another Valdota crusader in mils 4.5-40 I believe.. sure I missed one or 2 but …. I’ve broken a couple ATACR’s and a Valdota and 3 Sightron 10-60’s that didn’t last 15-20 shots on any but had a S3 that held up as good as any … I love scopes n tree stands and over indulging passion for these muzzleloaders lol just saying
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Post by hillbill on Jan 11, 2023 21:04:41 GMT -5
Lol holy moly, most won’t believe this list but hillbill and buckeye 68 know.. I’m just gonna list what I currently own with 8 SML and some custom center fires .I own 3/15-52x56 Valdota IOR terminators, 1/10-60x56 Valdota IOR-XT a Valdota long range-4-28x56 , 2/7-35x56 ATACR’s F2,1 same in F1 A 5-25x56 ATACR I SFP ,3 Schmidt benders 5-25x56 PM11 terminator a zero compromise in ZCO5-27x56 a razor Gen2 4.5-27x56 and recently sold a Tract 4-20x50 and a Khales10-50x56 and Schmidt bender 10-50x56 and just bought another Valdota crusader in mils 4.5-40 I believe.. sure I missed one or 2 but …. I’ve broken a couple ATACR’s and a Valdota and 3 Sightron 10-60’s that didn’t last 15-20 shots on any but had a S3 that held up as good as any … I love scopes n tree stands and over indulging passion for these muzzleloaders lol just saying As you can tell my Brother likes his (high end glass), yep he has his share of stands too, he has broken several scopes as have I but most I have broken were lower on the totem pole.
When you read through this thread you see a reoccurring theme, not much American made stuff listed, American owned? Yes, Assembled in the USA, Yes?
When it comes to optics its hard to beat the Asians and Europeans for glass quality and coatings, the Japanese have the mechanics figured out better than the Europeans IMO.
However you slice it we have it FAR better now than we did 10 years ago for optics, both optically and mechanically, even the lower budget numbers like the Arken EPL-4 I recently mounted have VERY reliable turrets and decent glass, even if it does wear the dreaded Made In China.
Makes one wonder why American companies either can't or wont build a good reasonably priced scope here WITHOUT sourcing most of the parts from over seas? But then again when you can't even go to a car dealership and buy an in stock car or truck of your liking or basically anything else you can think of I guess I shouldn't complain about optics
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Post by mike on Jan 12, 2023 12:20:03 GMT -5
I certainly don't have nearly the experience with scopes that many others do, but two American made products seem to be at the top of the quality/durability/warranty heap: Nightforce and Leupold. And, being manufactured in America, have very high price tags.
When the majority of the U.S. market, for any particular type of product, accepts higher prices for all the benefits of "American Made", the manufacturers will stop exploiting third-world labor. Until then, the market demands manufacturers seek offshore inexpensive labor pools.
I personally own all Leupold scopes: VX-II, VX-III and VX-6. Pertinent to this topic, before I took advantage of the brain-trust of this website, I decided to mount a Leupold VX-6 7-42 x 56 on my Hankins 45 SPML that weighs 16 pounds. For approximately 300 rounds I was loading 78grs of IMR 4198 behind a Pittman 275, without a muzzle-brake. Since then I have shot approximately 200 loads of 105grs of IMR 4895 behind a Pittman 328 with a muzzle-brake. The scope has endured near 500 rounds without any issues. And while I do not have a trained eye, I would opine, the optical clarity of Leupold glass is as good as any glass I've ever sighted through.
And as a side-note: As soon as I sell some centerfire rifles and scopes, I plan to buy a Nightforce ATACR 5-25 SFP or NX8 4-32 SFP to go on a centerfire rifle.
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Post by hillbill on Jan 12, 2023 12:58:31 GMT -5
Some NF scopes are assembled in the US while others clearly say Made in Japan, I don't know for sure but I would bet their glass and a lot of sub assemblies are of Asian heritage.
I'm glad you have had good luck with your VX-6, mine bugged out after 300 rounds of 325s and 4895, I have had not so good luck with others as well on these guns. I still own some VX-3s that reside on other guns but I will never have another on a SML, not bashing, just my experience with them.
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Post by yoderjac on Jan 12, 2023 13:35:17 GMT -5
I have a VX-6HD on my Hankins Encore shooting 65 gr of 4198 and 275gr accumax. I did have an issue with the QR rings getting bumped which cause some early confusion when I first got the gun. Once I found the issue and tightened them, I've had no problems with the VX-6HD. I love the optics and features. I like the CDS for longer range shots. Given Leupold's warranty, I have no qualms about putting their high end scope on my SML. If I do have an issue, I'll look at other options and put the replacement on another rifle.
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Post by sew on Jan 14, 2023 22:31:40 GMT -5
This is definitely, a very incomplete review. I just mounted a Vortex Razor 50 mm , 3x15, HD LTH on my 40 cal ultralight. It weighs 20.5 oz. In low light, I compared a S3 and Razor set on 10, and Duralyt 2x8 set on 8. I sighted on a foam deer target 155 yards from my house, up against a brush background. The winner, by a few minutes, was the Vortex, followed by the S3, then, the Zeiss Duralyt lighted.
The lighted reticles of the Duralyt and S3 were excellent, imo. The lighted reticle of the Razor was a distant 3rd, but did not washout the scope even in virtual darkness. I believe the Razor is a good choice for a medium range, light-weight scope for usage on a light to moderate recoiling rifle. Time will tell.
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Post by mike on Jan 15, 2023 0:48:26 GMT -5
Some NF scopes are assembled in the US while others clearly say Made in Japan, I don't know for sure but I would bet their glass and a lot of sub assemblies are of Asian heritage. I'm glad you have had good luck with your VX-6, mine bugged out after 300 rounds of 325s and 4895, I have had not so good luck with others as well on these guns. I still own some VX-3s that reside on other guns but I will never have another on a SML, not bashing, just my experience with them. Thanks, hillbill, for correcting my generalization that Nightforce scopes are made in U.S.A., I guess I should have assumed a portion of their product mix is machined/assembled/souced from foreign countries. Maybe Leupold does the same thing with a portion of their line and or component parts? I guess most U.S. manufacturers have to do this to compete with all the volumes of Chinese and other counties' competitors.
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Scopes
Jan 16, 2023 9:16:01 GMT -5
Post by speedrackin on Jan 16, 2023 9:16:01 GMT -5
my choice huskemaw ive run my ballistics thru there ballistics charts and they r spot on
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